Steam curled up from the paper cup in my hand as I took that first comforting sip of herbal tea, a tiny plate of handmade treats balanced on my lap. Lance sat beside me, his own cup and cakes resting on a crinkly white paper plate, and for a moment it felt like we were on a cosy date night, gently landing back in the real world after being bathed in waves of sound. That simple scene – tea, cake, and a soft, candlelit glow – perfectly sums up how we ended the evening: grounded, nourished, and very grateful for Mija’s magic.
Arriving at Sound Bliss
We arrived at Grappenhall Independent Methodist Church just before 7 pm, arms full of our own mats and blankets, ready to create a little nest for the evening. The space was set up beautifully but kept wonderfully intimate: fairy lights tracing the edges of the room, candles glowing at floor level, and vases of bright yellow daffodils adding a soft, spring-like touch. In the centre, a circle of frosted crystal singing bowls sat on a patterned rug, surrounded by twinkling lights and little lotus candle holders.
On the wall behind, a large heart artwork carried words like kindness, joy, gentleness, and love, quietly setting the intention for the night. With everyone spreading out their mats and blankets, the room felt less like a formal class and more like a gathering of friends coming together to rest and recharge.
Held by Mija’s Presence
Mija, who also teaches us yoga, has such a gentle, grounded presence that you instantly feel at ease around her. She welcomed each person personally, making sure everyone was comfortable and had what they needed to relax. There’s something very special about the way she holds space – calm, warm, and quietly reassuring, without any pressure to “do” anything perfectly.
Before we settled down, she explained what to expect from the sound bath and encouraged us to simply receive, letting the vibrations do their work. Her intention for the evening felt clear: to offer a pocket of peace in the middle of busy lives.
The Sound Bath Experience
Once everyone was lying down on their mats, snuggled under blankets, the lights dimmed and the room dropped into a deep, shared silence. Mija moved into the centre of the circle of bowls, surrounded by candles and subtle rainbow colours reflecting on the walls. When she began to play, the first tones were gentle and pure, like a soft exhale rolling across the room.
The sound unfolded in waves: deep, resonant notes that you could feel humming through your chest, shimmering higher tones that seemed to float just above your body, and occasional accents from other instruments. With eyes closed, it felt as if the sound was moving through every part of the body, loosening tension we hadn’t even realised we were holding. Time became a bit blurry; there were moments where it felt like we were outside of it altogether. Mija walking between us playing instruments and chimes reminiscent of the wind and sea
For me, the experience was deeply soothing, almost like being cradled in sound. For Lance, it brought a sense of stillness and clarity – he later described it as “meditation with a soundtrack your whole body can hear.” Thoughts would rise up and then drift away again on the vibrations, leaving behind a calm, spacious feeling.
Oracle Cards and Gentle Reflection
After the sound gradually faded, we were guided to come back slowly – stretching, moving fingers and toes, and eventually sitting up. Laid out on the floor were oracle card decks, carefully arranged so everyone could choose a card that spoke to them. I loved this part; it turned the evening into not just a relaxation session, but a little ritual of reflection and guidance.
Each card felt like a tiny mirror, offering insight or reassurance. It was fascinating to see how many people picked messages that lined up perfectly with what they were going through in life.
Tea, Handmade Treats, and Coming Back to Earth
Only once we were fully back in the room did Mija bring out the beautiful snacks in, all lovingly prepared by her. On my plate was a glossy date stuffed with peanut butter and dipped in chocolate – rich, gooey, and ridiculously good – alongside a square of vegan blueberry cake, delicately decorated with edible flowers. They looked almost too pretty to eat, but we managed.
Sipping herbal tea and nibbling on these treats was the perfect way to ground after the sound bath. It gave everyone time to chat quietly, share how the experience had felt, and let our bodies catch up with the deep relaxation we’d just dropped into. For Lance and me, that little tea-and-cake moment sealed the evening as something really special – not rushed, not transactional, just thoughtful and heart-led from beginning to end.
Why This Sound Bath Meant So Much
Walking out into the cool night air afterwards, wrapped up in our blankets and mats, we both felt softer around the edges – calmer, clearer, and more connected to ourselves and each other. The combination of Mija’s nurturing presence, the intimate setting, the powerful sound journey, and those lovingly made snacks created an experience that felt truly holistic.
If you’re curious about sound bathing, I’d absolutely recommend trying a session with Mija if you can. Bring your comfiest mat and blanket, leave your to-do list at the door, and let yourself be held by the sound, the space, and the small, beautiful details that make the evening feel so special.
Mija can be found on instagram https://www.instagram.com/mijayoga?igsh=MWtiOTVreWs1ejB1bQ==
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