Some individuals may think meditation is not for them because it is too quiet or they find it hard to focus. The good news is that they can transform their meditation experience with music. Wondering how? We will help you to learn how to truly focus on your practice and create a soothing effect on your mind while listening to the music.
To demonstrate how beneficial meditation music will be for you, we have explored this topic thoroughly. From the essence of meditation to the perfect music to match your practice, below we have detailed everything you will need, no matter your practice style.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a way to train your mind to focus and stay calm. It helps you feel more attentive and in control of your thoughts.
Throughout cultures, individuals and groups have practised meditation. At times, it has been a part of religious practices. Yet, it is also a non-religious practice used for its health benefits and its ability to help create awareness and concentration.
The Essence of Meditation
At its core, you may use this practice to focus on breathing and block out other thoughts. Alternatively, you could use it to avoid unwanted thoughts and guide your thinking in a singular way. This can help you remain in the present, otherwise known as mindfulness.
Through this practice, you will achieve a more centred and restful state. So, it can help reduce stress, especially when you focus on your calm body and surroundings.
Types of Meditation Practices
This practice that calms the mind takes different forms depending on its origins. Some practices require different musical instruments, surroundings, and points of focus.
The following are the most popular styles:
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Mindfulness: This practice involves focusing on your present to refocus your mind. So, you will need to root yourself for a sensation such as meditation music.
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Guided: In this practice, another person guides you throughout the process. By listening to their calm voice, you can let go of your thoughts and focus on them.
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Transcendental: Developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, this practice requires you to repeat silently a mantra.
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Zen: Originating from the Buddhist traditions and Taoist influences, this practice emphasises looking at your own Buddha nature.
Benefits of Meditation for Mind and Body
This practice offers multiple benefits on a psychological and physical level. The following are just a few of the effects you might experience when you use it:
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Stress reduction: When you take part in this practice, you are likely to put your mind in an altered state where everyday worries lose their effect on you. In this new state, you may feel less stressed.
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Improved focus: Your practice will train your brain to focus more effectively.
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Balanced emotions: Studies have shown that you can improve your emotional balance through mindfulness practice.
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Healthier body: For instance, the Transcendental version of this practice lowers blood pressure among women and those with elevated levels, according to studies.
The Role of Meditation Music in Deepening Your Practice
With music, you can further deepen your practice. It can enhance your environment or help guide you into a more calm state.
What is Meditation Music and Types of Meditation Music
Meditation music is any sound apart from speech that you include in your practice. Broadly speaking, you perform this music or simply listen to it to help you practice. It may be religious in nature or purely secular.
Usually, this music is soothing and includes traditional instruments as opposed to synthetic ones. To exemplify, you should examine the following popular subgenres:
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Instrumental music: This is music that has no singing, which would have otherwise been distracting for some.
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Classical music: For some individuals, classical music can have a calming and focusing effect, which helps them in their practice.
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Nature-inspired music: In particular, you may use the sound of waterfalls and rain to focus your practice. Other more chaotic sounds, such as the buzzing of bees or thunder, can also have similar effects.
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Gregorian chants: Singing or listening to this type of music originating from Catholic traditions can help your practice. In addition, it can create a sense of awe and gratitude.
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Binaural beats: This type of music features two tones played at the same time. When you hear it, instead of noticing two notes, you will hear a third, calming one.
How Meditation Music Enhances Your Experience
As you meditate, music can help you relax and improve your focus. The sounds can take the place of your thoughts, removing the distractions that are keeping you from focusing. Also, singing along or creating a beat to go with the music can further help you focus on your practice.
Furthermore, music can have a soothing effect. Although each subgenre might create a different effect per person, there is likely to be a subgenre that will work for you. Then, adding it to your practice will help you become more calm. Facilitating relaxation, improving focus, and creating a soothing atmosphere.
How to Use Meditation Music Effectively
For the most relaxing meditation, you should use music – but not any music. It should match your style of practice to truly get you in a peaceful state of mind. Additionally, you can improve your practice by perfecting your environment and listening aid.
Choosing the Right Music for Your Meditation Style
As you select music, you should consider what kind of music traditionally goes with your practice style. For instance, you may consider listening to Buddhist chants during Zen practice.
As for mindfulness practice, you should consider natural calming sounds, such as the ambient sound of a crackling fire. Meanwhile, you should listen to binaural beats if you meditate with a guide.
Note: Music may interfere with transcendental practice. So, you should listen to nature or ambient sounds.
Creating the Ideal Meditation Space
To meditate effectively, you will need to have a peaceful environment. This may mean reducing any source of noise or disturbance. Therefore, you should switch off your television and put your phone on silent. Then, you should queue audio files that match your practice style to last the duration of your session.
Choose the Right Headphones
The quality of the sound you listen to is just as important as the music itself. So, you should listen to your music through high-quality headphones such as the OpenFit model. These incredibly comfortable open-ear headphones will allow you to hear every note clearly due to its DualPitch technology.
Yet the open-ear design will ensure you can hear your guide if you have one, allowing you to practice in any style. Plus, the minimalist style of these headphones will match the calm aesthetic of your practice.
Conclusion
As we have revealed, music can surprisingly enhance your meditation practice. Just as meditation reduces stress, increases your focus, balances your emotions, and improves your health, music can help you, too. With music, you can relax further and focus more deeply. You will only need to pair your practice style with the appropriate sounds, as detailed above.
For a truly changing experience, you should meditate in a quiet space with headphones from sound experts like Shokz. Most notably, our OpenFit produces clear notes that are perfect for an immersive experience. So, try meditation music with our open-ear headphones for a relaxing experience!
