91Èȱ¬

Hosted by singer-songwriter NAO, The Music & Meditation Podcast is an eight-part series designed to help you find stillness and meet the challenges of daily life. Inspired by NAO’s own journey, the podcast addresses themes relating to mental health and wellbeing.

Each episode sees a different meditation expert addressing themes ranging from FOMO to body positivity, loneliness to trusting your instincts. It's all soundtracked with original music from some of the UK's most talented young composers, exclusively recorded by the 91Èȱ¬ Concert Orchestra and 91Èȱ¬ Singers.

Here, NAO and the guest meditation guides explain some of the amazing benefits meditation can bring to your everyday life.

I discovered meditation a couple of years back having struggled with stress and chronic fatigue after years of touring. It switched a light on in my brain and now I meditate every day. With more and more noise in our lives, it's just so key that we take some time for ourselves and find at least a few minutes every day to calm our minds. Finding the right guide and the right music is key to accessing the benefits of meditation so I hope this podcast helps people who don't know where to start.

NAO, host of The Music & Meditation Podcast

I meditate because it creates the space to turn the volume down and step away from the daily chaos and noise that is constantly around us. Whether you’ve tried meditation or not, we can also appreciate how important our mind and mental health is, now more than ever. If there was ever a time to try, now is that time, remember there is no such thing as a bad meditation, only time well spent if you give yourself permission to close your eyes, be still and just breathe.

Michael James Wong, meditation teacher, author and founder of the Just Breathe app. Listen to Michael's ten-minute guided meditation on 91Èȱ¬ Sounds.

It's really about flexing this muscle, this mental muscle, to be able to choose where you're focusing your attention. It improves your focus, it will reduce your stress, improve your self-awareness about how your mind is working; it really has a profound effect on people that take it seriously and put it into their lives... It's one of those tools that once you've got it, no-one can take it from you, because it doesn't cost you anything, there's nothing tied to it – it's something you can just hone and develop over time.

Dr Julie Smith, clinical psychologist and author of the Sunday Times bestseller Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? Listen to Dr Julie's ten-minute guided meditation on 91Èȱ¬ Sounds.

I meditate for deep rejuvenating rest. Body relaxes, breathing slows, emotions untangle, nervous system calms. When I finish meditating, I return to my busy schedule with energy, clarity and creativity. Now I feel connected to everyone and everything in a way I can’t quite describe in words.

Jimmy Wightman (AKA That Meditation Guy), meditation coach and founder of the Delve Deep programme. Listen to his ten-minute guided meditation on 91Èȱ¬ Sounds.

7. Find a feeling of connection

I meditate because it helps me to release stress, tension and fatigue, creating more calm, clarity and energy to navigate these fast paced, frenetic times we are living in. When I meditate, I have moments where I feel a vast sense of expansion and connection to everything and that can feel incredibly joyful, reassuring and empowering.

Kathryn McCusker, Kundalini yoga and meditation teacher and the author of Everyday Kundalini. Listen to Kathryn's ten-minute guided meditation on 91Èȱ¬ Sounds.

I meditate because I am worthy of my own time, love, and presence. When we slow down and pay attention to what's in front of us, we give ourselves a beautiful gift. Breathing into the moment, especially when feeling anxious, sad, or unsure, allows us and our feelings to teach us something – and to me – that is beautiful.

Alex Elle, breathwork coach and author of After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love. Listen to Alex's ten-minute guided meditation on 91Èȱ¬ Sounds.

9. Trust your instincts

I meditate to calm my mind and to expand my consciousness to be open to new possibilities. I find that journey work and guided visualisation enhances my intuition and imagination.

Emma Cannon, fertility mentor and author. Listen to Emma's ten-minute guided meditation on 91Èȱ¬ Sounds.

10. Get your sparkle back!

I meditate because it helps me come back to my body, which often gets forgotten about during everyday life, as well as providing me with a way to expand my mind beyond my to-do list. Meditating while listening to classical music offers a great shortcut to a more peaceful, beautiful place, encouraging me to let go of limitations and reconnect to the light, sparkly energy that we all have within us. I find myself brighter, calmer and kinder to myself and the world around me as a result.

Charlotte Parr, yoga and meditation teacher, co-producer of The Music & Meditation Podcast