Review: Michael Tyrrell’s WholeTones Project
I was recently asked to check out Michael Tyrrell’s WholeTones project. I’d never heard of it before, but the idea of “healing frequencies” was very intriguing. I read through the website which has many references to God, the bible, and miracles. I’m not religious and I’m not Christian and for very personal reasons, I shun these ideologies. I know religion works for millions of people and I have nothing against it, it just doesn’t work for me.
At first it was challenging for me to embrace something so religious sounding. The first time listening through the cd’s I was biased and skeptical. It was annoying to switch cd’s every 22 minutes. I thought the music was too New Age, even likened some of it to Yanni (don’t get me wrong, he’s fine and all, I’m just not a fan).
After listening to the whole set twice, I indignantly thought, “Okay, where’s my miracle??” But as I continued to play the cd’s, the stigma I had mentally placed on Wholetones began to dissipate and I made it a point to focus and really listen.
I meditate and practice yoga frequently and I incorporated the Wholetones songs into my practice to take note of any effects and of my experience:
- Open Door: Settle in, let go of the outside world and the to-do lists, and focus on breath.
- Desert Sojourn: trance-inducing, as if preparing my mind for journey.
- The Key of David: Peaceful, calming. Introspective, and acceptance of Self. Felt like my body was being washed over by waves of fresh, clean energy.
- Transformation: Calm, pleasant. Somewhat repetitive,which was distracting.
- The Bridge: Cleansing, peaceful, soothing. Forgiveness of Self.
- Great Awakening: Calming, winding down. It spiked with the electric guitar which I found disruptive.
- The Majestic: I was hoping for a calmer, quieter ending to the set. This would have been more fitting for the middle as opposed to the last cd.
I believe there is great power within, and much to be learned about sound vibrations, frequencies, tone, etc- things that I personally know little about but I am drawn to and find very interesting.
According to the website, many people reported miracles and healing as a result of Wholetones. This was not my experience, but when I listened to the most of the songs I felt calm and relaxed. I liked the first five, not so much the last two, but overall I felt my mind was quieted and my body relaxed. I will continue to use the cd’s, mainly on sleepless nights (except 6 and 7).
Whether you agree with the religious statements or not, set your beliefs and opinions aside and listen. Listen without expectation of any outcome and without distraction. Focus intently on the music alone and on hearing each instrument and sound individually and collectively. Don’t expect a miracle or to wake up cured from ailments, but at the very least you may feel peaceful and relaxed.
As part of any meditative routine, these will almost without a doubt improve your overall experience. And if you DO gain anything beyond that, hey, it’ll just be a big bonus!
