Music & Mindfulness: Do I Meditate with Sound or Silence?

Tibetan Monks chanting, sea waves crashing, gongs vibrating or birds chirping. These are the sounds familiar to anyone who has tried using meditation apps on their phones. It's ambient sound and new-age music that has become very synonymous to the Mindfulness practice.

But do we really need music to meditate? And if so, are the whirring bowls and string sounds the best way to get into a relaxed state?

There's a strong case to be had for no music. Some Mindfulness experts believe that achieving the truest form of meditation takes the sound of silence. Diana Winston, director of Mindfulness Education at the University of California, skips the music.

"What we're trying to cultivate with mindfulness is a quality of attention, where you're present with each moment," says Winston. "What can happen with music is it can be ruminative. It can bring on imagery and memories and associations, and in mindfulness, we're actually trying to stay in the present moment and avoid going down those roads."

Those who exercise methods such as mantra practice or focusing on your breath also believe that one cannot meditate while listening to music.

But don't be too quick to delete your meditation music playlist just yet. One 2017 study found that on MRI scans, the part of the brain for focused thought responded well when participants heard a song they liked. The genre or style of the music did not matter.

One Music and Mindfulness Professor pointed out:

"It depends on your frame of reference and the kind of music that you listen to, as to what you will consider being meditative. What is going to hold your intention and lead you into a frame of mind that's calm and steady"

This article makes its case for meditating with relaxing music:

Many people believe relaxation is the primary goal of meditation. In fact, calming the mind is an essential facet of the meditative path. Equally essential, though, is the cultivation of insight. Mindfulness practice is designed to promote insight. In fact, it's also known as insight meditation. With mindfulness, you're not looking to achieve any particular state (such as relaxation). Instead, you're working meditatively with whatever comes up. So, if you're listening to music as your practice, you're discovering what's happening inside you while you listen to that music. You're exploring your relationship to the music, as a path of self-discovery. Ultimately, insight is what turns any ordinary experience, like relaxation, into a profoundly satisfying experience. And you can listen to any music you choose, to develop insight.

You might also find it helpful to be aware of the current scientific research on music therapy. According to the latest findings, music listening is healing when you enjoy the music you're listening to. End of story. So, if heavy metal is your thing, rock on!

The 3 Biggest Myths About Meditation Music

So do we need sound, or do we need silence to meditate?

It's up to you really. What works for one person doesn't always mean it works for you. Music can help and aid some to get into a frame of mind, while it can be completely distracting and annoying for some.

Set your intentions for your meditation and find what fits for your practice today.