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Although mindfulness meditation music has been used for centuries to therapeutic effect, it is only recently that its affects on mood, behaviour and physiology has been the subject of research. Today, therapy through musical means is considered art as well as a science. The uses of meditation music include; helping with sleep, calming the mind to temper feelings of anxiety, improving focus during study, and boosting energy levels.
THE BEGINNINGS OF MEDITATION MUSIC
Mindfulness meditation music has its roots in many ancient cultures; for example shamans used tribal rhythms, chants and singing to reach altered states of consciousness and worship their Gods. The same method of using meditation music to reach ecstatic states can be found in the Christian church as the congregation passionately recite their hymns. To this day, majestic sounds can still be heard emanating from the temples of Tibet as monks chant their mantras as an expression of the ineffable. It seems that for some, listening to music goes far beyond just another recreational activity.
HOW DOES MINDFULNESS MEDITATION MUSIC WORK?
At its core, music consists of organised sound waves – frequencies and their harmonic overtones, which in combination with rhythm and melody has a tremenous power to influence the mind. This phenomenon of influencing mind states through sound is a result of what’s called the ‘frequency following response’, which is when your brainwave activity, like a tuning fork, begins to mimic the overall frequency response of the track.
Listening to a track with a slow rhythm, in a major key, with no harsh siblance or percussive elements can be quite relaxing and soothing. Were we to hook up an avid listener of soothing meditation music to an EEG, we would discover an abundance of both alpha and in some cases theta brainwaves, which are characteristic of ultra relaxed mind states. Likewise, as anyone who’s into 70s heavy-rock will know, listening to energetic music with a fast rhythm, heavy percussion and aggressive tones can make us go crazy, in a good way!
But this is not an exact science as no two people will react the same way. We can say that person A & B are both into ambient meditation music, and both will be lulled into a calm, relaxed alpha brainwave state, but brainwaves are a chaotic pheneomenon, with each individual organising this electrical activity in their own unique way. While they will both be in a state of relaxation after 5 minutes or so, their nervous systems will foster a different subjective expeience.
The way in which we perceive a given piece is further influenced by our mental and emotional constitution at the time of listening; the set and setting, i.e. where and how we choose to listen, and also our cultural background.
This is the joy of music, where everybody hears and experiences the same thing differently!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION MUSIC?
There are many key areas in which meditation music can improve our lives.
1. STRESS & ANXIETY
Studies have repeatedly shown that workplaces in which meditation music is played experience much lower levels of stress and anxiety than those which either have loud music, or no musical playing at all.
2) SLEEP
Meditation music can help calm our nerves and take attention away from mental chatter, which is the root of insomnia. It can also relax our bodies by stimulating the paraympathetic nervous system, which helps us recover from stress.
3) DEEPER MEDITATION STATES!
As a result of this increase in mental stillness, we can also achieve much deeper levels of meditation. This is the ‘NOW’ state, where the mind and body are totally still and focus is purely on the present moment. If any thoughts do arise, they are treated without judgement. We also call this ‘Deep Awareness’.
4) HEALING
When the body and mind are relaxed, the body’s ability to heal and renew itself is greatly enhanced. By listening to deeply relaxing meditation music you can help further fascilitate this natural process.
5) FOCUS
Due to its relaxing properties, mindfullness meditation music provides an excellent backdrop for long study sessions, or any task which requires great attention. The mind has a tendency to wonder, especially during times of stress and worry. Music can enable us to get more done as we zone into the task at hand rather than waste mental and emotional energy on distracting thoughts.
6) YOGA & SPA
These activities are greatly enhanced through the use of relaxing music as it can foster complete presence in the subtle movements and sensations of our body.
7) EMOTIONAL RESPONSE
In a meditative mind, we are better able to observe negative emotional responses before acting on them. For example, whereas before we may have expressed pure rage in a certain situation, cultivating a state of presence allows us to either remain unaffected and let it pass, or express ourselves in a constructive manner.
CONCLUSION
Mindfulness meditation music can be integrated in everyone’s life, no matter their culture or background. There’s no doubt we’re living in an age of stress and anxiety, and as a result more people are looking for alternative ways to manage their lives.
Our music is based on the principle that everything in life is a meditation. There is no distinction between sitting down to meditate, studying, relaxing, going for a run, or even shopping for groceries! Our music can help bring you further into a state of presence, where every activity, even the most mundane, can be treated with pure joy and mindfullnes.