Mindful music...

[JonW]

I thought I'd start a thread about music. I'd be very interested to hear about the songs that people most closely associate with mindfulness. To kick things off, here's my choice for the day. "Enlightenment" by Van The Man, a song that always reminds me of being completely in the moment.
One of the thrills of my professional life was getting the opportunity to interview Van Morrison. I had two hours with him in an Aberdeen hotel in 2005. My signed copy of Astral Weeks is my most prized profession. Take it away, Van...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELRBvDz6YgU

[FeeHutch]

For someone who writes so much about music as I do, I am surprised in a way that I haven't identified any 'mindful music'.

I have tried meditating to specific meditation music and also classical music. This is because all the music I love has memories and emotions so firmly attached that I get carried away in thoughts and images. I really like silent formal practice, when I started mindful practice sitting was the first truly quiet and calm space I'd had.

I will give some thought to songs I associate with mindfulness though, it is a very interesting idea. I know what you mean about meeting Van The Man. At the end of the month I am going to see Suggs one man show. I will be on the front row. I have been such a huge fan for well over half my life, I am torn between really wanting to try and meet him afterwards and the fear I would loose all my mindful calmness!

[JonW]

I once enjoyed a very lively drinking session with Suggs and Chas Smash. Marvellous company. Suggs will never let you down. Greatest living Londoner? Must be a contender.

[FeeHutch]

I am jealous!
A friend got me free tickets to see them in Sheffield last year and entry into the after show bar. She contacted their management when I was first ill, it was a huge surprise and such a lovely thing to do.
They didn't come into the aftershow bar in the end. As my husband was already concerned I may pass out from excitement and nerves it was probably a good thing!

Yes, I think he is the greatest living Londoner, and I am resolutely northern so that is no small compliment!

[Gareth]

Music has always been the bedrock of my practice. I like to experiment of course, but many of my meditations are about focussing my attention on a good ambient tune. It seems to really work for me. My favourite piece is 14:31 by Global Communication.

[JonW]

Excellent choice, Gareth.
Brian Eno's ambient works usually do it for me.

[BioSattva]

My partner is learning how to play this instrument:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8miKsqJaU8

She has some natural talent, being a music graduate and mindfulness practitioner, but she doesn't practice the instrument half as much as I would like! heh.

I am learning the vertical bamboo flute which goes together with it, but alas I have no teacher these days.

This is another classical cliche, but I get some feeling of heart from this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciYO7mWq3Og

[JonW]

The vertical bamboo flute?
Must say, I applaud the diversity of your pursuits, BioSattva.
Never a dull moment in your home, I'll be bound.

[BioSattva]

The vertical bamboo flute?
Must say, I applaud the diversity of your pursuits, BioSattva.
Never a dull moment in your home, I'll be bound.

I wouldn't call it a home exactly - more like a cockroach besieged studio apartment in a smog-enveloped high-security pulsing heart of the mind-boggling hive one may call China.

I actually aim for a dullness - I've been looking in the other direction for most of my life, so I hope to reach a neutral contentment. I am easily excited, heh.

You can see a vid of me playing the flute on my blog here. I get quite nervous when I 'perform', so I'm never happy with the outcome of the videos I make of my flute playing. The flute is one of those wind instruments that if you're nervous, you find yourself huffing and puffing. Performing is a work in progress!

[Jenna]

I have a 2 hr recording of rain sounds which I purchased on amazon MP3 downloader and I love this.