The Unexpected Path That Led Me to Mindfulness

Amanda Wilson · 2026-10-16

I never thought I'd find mindfulness through music. But that's exactly what happened when I met Thaddaeus Washington, a musician from Toledo who's redefining what it means to be present. Thadd is the founder of MIND Music, and he sees music as medicine. Not in a metaphorical way—he actually composes pieces specifically designed to be meditative practices. His original compositions are like guided meditations, but without the words. Just sound, rhythm, and space to breathe. When I first heard his work, I was skeptical. I've tried meditation apps, breathing exercises, and even those adult coloring books. Nothing stuck. But there was something about Thadd's music that felt different. It wasn't trying to calm me down; it was inviting me to notice what was already there. ### Why Music Works as a Mindfulness Tool Think about it: how often do you really listen? Not just hear, but listen—to the layers, the silence between notes, the way a melody can make your chest feel tight or your shoulders drop. Thadd's music asks you to do exactly that. - It anchors you in the present moment without effort. - It bypasses the constant mental chatter. - It gives your mind a gentle focus point. - It works even if you think you can't meditate. I started using his compositions during my morning routine—just five minutes before the day officially began. At first, I felt restless. But after a week, something shifted. I began to look forward to that small window of quiet. It wasn't about emptying my mind; it was about filling it with something intentional. ### The Journey Isn't Linear Of course, mindfulness isn't a straight line. Some days I'm fully present, and other days I'm mentally drafting emails while the music plays. And that's okay. Thadd's approach isn't about perfection—it's about practice. He often says, "Music meets you where you are." That phrase has stuck with me. What I've learned is that mindfulness doesn't have to look like sitting cross-legged on a cushion. It can be as simple as pressing play on a piece of music and giving yourself permission to pause. If you're like me and traditional meditation hasn't clicked, try music. Not as background noise, but as the main event. Close your eyes, listen, and see what happens. You might be surprised where it takes you. > "Music is the space between the notes." – Claude Debussy That quote feels especially true now. Mindfulness, for me, is the space between the noise. And Thadd's music helped me find it.