The combined power of music and meditation inspires concentration, self-reflection, and growth.
In the final session of the Year 76 project, Spirit of 76, participants explored the transformative power of Frankie Beverly and Maze’s music and meditation as tools for self-discovery. Led by Jerome S. Paige, The Meditativist, this Spiritual Jazz and Meditation Jam Session focused on finding peace and clarity. The upcoming Symphony 77 project continues The Meditativist’s journey with new reflections on self-growth and harmony.
What is the golden time of day? For many, it’s the soft glow of a sunset. For others, it’s a quiet moment of peace and clarity. During our recent Spiritual Jazz and Meditation Jam Session, we explored both.
Our spiritual jazz and meditation jam session offered more than relaxation or enjoyment of music—it encouraged participants to explore deeper connections within themselves. Using meditation and the soulful music of Frankie Beverly & Maze, we reflected on life’s most meaningful moments.
Meditation as Investigation
Most people think of meditation as a way to relax, but our session took a different approach. We focused on meditation as a way to investigate—to ask questions, explore feelings, and observe our experiences.
The idea is simple: pick something to focus on, like your breath or a sound, and pay attention to it.
When your mind wanders (and it will), gently bring your focus back. The goal isn’t to empty your mind but to notice what’s happening and learn from it.
One participant shared how this fresh approach changed their view of meditation. They said, “I always thought I couldn’t meditate because my mind wandered. By seeing even distractions as opportunities to learn, I found that meditation could teach me about myself.”
Why Frankie Beverly & Maze’s Music?
Frankie Beverly & Maze’s music perfectly complements meditation. Their song, “Golden Time of Day,” is more than just music—it’s a guide. Its lyrics remind us that peace and clarity are always within our reach, like a golden moment in the day.
One participant reflected, “The song made me realize the golden hour isn’t bound to sunsets—it’s any moment when I feel at peace.”
As we listened to the music, each person had a unique experience. Some focused on the lyrics, others on the rhythm or the instruments. No matter what they concentrated on, the music deepened their connection to themselves.
Five Objects of Meditation
During the session, we explored five different things to focus on during meditation:
Body:
How do you know you have a body if you’re not looking at it? Participants closed their eyes and noticed sensations like the pressure of the chair or the beating of their hearts.
Breath:
Counting breaths backward from their age gave participants a steady rhythm on which to focus.
Mind:
We invited participants to notice their thoughts without judgment. What’s in your mind right now? How does it feel to just watch those thoughts come and go?
Distraction:
Instead of fighting distractions, we made them the focus. What is this distraction like? How does it feel?
Stillness:
Participants reflected on moments of restlessness and calm, observing how they could move between them.
What Participants Discovered
The music and meditation opened up some surprising insights:
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- One person noticed their heartbeat syncing with the music, which felt calming and powerful.
- Another reflected on the lyrics, realizing they were about self-love and finding peace within.
- A participant shared how a cymbal sound in the music mirrored their restlessness, teaching them to let go.
These insights highlighted the unique power of combining music and meditation. Together, they allowed participants to reflect and grow in a shared space.
Lessons from the Session
The experience revealed three key lessons:
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- Meditation is flexible. It’s not about clearing your mind. Instead, it’s a tool for observing and connecting with your thoughts and feelings.
- Music can transform us: Frankie Beverly & Maze’s music created a shared space for reflection and connection.
- Golden moments are everywhere: You can find the golden time of day at any moment when you pause, reflect, and feel at peace.
Your Turn to Reflect
If you missed the session, here’s something simple you can try on your own:
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- Pick a song that you love.
- Listen to it carefully, focusing on one aspect—maybe the lyrics, the rhythm, or a particular instrument.
- Pay attention to how the music makes you feel.
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Then ask yourself: When is your golden time of day? How can you create more of those moments?
Closing Thoughts
Our time together was a powerful reminder of how music and meditation can shape our lives. Frankie Beverly & Maze’s songs are more than melodies—they inspire us to reflect, grow, and connect.
Leading this session was a beautiful way to explore these themes, and it left me with a renewed sense of gratitude.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
This session marked the conclusion of my Year 76 project, Spirit of 76. Over the past year, we have focused on offering Spiritual Jazz and Meditation Jam Sessions to explore ways to make empowerment, freedom, and liberation happen. This was the 12th and final jam session provided under the name of The Meditativist, and it has been a transformative journey for all of us involved.
As I enter next year, I’m excited to introduce my Year 77 project: Symphony 77 – The Wonder Within Me Reflection Sessions. This new series will build on the explored themes and dive deeper into self-discovery, personal growth, and harmony within each of us.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to seeing where the next one takes us. Stay tuned for Symphony 77, and may the wonder within you continue to shine brightly.
What Is Meditativism?
Meditativism is the philosophy of using meditation as a tool for deeper understanding, reflection, and growth. It goes beyond relaxation, encouraging individuals to explore their experiences, emotions, and thoughts in a way that fosters clarity and connection.
As The Meditativist, I (Jerome S. Paige) integrate the principles of Meditativism into every session I lead. Meditativism is a way of life that sees meditation as more than a practice—it’s a way to investigate and engage with life, empowering us to grow emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.
Meditativism teaches us that everything, from a distraction to a song lyric, can be an object of meditation. By paying attention to the present moment and observing without judgment, we can uncover deeper truths about ourselves and the world around us.
This philosophy drives my work, from the Spirit of 76 project to Symphony 77, and it inspires others to find empowerment and freedom through self-reflection and mindful living.