To save you that heartbreak, here are my recommendations:
1. Use a quality carrying case when transporting them. To pack the bowls in the case, put each bowl in a plastic bag, cover the rim, and tuck the ends of the plastic bag into the center of the bowl. Then wrap the bowl with bubble wrap or foam sheets. Though these materials are not ecologically preferred, they ensure the safety of your investment. I’ve known people whose bowls broke when they used blankets and homemade bags.
2. When handling the bowls, be mindful and fully focus on what you are doing. No multitasking! For example, after a concert, people always want to talk with me. So, first I talk with them. Then, when it’s time to pack, I say “I need to concentrate on packing now, so I can’t talk anymore.” I also avoid packing and unpacking bowls when I am tired.
3. The most delicate parts of the bowl are the rim and the bottom. Don’t strike the rim directly and harshly. Don’t put anything inside the bowl, such as crystals or even the mallets. Be especially careful not to drop anything into the bowl.
4. Remove jewelry and pendants when playing the bowls to avoid accidental bangs and breakage. If your bowl breaks, it can sometimes be repaired at a nominal charge. Send me a photo for assessment. If it can’t be repaired, I'll offer a sympathy discount of 30% on purchase of a new bowl.
We call repaired bowls “rebirthed” or “morphed” bowls. They return to life with a fuller resonance and deeper wisdom. People always comment on how amazing my morphs sound! Here's a Ruby Morph, currently in stock. It's a 9" true tone F sharp, an outstanding stone of nobility with a powerful vibration that generates spiritual wisdom, health, transformation and wealth.
Some people purchase only morph bowls because they are a great metaphor for how we humans sometimes feel—broken and then, when healed, we are wiser and more beautiful for the experience. The Japanese call this aesthetic Wabi-sabi—acceptance of transience and imperfection.
I don't repair bowls here. If your Crystal Tones™ Alchemy bowl breaks, contact Crystal Tones 1 (800) 358-9492. They will ask for a photo and assess if it can be repaired. They will quote you a repair cost, or, If it cannot be repaired, they will give you a 33% sympathy discount to purchase a replacement. Note: They only repair their brand.
Here’s to a lifetime of blessed journeying with your bowl mates!
Kaasay