In our September 18, 2024, Spiritual Jazz & Meditation Jam Session, we explored Lee Morgan’s “Capra Black” through listening, awareness meditation, breathwork, and stillness practices. Morgan’s music became a tool for self-reflection, helping us connect deeply with themes of personal perseverance and collective resilience. The session offered a powerful journey of reflection and inspiration.
Resilience In Meditation & Life
If you missed our Spiritual Jazz & Meditation Jam Session, you missed an incredible chance to link meditation with music. We used “Capra Black” to enrich our practice, and many left with insights that reshaped how they view meditation and life.
A key takeaway was that distractions during meditation aren’t obstacles—they’re part of the process. We learned to observe distractions instead of fighting them, embracing the present moment in new ways.
Participants also shared how hearing the different perspectives of participants enriched their practice. Some planned to experiment with meditating with eyes open and closed, curious about how that might change their awareness.
The Capra Goat Metaphor
One highlight of the session was the metaphor of the Capra goat, a symbol of resilience. In “Capra Black,” the goat represents both personal strength and the endurance of the African American community during the civil rights era. As we meditated, the music helped us reflect on the challenges we face today, linking the past and the present.
Experiencing, Not Just Listening To Music
In every Spiritual Jazz and meditation Jam Session, we do more than just listen to music—we experience it. Each note becomes a guide to deeper awareness. In this session, we used “Capra Black” to reflect on liberation, freedom, and spiritually informed action.
In our “Capra Black” session, I introduced the idea of “ease of being,” where meditation flows naturally rather than feeling forced. This session was about more than just sitting quietly; it was about reflecting on our inner state and using that awareness to guide action in the world.
Making Friends with the Mind
We started with awareness meditation, also known as “making friends with the mind.” The process is simple:
- Notice what’s happening in your mind—thoughts, feelings, or sensations.
- Notice the act of noticing itself—become aware of your awareness.
- Finally, ask who or what is doing the noticing—this takes you deeper into self-reflection.
At first, some found it challenging as distractions crept in—sounds, wandering thoughts—but we soon realized that distractions are part of the meditation. Rather than resisting them, we embraced them, which helped us stay more connected to the present.
From Stillness to Movement
Next, we explored the balance between stillness and movement. I guided participants to think of times when their minds and bodies were active, then asked them to shift into moments of calm. This practice helped us reflect on how we move between these states daily.
For some, stillness was a peaceful anchor amid daily chaos. Others found that shifting between stillness and movement gave them a new appreciation for the balance between rest and action. Learning to navigate both states can bring more awareness into our lives.
The lesson here is to avoid getting attached to one state. Whether in stillness or activity, the goal is to stay aware moment-by-moment. Use whatever comes up—thoughts, sounds, or emotions—as an object of meditation. This flexibility is critical to adapting to life’s unpredictability.
The Power of “Capra Black”
The session’s main event was integrating music as meditation, focusing on “Capra Black.” The Capra goat, known for navigating rugged terrain with balance and strength, became a metaphor for resilience.
Some participants focused on the horn section, using the rise and fall of the notes to guide their breath. For example, they would breathe in as the horns rose and exhale as the notes fell. Others were drawn to the bass line, using its steady rhythm to ground their meditation. These different approaches helped each person find their way of engaging with the music.
As the session continued, participants shared how the music affected their meditation. Many felt a sense of calm and clarity, while others reflected on their resilience in facing life’s challenges. This practice wasn’t about escaping reality but engaging more deeply with it.
Takeaways and Reflections
As we wrapped up, participants shared what they planned to take into their future meditation practice. Some were eager to try eyes-open meditation, curious how it might shift their awareness. Others wanted to focus on balancing stillness and movement, promising to bring more flexibility into their daily lives.
The power of spiritual jazz lies in bringing us closer to the essence of resilience and liberation. Our sessions go beyond just listening—they offer a space for self-discovery and collective reflection.
If you missed this session, don’t worry. Our Spiritual Jazz & Meditation Jam Sessions are ongoing, and there’s always another chance to dive into the transformative world of spiritual jazz. Join us next time as we explore the intersection of music, meditation, and liberation.