Meditation is a great way to begin any learning or practice session. It allows one to settle one’s mind and arrive–simultaneously “clearing the slate” while preparing one for the new learning ahead. It is also very useful if you are plagued by critical self-judgement when learning and practicing singing.
The form of meditation that I practice comes from the Shambhala Buddhist tradition and is called shamatha (sha-ma-ta). It is a simple, secular and basic approach to mindfulness meditation. And, since the breath is used as the object of the meditation it is a great way to begin a singing practice.
The links below are recordings by Susan Piver (Certified Meditation Instructor) that guide you through a meditation practice. They cover the posture and technique and can be used at the beginning and end of each of your practice sessions to facilitate mindfulness, calmness, patience and openness.
20-minute Practice
http://www.susanpiver.com/01ShamathaFull.mp3
10-minute Practice
http://www.susanpiver.com/shamatha_brief.mp3
Robert
