Meditation music produces measurable results. It slows our heartbeats down to about one beat per second, which can allow us to relax, let go, meditate and/or fall asleep.
There are different types of meditation however, and different types of music are appropriate for each. A relaxing meditation is intended to help you slow down and release stress, so the best music is easy to listen to and has elements that embody peace and harmony. The instruments and type of music are those that you associate with these qualities. This can differ from person to person. For example, you might associate flute music with lilting tunes and it might then invigorate you, while someone else may equate flute music with peaceful forest scenes or waterfalls.
Positive music is the best kind for meditation because it has beneficial qualities and is emotionally and spiritually uplifting, many believe even healing. Additionally, it can be relaxing, calming, or even physically and mentally stimulating. Positive music is not about lyrics, but about the music itself.
The music of the ’50s was almost all positive, so much so that there was no need to call it that, as there was no “negative” music to speak of. Today’s music is much different; heavy metal, grunge, punk rock, and other genres all contribute to a large body of negative music, music that expresses and evokes images of anger, fear, ugliness, hatred and pain. Even classical music written with a lot of discord can be considered negative. In the early 20th century, the works of Arthur Schonburg were rejected and in some instances almost caused riots amongst concert goers. Since then discordant music has been accepted and incorporated by modern music composers and music schools.
Negative music has become a part of modern tv and movies, forming the basis of music scores that evoke terror, suspense, and fear, and thereby helping to shape modern culture.
Positive music, on the other hand, has been present through all time, and thanks to modern media, people are becoming aware of positive music forms they never even knew existed before, examples of which are Gregorian chants and ancient Jewish and Arabic music. Positive music has the ability to transform and uplift, infuse people with feelings of content and wellbeing.
This is not to say that sad music is negative. I’m thinking specifically of the music of Sarah McLachlan when I say that a singer/songwriter can reach deep and then soar, and leave you with a feeling of being understood in your sadness, yet uplifted with comfort and hope. There is rock music such as the music of the Moody Blues or U2 which can evoke images of angels.
This is not a statement about any particular genre of music in its entirety, just that if you listen carefully, you will recognize whether the music you are listening to is positive or negative by the way your mind, body, emotions and psyche react. When you are practicing a relaxing meditation, you can learn to choose the right music, and positive music is a great place to start.
Daniel Kobialka played principal second violin with the San Francisco Symphony for decades, sharing the stage and recording studio with some of the great musicians and conductors of our time. Visit his website to read his articles and learn more about the healing power of meditation music.
