The Power of Sound: Resonance, Dissonance & the Wind Gong

In my sound baths, every instrument has a role—some soothe, some stir, and some take us on unexpected journeys. One of the most powerful in my collection is my 40” wind gong.

It’s a force of nature. Unlike other gongs that carry a steady, grounding tone, the wind gong is fluid, swirling with deep, chaotic frequencies. It doesn’t just play a note—it creates a wave of sound that moves unpredictably, shifting between resonance and dissonance.

What is Resonance & Dissonance?

• Resonance is when a sound feels harmonious, comfortable, and in tune with our body’s natural rhythms. It can feel like a deep exhale or a warm embrace.

• Dissonance is when sounds clash, creating tension. It can feel unsettling, stirring something deep inside us.

Both have their place in sound healing. Resonance can bring peace and balance, while dissonance challenges us, shaking loose what is stuck, shifting our state, and creating space for something new.

Why Does the Wind Gong Trigger Some People?

For some, the unpredictable sound of the wind gong feels too much—too deep, too chaotic, too unfamiliar. Older individuals or those with anxiety may find it disorienting, as their nervous system responds to the shifting frequencies.

But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In nature, wind, thunder, and ocean waves don’t follow a pattern—they flow, crash, and shift. The wind gong mirrors this, reminding us that not everything needs to be controlled.

How to Work With It in a Sound Bath

If the wind gong feels intense, try this:

• Breathe with it – Imagine the sound washing over you like a wave.

• Focus on a stable anchor – Your breath, your heartbeat, or another sound in the space.

• Notice what it stirs – Resistance? Emotions? Sensations? It’s all information.

Some sounds comfort us, some challenge us, and some help us break through. The wind gong is a mirror—it shows us where we hold tension and invites us to release it.

The Wind Gong in Sound Healing

In sound therapy, resonance and dissonance work together to create a full spectrum of experience. While gentle tones can nurture relaxation, deeper, more chaotic frequencies like those of the wind gong can help clear blocked energy, stir emotions, and create transformation.

For those who struggle with its sound, adjustments can be made:

• Introducing it later in the session when participants are already relaxed.

• Playing it more gently or layering it with grounding sounds.

• Encouraging people to embrace it as part of the process rather than resist it.

Sound is not always meant to be comfortable. Sometimes, it pushes us toward the very healing we need.

Final Thoughts

The wind gong isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But for those willing to sit with its deep, swirling tones, it can be a powerful tool for release and transformation.

Have you ever felt a strong reaction to sound? Did you lean in or pull away?