Finding Our Center Relaxation and Meditation in Ashland with Tina Neace

Finding Our CenterRelaxation and

Meditation in Ashland with Tina Neace

Gwen Akers

The Ashland Beacon

Tina Neace is working to bring unique and relaxing events to Ashland, asking us to look deeply within ourselves and connect with the artist in all of us.

Following Ashland’s “create with us” motto, Tina Neace sees the power in meditation and relaxation to both inspire and calm the mind. A massage therapist since 2006, Neace has experimented with and practiced several different types of meditation and relaxation techniques, including yoga and sound immersion therapy. This week, Neace brings one of her sound immersion therapy classes to Ashland, called Sounds of Appalachian Sound Immersion.

Partnering with Jessica Pack Esthetics and held at the Delta Marriott hotel in downtown Ashland, this is an event that Neace and her team have worked tirelessly to curate and bring to our town. After Neace’s own experience with sound immersion therapy in 2017, she knew it was time to take the leap—not only in learning about sound immersion therapy but also in gathering the materials needed to lead sessions of her own.

“I researched the benefits of what all of this [sound immersion therapy] was doing for me, and there were just so many health benefits, like [regulating] blood pressure, regulating the nervous system and helping with digestion. Then I started collecting my instruments over time, just one or two goals here, and then it just eventually grew into many different things,” explained Neace.

Sound immersion relies on guided meditation within a sea of soundscapes brought about by a variety of instruments. With a focus on ancient sounds, the therapy is grounded in connecting the spirit with the past. Neace herself has collected—and will be using—instruments from all over the world, including Himalayan bowls, Tibetan bowls, chimes from India, traditional Peruvian and Caribbean instruments, and many more.

“It’s a collection of different rattles, chimes, fans and different things that can help regulate our nervous system and bring us back to a balance,” expressed Neace, noting that by finding our balance through this experience, we also give ourselves a chance to release any trauma or blockages we might be carrying in our energy or body. Through this practice, you can connect with your yoga nidra, or yogic sleep. “Nidra” is the Sanskrit word for sleep, and by connecting and finding this yogic sleep, you are able to rebalance both your physical body and your mind.

Participants were encouraged to bring pillows and blankets alongside their yoga mats to ensure maximum comfort and relaxation during the sound bath.

“You come out and you just feel so refreshed and rejuvenated,” detailed Neace, explaining how the immersion allows you to reset from the stress that we live in. By releasing that stress and pressure, we allow ourselves to live more effectively and vibrantly, honoring our own gifts and becoming more aware of the gifts of others.

In Neace’s own journey, the power of meditation has allowed her to find her place in the world and move away from the alcohol and darkness that once held her. She hopes that by sharing her love of meditation and relaxation, she can bring this peace to others in the community.

“I felt like I didn't belong anywhere. I didn't have a tribe. I didn't have people to share this with so alcohol became my friend, and I'm ashamed, but at the same time, I'm not ashamed, because it brought me to where I'm at today. We have to go through the darkness to get to the light. And I'm so thankful,” detailed Neace.

Whatever mountains you are climbing, don’t forget to reconnect with your center and take time for yourself—whether that is through meditation, yoga, a hobby, or anything that brings you joy. In the future, Neace plans to host more meditation and relaxation events in and around Ashland, reminding us of both her own journey and the light that always rests on the other side.