Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, founding director of the Center for Mindfulness says, “Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally. It’s about knowing what is on your mind.”
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Music’s role in mindfulness
Music alone does wonders for our health and wellness. But if you combine music with mindfulness you create more space for the healing benefits.
Simple ways to experience music and sounds mindfully
Attend a live performance or concert and notice how easy or difficult it is to stay in the present moment. You might notice your mind is a wandering circus, or you might effortlessly be focused on the show. Just observe.
Give yourself 5 minutes to toss on head phones, and choose 1 song to listen to that you know will relax you. Find a comfortable sitting or lying posture, close your eyes, and listen only to the song. Observe where your mind goes. If it wanders, that is normal. Gently welcome your attention back to the song you chose.
Sit outside for five minutes, and notice the sounds. Is there traffic, feet hitting the pavement, birds? Do these different sounds stimulate tension or relaxation for you? Pay attention to the sounds, and your reactions.
Listen to silence. When you’re alone in the car at a traffic light, or before you head inside to your next meeting, or maybe you find a park, take one minute to sit in silence. Notice what you notice.
Explore new music. There may be rhythms, beats and lyrics out there waiting to connect with you.
There are various ways to find music, sounds and rhythms in our daily lives. If we are not aware of how different sounds affect us, it makes it difficult to use sound and music as a healing and calming modality. Tune in with yourself, and the sounds around you to find the calm you are looking for.
by Maria Millett, Michigan State University Extension
msue.anr.msu.edu/news/musics_role_in_mindfulness
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Maybe this album will help you to tune in with yourself
Bert
released October 18, 2017