Meditation & Music: The Sound of Stillness
Meditation & Music: The Sound of Stillness
Stillness isn’t the absence of sound—it’s the ability to hear what’s already there. That realization changed the way I approached both meditation and music. For years, I struggled with traditional meditation, finding it difficult to sit in silence while my mind raced. It wasn’t until I discovered sound as a meditative tool that I truly understood what stillness could be.
The Role of Sound in Meditation
Meditation doesn’t have to mean complete silence. In fact, sound can be one of the most powerful gateways to a meditative state. Ambient music—particularly its evolving textures and long-decay reverbs—acts as an anchor, allowing the mind to settle while still engaging with the world in a different way.
I’ve always been drawn to the idea that music can create space—both physical and mental. The warm, evolving tones of vintage synths like the Moog Matriarch and Korg PS-3100 provide a sense of depth, a sonic environment that allows the listener to step outside of the constant noise of daily life. This is why ambient music pairs so well with meditation: it doesn’t demand attention, but it provides a space to simply be.
Sensory Deprivation & Deep Listening
One of the most profound meditative experiences I’ve had came through sensory deprivation therapy. Floating in a completely silent, weightless environment removed all distractions, forcing me to become deeply attuned to my own internal rhythms. I noticed every breath, every heartbeat, and—most interestingly—the way sound continued to exist in my mind even when external noise was absent.
That experience changed how I compose music. It reinforced the idea that silence is never truly empty, and that music isn’t just something we listen to—it’s something we feel. Now, when I create, I think about how the listener will experience the space between the notes just as much as the notes themselves.
Music as a Tool for Stillness
The beauty of ambient music is that it doesn’t rush you. It’s not trying to reach a climax or resolve a melody—it simply exists, evolving at its own pace. That’s what makes it such a powerful tool for meditation, deep focus, and relaxation. Whether I’m composing or listening, I find that ambient soundscapes provide a kind of structure for stillness, guiding the mind into a state of openness without force.
Some of my favorite moments in creating Six Missing have come from improvising with nothing but a synth and its filter, letting the tones shift naturally. There’s something about the way sound interacts with time that feels meditative in itself. It reminds me that everything is in motion, even in stillness.
Creating Soundscapes for Meditation
Many listeners have shared that they use my music for yoga, journaling, or simply winding down at the end of the day. I love that. It reinforces my belief that music can serve as a tool for well-being. It’s why I take such care in crafting evolving soundscapes—ones that don’t just fill space, but create it.
If you’re looking to incorporate music into your own meditation practice, start by focusing on how sound makes you feel. Pay attention to the way certain tones resonate in your body, how different textures bring about different emotional states. There’s no right way to meditate with music—just listen, breathe, and let the sound guide you.
Until next time, Your fellow human just being.
Six Missing