We can trace meditation back to 5000 years ago. The first recorded proof of the practice is a painting of people meditating. They were sitting on the ground with hands resting on their knees, eyes completely closed and legs crossed. As time went by, most of the religions and the globe at large adopted meditation. From time immemorial, meditation has always been used to relieve stress and enhance relaxation. Being in charge of your mind can induce physical relaxation and reverse stress reactions.
What is The Role of Music in Meditation?
Music has many fantastic advantages for overall health and stress management. Without making an effort, it can alleviate stress from the mind, lift our moods and calm our physiology. As an added advantage, many perfectionists or people who are new to the world of meditation, prefer music meditation is a more straightforward technique to relieve stress.
During a music meditation, a musician plays a wide range of instruments, providing the soundscape for the meditator to relax. Such instruments may include; gongs, drums, tuning forks, Tibetan and crystals, or better still their voices. The vibration taps into our bodies, giving enough room for us to enjoy the profound condition of relaxation and meditation. In this condition, the body inhibits the release of the stress hormone, cortisol, allowing the body to repair and rest.
It is effortless to participate in music meditation; all people need to do is be present. We can start practising sound meditation on a Yoga mat, a gentle breathing exercise known as pranayama or visualization meditation. After that, individuals will be comfortable enough to use a bolster or blanket, and all they need is to close their eyes and meditate while experiencing the soundscape.
The experience between people who use sound meditation varies greatly. A large number of people will experience a deep sense of relaxation and calm. On the other hand, others say that they have out of body experiences, profound spiritual occurrence, and an emotional journey. Some people go to music meditation sessions with ideas and leave with a great sense of clarity.
Anyway, it is fascinating for everyone to go along to see how they would respond. If people find other meditation techniques challenging, playing soothing music should be a point of focus to begin establishing a regular meditation practice.
Ways Father Rutler Incorporates Listening to Soothing Music While Practicing Meditation
George Rutler is an author and catholic priest for several years now. From his book on the meditation of the last words of Jesus Christ, it is seen that he is meditative and gives his readers a whole different approach about daily reflection. He insists that Christians need to pay attention to the liturgy, which is common customary worship by Catholics, reflecting praise and remembrance, supplication and repentance.
Choosing the Right Meditation Music
Although music has a relaxing component, not all songs are good enough for liturgy or better still meditation. Choosing the right kind of music, probably classical music with a slow pace will engage your mind. He points out that hymns are devotional additions to the liturgy.
Staying Focused on the Music
During liturgy, Father Rutler recommends that it is essential for Christians to focus on the present moment, the sound of relaxing hymns and feelings invoked by the music. After one gets focused on the music, they can listen to it one more time; and their mind will gradually get familiar with the layers, advancing your meditation into even greater heights.
Nothing beats the feeling of allowing an excellent soothing sound to bring you to the present moment and help you unwind. Music meditation is by far the most straightforward meditation technique, and with the above tips on their fingertips, music listeners got all it takes to make music meditation their routine.