7 Places to Find The Best Meditation Music

August 17, 2015 by Meditator Leave a Comment

Last updated: Friday, March 2, 2018

Setting the right mood when meditating can help to calm your body and mind. Playing some meditation music while meditating is a good way to keep you focused and in the mood. I also find that when I am writing an article that playing some meditation music in the back ground is a great way to ease the mind. There are many places to find meditation music. Let’s look at the best.

7 Places to Find The Best Meditation Music

With any of these free sites, you can play meditation music on just about any device, including your computer, smart TV, streaming device, smartphone or stereo.

You Tube

You Tube has a nice selection of meditation music that can keep you occupied for months. Just try searching for your favorite type of meditation music and I’m sure you will find it. You can also check out our You Tube channel here.

Our You Tube Channel:

Please Checkout Our You Tube Channel for Meditation Music and Calming Sounds of Nature.

Pandora

Pandora is a great service with a large selection and subgroups of meditation related music. You can play Pandora from your smartphone by installing the app or from a web browser or a streaming box. They have a nice interface that allows you to start many channels by different artist and types of meditation music.

Shout Cast

Shout Cast is an internet radio station that allows people to broadcast music. Just type in meditation music into their search tab and you can listen to endless amounts of meditation music. They also have an app for your smartphone.

Calm Radio

Calm Radio has many meditation stations to choose from like Zen, Balance, Singing Bowls, Om and Healing. Calm Radio is available on just about any device. It is a nice way to take some calming music with you.

iTunes Radio

iTunes radio is similar to Pandora. You can create and listen to all types of meditation music. iTunes radio is good for those who have an iPhone and want to be calm throughout the day.

8tracks

8 tracks have a decent selection of internet radio meditation tracks that will keep you in a Zen state for many hours. They also have apps to stream music to many devices.

Last.fm

Last.fm also has a nice selection of meditation music to choose from. Just search for meditation music on their website or app and you will be in a Zen state before you know it.

Looking for audio guided meditations check out our page.

Feature image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Try Searching iTunes for Meditation Music

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many options to get free meditation music on just about any device. I hope you will find the time to try one of these services to stay calm, relaxed and clear-minded throughout the day.

Shut Off Your Over Thinking Mind

June 24, 2015 by Meditator Leave a Comment

Last updated: Friday, March 2, 2018

Can you turn off your over thinking mind? Sometimes don’t you wish there was a switch that you could flip to shut off your mind? You’re not alone, millions of people suffer from an overactive mind. The mind is a great instrument when used properly, but when left alone and unchecked it can cause unwanted stress and anxiety. Let’s look at some techniques to shut off your over thinking mind.

Why Do We Over Think?

I suffer from an over-thinking mind. Most of my life I spent over analyzing and running the “What if” scenarios over and over in my head. Much of my anxiety came from fearful thoughts. It is an exhausting way to live your life. Many people turn to alcohol and drugs to numb their mind, but that is not the answer. It just causes more stress and anxiety down the road. You never really address the root of the problem. The mind has evolved over time to become a great problem solver. It is always looking for its next problem to solve. Most of the thoughts we generate, the mind considers them a problem that must be solved. If you don’t know how to regulate those thoughts they can take over your life. We live in an overstimulated culture. You need to retrain your mind to stop overthinking.

Ways to Shut Off Your Over Thinking Mind

Eckhart Tolle

The first step is to become aware of your mind patterns. You may notice certain triggers that may cause you to start thinking obsessively. Once you start to become aware of your conditioned behaviors, you can begin to work on reconditioning your mind. A powerful book that changed my life was reading The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. In this book, he explains how the mind works and techniques to stop the mind from over thinking. Try to remember that your thoughts are not reality, they are just thoughts. It’s your reaction to those thoughts that are causing your unwanted anxiety. Ask yourself this question when your mind has taken over “Do I have any problems at this moment?” Not tomorrow or next week, but right now.

