A Fourteen-Minute Stress-Busting Meditation For Musicians

Musicians and other creatives are prone to stress and anxiety, probably largely due to the unpredictable nature of the music industry. This meditation offers a healthy form of stress relief for musicians dealing with pressure.

This meditation is designed for musicians to ground them and help them connect with the source of their creativity.

So take time out from writing, rehearsing, recording, or performing to reconnect with yourself.

Transcript

Welcome to this mindfulness meditation designed especially for musicians. This is your time to settle your mind, Open your creative flow, And return to your musical voice. Let's begin by finding a comfortable position. Allow your eyes to softly close. What I'd like you to do is take a slow breath in and inhale for four seconds, And then gently exhale for six seconds as if blowing through a straw. So, Take a slow breath in, Two, Three, Four, Exhale gently, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six. Let your shoulders relax. Let the muscles on your face soften. So, A slow breath in, Two, Three, Four, Exhale gently, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six. Slow breath in, Two, Three, Four, Exhale gently, Two, Three, Four, Five. Notice the subtle sounds around you. Don't judge them. Let each sound simply be a part of this moment. Feel the weight of your body resting where you are. You are safe, And you are grounded. Take a slow breath in, Feel your ribs expand, And exhale, Let your chest soften, And allow your breath to fall into a natural rhythm. Now, Bring awareness to your jaw, To your forehead, And your neck. Let each area loosen, Just a little more as you breathe. If thoughts drift in, Simply notice them, And imagine placing each thought on a leaf, And watching it float slowly, And gently down a stream. They'll move on their own. All you need to do is simply return to your breath, Again, And again. This gentle returning your focus to your breath, Is your mindfulness practice. Now, You're going to try to connect to your creative centre, To that part of you. Place a hand on your chest, Or abdomen, If comfortable. Imagine your breath creating space inside you. With each inhale, Feel warmth. With each exhale, Feel tension release. You might sense a colour, A glow, Or simply a feeling of openness. So let it expand with each breath. Now, Bring awareness to the parts of your body that express your music. Your hands, Your arms, Your breath, Your throat, Your posture, Your legs. Feel the history there. All the practice, Emotion, Memory, And discipline stored within. Inhale, Openness, Two, Three, Four. Exhale, Readiness, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six. Imagine yourself in a space where your musical creativity flows easily. A studio, A stage, A quiet room, Or a place outdoors that inspires you. See yourself creating effortlessly, Free from pressure. Guided by intuition, The ideas appear without effort, And the music rises naturally. If you want, You can repeat this silently with the breath. Creativity flows through me. I trust my inner voice. Let these phrases settle within you. Creativity flows through me. I trust my inner voice. Now, Bring awareness to a single point. Your breath, Or the feeling of your hands resting. Let all your attention gather there. If distractions arise, Let them drift away like soft clouds. And return to your focus point, Over and over. Feel your mind clearing. Feel it becoming a calm, Still surface where music and creativity can form. Now, Expand your attention to your entire body. Feel yourself grounded and open. Creativity flows freely through you. Focus is present, But gentle. You are ready to create from an authentic, Centred place. Come back to the breathing. Inhale. Take one final, Deep breath in. And a slow breath out. Wiggle your fingers and toes. And gently open your eyes when you're ready. Carry this clarity, Creativity and presence with you as you return to your music.