Can I listen to music while meditating?

Music and ambient sounds can help bring the mind to a state of calm (temporarily) and sometimes this is useful. However, practicing in this way tends to set us up for reliance on particular external supports (sound) and reinforces the idea that a calm mind is preferable. What the practices here aim to support is developing the capacity to meet our current experience, whatever it is, with some sense of acceptance and equanimity, without having to rely on external support to achieve that. As we navigate our daily lives we won't always have access to ambient sounds or music to help us calm down. But, if we learn how to work with our mind in the moment, however it is, we can use the skills we build in the practice in these critical moments in our daily lives.

Here is a longer perspective on this question, if you’re interested in reading more on music and meditation: WildMind Meditation, Should I listen to music when I meditate?

If you still feel like you are struggling with meditation, check out our guide on how to meditate or check out our meditation app and coaching from leading meditation teachers.