Eckhart Tolle on the mind
“The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly. Used wrongly, however, it becomes very destructive. To put it more accurately … you usually don’t use it at all. It uses you.”

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

by Eckhart Tolle [Namaste Publishing]
Price on Amazon: $11.99 £8.98 CDN$ 17.78

J.Krishnamurti

J.Krishnamurti teachings and books have helped me gain greater insight into the workings of the mind, society and the human condition. J. Krishnamurti is a profound teacher of life, the thinking mind and the human condition. Many of his teachings are how to free mankind from the thinking mind and its lifetime of conditioning. Through his teachings, he explains how to be totally aware of the mind’s thoughts and its repetitive nature. See our article about J. Krishnamurti.

If there is an awareness of how thought begins then there is no need to control thought. We spend a great deal of time and waste a great deal of energy all through our lives, not only at school, trying to control our thoughts -‘This is good thought, i must think about it a lot. This is an ugly thought, I must suppress it.’ There is a battle going on all the time between one thought an another, one desire and another, one pleasure dominating all other pleasures. But if there is an awareness of the beginning of thought, then there is no contradiction in thought.

Freedom from the Known,103

Here are some strategies that have helped me to calm my obsessive mind:

Meditation is a great way to calm the mind. Find a quiet spot to meditate and just focus on your breath. It can cause your mind to stop thinking. Even if there are noise and commotion try and focus on an object and breath.
Staying present and in the moment. This has helped me a great deal. Try focusing on the present moment in anything you do. If your mind starts to drift into old habits, become aware of this and refocus on the present moment. For example, stay in the moment by doing a simple task like washing the dishes.
Exercise is a great way to stay present. Try going for a run, a bike ride or try yoga. Focus on the activity, not your mind.
Nature has many mind-calming qualities. I find that just going for a walk in the woods and observing what is around me is calming. Try noticing the trees, the air or flowers. Sit and watch a bird or a squirrel going about their day.
In life, things come and go. Nothing stays the same forever. I like routines and have learned that sometimes you have to go with the flow. Just like the thoughts in your head they come and go. I try and remind myself I am not my mind. These thoughts will soon pass.

Photo credit/Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Conclusion

Living with an over-thinking mind can be a terrible way to go throughout life. If you can beak the cycle, it can become quite liberating. When I use some of these strategies to stop overthinking, it changed my life. You do need to stay vigilant because you can fall back into your old patterns in no time. Remember try not to identify with your mind so much and just let the present moment be your guide. The answers will be there in that moment when you need them.

Starting Your Day With Morning Meditation and Yoga

May 11, 2015 by Meditator Leave a Comment

Last updated: Friday, March 2, 2018

Let’s face it for some people a morning routine is very difficult. Allowing yourself 30 to 45 minutes each morning to practice yoga and morning meditation is a great way to get you headed in the right direction. For many people, mornings include making breakfast and getting the kids off to school. It can be a hectic part of the day. Taking some time for yourself each morning to calm the mind can have great rewards throughout the day.

Morning Yoga

Each morning after I have had a cup of tea. I like to do a combination of yoga and morning meditation. By doing this simple routine each morning it will calm your mind and get you ready for the day.

Find a quiet spot and lay out your yoga mat. I like to start with some simple stretching exercises. Starting with my legs and then working to my back. Then I incorporate some more advanced moves once I am loosened up. I find that these two videos will help you get started with a morning routine.

Yoga with Adriene has a great morning routine to start your day right.

20 Minute Yoga Class With Hilaria Baldwin: Deep Stretching

I like to do a combination of both of these videos. The fun part about yoga is you can make up your own routine from poses that you enjoy and find helpful. Just take your time and enjoy the process. Try not to think too much just focus on how your body is feeling.

If you are looking for more helpful yoga videos try watch inspiring yoga videos on Gaiam TV. They have a nice selection of helpful yoga videos with great instructors.

