I recently had the privilege of completing the Tone Circle® Facilitator Training, and it was a truly wonderful experience. The training deepened my appreciation for toning—not only as a beautiful practice of sound, but also as a way of cultivating presence, connection, and well-being. I left feeling inspired, supported, and excited to begin sharing this practice with others.
If you're new to toning, it's the practice of sustaining gentle sounds through humming or simple open vowel sounds—ah, ay, eee, oh, and ooo—allowing our voices to naturally weave together. It's similar to chanting or mantra, but completely freeform. There's no melody to learn, no performance, and no expectation to "sound good." It's simply an invitation to breathe, listen, and add your voice whenever you feel called. During a vocal toning circle, I'll play crystal singing bowls and tone and hum alongside the group, co-creating a supportive and welcoming soundscape for everyone.
Curious what a vocal toning circle sounds and feels like? Watch this short video.
One of the things that first drew me to toning was realizing it's almost like three practices wrapped into one. As we sustain a tone, we're naturally extending the exhale, so breathwork becomes part of the experience. That longer, slower breath helps quiet the mind, making it easier to settle into the present moment and a meditative state. Toning, breathwork, and meditation all come together in a way that feels simple, accessible, and deeply grounding.
I'm looking forward to leading community vocal toning circles throughout the Seattle area and beyond in the coming months. Whether you're completely new to toning or already have experience with it, I hope you'll join me for a future circle as we explore the power of breath, sound, and community together.
Want to learn more about the Tone Circle® community? Meet the facilitators here.
