Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and calm the body and mind. With the advent of advanced brain imaging technology, we can now "see" the effects of meditation on the brain. Most modern day practitioners come to meditation looking for a tool to manage stress and increase concentration. Music can be a great way to assist the practitioner in reaching this goal. Meditators can use recordings of bells, chimes, or even their favorite pop artist to help induce a meditative state.
Meditate to Music
You can meditate to any kind of music, but keep in mind that when you are meditating, you are aiming for a calm and alert state of mind. One person's meditative music is another person's headache. Think of the parent who is being tortured by their teen's booming iPod while the teen is seemingly in a trance-state working on an English paper. When using music to meditate, it's important to chose music that will relax you, but not put you to sleep. True meditation requires that you stay awake. The brain waves of a sleeping person and that of a meditating person are much different. Try to strike a balance with music that is soothing and gentle, but will not have you snoring. Many classical pieces are appropriate for attaining this middle ground of a calm and alert mind.
Meditate to Traditional Sounds
Meditating to music is the same act as meditating to any sound. Traditional chants and chimes are also a good choice when experimenting with musical meditation. Chanting and chimes or bells have been used for centuries by many different cultures to induce a meditative state. It may take some experimenting to find a recording that is right for you. If you find that the chanting or chiming is annoying you, try a type of music you are more familiar with.
Listen with Beginner's Mind
A piece of music you have always loved might be just right when you are starting out with music and meditation. Even if you have heard the piece many times, consider listening to the music with a "beginners mind," a phrase used by mindfulness meditation practitioners that describes approaching an experience with a fresh perspective. Listen to the piece as if it's the first time you ever heard it, focusing in on the beat of a drum or the tone of a violin. Listening to music in this way will put you in a true meditative state.
References
- "The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness;" Yongey Mingur Rinpoche, 2007
- "Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness;" Jon Kabat-Zin, 1990
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