Morning Meditation

Once you are nice and relaxed from yoga it is time to meditate. I like to use a meditation timer on my phone. You can put in how long you want to meditate for and it will ring a bell when your time is up. It’s available here for the iPhone. I set my timer for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Now use your yoga mat to sit cross-legged with your hands in your lap or wrists over your knees. Do whatever feels most comfortable. If you are a beginner at meditation you can check out our post on how do you meditate. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Continue to breathe in and out of your nose at a normal pace. Try to focus on your in breath and out breath. If your mind starts to wander just gently bring it back to your breath. Don’t let your thoughts take you over. Notice how your body feels. Try and become aware of your whole body. Maintain this state until your timer bell rings.

Once your timer goes off gently open your eyes and look around the room. Just become aware of your surroundings. You may notice objects and sounds that you never really paid much attention to before. Some things you may look at in a new way. Just slowly get up and try and take this feeling with you throughout your day.

Featured image credit/ponsuwan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Conclusion

Making morning meditation and yoga a part of your daily routine came have some profound benefits. You owe it to yourself to spend a few minutes each day to check in with your mind and body. Starting your day out right can make your day much more productive and enjoyable. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. Try incorporating a morning meditation and yoga routine today!

The Insider’s Guide to Walking Meditation Methods

April 19, 2015 by Meditator Leave a Comment

Last updated: Friday, March 2, 2018

Walking is something we do every day. But have you ever really paid much attention to the process? By using walking meditation you can become mindful and aware of your walking. You can use this as a helpful meditation practice. Walking meditation helps you stay in the moment by focusing on your steps. Shifting your focus to the way your feet touch the ground, keeps you aware and in the moment.

Where Can You Do Walking Meditation?

You can try these techniques just about anywhere, in the park, on a hiking trail or on the beach. It’s all about your state of mind. You should set aside some time to just focus on this meditation.

Starting Your Walking Meditation

The first step is to stand up. Stand tall and breath. Take a few large in breaths and out breaths. Feel yourself grounded to the earth. Allow your body to relax. Become aware of how your whole body feels. Notice any sensations throughout your body. Just try this for a few moments.
Now start walking. Walk at a normal pace. Try to focus on the sensation of walking. Feel your feet touch the ground. Notice how your knees move between each step. Do you swing your arms when you walk? If you do, put some attention to that sensation. Become fully aware of walking.
Thoughts may be tempted to come into your head. If they do, do not allow them to take over your mind. Bring your attention back to you walking. Become aware of each step. How your toes and ankles feel. Pay attention to the muscles in your legs. What kind of sensations are you feeling?
Allow your whole body to relax and enjoy the process of walking. If you feel tension in any part of your body let it go.
Try walking like this for as long as you feel comfortable or until you are relaxed and present.

Other Walking Meditation Methods

There are several other methods of walking meditations you can try. Most are a variation on the first one I described.

Try and slow down your walk to the basics. Breaking down each element of the process. Being mindful of each step, lift and sway. Pay close attention to the sensations of each movement. Almost like you are in slow motion. Become fully aware of all the sensations of the walking process. Allow the mind to be fully present and not stray away from your walking.
Another variation is to walk with the awareness of where you are. You start by focusing on walking and then slowly become aware of your surroundings. Be fully present in where you are walking. For example, if you are in the woods on a hiking trail, pay close attention to the sounds and sights around you. Listen to the birds, wind, water or leaves. Become totally present in your walk and aware of the surroundings. Notice how you feel at that moment. Stay in the present. Don’t let your thoughts take you over.

Try it for yourself. Here is a book and an audio guide we recommend:

With Walking Meditation, you will enjoy the first in-depth instructional program in this serene spiritual practice to help you walk with presence and peace of mind whether in nature or on a busy city street. Walking Meditation features esteemed Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh along with one of his principle students, Nguyen Anh-Huong, as together they illuminate the central tenets of this powerful meditative art.

