THE PORTRAIT: JOI HUNT

Joi Hunt has long been an engaged citizen of the world, eager to find beauty in the most ordinary moments and calm in a sea of chaos. So when this wife, mother, and acclaimed professional calligrapher was helping her Lake Forest family cope with the stress of the pandemic lockdown, she reflected on an experience she had on a trip to Zion National Park that brought peace to her mind, body, and soul. “I heard someone playing a singing bowl, and I connected to that sound,” says Hunt, explaining that even the simplest sound can rebalance the body’s frequencies to bring it to its natural state of harmony. Already a fitness enthusiast and selfdescribed “perpetual student,” she used that reflection as an inspiration to study and earn certification as a sound wellness practitioner. What is a “sound bath,” you might ask? According to Hunt’s website (joihunt.com) it’s a meditative experience that bathes you in sound waves and vibrations from singing bowls and other instruments for deep relaxation. Other benefits include stress reduction, clearer thinking, and mood improvement. “I really try to make my sound bath meditations as pleasing to all of your senses as I can. I want guests to enter our room and say, ‘wow, this looks like a spa’ or ‘it smells so good in here,’ says Hunt, who leads themed sound bath sessions at Gorton Center as well in her private practice. “I bring everything you need— a mat, a pillow, a blanket, and a bolster pillow is provided for each guest. By leaving your normal beta state of being alert, concentrating, and reacting, you should feel relaxed and recharged at the end of a sound bath.” The results are often transformative, as they are for her. “A sound bath can be a healing opportunity or bring up memories long forgotten,” she adds. “Hearing how the sound of a particular instrument allowed a guest to release suppressed emotion, or brought back a memory of a happy family vacation, is truly rewarding.” While Hunt continues with her calligraphy studio, she is excited to focus more of her creative energy on this sound wellness practice. “I am currently in a year long flute study program, so my hands are getting a workout, whether with a calligraphy pen or a Native American flute,” she says. If you are wondering exactly how this busy wife and mother does it all, you’re not alone. She says it’s all about setting priorites and being efficient. “I think it is just my nature to be busy learning and doing,” says Hunt. “And coffee. Lots of coffee.” Here are some of this go-getters favorite things around her adopted (11 years and counting) hometown:

What motivates you, both professionally and personally? My mother was a tiger mom. Always do more than your best. I very much took that to heart. In all my endeavors, I have studied with and learned from the best in their field. What is your favorite sound? The sound of my children laughing. Most healing place you’ve ever visited? A tie between Zion National Park and Kauai. Both feature Mother Nature and Earth singing strong, and your vibration wants to be in harmony with it. Favorite music to unwind to? I am currently loving the Native American flute with an ambient backing track, like the sound of rain or wind through the trees. Favorite things about Lake Forest or Lake Bluff? A cheeseburger from The Peanut Gallery, Sophia Steak (double-cut bacon added to the beet salad is chefs kiss), and Elawa Farm in the summer. Beach, mountains, or city vacation? Beach. I really want to get to One & Only Le Saint Géran Mauritius soon. Favorite workout? Currently jump rope intervals, kettlebells, and Jill Borega’s on demand MOVE workout series. Coffee or tea? Coffee. All day. The first cup is with collagen protein, then I switch to decaf for the rest of the day. Sweet or savory? Sweet. A slice of Ferentino’s cheesecake is my favorite. Cocktail or mocktail? I don’t drink that often, but if I do, my drink is a Basil Hayden on the rocks. Paper planner or digital? Paper. Best advice you’ve given or received? Trust your intuition. It is trying to tell you something and you should listen. Which three people, living or dead, will you invite to your cocktail party, and what kind of music would you play? Jerry Seinfeld, Lady Gaga, and Roger Federer. I would ask Lady Gaga to curate the evening’s playlist.