An hourlong session using music and imagery to enhance the mindfulness meditation experience.
The theme of this session is “River” to reflect the beauty of the Hudson River Valley. Four pieces of instrumental music inspired by rivers will provide focus during the meditation. Prior mindfulness or meditation experience is absolutely not required—everyone is welcome to attend!
Facilitated by Matthew L. Cohen, Board-Certified Music Therapist and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist.
This event is free, but we ask you to please RSVP for planning purposes. Thank you!
About Mindfulness
The modern practice of mindfulness meditation is rooted in the Buddhist teaching called Dhamma, which promotes gaining insight to overcome personal suffering. While there is not one specific definition of mindfulness, most definitions include two words: acceptance and awareness.
One of the most cited definitions comes from Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer in the use of mindfulness as a wellness tool, who writes that “mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” Basically mindfulness teaches us to be acutely aware of what is happening around us and accept it unconditionally.
In the application of music and imagery to mindfulness meditation, awareness emerges from being attentive in the moment to the qualities of the selected music, rather than just to silence or a guiding voice.
The pairing of music with an image—in this case, a river—can further facilitate the mindful goal of being an impartial witness or observer. This is one of the keys to being aware and accepting.
Matt holds a Master of Science in Music Therapy from SUNY New Paltz and has worked as a professional musician for over 25 years. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Chi honor societies. Additionally, he is one of 24 individuals in New York to hold a certification in NICU music therapy.
Matt’s approach to music therapy is music-centered and humanistic, focusing on positive connection and collaboration via music with kids, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Matt has worked with varied populations in both music psychotherapy (primarily in DBT) and activity-based music therapy targeting anxiety and stress relief, collaboration and socialization, cognitive development, focus and regulation, and memory aid.
Matt has worked with clients both onsite and remotely at the Rebecca School in New York City, Woodland Pond Senior Living in New Paltz, Adult Day Healthcare at The Grand in Poughkeepsie, Westchester Medical Center inpatient rehabilitation in Valhalla and partial hospitalization in Kingston, and Music for Life Creative Arts Therapy in Nyack, through which he is excited to launch a collaboration with the Rockland Pride Center in the fall.