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Wind Chimes for Healing
When you lose a loved one, solace can come from surprisingly simple things – the plushness of a stuffed animal, the happy memories held within a photo album, or the soft tinkling of wind chimes. These are all thoughtful gifts for yourself or a grieving friend or family member, and here we want to focus on the healing aspects of wind chimes.
The Meaning of Wind Chimes
Across cultures, wind chimes have a variety of meanings. In China, where wind chimes originated, they were used to improve the flow of Chi (the universal energy that flows through all living things), protect against bad luck entering a home or building, and attract peaceful spirits. In their early history, they were used by religious temples and government buildings, but through the ages, they became more widely used in homes regardless of social class.
Because they originated in Asia, they are commonly used in the practice of Feng Shui which follows a set of guidelines to create balance and harmony in a space. In fact, it is believed that where you place your wind chimes can determine whether you bring good luck to specific areas of your life or if you cause luck to leave your home. For example, wind chimes placed outside the primary door to your residence are a welcoming sign to guests and can bring luck into your house. On the other hand, if your door opens to a stairway, placing wind chimes above the bottom of the stairs can prevent positive energy from rushing out of your front door when it opens.
Feng Shui wind chimes can be a subject unto themselves, but for the purpose of healing, placing them near the center of your home or near the center of your favorite room will bring positive energy to the health sector of the space.
Wind Chimes and Spirits
In other world views, the spiritual meaning of wind chimes also includes protection against negative energy and an invitation to good spirits to visit. For example, some people believe the ringing of wind chimes scares away evil, so placing them near your entryway protects your home. At the same time, the gentle sound is attractive to all that is good.
Wind chimes are also believed by some to be a way that your loved one can communicate from the afterlife . When you hang wind chimes in honor of the deceased, if those chimes tinkle without the aid of a breeze, it's said to be a sign from their spirit that they are present, watching over you, and in a good place. For many who are grieving, receiving a positive sign like that can aid in the healing process.
Sound Healing with Wind Chimes
From ancient Greece to temples in Nepal to modern therapist offices, sound has been used to aid in healing by activating certain parts of the brain that participate in healing functions. Music therapy, tuning fork therapy, sound baths, and more have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve mental clarity, among other benefits.
Wind chimes can have similar effects and are an easy and inexpensive way to add sound to your healing process. While some practitioners believe specific frequencies provide the most benefits, others will tell you that choosing the right tone is a personal decision. The deeper tones of bamboo or wood chimes may resonate with you in a different way than the higher pitches of Capiz shells or metal chimes. No matter your preference, the goal is to choose wind chimes that create a sound that brings you a sense of peace when they move in the breeze.
At Perfect Memorials, we offer beautiful wind chimes that make thoughtful comfort gifts for grieving friends and family members, and many are engravable. Whether you choose a set from our collection or elsewhere, we hope their soothing tones bring solace wherever they're hung.
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