Faith leaders embrace sound baths to connect with spiritual seekers

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sound baths are meditative experiences where participants lie down and are immersed in sound waves from instruments like gongs, singing bowls and chimes. Increasingly, churches, temples and synagogues are embracing sound baths as a way of connecting with neighbors who may be spiritual but not religious. Faith leaders who offer sound baths are tailoring the practice, which some have viewed as new age, to reflect their own roots and traditions. Sound baths have surged in popularity since the coronavirus pandemic as a way to cope with stress, anxiety and isolation.