If those pleasant feelings are being supplied by “meditation music†then we won’t reach deeper into ourselves to find our own sources of happiness. So-called meditation music therefore is a kind of crutch that hinders our practice rather than helping it. If you’re trying to pay attention one-pointedly to your breathing, then you can’t also listen to music. And if you’re trying to listen to music then you can’t fully concentrate on your breathing. While music can be moving and powerful, and meditation can be the same, these are two things that serve different purposes. That is a training in sound that is invaluable for everyday life.
Which brings me back to your question - meditation isn't listening to music or repeating a mantra or focusing on your breath. Meditation is cultivating awareness, and learning to observe your thoughts without getting caught up in it. There are many qualities that we can experience under the influence of music with no formal training. These include increased focus, empathy, lowered stress levels, pain relief, and prosocial tendencies. These are all also well-documented effects and goals within the various Buddhist meditation systems too.
If you find yourself ‘thinking too much’, don’t beat yourself up over it; this is natural for those beginning meditation practice. Instead, congratulate yourself on noticing the internal dialogue, and redirecting your attention to the present moment. It brings us closer to being able to understand life and our place in it, and helps us transcend the ego by connecting with those around us in a more positive, holistic, and healthy way. Meditation is deep sleep also a way of experiencing our emotions more fully.
Mindfulness meditation has two main fields of action into which it makes our lives better. In both situations, this is done by simply paying attention. Every time you come back, you are practicing meditation. Collectively we have experienced dramatic change over the past few weeks. It's okay if you haven't figured out how to be and take care of yourself quite yet.
And finally shortly connect with your breathing. Also notice whatever is going on inside of your emotions and thoughts. Notice if there is anticipation, or dread, or something else. To begin with, I would also avoid up-tempo songs for the same reasons I do not recommend choosing a song you know too well. Listening mindfully to music can be a very intense experience.
Lengthy exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss over time. This is roughly the level of noise produced by heavy traffic. A 2015 study compared the effects of music therapy with a therapist versus music medicine among people with cancer. Even though all music listening showed positive results, 77% of patients preferred music therapy sessions to just listening to music on their own. Alana also says you can also use music to help set the mood for your practice.