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Buddhists/Song stuck in my head?

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Expert: - 5/10/2009


Question
Hello, I have a question pertaining to what one should do when one is trying to meditate and one has a song stuck in their head ^_^.

I'm afraid that this is a situation which I run into very often, being a very musical person. At practically any moment at all I will have some song or other playing around in the background, and it tends to interfere with my meditation. I can't focus on breathing when my mind keeps wanting to play a russian sailors dance...

Have you had any experience with this, and if so, would you recommend anything?

Answer
Hi Nicolaas,

My answer would sound like a joke to you but it works.  We have to be practical and use our common sense.  Then no more problem.  Don't force yourself to meditate if you encounter "recurrent problem", for if you insist on doing that, then there will be a danger of you "losing your mind".

Just stop meditating for a period. Go listen to and sing your favourite songs until you get bored of them. Then you can try meditating again!!

Since I know your age, I strongly recommend you go and have some fun.

Relax my friend, and all will be OK!!

Take care.

Justin Choo :-)

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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