[HANASHIR:8587] Re: music and meditation

[Shemesh96 <Shemesh96...>]

Dear Rachelle,
In all of my meditation workshops I use music in many forms. Chanting as a 
form of mantra meditation is an old and honored mystical practice. One can 
chant phrases from Psalms, names of God, even a single word as a tool to 
relax and focus the mind.
I use repeated descending intervals sung sequentially. The downward tonal 
movement takes the practitioner deeper into the meditative state with each 
repetition. They are very effective. Shefa Gold's chants are good too.
 I also use songs as kavanah builders to begin and end meditation sessions, 
my own Or Zaruah or Carlebach's Hashiveinu among others are very useful. Some 
of Debbie's songs from Renewal of Spirit are particularly useful because many 
people already know the words.
Communicate with me off list if you'd like more information.
Chazzan Sunny Schnitzer

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