Walking Meditation

by Thich Nhat Hanh [Sounds True]
Price on Amazon: $29.99 £44.95 CDN$ 36.00

The body scan and walking meditation are ancient body-centered concentration techniques that can increase your ability to move easily into the state of meditation. Whether you’re seeking clarity of mind or a greater sense of inner awareness, let Bhavani’s simple, clear instructions guide you to your desired meditation destination.

Meditation Made Possible, Vol. 2: The Body Scan and Walking Meditation

by Bhavani Lorraine Nelson [Bhavani Lorraine Nelson]
Price on Amazon: $8.99 - -

Feature image courtesy of hinnamsaisuy at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Conclusion

Walking meditation is a great alternative to sitting meditation. It gets you moving and allows you to experience the sensation of walking. By using these walking meditation methods, you can relax the whole mind and body. With all of these methods, try and take that relaxed feeling with you throughout the day. I bet you will never look at walking the same way again!

Relaxation Meditation to Reduce Stress

April 7, 2015 by Meditator Leave a Comment

Last updated: Friday, March 2, 2018

Stress plays a role in everyone’s lives. If you do not manage it properly, it can cause havoc with your health. This is where relaxation meditation can help to reduce the stress in your life. There are many types of relaxation meditation techniques. Let’s take a look at some.

Types of Relaxation Meditation

Deep Breathing

You hear it all the time. Breathe! When someone is in a stressful situation there is undoubtedly someone saying, “Just breathe.” Well, they are right. Breathing is probably the best way to relax. Deep breathing helps in lowering blood pressure and calming the mind. Try this breathing exercise:

Find a comfortable spot.
Start by closing your eyes.
Then take a deep in breath through the nose for a 5 count.
Now release with an out breath through the nose for a 5 count.
Allow your diaphragm to move upward and downward with each breath.
Continue for about 30 seconds to 60 seconds.

Don’t you feel relaxed? This type of deep breathing is great right before bedtime or just a good way to break up a stressful day.

Body Scan Meditation

This meditation technique is a good way to relax the whole body. By scanning your body, you can focus on areas that are feeling tense and need relaxation.

Start by lying on your back and close your eyes.
Begin to breathe through your nose. Allow your diaphragm to move upward and downward with each breath.
Once you feel relaxed, you can start by focusing your attention on your left foot. Try to notice any sensations you may feel. Allow your breath to flow into your feet.
Continue up to your calf. Notice if there is any pain or tightness. Continue breathing. Focus your breath into the areas of the body you are scanning.
Move your way up through each part of your body. Your legs, hips, belly, chest, arms and head. Remember to breathe and allow any pain or stiffness to ease away. Spend about 2 minutes on each body area.
Once you are done scanning your body open your eyes and just lay there for about 1 minute in stillness. Notice how your body feels.
Now have a good stretch and enjoy your day.

I like to do this one every morning before I get out of bed. It’s a good way to check in with the way your body is feeling. Most people hear the alarm go off and rush out of bed. This body scan puts you in a better frame of mind to start your day.

Daily Affirmations

Playing affirmations throughout the day and repeating them mentally to yourself is a great way to calm the mind. The great thing about affirmations is you can listen to them in the car or on the way to work. Try downloading some onto your phone and listen to them on the go. The Soul of Healing Affirmations: A-Z Guru by Deepak Chopra is one I personally listen to. By keeping these daily affirmations with your throughout the day, you can repeat them to stay calm in stressful situations. Here are some that we recommend.

The Soul Of Healing Affirmations: A-Z Guide to Reprogramming the Software of the Soul

by Deepak Chopra [Rasa]
Price on Amazon: $68.96 £86.07 CDN$ 169.01

The Secret of Healing: Meditations for Transformation and Higher Consciousness

by Adam Plack Deepak Chopra [Play It By Ear Music]
Price on Amazon: $16.98 £17.97 CDN$ 33.51

Featured image/Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Conclusion

I hope you try some of these relaxation meditation techniques to have a calm and relaxed day.

Do you use relaxation meditation to reduce stress?