Why would you use a meditation MP3 recording versus meditating without technology, or using a CD that is meant for meditation? There are several advantages.
First, you can easily get your meditation MP3 download in just minutes. No need to wait for a CD to arrive in the mail, nor do you have to rip and burn a recording that you download off the internet, which takes time and requires that you already have a blank disc available. Instead, you can just download directly to your MP3 or keep a backup copy on your computer. And, you can even burn the recording to a CD later if you want both formats.
But the biggest advantages of a meditation MP3 download is portability. An MP3 can be taken anywhere with you. For example, you can relax and meditate while on a plane or bus or train. You can't do that with a boom box, and even the smallest CD players are pretty large and clunky compared to an MP3 player.
This isn't just a matter of simple convenience. Sure it's nice to carry something smaller and lighter for listening to your brainwave entrainment recordings. But it also opens up some new possibilities.
For example, I love to take a walk in the desert while listening to my meditation recordings. The meditative state is not as deep as when sitting still, but my brainwaves are slowed nonetheless. I find that I enjoy the beauty more, and I am less inclined to engage in worrisome thoughts. It is my own version of a walking meditation, and it is very pleasurable.
You could also listen while jogging. A CD player would skip too much to be used in this way. An MP3 player can be put in your front shirt pocket, and is generally unaffected by the bouncing. If the ear-buds want to come out of your ears, just wear a headband over them.
The small size and weight of an MP3 player make it possible to listen to brainwave entrainment recordings (and any others) in a wide variety of settings. Gardening, walking, in a canoe, at the beach - the list could go on and on. I happen to like backpacking with very little weight, which makes my one-ounce player (maybe two ounce with battery and headphones) a great addition to the pack.
There are some places where you probably shouldn't use your MP3 for meditating. In the car, for example, is a bad idea. The technology used in most modern brainwave entrainment products is powerful, and you can easily fall asleep while listening. Physical activities like walking tend to prevent too much drowsiness, but be careful where getting sleepy could cause problems.
One final thought: You don't even have to learn to meditate to use these recordings. Just put on the headphones, listen and be guided into a deep state of consciousness. There are many advantages to using a meditation MP3 recording versus the alternatives. Why not give one a try?
