A former student of mine has recently ventured onto the Balearic island of Ibiza.
Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its cultural and historical significance, it’s probably better known as the party island of the Mediterranean.
I visited there in my late 20s.
In fact I went on a 2wentys holiday package (as the name suggests – aimed at young folk in their 20s!).
I won’t go into any details, but the one thing I remember was the music and the dancing.
Every night… the dancing!
It was fantastic.
This was the mid-1990s and Ibiza was the dance capital of the world.
But a video shared by my former student – was of everyone standing around filming the DJ on their phones.
There was a bit of swaying around – but no-one was really dancing.
What a waste… I couldn’t believe it.
That’s not the Ibiza I knew!
Michael and I always laugh about our eclectic taste in music.
It really is as varied as it could be…
From Johnny Cash, Bert Bacharach, Clannad and Peter Allen to U2, Blondie, Paul Kelly, a bit of Buble, Led Zep, Robbie Williams, Teddy Swims, Passenger, Abba…
The list goes on and on…
You name it – we’ve probably got it!
We’re very old school as well… it’s all on CD or vinyl (and I know there are some cassettes somewhere)!
From time to time the odd dance track still gets played and you’d be hard pushed to stop me getting up for a dance, despite my painful feet…
I must admit though, nowadays, I probably prefer a bit of easy listening.
A number of artists have ventured into sound bath, and / or meditation-style music.
One of my favourites is by Katie Underwood (remember Bardot?)
She retrained as a meditation teacher and remedial massage therapist.
She’s also an amazing musician and sound bath practioner.
I had the pleasure of experiencing her talents during an online meditation retreat.
She guided us in a sound bath meditation that was just so beautiful.
Part singing, playing instruments and singing bowls.
It was just amazing.
I must admit I really just wanted to watch her ‘perform’ as much as lie back and enjoy the incredible sounds.
She’s actually produced five meditation music albums.
One of which is Mantra Dreaming – an absolute favourite of mine.
Whenever we listen to it Michael says: “I must get a copy of this.”
He likes to listen to soothing music while working.
I don’t think I could concentrate, I’d just want to sink back and listen!
Another artist that surprised me with a meditation-style album is John Butler, formerly of the John Butler Trio.
His album Running River is so relaxing.
I love how music can do that to you.
It can take you to a moment or place.
Or bring back memories.
It’s so powerful.
But it’s also a fantastic way to relax.
So if you find it hard to meditate, or to sit and ‘not do‘…
Maybe just find a few moments for yourself and listen to some of your favourite music.
Dig out something you haven’t listened to for a long time.
Try to do nothing else at the same time.
Just relax and listen.
Listen mindfully… giving it your full attention…
Relax and enjoy…
Ann 🙏
Pingback: Third time lucky... - Marvellous Meditations