Music & Mindfulness: Creating Calm for Paws & Hearts Alike ๐ถ
Recently during one of our sessions, we captured a special moment where a participant played the Tongue Drum, a unique instrument that originated from ancient peoples ranging from South America, Africa and other parts of Asia, and produces beautifully soothing sounds.
Our trainer, Georgie, brings her Tongue Drum to sessions to create a calming atmosphere for our participants and animals. The response has been heart-warming, with many of our participants taking an interest in the instrument and experiencing its calming effects firsthand.
One participant, after playing the Tongue Drum, observed that the music helped the guinea pigs in session feel more confident to come out of their cages, and he noted that it also made him feel calm too.
Georgie shared how playing the Tongue Drum helps her when she's feeling overwhelmed. The vibrations of the instrument bring her back to the present moment, helping her heart rate to slow and bringing a sense of happiness. Just like us, animals respond to these calming frequencies, helping them relax and feel safe in our care.
Recently, we've used the Tongue Drum with animals experiencing hearing issues or total deafness. The vibrations from the drum, combined with gentle singing while holding the animals, have created a soothing and calming effect, fostering a relaxing interaction despite their hearing challenges.
At Happy Paws Happy Hearts, we are proud to offer inclusive activities that promote mental well-being and emotional balance for both our participants and the rescue animals. Through music, we create a space where everyone can feel calm, supported and truly connected.
A special shoutout to our participants who embrace these experiences with open hearts and Georgie for bringing in her special passion for music and mindfulness. ๐