By: Alva Ree
Somatic & IFS Coach and Sound Meditation Facilitator on the Power of Vibration, Intention, and Presence in Modern Wellness
“Healing modalities” are becoming more widely known. From breathwork and sound meditation to sober dance parties and cold plunges, New Yorkers today have access to a wide range of practices aimed at reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting emotional well-being, while teaching us how to rest, regulate, and receive.
In a fast-paced city, many are seeking not just a pause, but a way to truly reset their nervous systems. Masha Shakurova, a somatic coach and sound meditation facilitator, offers a deeply embodied approach to emotional regulation through sound. We spoke with Masha about the power of sound, what makes her sessions unique, and why slowing down can be so transformative.
Q: Masha, how did you first discover sound meditation?
A: I’ll give you a bit of a story. I’ve always been highly logical and analytical—my mind loves to plan, explain, and problem-solve. That’s powerful, but unfortunately limiting. You can’t think your way out of trauma—or at least I couldn’t. At some point in my wellness journey, I turned toward the body and somatic psychology. I discovered that by becoming more present and embodied, I could actually shift how I felt—emotionally, energetically, even behaviorally.
Sound began as a personal practice. I attended a sound ceremony and left thinking, I need a gong. That experience opened a door, and I knew I wanted to share this work with others.
Q: How would you describe sound meditation to someone who’s never experienced it?
A: I prefer the term sound meditation over sound healing or sound bath, because those terms can imply passivity. Healing isn’t something that happens to you—it’s something you allow by participating, especially through active listening.
In sound meditation, the facilitator creates a container—a space where listening becomes an embodied practice. We use overtone-rich instruments like gongs, crystal, and Tibetan bowls, and chimes to guide the nervous system into a relaxed, receptive state. The body naturally resonates with sound, and that resonance helps release tension and stress on a subtle yet powerful level.
Q: What makes your sound sessions unique?
A: Every facilitator brings their own flavor, and for me, intuition and my training in somatics play a big role. I integrate my somatic awareness, yoga nidra, and IFS. I like to use my voice to guide participants into the experience, share knowledge, and invite them to listen; otherwise, we can end up either observing the facilitator perform or simply taking an expensive nap.
Every session is different. I attune to the energy of the room, the individuals present, and what feels alive in the moment. Sound is a living experience, and I believe in creating a space where people feel safe to be exactly as they are.
Photo Courtesy: Alex Dani / Masha Shakurova
Q: Who is sound meditation for?
A: Everyone. Truly. We all need intentional, nourishing rest, not just a break from work, but restoration at the nervous system level. Most of us were never taught how to actually rest or receive nourishment through stillness.
Sound and embodiment practices teach us how to slow down and be with ourselves in a different way. It’s especially powerful for those who live in their heads and long to reconnect with their bodies, intuition, and emotional depth.
Q: What do people often not expect from a sound meditation?
A: Clarity. When we quiet the noise of the mind, new insights and ideas often emerge. But also—emotional release. People cry, laugh, and remember. The body holds so much, and when it feels safe, it lets go. That’s the beauty of sound: it doesn’t push—it invites.
Sound meditation can support emotional well-being by providing a space to process tension and stress in a non-judgmental way. However, for deeper emotional issues or mental health concerns, it is important to seek professional guidance alongside these practices.
Q: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about sound meditation?
A: That sometimes, doing less is the most radical act of self-care. Rest is not laziness. Slowness is not weakness. There is wisdom in the pause, and deep transformation can happen there.
Sound meditation can help you reconnect with your body and emotions, offering a restorative practice that complements other aspects of self-care and well-being.
Q: Where can people experience your work?
A: I offer regular sound journeys in New York City, as well as private sessions and immersive group experiences. You can learn more at mashashakurova.com or follow me on Instagram @mashashakurova.
Closing
In a world that constantly asks us to move faster, Masha’s work is an invitation to slow down, listen, and return to the innate wisdom of the body. Through sound, breath, and presence, she reminds us that healing isn’t about fixing—it’s about coming home to ourselves. While sound meditation is a restorative and enriching practice, it is important to remember that it is effective when part of a well-rounded approach to health and wellness, including seeking professional care when needed.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. Sound meditation and other similar wellness practices are complementary approaches intended to support relaxation, emotional regulation, and stress reduction. While these practices can promote well-being, they are not intended as substitutes for professional medical or psychological treatment. If you have a medical condition, mental health concerns, or are experiencing significant emotional distress, please consult with a healthcare provider or licensed professional. Always seek professional medical advice before starting any new wellness practice.
