By Tracy Chiles McGhee
Black music has historically been a source of healing, empowerment, and resistance, shaping both our individual well-being and collective movements for social justice. It has grooved us, moved us, and soothed us through “chill mode” to catastrophes, celebrations, chaos, and cultural shifts. Our music is a balm, forever expanding our relationship to sound that contributes to our wellness, liberation, joy, and peace.
Michele Blu, Baltimore-based yoga practitioner and instructor
Michele Blu, Baltimore-based yoga practitioner and instructor, specializes in Kemetic yoga. She shares insights into how she integrates sound and music into her wellness practices.
“Everything in our universe is information and energy vibrating at specific frequencies. Music is a powerful tool to guide consciousness into the higher realms and induce healing,” Michele explains.
“Yoga has been a part of my life for 25 years, and my practice has helped me grow stronger, more flexible, and fearless both on and off the mat,” Michele continues. “Yoga inspires me to live each moment more mindfully.”
Michele Blue shares tools and tips for sonic power healing.
The Healing Power of a Sound Bath. “A sound bath is a way to relax the body using various instruments, starting with singing bowls and other percussion instruments. This allows the nervous system and cellular system to relax on a deeper level. Since our bodies are made up of 70 to 85% water, the sound bath’s vibrations connect with the water in our bodies to release stress and tension.”
Michele emphasizes the ancient roots of this practice: “These are techniques our ancestors used long before modern times. Sound baths can alleviate pain, improve sleep, and promote overall relaxation.”
Chakras and Sound Healing. “Each singing bowl in a sound bath represents a different chakra, resonating at specific pitches and hertz that correspond to different parts of the body. These sounds help to relax and heal areas where we might be holding past trauma,” Michele elaborates.
The healing process in a sound bath is akin to a call and response, similar to traditional musical practices. “The energy and vibrations I pitch out to the room read and respond to the individuals present, maximizing the benefits of the sound bath.”
Integrating Music and Yoga. Michele’s journey into sound healing began with her Kemetic yoga practice. “I’ve always
Michele Blu performing a sound bath
integrated music into my yoga sessions. Starting with a single Tibetan bowl, I noticed how the vibrations helped people relax and release tension. This inspired me to explore further, eventually incorporating more instruments into my sessions.”
Personal Listening Preferences. When asked about her personal music preferences, Michele reveals, “I’m a big fan of Alice Coltrane. I start my mornings with her music—it accelerates my soul and keeps me grounded. I also enjoy free jazz and experimental jazz, along with Afro vibes that feature heavy instruments.”
Listening to Ancestors. Michele’s meditation practice is deeply intuitive. “I don’t usually listen to guided meditations. Instead, I connect with my ancestors, allowing their guidance to flow through me. This intuitive practice has developed over years, helping me stay aligned with my goals and navigate my path.”
Addressing Trauma Through Sound. In times of trauma, Michele suggests focusing on specific chakras. “The practice of sound healing helps release stuck energy that manifests as physical ailments like backaches, depression, stress, and anxiety. As Black women, it’s vital to take these steps to heal ourselves because we bear so much. This practice allows us to be vulnerable and show up as our strongest, most liberated selves.”
The Importance of Community. While individual practice is important, Michele highlights the benefits of communal practice. “When we come together, we support each other. Hearing my sister breathe reminds me to breathe, and we empower each other as a community. This shared experience is invaluable.”
Through her integration of sound baths and intuitive meditations, Michele Blu exemplifies how Black music and related practices involving sound continue to nurture our wellness, joy, and freedom.
Follow Michele on Instagram.
Tracy Chiles McGhee is the author of the acclaimed novel Melting the Blues and Constituency Engagement Advisor for Unerased | Black Women Speak.
