Musical Meditation - Relax and Be Creatively Inspired

Music is a wonderful tool for inspiration as well as relaxation. If you want to get the most out of your listening experience, try musical meditation. There are many ways to do it, so find one that works best for you. If you are not sure where to begin, then consider this easy method. You may find creative inspiration or simply a way to escape the world for a short time while you relax and enjoy your favorite songs.

The Play List
The play list is completely up to you. Some people will swear by classical music or other more relaxing sounds. In reality, any music can be relaxing if it fits your preferences. Keep in mind, that certain sounds can influence your mood and creative abilities. For example, if you wish to clear your mind to come up with ideas for a new fiction novel or short story, select songs with a tone similar to what you want to write. This could be country, alternative, nu metal, or classic rock. The genre does not matter, it is all about what you get out of the sound. In terms of relaxation, even metal or heavier music can help you work out emotions. This can have a relaxing, emotional release effect in the long term.

The Position
Set up in a relaxing position. You may choose to lay on your bed or couch, or sit upright on a pillow. Make sure you are not so comfortable that you fall asleep. The idea here is you stay awake so you can truly feel the music and consciously come up with thoughts, ideas, and emotions that will be remembered. It might be a good idea to keep a notebook and pencil close by in case you come up with a concept you simply must write down.

The Setting
When you choose your setting, make sure it is a place you can listen in complete privacy. Other people may act as strong distractions and keep you from fully immersing yourself in the sound, even if you are not speaking to the person. If others are present, go to a separate room and shut the door. Blinds and curtains should also be pulled to block out anything that may draw your attention away.
You do not want to play the music so loud you go deaf, however it must be loud enough that you can focus on it. That also means other sources of noise should be shut out. Keep the television off as well as anything else that could over power your music.

Time to Meditate
You have the play list ready, a comfortable place to listen, and no distractions. It is time to get into the song. Make sure you have a play list that is long enough to give you time to really fall into the sounds. Even if you only have a few songs, you should put them on loop or random, any mode that will allow for continuous play. If you have to get up and change tracks every so often, you will not be able to maintain focus. Get into position, turn on the music and prepare to listen. It is also helpful to close your eyes to shut out your other senses as much as possible and focus solely on hearing. Pick out an undertone in the song. This should be an ongoing sound that is slightly buried under the rest. Follow it along, listen to how it shifts and changes. Let your mind ride it like a current. If you have difficulty doing this at first, try an easier to follow sound. As you practice, you will get better at following more hidden undertones within the song. If the song changes, jump to a new sound. Initially, you may opt to listen to the same song a few times to get the hang of it before switching.

Mental Separation
Open yourself up to the influences of the music. Allow your consciousness to float along, keeping a firm mental grip on your chosen sound. As you do this, you may feel less aware of the world around you. Keep going until you are fully immersed. Feel any emotions the tone conveys, and let yourself do so completely. Do not think about other things, such as real life problems or commitments. As you get better at musical meditation, you may feel inspired to write or create using whatever medium you prefer. Get the most out of the experience by harnessing the full extent of emotion your play list generates. You will feel inspired while you relax to the sounds of your favorite songs.

Try the music player below for a selection of both relaxing and inspiring tracks.  Just click on the play button.




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