Week 3 Activity: Mindfulness of Sound Practice

Mindfulness of Sounds meditationJust as you anchor your attention to the breath or sensations in the body, you can choose to place your attention on sounds. This mindfulness of sound practice is one that still enables you to train your attention but this time moving it from the inside to the outside world.

Just as the sensations and the breath come and go, so too do sounds come and go.

This is a particularly beautiful practice for when you are surrounded by nature.

This week take your mindfulness out into the world and alongside your daily meditation practice tune in to the soundscapes around you as a form of “incidental mindfulness”: voices, humming heaters, traffic, birds, wind, the crackling of autumn leaves underneath your feet (in Melbourne at least). Do this for a few moments at different times of the day bringing your full attention to noticing the sounds as they come in and out of awareness. Notice how sounds can very quickly trigger stories in your mind which carry you away from the moment. When you notice your mind has drifted off into thinking bring your attention back to the sounds around you.

THE MINDFULNESS OF SOUND PRACTICE:

  • As with all mindfulness meditation, it is important to ensure the body is relaxed and comfortable
  • This practice is preferably done in a seated position (but you can lie down if you prefer)
  • We start the practice by tuning into the rhythm of the breath
  • Then simply shifting attention to the sounds that come and go each moment wherever you are
  • If there are no sounds then just noticing the silence
  • Notice as you pay attention to the sounds whether you have any preferences and notice whether some sounds are pleasant, unpleasant or neutral

TIPS:

  • This is a lovely meditation to bring into everyday life whether on the train or out in nature
  • Notice the way sounds can so easily stimulate stories that can hijack your attention
  • Remember to turn on your GPS as you practice (gentleness, patience, and a sense of humour)

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"If we wish to be healthy, happy and clear-minded, we need to upgrade our “inner technology”of attention to meet the demands of our increasingly complex world. That's where mindfulness comes in.."

- DR ELISE BIALYLEW

about the HOST AND FOUNDER OF
MINDFUL IN MAY:

DR ELISE BIALYLEW

Elise Bialylew is the author of the bestselling book, The Happiness Plan, and founder of Mindful in May, the world’s largest online global mindfulness fundraising campaign.

A doctor trained in psychiatry, turned social entrepreneur and mindfulness expert, she’s passionate about supporting individuals and organisations to develop inner tools for greater wellbeing and flourishing, and offers workshops and training at The Mind Life Project.

Her work has been featured in the Huffington Post, New York Times and on Australian Television. She was recently recognised by the Australian Financial Review as a 2019 AFR Women of Influence.

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