Beginner’s Guide to Using Music with Meditation
Listening to music during meditation is a powerful practice. Every tone and sound have a positive effect on the energy system
Meditation is believed to go back 5,000 years. The first recorded evidence of this spiritual practice is a wall art exhibiting people in a meditative state. The figures sat on the ground with their legs crossed, hands resting on the knees, and their eyes completely closed. As the time past, most of the globe’s religions adopted meditation. The truth is that all of them have some form of meditation. From the dawn of time, this practice has been used to manage stress. Taking charge of the mind can reverse the body’s stress reaction and induce physical relaxation. Attention should be paid to the fact that meditation can offer many advantages, including controlling anxiety, promoting emotional health, and increasing the sense of wellbeing.
You might find yourself seeking meditation for a great many reasons. Before you know it, you will end up planning a day-long mindfulness and meditation retreat. When it comes down to mental exercise, you might want to include some lovely music in the mix. Music is a useful tool in meditation, helping you clear your mind and living the present moment. Music is relaxing and, of course, it will not get in the way of your activity. Not only is music a useful but also a vital component of the exercise. Please continue reading to find out how you can use music when trying to achieve a mentally clear and emotional state.
How to choose the right kind of music
You can absolutely meditate with music, yet you cannot play just any tunes at the time of the meditation. If you want to reconnect with yourself in a deep way, choose music that improves mental discipline and, most importantly, focus. There are countless options available in terms of music. The choice depends on what you are trying to achieve. For instance, if you are looking forward to relaxation, you need sounds that help you connect with your inner serenity. You will be able to focus on your mind and breath. On the other hand, if you just want more than to unwind and let go of everyday worries, opt for tunes that unlock awareness. Here is what to keep in mind when selecting the right music to help you get the most out of this effective form of stress reduction:
Make sure the music does not have lyrics
People pay attention to various parts in music. While some are barely able to identify the sounds of different instruments, others are focused on the message transmitted by the words. In what category do you fall? If you are the type of person that focuses on the message of the song, it is better to avoid using music with lyrics, as it can distract your attention on to something else. Even if the message is subtle, the tune will demand too much of your attention. What is more, you will be tempted to sing along with the song, which will completely break your concentration. The most relaxing songs do not have lyrics. The Internet is the best place to find meditation music that will truly enhance the experience. Find songs that soothe or inspire you.
Experiment with different kinds of music
Soft and relaxing music is always recommendable when it comes to meditation. However, you will not want to limit your options. Many genres are suitable for mental exercise, such as classical music, ambient music, and ethnic music. Classical music, in particular, should be included in the list. The reason for this is that it promotes the increase in Beta wave activity, which is associated with a deep state of relaxation. What is the perfect accompaniment to meditation? Examples include Clair de Lune (Debussy), Nocturne No.2, Op.9 (Chopin), and Moonlight Sonata (Beethoven). These melodies will enable you to practice mediation without inner thoughts intervening in the process.
How to practice meditation with music
Make time to just listen and really listen to music. Even the most insignificant sound can penetrate the mind and help you stop thinking about what is going on in your life. If you wish to meditate with music, find a peaceful place in the home.
- Choose a room that has a consistent level of noise. Find a place in the home where you can enjoy quiet times. If it is impossible to come across a quiet nook, head on over to the library. There, you will not be disturbed or interrupted. The room should be free from noise and have an adequate temperature. Meditation centers maintain the rooms colder than usual and this is not because practitioners are more rigorous. So, think about lowering the temperature a little bit.
- Listen to meditation music with your headphones on. Besides the fact that the songs will sound better, the neighbors will not be disturbed by your activity. Use a CD player or an iPod. If you do not have a good pair of headphones, buy one, as you will better receive the musical vibrations. Noise cancelling headphones will eliminate distractions and allow you to meditate deeply and effectively.
- Close your eyes and focus on nothing but the music. If you have selected the best melodies, concentration will become automatic. While you are listening to the meditative tunes, practice proper breathing. This means breathing in a way that is physiologically optimal for your body. Breathe with the diaphragm. The air is inhaled through the nose and exhaled through the mouth.
- Put your mind at rest and attain a state of complete consciousness. Do not concern yourself with what you should be thinking or what you are doing, for that matter. Your mind should not wander during the meditation session. Numerous thoughts will come to the mind, eliciting a response. Do your best to ignore them. Be patient and practice systematically.
Listening to music during meditation is a powerful practice. Every tone and sound have a positive effect on the energy system. Attaining deep consciousness is the aim of meditation. This can be difficult to achieve for someone who has just started practicing mental exercises. Maybe so, but it is not impossible.
