by Theresa Puskar –

Infinity Foundation – Highland Park, IL, December 8, 2017

I have never journeyed to such a deep place – a place that extended beyond the earth’s atmosphere into different planes of existence and awareness…without even leaving my seat!

I had the great privilege of attending Richard Rudis’ “Seated Pose Extended Gong Bath™” at Infinity Foundation on Friday, Dec. 8. While I have attended other sound healing events, I have to say that this one was literally out of this world!

After sharing the power of my experience in this gong bath with a friend, I discovered that Richard’s reputation in the world of sound frequency healing is unparalleled. He has been working on the earth gong for 20 years and has played it thousands upon thousands of times.

“This (seated) position is both in the spiritual tradition and the science of sacred form. Energy moves up from the Earth and through the central column, touching on each of the chakra points, emerges to join with ‘Wisdom’ consciousness, which is then returned.” — Richard Rudis

Richard introduced the bath as a “second level” experience, explaining that each experience builds upon itself. There were several physical healings that luxuriating in this delectable and restorative fluid of sound offered, including the expansion of the nasal cavities, the lowering of blood pressure, the rising of oxygen intake and the release of energetic blockages in the body. Richard created this particular sound healing to align specifically to the Taurus energy. He created it within a geometric structure and energetic flow to support that energy. While he plays, he works through each of the chakras in our bodies. He attempts to stay aware of his audience. However, that being said, he later shared that we all dissolved away in his experience, so much so that he was surprised to see us all sitting there when he completed the session and opened his eyes.

What I experienced during the gong bath blew my mind. As I drank in the delicious ear candy, I was transported to a place that I can only describe as otherworldly. The first sound I heard overlaid above the reverberation of the gong was the calling of whales. I was immediately transported to a whale-watching expedition I went on with my mother decades earlier when I lived in Vancouver, Canada. This was one of the most magical and powerful miracles I have ever experienced in my life. The organizers of our expedition were particularly respectful of the massive creatures. Because of this, they were careful not to chase them and kept the boat quite a distance from the pod. While I was disappointed, I appreciated their commitment to the whales. They turned the boat engine off, and we sat watching the distant mammals. I then had an intuitive hit to focus my attention on two particular fins. I began to pray to those two whales. I told them how much I loved, honored and respected them, and then in my mind, I asked them to come to our boat. What happened next was extraordinary; the two whales left the pod and headed towards us. One swam under the boat and breached just beyond the starboard side. The other breached out of the water right beside me. In response, I instantly became a child again. I was filled with awe and innocent delight. For a few seconds, I laughed and cried; I literally forgot myself. I believe that my whale friends felt my love and subsequently responded to it by coming by for a visit. As I heard the whale calls during Richard’s sound healing, I was transported back to that place of complete joy and freedom. For that, I am deeply grateful.

I also heard the song of the dolphins intermingled with his magic, along with the chants of monks. It was as if Richard was the pilot on a sonic spaceship that took us out to other worlds and different planes of existence.

Once the 90-minute bath was completed, I approached Richard for photos and I was provided with an additional magical and mystical ride. When we discussed his performance, he informed me that he often manipulated the sound through the chi in his hands. He then proceeded to show me. For about five minutes, based on one thud upon the gong he created a variety of sound variations – from crescendo to decrescendo; from one pitch to another; and from one vibration to another. I was amazed and in awe!

I don’t think, I KNOW, that Richard took me and my fellow attendees on a delicious, delightful and deep-healing journey. Many thanks to Richard for his dedication, creative genius and deepest passion for what he does.

Theresa Puskar, our All About Town contributor, is a writer, trainer, speaker, minister and inspirational audiobook producer. She is the author of a solo show and workshop, “Beauty, Bollywood and Beyond,” along with “The Terri Series” – seven children’s books that focus on bullying, honoring diversity, celebrating creativity, non-judgment of emotions, finding alternatives to technology-based entertainment, discovering a non-judgmental God, and overcoming fears. She has also recorded a powerful experiential audio program, “How to De-Clutter Your Mind and Live a Heart-Centered Life.” To place orders or learn more about her upcoming engagements, visit her website, www.theresapuskar.com.