Meditating On Music
Achieving Transcendence Through Active Listening
“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”- Confucius
This is an exercise in listening with all of your senses open, meditating by way of music. We choose our own path when we take a creation by another person, sit down, put on headphones or put in earbuds ready to listen, be present for the notes and all that is between them. This is a chance to feel the energy that runs up and down the spine. You can tap into all of your thoughts, maybe you are seeking a new way of looking at something or someone, a memory or particular feeling. I like nothing better that finding myself inside of the music I have selected. My imagination begins to hum and my body comes alive. I have arrived at an intersection, I am guided toward clarity and creativity.
This is what active listening can do for anyone who wants to be brought into a moment of transcendence. The experience is enhanced by allowing the hand to connect with the heart through writing in a journal, painting on a canvas, sculpting with clay, or sketching on paper. I was inspired by the music of Olafur Arnalds who is an award winning Icelandic artist and musician that I was listening to while writing this essay. Pick an album of someone whose music you feel drawn to and experience it with every fibre of your being. Find your way into expression of emotion, memory, and light of recognition. Allow yourself to become completely immersed, don’t be afraid to experiment with different artists, different genres, prepare to be enlightened.
People of all ages, all around the world are actively listening on a daily basis. Your mental, emotional and physical health will improve. Entering your inner world through music may even help you to navigate the outside one with less trepidation. If you are determined to cultivate a mindful way of living then music is one of the tools that can help you on your way. Wishing you all Inspired Learning, Listening, and Living.