Have you ever thought about how noises affect your grief? I feel like there are two extremes when it comes to how sounds play a role in the grief process. On one hand, music can sometimes be overly-stimulating when you are in the midst of grief. It could be a familiar song triggers a powerful memory and before the chorus arrives, you are crying in the kitchen. Please don’t tell me I’m the only one! On the opposite end, complete silence in a house can scream “loss” in a powerful way. With that in mind, we wanted to look into how sounds can play a role in moving you forward in the grieving process as well as highlight different memorial wind chimes that can make powerful remembrance gifts. 

Sound healing is the practice of creating waves of harmonic sound with the goal of soothing the nervous system. Soothing sounds such as the gentle sound of wind chimes can help to slow breathing and heart rates during times of stress and grief, as well as provide a positive reminder of love and connection. A study published in 2016 found that sound meditation helped participants reduce tension, anger, fatigue and depressed moods. We all know grief can show up in the body in various ways. From racing heartbeats to stomach issues to overall malaise, when we experience profound grief, our entire being can be “off” and in a heightened state of uncertainty. That’s why so many mental health professionals encourage people to practice self-care and find ways to safely release stress and promote feelings of peace. Wind chimes can improve your mood simply by listening to the calming noise they make and forcing us to pause and reflect. 

You may think wind chimes are simply house decorations that make noise but there’s actually a lot more involved that I didn’t even realize. According to House Digest, “there are many types of wind chimes, including tubular, bell, gong, and decorative varieties. However, all work similarly; when the wind blows, it pushes a paddle or clapper that strikes against the chimes, or else the chimes collide against one another. When this happens, the whole piece vibrates, emitting a sound frequency that can be strong and low, high and soft, or anywhere in between. Modern metal varieties are designed to emit harmonious sounds that are especially loud and appealing, while bamboo and natural materials offer a more muted background noise.” They even dive further into the audible ranges of wind chimes and how different sounds in certain ranges affect your body in different ways. A frequency around 430 hertz is believed to promote positive emotions, mental clarity, and improved mood. That means some of the benefits of listening to wind chimes could include reduced stress, lower blood pressure and relaxed muscles.

Those health benefits seem good for everyone, especially those walking through grief. We also know that wind chimes need one important factor to work… wind! It’s not rocket science to realize wind occurs outside (with the exception of an overly powerful AC system!). The health benefits of fresh air and being outside can’t be understated. But just in case you need additional encouragement, spending time outside:

• Promotes physical activity
• Benefits your mood and mental health
• Allows you to soak in Vitamin D
• Leads to better sleep
• Helps you form social connections

Keep reading for our highlights of our favorite memorial wind chimes to get you outside and in a more relaxed state. 

Now that we’ve made a case for why wind chimes are a great resource to have on the grief journey, let’s get into choosing the right one for your needs. Obviously, we are partial to the ones Laurelbox offers. Whether placed in a memorial garden or a cherished space, these memorial wind chimes are a comforting reminder of a loved one. Wind chimes make a great gift for those experiencing loss. I personally was given the Loved & Remembered Memorial Wind Chimes in honor of our second son Cooper who was stillborn at 36 weeks. Even though we don’t keep them outside, they are right on our front door so I see them often and think of Cooper as they produce sounds when the door is opened and closed.

Anytime a grief gift can be customized with a name, it elevates it in a unique way. We, the living, are often worried those who have left us will be forgotten. Seeing a loved one’s name in print brings an assurance their life can continue through memories and reflection. Hear the Wind and Think of Me wind chime is a beautiful example of a customized memorial wind chime. Let the gentle whisper of a breeze and the healing sounds of a wind chime bring solace and remembrance of cherished memories. All our wind chimes feature both high end craftsmanship and heartfelt emotion, offering a unique way to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones. Some other unique wind chimes include this one that is tuned to the first six notes of the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace.” Another company offers a variety of wind catchers that could reflect the personality and interests of the departed. From honey bees to penguins to ocean creatures, they have a wide range of options.  

We hope this blog explained the role sound can play in healing grief and mindful remembrance. Our bodies take on such a physical and mental weight when we walk through a loss, so it’s important to look for ways big and small to practice self-care. A great way to use sounds to promote your health is to incorporate wind chimes into your outdoor space, no matter the size of your patio or backyard. From the variety of options Laurelbox offers to others that are available, custom memorial wind chimes are a beautiful way to honor a life and encourage us to get fresh air outside while listening to the calming sounds of wind chimes in nature.