NOTE: THERE ARE A NUMBER OF MEDITATION SONGS UNDER THE BOOKS TAB.
TO ACCESS THEM, PLEASE CLICK ON THE FIRST TWO BOOKS.
Beginners often find it difficult to concentrate. They quickly become aware that the mind is a busy place, with thoughts of all kinds coming and going. Concentrating on the breath is a challenge.
Concentration is even more difficult for people who have a problem such as anxiety or depression. Anxiety does not have to be clinically certified in order to make concentration difficult. Even a mild tendency to be anxious can make it harder to concentrate.
Songs are helpful in this regard. Many of the songs I use have short texts that are repeated like a mantra.
By “Mantra” I do not mean syllables uttered in an ancient language in order to develop esoteric powers.
For me, mantra means using the power of music to stick to the ear as an ear worm in order to remind me of practice basics or essential truths—in in our own language. If the melody is of the kind that I can’t get out of my ear, then, such a mantra mimics concentration, and lets me practice for long periods with little effort and much pleasure.
Using songs is a unique and powerful way to move your meditation practice forward.
Music is used in all spiritual traditions. In Mindfulness songs I have brought streams coming from different sources together to create a new support for effective meditation.
Another powerful reason for using songs as an aid to meditation practice is the fact that they address both sides of the mind—they address the emotional mind as well as the cognitive mind. As the words keep the cognitive mind engaged, the melody works its magic, and reaches deeper layers of our consciousness.
Having a practice song continuously in mind goes a long way towards living mindfully
Use the practice songs on the BOOKS tab under Finding the Blue Sky, and Buddha’s Book of Meditation in this way. Take short 3-minute meditation breaks during the day, in the bus or train, in the coffeeshop, or as you take a walk outside. This will help keep you in a meditative space as you go about your day.