Swan Michelle: Fully submerged in beach harmony
By Cynthia Reeves / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Dolphin Cruise • When: 6 p.m., June 21• Where: Springhill Suites by Marriott Pensacola Beach • Info: swanmichelle.com
• What: South Bath
Pensacola Beach • When: 6:30 p.m., June 22• Where: Park East,
Pensacola Beach• Info: swanmichelle.com
A soft sparkling chime rings over the sand at Pensacola Beach and mixes gently with the sound of waves crashing on the shore.
Swan Michelle then begins singing a gentle mantra that praises the beauty of the sea. Participants of her beachside sound bath lie still on the sand, eyes closed and hearts open to the unique meditation experience.
Michelle is a New Orleans native who moved to Pensacola Beach in 2022 to expand her wellness program. She offers beach south baths twice a month on Pensacola Beach along with several other yoga and meditation services. She even hosts a drum circle sound experience for sea turtles.
“It’s a big intention of mine to be present with nature and for the experience to be uplifting — to honor the beach and the animals,” she said.
Michelle creates sounds and vibrations with Tibetan crystal bowls, chimes, a gong and a harmonium accordion, as well as by gently shaking a handmade rainmaker instrument. She also uses her mesmerizing vocals to charm sound bath students into a meditative state.
She says she carefully selects “very pure frequencies” that are specific to healing the body. Michelle believes this practice can help release anger, PTSD and other emotions held in the body, so that the body can heal itself.
According to her website, “The quickest way into the brainstem is through sound and touch. Humans are sound. Humans both produce and process sound. Sound organizes matter. Sound is both space and matter. Sound is a mystical event.”
Michelle has certifications in several areas of restorative yoga and meditation, and she has traveled the world, including going to India and Bali to learn more about sound therapy.
Her goal is for participants to work on improving their health, but also to “experience the ocean in a different way.” So many people use the beach for athletics, sunbathing or as party time. Michelle would like everyone to lie down in the sand a find a connection that is uplifting, calm and supportive.
