MINDFULNESS
Defined as nonjudgmental attention to experiences in the present moment
Health and wellbeing benefitsCultivation of mindfulness produces beneficial effects on health and well-being. Meditation has successfully been used in the treatment of stress-related symptoms and disorders.
Research shows that mindfulness meditation positively influences different aspects of physical health including improved immune function, and reduced blood pressure and cortisol levels. It also has proven to be beneficial and have positive effects on psychological well-being aspects such as enhanced cognitive functioning. |
Music-related benefitsIn musical practice, developing awareness of the body and mind through mindful meditation is really important.
After all, playing an instrument is a physical skill. We need to be relaxed and attuned with our bodies to perform at our best. Also, in order to learn to regulate emotion we need to be detached enough to learn to not respond with emotional reactivity to the emotions and thoughts that arise when practicing and playing. |
Being able to be in a mindful state for long periods of time allows us to be in a state of mind conducive to faster improvement in practice and quicker recovery from inevitable mistakes or mental slips during performances.