gayatrissingh Every year, when International Nurses Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the incredible moments I’ve shared with nurses during the sound meditation sessions I’ve facilitated — especially those at Cloud Nine Hospital in Bangalore and Mumbai.
Why International Nurses Day is Celebrated
Before I go into my personal experience, it’s important to acknowledge what this day stands for. International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12th, marking the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale — the founder of modern nursing. It’s a day to honour the selfless service, dedication, and compassion that nurses across the world demonstrate every single day.
Always on Duty, Rarely a Pause
In all the sessions I’ve taken over the years, one thing is clear: nurses are always on. Emotionally present, physically alert, and constantly giving — they rarely get the opportunity to pause, breathe, and just be. So when I get the opportunity to facilitate a sound meditation session for them, I don’t treat it as just another event — I treat it as sacred space, as a moment carved out just for them.
My Experience at Cloud Nine Hospital
I remember the first time I facilitated a sound bath for the nursing staff at Cloud Nine Hospital in Mumbai. There was a quiet curiosity at first — some were hesitant, unsure of what to expect. But as the session began and the vibrations of the singing bowls filled the room, a palpable shift happened.
Some of them slowly reclined, allowing themselves to relax for what felt like the first time that day. A few even dozed off — a clear sign of deep rest, of letting go. Afterwards, many told me they hadn’t felt this level of calm or joy in weeks. One nurse simply said, “It felt like I was finally receiving the care I always give.” That stayed with me.
The following year, at the Bengaluru unit, we had an even larger group — including a few diagnostic technicians. I loved how they instantly connected with the concept once I gave the analogy of Sonography and Ultrasound. “You already know the power of sound waves,” I said. “Every day, you use it to see inside the human body. This — what we’re doing — is another way of allowing sound to do its healing magic.”
That explanation opened them up, and they embraced the session wholeheartedly. The smiles, the peaceful energy in the room, the spontaneous gratitude that followed — I still carry those memories with me.
Why Sound Healing Works for Nurses
If you’ve ever wondered how to celebrate International Nurses Day in a way that genuinely nurtures those who nurture us — consider sound healing.
Sound Healing is non-invasive. It doesn’t demand anything from you. You simply receive. The gentle vibrations work through the body, calming the nervous system, easing mental fatigue, and helping the body switch from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest. That’s when the real healing begins.
And for nurses — who constantly operate under pressure, who hold space for others, who often don’t have the luxury to rest — this kind of deep, effortless rejuvenation can be a game changer.
This is Their ‘Me Time’
There’s a beautiful moment that happens in every session. It’s that collective exhale — the sound of an entire group letting go. For many nurses, this is the only hour in their week that’s truly for them. No calls, no patients, no rounds. Just breath, rest, and sound.
And something shifts when you feel seen and valued from within. That’s what I witness during these sessions — a quiet transformation. From the tension in their shoulders relaxing, to the softening of their gaze, to the peace that radiates from them by the end.
Celebrating the Caregivers
So if you’re looking for gift suggestions for International Nurses Day — maybe skip the usual flowers and cake. Instead, give them an experience. Create a moment where they can just receive. Invite a facilitator (like myself or others who do this work) to conduct a sound meditation session.
You don’t need a fancy setup. Just a quiet room, mats or chairs, and a willingness to pause.
Photos Tell the Story
Some of my favourite photos are from these sessions. Nurses lying back with eye masks, smiling gently as the sound envelops them. The calm on their faces says it all. These aren’t just images — they’re reminders that even the strongest among us need care, too.
A Personal Note
Every year, when I walk into a hospital to lead these sessions, I feel a deep sense of purpose. I don’t come as a trainer or coach. I come as someone offering a small, gentle gift — a reminder that they, too, deserve to feel held.
So this World Nurse Day, let’s celebrate the hearts that heal.
Let’s give them their own moment of healing.
After all, sound has always been a part of care — from the reassuring tone of a voice to the hum of a lullaby. Sound heals. And our nurses deserve to receive its medicine.
If you’d like to create a similar session for your team of nurses or healthcare staff, feel free to reach out. But more than that — just remember to say thank you.
Hold space. Give care back to the caregivers.
Because when they feel valued, supported, and cared for — everyone heals a little more.
