Music meditation for kids is a deep relaxation time. It is a chance to let go of accumulated stress while listening to soothing and beautiful music.

Listening to uplifting music at anytime can be a great help in keeping a positive mood. I find it literally gives me added energy.

Rhythms and vibrations are such a part of our daily lives and the makeup of the entire universe, that it is not surprising that music can affect our moods and attitudes.

How to teach and practice music meditation

If a group of kids are going to practice a music meditation, such as for a rest period in the classroom, ideally everyone should lie on their back on the carpet in a circle with feet facing into the center.

Kids should close their eyes, let their arms rest alongside and a bit away from their body, let their legs be stretched out with feet about a foot a part or comfortably a part.

The teacher can now turn on the selection for music meditation. It should be soothing and uplifting. I like to use pieces by Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Bach. I think you get the idea. Music without words is better for relaxation and stress relief as it is not adding others' ideas to the mind.

Ask the kids to breathe evenly and regularly. An example is to breathe in for 1 count and breathe out for 1 count; breathe in for 1 count and breathe out for 1 count. And, continue the pattern without actually voicing the counts. They should keep up the even breathing while doing the meditation.

Now that the kids are relaxed and breathing evenly and easily, ask them to feel the music inspiring them to think of an appreciation for one special person or pet in their lives. After a minute ask them to hold onto their positive thoughts while listening to the music for 5 or more minutes. (If this is the first session even 1 minute is enough.)

Now ask the kids to think over any problems that they may have, and let any positive ways to work them out come to mind.

To finish the music meditation, ask the kids to take a deep breath in, then breathe out, stretch out, get up and go on to their next activity.

Kids can also practice music meditation on their own at their desk or a music center by wearing earphones, laying their heads on their desk for a few minutes, and listening to uplifting music - this breaks the pattern of stress.

Article by Susan Kramer

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For offsite reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.