How Thaddaeus Washington Found Mindfulness Through Music

Emily Johnson · 2026-10-16

When you think of mindfulness, what comes to mind? Meditation cushions, breathing exercises, maybe a quiet walk in nature? Those are all great. But for Thaddaeus Washington, mindfulness comes through a different channel: music. Washington, a musician based in Toledo, Ohio, is Mindful's Teacher of the Month for October. He's also the founder of MIND Music, a project that treats music as medicine. His original compositions are designed to be meditative practices—tools for settling the mind and opening the heart. ### Music as a Path to Presence Washington's journey to mindfulness wasn't a straight line. Like many of us, he found himself caught up in the noise of daily life. But music was always there, a steady companion. Over time, he realized that the same qualities that make for good music—listening deeply, being present in the moment, letting go of expectations—are the same qualities that cultivate mindfulness. "Music is medicine," Washington says. "It has the power to heal, to calm, and to connect us to something bigger than ourselves." That belief led him to create MIND Music, where he shares his compositions as meditative practices. ### The Science Behind the Sound It's not just a nice idea—there's real science here. Research shows that listening to music can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and even improve focus. Certain rhythms and frequencies can guide the brain into relaxed states, similar to what happens during meditation. Washington's compositions are crafted with this in mind, using slow tempos, gentle melodies, and spacious arrangements to create a sense of calm. But Washington isn't just about relaxation. He sees music as a way to train attention. "When you really listen—not just hear, but listen—you're practicing mindfulness," he explains. "You're noticing the spaces between notes, the texture of the sound, the way your body responds. That's presence." ### Bringing Mindfulness to Everyday Life For Washington, mindfulness isn't reserved for the meditation cushion. It's something you can practice anywhere, anytime—especially through music. He encourages people to try a simple exercise: put on a piece of music, close your eyes, and just listen. No distractions, no multitasking. Just you and the sound. - Start with a piece you love. It doesn't have to be classical or ambient—anything that resonates with you works. - Notice the details. Pay attention to the instruments, the dynamics, the silences. - Check in with your body. How does the music make you feel? Where do you feel it in your body? - Let go of judgment. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the sound. "It's like a mini-vacation for your brain," Washington says with a smile. "And the best part? You can do it anywhere—on the bus, at your desk, in line at the grocery store." ### A Growing Movement Washington's work is part of a larger trend: the integration of mindfulness into creative practices. From art therapy to mindful movement, more and more people are discovering that mindfulness doesn't have to look a certain way. It can be as simple as picking up an instrument, singing, or pressing play on a favorite song. As for Washington, he's excited to see where this journey takes him. He's currently working on new compositions and planning workshops that combine music and mindfulness. His goal? To help people find a little more peace in their daily lives—one note at a time. "We're all looking for ways to feel more grounded," he says. "Music is one of the oldest tools we have. It's always been there for us. We just have to remember to listen." So the next time you're feeling scattered, try this: instead of reaching for your phone, reach for a song. Let the music wash over you. And see if, for just a few minutes, you can find your way back to the present moment. That's the journey to mindfulness—and it might just start with a melody.