Ah, Switzerland! Famous for its majestic mountains, divine chocolate, precision watches and… wait, have you ever heard of the Handpan? If not, sit back, grab a cup of your favourite beverage and prepare to be amazed. If so, well, do the same – there’s always something new to learn!

The Handpan, for those wondering, is an acoustic musical instrument that has conquered the world of meditation and well-being. It looks like a metallic flying saucer, but its sound is anything but alien. Warm, harmonious, almost hypnotic, it has the power to transport you into a state of deep relaxation and inner peace. It’s the kind of thing that makes your mind say ‘ooohm’ before you even realise it.

History and origin of the Handpan

The Handpan legend began in Switzerland, a country that seems to have a particular talent for creating incredible things out of metal ( just think watchmaking, Swiss Army knives, and now the Handpan). It was here, in the 2000s, that Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, from the PANArt company developed the first handpan, named ‘Hang’. This word means “hand” in Bernese dialect, reflecting the way in which this instrument is played, using only the hands.

The idea came up after PANArt had spent years making Steel Pans (a type of steel drum originating from Trinidad and Tobago). They decided to create a new instrument that would have a longer resonance, a richer scale and be easier to play. And so the Handpan was born! But wait, it’s only just begun. The Handpan is not only a beautiful creative story, there is also some touch of magic about it.

But before diving into the mystical world of the Handpan, let’s take a quick look at the art of making it. After all, every good fairy tale has its share of mysteries and secrets, right?

The art of Handpan making in Switzerland

Making a handpan is a delicate blend of craftsmanship, science and a good amount of patience. It all starts with a single sheet of steel, but not just any steel. It’s a special steel called nitrided steel, which has been treated to make it more resistant to corrosion and improve its resonance.

The sheet of steel is first hammered by hand into a convex shape. It is then carefully tuned, note by note, until the sound is just right. This is a crucial stage, because each hammer strike changes the sound of the instrument. It takes a true artist to create a handpan, someone who understands not only music but also metallurgy. You see, we don’t mess around with handpans in Switzerland!

And the best part? Each Handpan is unique, with its own sound and personality. It’s like a snowflake, but in a musical version. And much bigger obviously.

The magic sound of the Handpan

The Handpan is not only a pleasure for the eyes, it’s also a real treat for the ears. The beauty of this instrument lies in its simplicity and depth of sounds. With just ten or so notes, you can create a multitude of melodies and harmonies.

The sounds produced by a handpan are deep and resonant, with a soft, soothing tone. Each note seems to float in the air, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. It’s as if each stroke on the handpan releases a small bubble of serenity that slowly rises towards the sky.

And don’t think you’re limited to just one scale. Of course not! Handpans come in a variety of scales, from the melancholic Hungarian minor scale to the joyous pentatonic major scale. You can choose the one that resonates best with you, or why not try several? After all, variety is the spice of life, as a handpan player would probably say.

Now that you have an idea of the magic that lies behind each Handpan, it’s time to discover how this incredible instrument can enhance your meditation practice. So get ready to enter into a state of total zenitude!

The impact of Handpan on meditation and well-being

You may be asking yourself, “But how can a musical instrument enhance my meditation practice?” Well, it’s simple. Meditation isn’t just about silence. It’s about achieving a state of balance and tranquillity, and music can play a key role in getting you there.

The sounds of the Handpan, with their deep resonance and soothing tone, create an atmosphere conducive to meditation. They help to calm the mind, encourage concentration and open the way to a state of deep relaxation. Imagine yourself sitting in a quiet garden, the gentle melodies of the Handpan wafting through the air, enveloping everything in a blanket of peace and tranquillity. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

And that’s not all. Practising meditation with the Handpan also has benefits for the body and mind. It can help to reduce stress, improve your mood, increase concentration and even stimulate creativity. It’s like a massage session for your mind, but without the essential oils and hot stones.

Handpan meditation practices in Switzerland

Switzerland, the home of the Handpan, is naturally a major destination for meditation with this instrument. Many meditation and wellness centres offer sessions guided by the sounds of the Handpan.

And it’s not just for professionals. More and more people are discovering the benefits of meditation with the Handpan and incorporating it into their daily routine. Like Christine, a yoga practitioner who started playing the Handpan a few years ago and now can’t do without it. “It’s like an inner journey,” she says. “Every note brings me a little closer to myself.”

Are you ready for this journey? Then stay with us, because the next step is to learn how to integrate the Handpan into your meditation practice.

How to introduce the Handpan into your meditation practice

Now that you’re ready to bring the Handpan into your life, you may be wondering how to get started. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you.

First of all, you need to choose your handpan. Go to a specialist shop, or even better, a workshop, to try out different Handpans and find the one that resonates with you. Remember, every handpan is unique! You can also browse our wide range of handpans and why not get in touch with us directly so that we can give you our best advice.

Then learn the basics. You don’t need to be an experienced musician to play the Handpan. In fact, part of its charm comes from its ease of use. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to create soothing and harmonious melodies.

Lastly, make the Handpan part of your meditation routine. Start by playing a few notes to help you concentrate and ground yourself in the present moment. Then let the music guide you through your meditation. You might be surprised at how effective it is!

And if you’re in Switzerland, make the most of the many Handpan meditation workshops and retreats available. It’s a great opportunity to dive deeper into the practice of the instrument and meet other Handpan enthusiasts.

Conclusion

So there you have it. From the gentle hammering of steel in a Swiss workshop to the serenity of a meditation session, the Handpan is much more than just a musical instrument. It’s a tool for well-being, a companion for meditation and an inexhaustible source of inspiration.

So, whether you’re a master yogi, a beginner at meditation or simply a lover of beautiful melodies, why not give the Handpan a try? Who knows, you might just discover a new passion. And don’t forget, as the Swiss saying goes: “Happiness is a musical note that resonates within us”. So let the Handpan resonate!

If you’re ready to discover the world of the Handpan, check out our online shop where you’ll find information on the different models available to you. And don’t hesitate to share your experience in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!