Feb 174 min read

Mind Full of Metal: My Journey into Mindfulness Through Music

Updated: Apr 18

Mind Full of Metal - mindfulness by Mark McIntyre - Isle of Wight

As I turned the pages of "Mind Full of Metal", it wasn't just a book I was delving into; it was a sensory expedition, an odyssey that promised to marry the electric world of rock and heavy metal with the serene art of mindfulness. I was sceptical at first – could the raucous, rebellious strains of metal really guide me to a state of inner peace? But as I embarked on the 52 sessions, each a homage to a different band, I found myself a believer.

The power of mindfulness through music was an untapped wellspring I had yet to explore. I discovered that the thumping bass lines and soaring guitar solos were not just sounds but pathways to the present moment. Every riff anchored me firmly to the 'now', the intricate drum patterns mirrored the complex rhythms of my thoughts, and the powerful vocals helped me vocalize my innermost feelings.

Each week, armed with a QR code that catapulted me straight into the heart of a song, I was not just hearing music; I was living it. Immersing myself in the sounds of AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Black Sabbath for days, I was no longer just a passive listener. The book encouraged me to develop the included songs further and make them my own. It was a creative process that was as liberating as it was introspective.

Adding colour to the stunning, themed artwork in the book became my meditative practice. Each stroke of the pencil was a note, each hue a different tone – the artwork was my silent concert. And as I coloured, I reflected. The book became a repository of my thoughts, where my musings found solace and my ideas took flight.

But "A Mind Full of Metal" was more than a solitary journey. It was a discovery of music – new and old. Bands I had never given a chance before became part of my playlist; genres I had previously ignored became my new obsession. It showed me that mindfulness isn't always found in silence; sometimes, it's hidden in the spaces between a heavy metal chorus and the verses that follow.

The book is a testament to the universality of music and mindfulness. It's for the metalhead seeking tranquillity in the chaos, for the rocker looking to harmonize their inner world. "A Mind Full of Metal" is not just a book – it's an experience, a movement, a symphony for the soul. So, if you're looking to tune into your senses and crank up the volume on mindfulness, this book could change the soundtrack of your life.

BOOK Reviews

Rating: 1/5 Stars

"Bought this thinking it was a comprehensive guide to the world of metallurgy. Imagine my surprise when I found myself reading about headbanging instead of forging techniques. If you're looking for insights on steel or aluminium, look elsewhere!" - Harold Jenkins

Rating: 5/5 Stars

"I never thought I'd say this, but 'A Mind Full of Metal' has been a game-changer for me. As a lifelong metal fan, I've found a surprising zen in headbanging my way through mindfulness. Each page offers a fresh perspective, and the music recommendations are spot on. It's like having a mosh pit in my mind that leaves me feeling strangely at peace." - Jane Simmons

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

"I picked up 'A Mind Full of Metal' out of curiosity and a bit of scepticism. To my amazement, it's been a journey of self-discovery. The unique combination of intense music and the act of colouring has helped me channel my inner chaos into something beautiful and calming. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore mindfulness in an unconventional way." - Liam O'Brien

Rating: 2/5 Stars

"As a lover of classical music, I was intrigued by the title, expecting an exploration of metal instruments in an orchestra. What I got was a crash course in heavy metal bands. I must say, Beethoven doesn't quite mix with Black Sabbath in the way I had hoped." - Elizabeth Moore

Rating: 5/5 Stars

"This book is a riff-laden road to mindfulness. Each session feels like a deep dive into a new album, with my thoughts as the lyrics. 'A Mind Full of Metal' isn't just about the music; it's about painting your path to peace with a palette of heavy metal hues. A must-read for those who meditate to the sound of guitars and growls." - Sofia Chen

Rating: 1/5 Stars

"Misread the title and thought I was buying a new cookbook on culinary techniques with cast iron and other metals. Ended up with a book about music and mindfulness? The only heavy metal in my kitchen is my skillet, and it's staying that way." - Gordon Ramsey (no relation)

Rating: 2/5 Stars

"Accidentally bought this for my grandmother, thinking it was about the therapeutic effects of classical music. She was quite shocked to find references to 'Cannibal Corpse'. We had a good laugh, but now she's asking me what 'death metal' is. Help." - Amanda Hugginkiss

Rating: 4/5 Stars

"As a yoga practitioner and metal enthusiast, 'A Mind Full of Metal' resonated with me on so many levels. The sessions are thought-provoking, and the accompanying music has given my meditation routine a refreshing edge. It's not traditional by any means, but it's impactful." - Ethan Jones

Rating: 1/5 Stars

"Was hoping for an educational read on the properties of metals like titanium and copper. Instead, I got lessons on 'mindfulness through heavy metal music'. I work in a scrapyard, not a record store. Very misleading title." - Mike Steel

Rating: 5/5 Stars

"I was a sceptic, but 'A Mind Full of Metal' made me a believer in the power of heavy metal for mindfulness. The activities and the curated playlist for each week have given me an appreciation for the present moment in the most head-banging way possible. It's mindfulness with a side of adrenaline!" - Maria Rodriguez

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