Inspiring Conversations with Rion Waller of Pasadena Sound Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rion Waller.

Hi Rion, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Southwest New Jersey and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the record business. I got a job bartending at the world famous Hollywood Palace on Hollywood and Vine. I got to see the most amazing live music performed by some of the worlds greatest talent. It seemed like everyone came and played there and everyone came to watch. You name it – Nirvana, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, Tribe Called Quest… I then got a great opportunity to work at A&M Records in their recording studios. Again – a who’s who – Lenny Kravitz, Korn, Soundgarden, Joey Ramone, Dr. Dre, Rage Against The Machine… most amazing experiences. Through these times I was always honing my musical skills – guitar playing, singing, and songwriting. I would then join the band Sonny Bones and rapped, sang, and rocked out for the next handful of years, great time. I would always have some type of musical project going on through the years (writing songs, producing, playing shows, collaborating.), but I ended up working in Movies and TV for a long time. The pandemic for me and for a lot of others was a tough time. I had to confront a severe chronic back issue that led to spinal surgery and also pursuing a different professional path. I began to consider Sound Healing because I knew first hand what the power of music, melody, rhythm, and harmony can do for our spirit and wellbeing. I looked back on how many times I’d seen music inspire, comfort, and touch people’s souls. It was always a part of my wellness and coping skill routine. Playing guitar or just singing along to the radio never failed to bring me some peace.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a relatively tough road, but I’m encouraged. Like starting any business there are growing pains and a learning curve. The biggest obstacle is getting the word out – that sound healing/therapy is an unbelievably beneficial way to achieve a meditative state. Being in the presence of the instruments and feeling the acoustic vibrations and frequencies move through your body is such a powerful experience. I want to help people understand that a soundbath experience isn’t just for a special occasion, but can be part of you regular stress/tension reduction routine. The great thing about what we do is that we help you achieve NSDR (Non Sleep Deep Rest) – a meditative state – and the best part is that we do most of the work. for you. We incorporate some guided meditation prompts, then lead the way with singing bowls, guitar, simple calming chants, drums, chimes, and other instruments to create a curative and restorative concert for the soul.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We provide private soundbath sessions 7 days a week and also regularly scheduled daily group soundbath. We concentrate on releasing physiological tension. We believe our sessions help elevate your mood and provide support for mental and emotional effects of illness and pain.

We believe our brand of musical meditation can positively affect you at the cellular and molecular level. Our bodies are made up of 70% water and the study of Acutonics shows that the sound waves travel through our bodies four times as quickly as they do through the atmosphere. The peaceful melodies, harmonies and rhythms that we play and penetrate your body and soul and take you through different brainwave states – from beta, to alpha, to theta, which is deep meditation.

What makes our sessions unique is how we incorporate all the instruments previously mentioned. We also provide a comfortable and meditative ambiance, including massage tables for every participant, pillows, and blankets.
Our business also strives to challenge notions about sound healing and who it is for. We believe that sound healing is for everybody, old and young, all cultures. Its therapeutic effects can be beneficial to all. It is proven to invoke relaxation, enhance focus, expand awareness, improve sleep, and help process challenging emotions and negative thought patterns.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that Los Angeles is such a diverse city full of culture – from music to movies, and food, it has it all. I love the terrain – the beaches, mountains and deserts. The cultural dynamics and people create a vibrancy and energy that is unmatched. When people say they don’t like LA or LA people, I don’t get it. Just keep it moving – it’s a giant, spread out city -you can go wherever you want, and there are 8 million of us – get in where you fit in.

Pricing:

• check website/scheduling app for booking

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pasadenasoundtherapy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pasadena_sound_therapy/