Mindfulness Daily Check-In January 7, 2018
Music As A Coping Skill
We all have them; they help us respond to stressful situations. We know that some coping skills are healthy while others are not. Listening to or creating music can be a healthy coping skill that allows us to respond to stress and overwhelming events in our lives. The best part is that we can mindfully (make colorful) listen to and create music.
Sometimes, when we think of mindfulness and meditation, we picture silence and stillness. While this can be the case for some, its perfectly okay and possible to utilize sounds, music, and movement while practicing mindfulness. So, today, I am inviting us all to be mindfully present to a piece of music or a sound of our choice (preferably one that we find relaxing or calming).
Mindful Music Exercise
When you select your sound, find a comfortable position to listen and observe. Try to focus only on the song or sound. If closing your eyes helps, you can do that, and if not, keep them open. If your mind wanders to past or future thoughts, acknowledge that it wandered and return to the song or sound. You can focus on lyrics, voices, instruments, pitches, or anything else that catches your ears.
If you feel comfortable, please share your experience with us!
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@EmunahHere
Emunah thank you for this wonderful check-in
I really do believe that music changes the way your mood is. I've done it as many times as changing cloths-lol It is an affective way to not "dismiss" the way you feel or think or even a tough situation. Just at that moment give you peace, clearer mind, feel a bit better.
Thank you as today is a bit rough emotionally for me. So I am going to listen to music and get some more things done in the house!
@EmunahHere yes music is a wonderful way to be mindfulness and also to express that inner inspiration. I have found that helps me now and in the past. Here are some musical creations that came to me when practicing mindfulness. https://www.7cups.com/forum/HobbyZone_125/MusicalHobbies_833/soulsingstellstheirstoryonakeyboardandsynthesizer_47361/
Oooh I love this! I play the piano and I am very compassionate about the way I play, focusing on the way the notes sound and how I can bring them out in a beautiful way. The quality of sound is very important and I pay a lot of attention to detail when I am playing; to ensure the melody sounds lovely. I think that listening to music or creating music is a very mindful experience, as in that moment you are only concerned with the sound you are making and it can definitely help you focus and concentrate better. Excellent check-in :) <3
@peppermintlove that sounds like a special talent you have. Maybe you could post a song https://clyp.it/ If you join for free the song will last and you can link to it. There is a musical hobby section also. https://www.7cups.com/forum/HobbyZone_125/MusicalHobbies_833/soulsingstellstheirstoryonakeyboardandsynthesizer_47361/
@EmunahHere - glad i saved this one. music has always been a solace for me, sometimes a meditation, sometimes a consolation, sometimes a way to more easily express my emotions.
@KrinkTheMellowUnicorn
Beautifully said <3 music plays a lot of of roles in our lives, and we can definitely be mindful while listening.
@KrinkTheMellowUnicorn I agree music can really transform my emotions.
I heard about a study that said singing is a great stress relief that people who sing actually have more gray matter in a controlled study.
@soulsings - wow. thats interesting. singing also causes resonant tones and harmonies in the body and that can feel good somehow. and singing in a group of people gives a sense of communitas that is literal and visceral (real and felt in the body).
@KrinkTheMellowUnicorn yes singing is more of those good vibrations!
