Lullaby for Buddhists

Now, I know that our practice does not generally include music, but a few days ago someone on the Huffington Post mentioned this in a comment -- can't remember the article, probably something to do with relaxation or maybe sleep. Since I have issues with sleep, and also needed a little push to make me begin meditating before bedtime again, I took a listen and liked what I heard.

It's simply metta blessings with gently vocal music background -- from Malaysia, I believe. I've been using it at the beginning of my pre-bedtime meditation, and find that it is perfect for unwinding and relaxing at the end of the day. As an added benefit, the silent meditation that follows is more rewarding because after the 10 minutes of music and metta, my mind is clear and relaxed and happy to sit quietly for the rest of the hour. Sometimes I continue to relax the body, but since I'm now going to bed relaxed and free of tension and anxiety, I find that the level of tension and anxiety held within my body has lessened greatly. With a mind and body this relaxed, it's easy to use the rest of the hour for quiet contemplation, or slip into concentration.

It's so peaceful that sometimes I listen during the day, outside meditation. Try it!

Chant of Metta by Imee Ooi.