Flow Study: Certified Sound Healer Jaclyn Jewett

The Flow Study blog explores the intersection of art & yoga. Here, we get the story behind the sound baths offered by Certified Sound Healer and Yoga Off East team member, Jaclyn Jewett.

Meet Jaclyn Jewett

You might recognize Jaclyn as the friendly face that greets you at Yoga Off East, signing you in for classes and helping create the flow that gets everyone settled on their mats and ready to practice. She is a Certified Sound Healer and loves collaborating with other musicians, yoga teachers, and sound healers. When she’s not at the studio or creating music, Jaclyn works as an occupational therapist.

To understand the story behind Jaclyn’s sound baths, we asked her a few questions about her creative process and her journey to becoming a Certified Sound Healer. Here’s that interview:

When did you begin singing and hosting sound baths, and what was the inspiration?

I have been a music-lover my entire life (my parents love to share that I was singing 90s country hits as a toddler!) and I've been lucky to be a part of wonderful choirs from middle school to graduate school and beyond.

Looking back, music has always been a primary regulation tool for me. When I started learning more about the "how" and "why" behind the ways music and sound are powerful tools for regulation in our bodies, I knew I needed to learn more and wanted to become a sound healer. After becoming certified, I couldn’t wait to share this gift with others. I'm continually inspired by a drive to find modalities that can heal others wherever they are. I believe that inherently, as humans in community, we all deserve open opportunities to heal and be seen. 

How would you describe your style and approach as a vocalist and musician?

I take a very collaborative approach to sound healing. My current skill set is the result of collaboration between many, many people over the years (including teachers, conductors, my trainers and cohort at the Sound Healing Academy, my yoga teachers, lived experiences of family and friends, and so many more). I take training and preparation seriously so that I can then be fully present to further collaborate energetically with the group gathered in the room. Each sound bath is uniquely co-created by the group and the individuals participating. The spirit of co-creation also lends itself to genuine interest and support of one another, which I hope also comes through in my style. 

How has your yoga practice inspired and influenced your music? 

When I first began practicing yoga, I attempted to create an "upward trend," wherein in each class I wanted to increase intensity or master a more complex pose. I have come to learn that this is not yoga. Rather, the practice is to be open, observe what is needed on a given day, and have the courage to respond and gift your body/mind what they need in that moment. Similarly, during sound healing, playing the most complex instrument or rhythm is not congruent with the "most healing." As a practitioner, it is most important to be open to the needs of the group in the moment, and be tangibly responsive to that. 

.... and how has your music inspired or influenced your time on the mat? 

During sound healing, I enjoy experimenting with rhythm and timing. I notice I've started to explore timing variations on my mat as well. Tuning in to moments in which I need a little extra time in a given posture, or adjusting the speed of flow between postures in a vinyasa class. At times, I like to try having no units of time between postures and aim for fluidity. Other times, I like to include a beat or breath of stillness between postures. Breaking time down into the units of breath has really helped me stay in the moment throughout my practice. 

What are your favorite tools of the trade (for both music AND yoga)? 

I absolutely love to use the Hapi Omni Drum, tuning forks, crystal bowls, and the Remo Bahia Bass Buffalo Drum during sound baths.

My favorite tools for my yoga practice are the Manduka Yoga Strap, All in Motion mat, and RAD Rounds Massage Balls.

What's next for you as a musician and a yogi? 

Next up, I'm excited to advance my training as a sound healer, and expand my collaborations with other artists, yogis, students, and mentors!

“At the core, both art and yoga are practices built on being true to yourself and experiencing life in community with others.”

—Jaclyn Jewett