The Sonic Interior: A Deep Listening Journey
Overview
Join us for a deep listening journey, anchored with therapeutic harp and ceremonial vocals.
The Sonic Interior is an immersive, restorative acoustic experience centred on deep presence and somatic rest. This is a guided space to sink into quietude and simply be as we explore the interplay between sound and silence, inner movement and stillness.
We invite you to settle into inward connection through live vocal resonance and layered acoustic instrumentation, uniting in a shared frequency of sound and presence.
Co-facilitated by Alison Paisley & Dina Symington, the session integrates the distinct principles of harp therapy with rich, non-Western vocal traditions. Alison draws on specialised harp therapeutic practices - utilising the harp’s unique acoustic resonance, physical string vibration and harmonic overtone structure to support physical relaxation and physiological ease. Dina draws on her heritage from the Caucasus and Eastern Europe - weaving ancestral songs, non-Western scales, microtonal chanting and classical vocal technique into the space - bringing a grounded, living cultural memory shaped by lineage, story and vibrational depth.
Together with subtle ambient drones, flutes, shruti box, harmonium, singing bowls, and chimes, the session builds a textured, multi-layered acoustic field specifically designed for somatic absorption and deep, restful stillness.
We invite you to bring your curiosity and an open mind. No prior experience with sound or listening practices is necessary.
Doors open at 6:40pm. Please note we will lock doors and promptly begin at 7pm to preserve the integrity and safety of the space.
What to Bring
A yoga mat or something to lay on
Blanket
Cushions for head, under knees, or to sit on
Water bottle
Eye mask (optional)
A journal and pen, should you wish to capture your reflections
Please note, the venue does not provide props. Basic hall chairs are available on-site for use.
About Ali & Dina
The Sonic Interior is facilitated by Dina Symington, a vocalist, teacher and former end-of-life doula alongside Alison Paisley, a multi-instrumentalist and certified harp therapy musician.
Ali & Dina both have many decades of experience across live performance and facilitation. They are locals of Kangaroo Ground and are passionate about facilitating spaces of healing and regeneration.
Workshop Policy & Additional Details
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the event to set up your mat, and so we can start and end on time. We cannot guarantee admission if you arrive after the official start time of the event and ask for you to plan accordingly - considering traffic, your travel time and parking. Doing so acknowledges you value your time, the facilitators’ time, and the other participants’ time.
Please limit your use of strong scents and perfumes in the space.
We encourage you to have a light meal and stay hydrated leading into the session.
This is an electronic-free space. We ask for all phones and smart devices (including watches) to be outside of the space and on aeroplane mode/off for the session duration. We do not give consent to photos, recordings or videos to be taken of the space anytime before, during or after the session.
Disclaimer
The purpose of The Sonic Interior is to provide an accessible space for deep somatic rest and relaxation. The Sonic Interior events are not a substitute for your counsellor, psychologist, therapist or other healthcare professional. Please continue to seek advice from your healthcare professional should it be required.
If you are interested in our offering but unsure whether attending The Sonic Interior at this time is for you, please reach out to us at sonicinterior@gmail.com prior to booking.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this event takes place, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Sovereignty was never ceded.
FAQs
- What can I expect in the session?
The session begins with a brief introduction before transitioning into the main acoustic immersion. Depending on the natural flow of the session, we may conclude with a moment for personal or optional shared reflection.
You are invited to sit or lay down throughout the session as you take in the acoustic frequencies. While stillness is encouraged, you are welcome to find whatever posture feels most comfortable for your body as needed.
- What should I bring with me?
A yoga mat or something to lay on
Blanket
Cushions for head, under knees, or to sit on
Water bottle
Eye mask (optional)
A journal and pen, should you wish to capture your reflections
Please note, the venue does not provide props. Basic hall chairs are available on-site for use.
- What is deep listening?
Deep listening is an intentional way of hearing that goes beyond passive background sound.
It invites you to broaden your awareness and receive sound with your whole body by tuning into raw acoustic vibrations, overtone textures, and the silent spaces between tones to quiet the analytical mind and foster deep presence and rest.
- What are the benefits of deep listening in an acoustic environment?
Experiencing sound in a pure acoustic environment allows your body to engage directly with physical sound waves and harmonic overtones.
Deep listening in this setting calms the nervous system, lowers physical tension, and slows brainwave activity to foster a hypnagogic state of rest. By shifting focus from passive hearing to intentional absorption, it creates space for mental quietude, emotional release and a heightened sense of presence.
- How is this different from other soundbaths or sound journeys?
The Sonic Interior pairs specialised harp therapy with ancestral vocal traditions as its core anchor, woven alongside harmonium, flutes, acoustic soundscapes and subtle instrumentation throughout the journey. Rather than relying on generic ambient synth pads, white noise or abstract vocal loops, our session uses physical string vibrations to encourage physiological relaxation, combined with predominantly raw, non-Western vocal melodies and non-Western scales.
The result is a grounded, acoustic experience focused on physical tone and genuine stillness.
- What is the accessibility of the session and venue?
The Sonic Interior has been designed to be accessible and inclusive for all bodies, abilities, genders and expressions. This event is for ages 15+. No small children or pets. If you have specific accessibility requirements or questions, please contact us at sonicinterior@gmail.com.
Our venue, Kangaroo Ground Hall, is located on the ground level with step-free wheelchair access, free on-site parking surrounding the building, climate control (heating and air conditioning), drinking water and accessible restroom facilities. For more information about the venue, you can visit this link.
- Do you offer refunds?
Refunds & Date Transfers: Tickets are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable to future dates for any reason.
Passing Your Ticket to a Friend: If you are no longer able to attend, you are welcome to gift or sell your ticket to a friend to attend in your place. Please arrange this transfer independently, and notify us of their full name and email address at sonicinterior@gmail.com prior to the session so we can update the door list.
Rescheduled Events: In the event of extreme weather, a Total Fire Ban (Extreme or Catastrophic), public health mandates, or unavoidable facilitator emergency (e.g., severe illness), the session will be rescheduled. You will be notified immediately, and your booking will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled date.
Your ticket purchase acknowledges agreement with these terms. Thank you for your understanding and support in preserving these policies.
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