Harmonizing with the Mind : Meditation through Improvisation

Sammanfattning

This paper explores musical improvisation as a tool for a meditative practice, in response to the conditions of the modern world and its systemic stressors. The research is grounded in affect theory and phenomenology, investigating how the act of creating sound can facilitate a transition from judgmental thought patterns to a state of reflexive observation and meta-awareness. The research follows a three part qualitative methodology. Firstly a personal, phenomenological investigation into a daily improvisational practice. Secondly a participatory meeting in the same realm, involving active listening and sound-making. Thirdly a week-long cultural probe meant to investigate the continued effects of a daily practice with a sound-making object. The findings indicate that engaging with a daily practice of listening can have measurable effects on well-being. Using a sound-making object to help ground the experience is an accessible way for even those without any background in musical training.