“Embrace each day as a sacred gift, wrapped in a heart of wonder,” said Murray Hidary, as his fingers caressed the ivory platform in front of him. A screen above displayed a single leaf floating in water, later transitioning to solid and calming colors.
I witnessed the above scene last month when I attended The Shine in LA, a pop-up variety show meant to inspire people to do, give, and be more. Murray was one the featured acts at the event, and his performance swiftly and gently blew me away. He calls this piano performance Mind Travel, in which he plays an improv musical language he composes based on the premise that music is comprised of vibrations that are not only heard, but felt. As a composer, he constantly feels and creates using vibrations and waves. Mind Travel enables him to share this purpose-driven musical experience with others.
Upon describing this experience, I understand it can sound like some type of structured dogmatic or “New Agey” affair, but I assure you it’s not. The principle is simple but profound.
I imagine we’ve all experienced the power of music at some point in our lives. I believe it elicits an internal pathos and provides healing unlike any other medium. In fact, this concept first reminded me of music therapy, which I wrote about here.
Though foundationally rooted in the often complex world of quantum mechanics, Mind Travel represents a truly simple notion: connecting and feeling through music allows us to better understand ourselves and in turn, the world. How? Through clarity of thought and reflection.
This was Murray’s 251th performance, and no performance is the same. His piano compositions are always improvised. I sat among 100 or so other audience members. Each person was provided a set of sound-blocking headphones, which were all connected to Murray’s piano. He explained that this personal and intimate musical performance allows listeners to connect with the deepest part of their selves while concurrently remaining connected to each other through the same frequency.
You can experience Mind Travel too. Below is the recorded track from the very same performance I heard at the Shine event. I don’t think I’ve listened to the following track without my eyes glossed with moisture, my cheeks stained with warm tears. The piano’s chords innocuously play with the strings of your heart. The rhythm ventilates your soul with graceful profundity.
Listen here:
When you listen openly, discarding any preconceived expectations, your mind can draw up images or map out visualizations — perhaps for the first time. Or maybe it encourages reflection of your life. The message could be straightforward, or perhaps your mind has to grapple with the presented thoughts, untangling years of conditioned responses. Either way, the cool thing is that every time you close your eyes and listen, your journey is different. So I encourage you to embrace the one you embark on today. Just see what happens!
All you have to do is put aside less than 20 distraction-free minutes and allow Murray’s beautifully improvised music take your mind on a free flow journey. Here’re some tips:
If you’re near LA on January 13, Murray is hosting of his largest Mind Travel events yet. He kindly provided me a code to share for 50% off: MINDTRAVELER50. It’s good until the 31st, and you can get your ticket here.
If you listened to the track, I’d love to hear about your experience!
Peace and love,
Shannon
1 thought on “Mind Travel: Accessing Transcendent Thoughts Through Music”
Love it! The act of shutting up, quieting down, and just being is something we eaisly forget to do. That’s something I would like to do more of in the new year. Thanks for your inspiring experience! ♥️