Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life. – B.K.S. Iyengar
Yoga and meditation encompass more than just a physical routine. Our world is filled with external distractions and disorder, making it crucial to cultivate inner tranquility. In order to achieve this, yoga and meditation can serve as a lifeline. Incorporating music into these practices has been shown to provide numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, making it a valuable healing tool. Today, let’s take a moment to pause and discuss how to select the most suitable music for your yoga and meditation sessions.
Some science tips
According to research, music with a strong beat can synchronize brainwaves and enhance concentration and alertness. On the other hand, slow-tempo music can create a calm and meditative state. The lyrics of the music also play a role in conveying the mental state of the listener. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, music can instantly help you relax during meditation. Additionally, recent studies have revealed that music can have other health benefits, such as managing mental stress and boosting immune power.
Here are some examples of scientific research studies about the effects of music on mental state:
- “The Effect of Music on the Human Stress Response” (Porges et al., 2014) – This study found that listening to calming music can help to reduce stress and anxiety in individuals.
- “The Effects of Music on Psychological and Physiological Responses to Stress” (Lai et al., 2012) – This study found that listening to music can help to reduce stress and improve mood, as well as decrease blood pressure and heart rate.
- “Music Therapy as an Adjunct to Standard Treatment for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: A Randomized Controlled Trial” (Aalbers et al., 2017) – This study found that music therapy can be an effective adjunct to standard treatment for depression, anxiety, and stress.
- “Effects of Different Styles of Music on Mood and Meditation Among Participants Practicing Mindfulness Meditation” by Nidhi Maheshwari and Sujatha S. Nair: This study explored the effects of different styles of music on mood and meditation among participants practicing mindfulness meditation. The study found that listening to music during meditation improved mood and overall wellbeing.
- “The Effects of Music on Meditation: A Meta-Analysis” by Tomasz J. Wierzba and Roman Szmidt: This meta-analysis examined the effects of music on meditation. The study found that music can enhance the meditation experience by reducing stress and anxiety, increasing relaxation, and improving overall mood.
Types of music for meditation
Classical
Classical music is known to evoke strong emotions in listeners, making it an ideal choice for meditation. The benefits of listening to classical music during meditation are numerous, including relaxation, stress reduction, increased intelligence, enhanced creativity, and improved learning. The high energetic vibrations of classical music have a positive effect on the listener’s mood. Classical composers excel at creating uplifting melodies, making it effortless to feel emotionally lifted while listening. By incorporating classical music into meditation practice, individuals can achieve maximum effectiveness and reach their desired state of inner peace. The pleasurable experience of listening to classical music during meditation makes the practice more enjoyable and enhances the overall meditation process.
Ambient
Ambient music is a unique musical genre that focuses on creating a particular atmosphere rather than following a traditional musical structure. It is an ideal music choice for meditation, as it maximizes mental concentration and eliminates distractions that can interfere with one’s practice. Practitioners can concentrate solely on their inner world and find the answers they seek without external interference. Ambient music’s aesthetic beauty enhances the meditative experience and provides an excellent stimulus for the practice. It is particularly effective for individuals who struggle with maintaining concentration during meditation, as it facilitates the mastery of this mental exercise in a short period.
World music
World music is a genre that encompasses traditional music from various cultures and ethnic groups worldwide. It offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the sounds of lesser-known instruments. For instance, Tibetan singing bowls, wind chimes, kalimba, ukulele, and bamboo flutes. This type of meditation music is highly beneficial for calming the mind and body, improving mood, and generating new neural connections. Practicing meditation with world music stimulates powerful mental energy. Spotify playlists like Sound Healing | Bowls, Sound Bath, Tibetan Singing Bowls, and Tibetan Bowls offer an excellent selection of world music for meditation. Additionally, YouTube provides a wide variety of sounds, including singing bowls and bamboo flutes, that can assist in relaxation.
Magic mushrooms trip music made by scientist
Dr. Bill Richards, a psychologist and expert in the field of hallucinogens at Johns Hopkins University, emphasizes the importance of creating a comfortable environment when taking psilocybin, and selecting the right music is a key component of this process.
After conducting numerous sessions with patients, Dr. Richards has curated a “Psilocybin Research” playlist on Spotify for anyone to use. However, it’s important to note that the music does not determine the course of the trip, but rather creates a space for the user’s experience to unfold.
You can use this music for your regular meditation. If you’re interested in total immersion, don’t forget that it’s dangerous to experiment with psychedelics on your own. However, there are specialized retreat centers, like Tangerine retreat in the Netherlands, that will offer you a professional guided experience.
Binaural sounds
Binaural sounds are produced by two tones at slightly different frequencies heard in each ear, resulting in the brain generating a third sound, known as the binaural sound. This type of music is highly effective in quickly inducing deep relaxation in the meditation practitioner. Binaural sounds calm the mind and enhance the effectiveness of meditation, eliminating anxiety and distractions. With binaural sounds, the practitioner can explore their inner world and connect with their higher self, leading to the evolution of meditation and the achievement of more complex goals.
