Music to Calm and Relax you

Have you ever listened to a favorite piece of music to help inspire your house cleaning or soothe your nerves after an especially stressful day? Or, maybe you simply like to listen to music because it brings you joy?

Listening to music has been shown to enhance well-being and reduce stress. It’s also known to affect a number of areas in the brain, including regions involved in emotion, cognition, sensation and movement. Many of you can probably recall being brought to tears over a tender and beautifully-performed piece of music, or wanting to dance all night to a particularly happy or energizing song. Music moves us, and it can soothe our weary minds and hearts.

Regardless of what draws us to listen to music, or the type of music we prefer, we can enhance our enjoyment of music by bringing mindful awareness to our listening sessions. Mindfully listening to music can help us to slow down, to fully engage with the present moment and to more deeply appreciate the gift of music in our lives.

TIPS FOR LISTENING TO MUSIC, MINDFULLY:

1. Choose a piece of music to listen to. It can be helpful to start with instrumental pieces, as lyrics can make the mindful listening experience a bit more complex.

2. Select a space and time free of distractions and interruptions for your listening session. Turn off your cell phone and any notifications. Make sure you are comfortable.

3. Announce the beginning of your mindful music listening session with a “Fanfare.” A fanfare is a piece of music often played to announce the arrival of someone or something important. Allow your mindful intention—and 2 or 3 deeper and fuller breaths—to serve as your fanfare; to help turn your attention toward deeply listening.

4. Become aware of your body sensations, ground yourself. Let go of the deeper, fuller breaths and take a few moments to notice the natural rhythmic qualities of your body breathing. 

5. Just listen. Use headphones or earbuds if you would like. Give yourself permission to deeply listen to the music, allowing it to wash over you. If it feels appropriate, you may choose to close your eyes.

6. Observe and notice. Let yourself be aware of anything you notice, without judgment or self-criticism. 

7. Take a moment to reflect at the conclusion of your listening session. 

from " https://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/stories/music-and-mindfulness-listen-to-music-mindfully/"

Past Video Mindful Minutes