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“Music is the mediator between the life of the senses and the life of the spirit”
“Music is the mediator between the life of the senses and the life of the spirit”
– Ludwig van Beethoven
– Ludwig van Beethoven
Mindfulness—the practice of being in the present moment—can be practiced at any time and anywhere. Music mindfulness exercises are a great way for people to tune into their body, breath, and mind while listening to music that helps faciliate this process. Music can help you stay focused, while simultaneously helping you to connect with music as a source of strength and creative energy. Music can be a powerful way to experience the present moment. This page is a tool for students and families to use to practice mindfulness and continue to practice self-care and foster social and emotional learning.
Mindfulness—the practice of being in the present moment—can be practiced at any time and anywhere. Music mindfulness exercises are a great way for people to tune into their body, breath, and mind while listening to music that helps faciliate this process. Music can help you stay focused, while simultaneously helping you to connect with music as a source of strength and creative energy. Music can be a powerful way to experience the present moment. This page is a tool for students and families to use to practice mindfulness and continue to practice self-care and foster social and emotional learning.
Students in Mrs. Wohleb's music classes have practiced mindfulness with music in combination with our composers of the month. One example of this was a month where we learned about Beethoven. In addition to learning about biographical information on Beethoven, students applied the hardships he endured-specifically losing his hearing early in his career-to struggles that they might have encountered. Making that connection and talking about our feelings made our mindfulness connection to his music much more meaningful. We then took a few minutes to listen to parts of the "Pathetique" Sonata as we silently reflected on our thoughts and feelings.
Students in Mrs. Wohleb's music classes have practiced mindfulness with music in combination with our composers of the month. One example of this was a month where we learned about Beethoven. In addition to learning about biographical information on Beethoven, students applied the hardships he endured-specifically losing his hearing early in his career-to struggles that they might have encountered. Making that connection and talking about our feelings made our mindfulness connection to his music much more meaningful. We then took a few minutes to listen to parts of the "Pathetique" Sonata as we silently reflected on our thoughts and feelings.
Click on picture to listen to Daniel Barenboim perform the adagio from the "Pathetique".
Click on picture to listen to Daniel Barenboim perform the adagio from the "Pathetique".
Thoughts for mindfulness while listening to music:
Thoughts for mindfulness while listening to music:
Take a moment to breathe and be in your moment-just for you, no matter where you are, or what’s going on around you. Inhale gently through your nose, and exhale deeply through your open lips. Notice your body, and tune into how it feels, whether you’re standing, sitting, walking, or laying down.
Take a moment to breathe and be in your moment-just for you, no matter where you are, or what’s going on around you. Inhale gently through your nose, and exhale deeply through your open lips. Notice your body, and tune into how it feels, whether you’re standing, sitting, walking, or laying down.
Just listen. Use headphones or earbuds if that helps you focus or shut out external noise. Give yourself permission to only listen to the music, without doing anything else. If it helps, close your eyes. We've practice this in the music classroom. Notice the pace of the music, the sounds of the different instruments, or the shifts in volume. Notice any thoughts or feelings that come up—perhaps the music is connected to a memory or perhaps an anxious thought is trying to pop through. Let any thoughts just pass through your awareness, and then gently bring yourself back to the sounds of the music.
Just listen. Use headphones or earbuds if that helps you focus or shut out external noise. Give yourself permission to only listen to the music, without doing anything else. If it helps, close your eyes. We've practice this in the music classroom. Notice the pace of the music, the sounds of the different instruments, or the shifts in volume. Notice any thoughts or feelings that come up—perhaps the music is connected to a memory or perhaps an anxious thought is trying to pop through. Let any thoughts just pass through your awareness, and then gently bring yourself back to the sounds of the music.
Reflect. Take a moment to breathe and check in with your body, breath, and mind. Does anything feel different? Do you notice any shifts after listening to the piece of music? Do you feel calmer? If the piece you chose didn’t feel like a good fit, what might you look for in another piece (i.e., slower, fewer instruments, louder)?
Reflect. Take a moment to breathe and check in with your body, breath, and mind. Does anything feel different? Do you notice any shifts after listening to the piece of music? Do you feel calmer? If the piece you chose didn’t feel like a good fit, what might you look for in another piece (i.e., slower, fewer instruments, louder)?
Copyright 2016 GoodTherapy.org. All rights reserved. Permission to publish granted by Maya Benattar, MA, MT-BC, LCAT, therapist in New York City, New York
Copyright 2016 GoodTherapy.org. All rights reserved. Permission to publish granted by Maya Benattar, MA, MT-BC, LCAT, therapist in New York City, New York
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