Our Story
Wondrousound is a holistic platform born of a life in music, law and social justice advocacy that tipped me (Rachel Butt) over the edge and deep into the wonders of mindfulness, meditation and the yoga of sound.
In 2016 I received a national award for outstanding advocacy, toured a new album + burnt out in the same year. I’d spent years pushing beyond my limits to ‘achieve’ change and meet the capitalist demands of the music industry and my body-mind was fried. I started doing this thing called ‘yoga’ and discovered the wisdom teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh who told me:
”What you need, what we all need, is silence. Stop the noise in your mind in order for the wondrous sounds of life to be heard. Then you can begin to live your life authentically and deeply.”
Instincts led me to Plum Village Mindfulness Practice Centre to help me let go of the old story and allow an authentic way of being to emerge through the practice of mindfulness. I started writing new music that embraced the art of sound as a healing tool and retraced ancestral lines to train with Masters in the yoga of sound + silence. I began to live in greater harmony with this ‘wondrousound’ of life moving through me and develop a body of work to help others do the same for the benefit of all. With gratitude to all my teachers and the source of wisdom that lives within each of us, I am excited to share this path with you!
Education + Training
2024: Spiritual Mentorship Training, The Lotus Institute
2022: Mindfulness Course Leader Training, Plum Village UK
2018: Gong Master Training with Don Conreaux, UK
2017: 200-hour Hatha Yoga RYT, Kalimpong, India
2008 – 2011: Law LLB, University of Sussex (1st Class Honours)
''You don't play the gong, the gong plays you''
Gong Master Don Conreaux
Mindfulness, Collective Leadership & Dharma in Action
A decade of mindfulness practice in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh has profoundly shaped my work. Alongside my own transformation I have led sound meditations and service-based mindfulness practices at retreats such as Wake Up, Rain Retreats, and Coming Home to Mother Earth. My collaborative adventures in Plum Village, including long-term residencies, have deepened my understanding of living in harmony with ourselves, others, and the earth. I have facilitated training and capacity-building initiatives within the community, focusing on safeguarding and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), to support the growth and flourishing of collective wellbeing.
I now work collaboratively with a monastic team and a global network as a online editor and content creator, sharing how the Dharma can guide us in meeting the challenges of our times and creating an enlightened society. Through this work, I aim to inspire others on their path of embodying mindfulness & Dharma in action.
Musical Adventures
Advocacy Work
Memberships
