Is It Good to Meditate While Listening to Music
The world’s greatest philosopher Plato once said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” I have always believed that music has its special way of giving us soul, wings, flight and life in everything that we do. In meditation, is listening to music good or not?
Yes, you may even improve your meditation while listening to music. Listening to music is an effective form of meditation to improve stress, mood, sleep and well-being according to one study.
Findings suggest that practice of a simple meditation or music listening program may improve stress, mood, well-being, sleep, and quality of life.
US National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health
You have probably have seen one of those monks and their Tibetan singing bowls. Why are they using them while they’re meditating? Simply because it helps to meditate and it also gives them other benefits in their overall well-being.
To see is to believe. Let’s try this simple test. Stop reading this, click the play button in the video below, and close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Now we are all set for meditation. Let’s listen to this meditation music while meditating for about 5 minutes.
Now, open your eyes. You can answer whether music is good for your meditation or not. As this is not one-size fits all meditation, you have the freedom to vary and add some other elements of meditation whenever and wherever you are.
Do you need music to meditate?
There are different kinds of meditation. Although there are common practices, there are no strict rules that prohibit you from combining some elements and practices as long as you are mindfully succeeding in your meditation. Try the videos for each meditation type and see which one works for you.
The use of music depends on what kind of meditation you practice. Mantra, movement and mindfulness meditation usually involves music and sounds.
Mantra Meditation
This kind of meditation uses a lot of repetitive sounds and music. Those followers of mantra meditation also make their mantra or sound when they meditate. The most common mantra is “Om.”
Mantra meditation is so powerful form of meditation especially if you want to stay focused and awake. It is perfect for those who are into sounds because the music is coming from within. You are actually the one making music which is an expression of your body, mind and soul.
What you are expressing in your words, phrases through mantra are not just simply utterances, they are series of vibration inside your body that needs to be expressed. Your mantra is also a good way to practice both your breathing and meditation.
Movement Meditation
When you are moving, you need some motivation to go with flow. Music is one way to enliven this practice. Whether you are just walking or practicing tai chi, that relaxing and soothing music helps you to move and meditate at the same time.
You probably have gone running with your motivation music. This one work well with movement meditation. Choose songs that will make you sway with the wind. Your body has its natural power to follow the rhythm of the song. Once your body is unconsciously engaged, you will feel the natural flow in your body and will take you to a world of total meditation.
Transcendental Meditation
Just like mantra meditation, transcendental meditation also uses mantra or silently-used sound. This kind of meditation is more organized and customizable because it is usually taught by certified teachers. This method is ideal for stress reduction and self development.
Mindfulness Meditation
When you practice mindfulness, you focus on your breath and sensation. The vibration of music may help you to feel every vibration and body flow. Being mindful means that you are letting this moment while listening to music flow in your body and heart. Feel the very vibration and frequency of the music.
Try this mindful music to see how it helps your mindful meditation.
Focused Meditation
This form of meditation benefits people to reduce stress and basically improve concentration. This kind of meditation focuses on something like an object, movement, sensation or even music.
Focusing on music does not only help you meditate, it also brings you a more calming and soothing effect. When the music soothes in your heart and body, it sends your mind a message to better meditate, contemplate and concentrate.
Trying all of the music videos above will help you identify whether music can help you in meditation or not. I am pretty sure that each music will bring your meditation to a higher level. Just like focused meditation, you have to feel and let the music in you and your natural flow will follow. There are other essential elements of meditation to consider in order to add to your meditation space.
Kinds of Music for Meditation
Depending on your age, religion, beliefs or preferences , these 7 kinds of meditation may help your meditation more powerful and relaxing.
- Mantra
- Instrumental
- Nature
- Spiritual
- Classical
- Yoga
- Tai Chi and QiGong
What often works for me and for many monks that I have encountered in my meditation journey is nature music. What you are seeing on the big screen about those monks living in the mountains are basically true. They find nature as the main source of music. And they find this nature as a perfect home for them to meditate and grow.
Try this movement meditation, feel your body sensation and flow while following this soft music.
Benefits of Music in Meditation
There are many proven benefits of meditation music in overall well-being including reducing stress and improving focus and concentration.
Findings of this exploratory RCT suggest that a simple mantra meditation MM and, possibly, music listening ML program may be effective in reducing knee pain and dysfunction, decreasing stress, and improving mood, sleep, and QOL in adults with knee OA.
US National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health
In another major study, they suggest that music listening in meditation also alleviates knee pain among people who have experienced joint cartilage and bone health issues.
There are a number of studies that show how effective music in meditation, career and life. Choosing the kind of music that suits your needs has beneficial and relaxing effect.
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
Bob Marley
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