Taylor Rae

 AUSTIN -- The MindTravel Foundation began in 2014 with a composer and his goal of reaching mindfulness after tragedy struck. Throughout the past six years, Murray Hidary has built a haven by bringing transformative and healing musical experiences to cities across the country. 

“This an experience for you to allow yourself to be carried away by the deep feeling of freedom and connection with the environment around you,” Hidary said. 

MindTravel is a music-driven experience that is classified as a new way to practice walking meditation while fostering a greater connection to the world around us. On a March evening, a group gathered at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in southwest Austin to take part in what they called  a “Silent Walk.”

“MindTravelis an experience like no other. Murray is an extremely talented man. He takes all of his capabilities and talents and combines them into this wonderful journey that allows us to expand our perception of the world and ourselves,” said art junkie Paige Booth.

Grieving from the loss of his sister, whom he had seen die in a motorcycle accident in South Africa, Hidary felt compelled to help others in their journey to heal.Hewas determined to transform his pain into beauty and make a real difference. “That’s where all this comes from,” he said. 

On Thursday at 6:30PM, dozens gathered to begin atwo-hour journey through the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Each individual received a set of headphones that changed colors as the sun began to set. 

“I’ve followed Hidary throughout Texas,” said Booth. “I’m not a stalker I promise, I have just been getting really involved in meditation the last few years and recently came across MindTravel. As someone from Texas, if I have the ability to attend multiple walks and experiences throughout the state, count me in.” 

According to Booth, when all attendees arrived, Hidary gave a brief overview of what the group was about to endure. He is relatable, she said. 

A symphony of sounds played for about two minutes before Hidary led the way up the trail. During the duration of the walk, each individual took in the beauty and simplicity of nature around them. 

“I felt that I was accomplishing this great obstacle and I was proud of myself because I knew that I wasn’t alone in my journey,” Booth said. 

MindTravelhas taken thousands of people on journeys to open up consciousness states beneath the surface, all while enjoying a pleasant combination of nature, music, art and relaxation on the surface. These experiences take place in concert halls, museums and parks, on silent walks and hikes. 

“Yesterday I participated in the walk in San Antonio where Murray finished by having everyone who was on the hike gather around in the grass while he played the piano in front of the Alamo. Today I am here,” said Booth. 

In 2020, the MindTravelFoundation is focusing on experiences supporting people to become more in touch with their inner selves with its 70-city MindTravel SilentHiketour across North America, bringing music and healing to towns from coast-to-coast.  

Hidary composes new music for each and every walk he hosts. He has 70 different compositions lasting at least 2 hours for each city he travels to. 

“I believe it’s important that each city I visit and those particular locals experience their own unique music meditation,” said Hidary.

According to Hidary, each track features gorgeous and provocative avant-garde real-time piano compositions, spontaneously improvised and infused with wisdom traditions, theoretical physics and the power of communal elevation.

“There is a solid mission and that mission is to move people to purpose through music,” said Hidary.

Venezuelan Architectural Designer Alexandra Chaves is just starting her meditation and healing journey. 

“I’ve always struggled with body image. I was in a verbally abusive relationship. It was not pleasant to say the least. My friend recommended I try meditation and self-love guidance,” said Chaves. “This is my first dive into it and I’m excited.”

In addition to experiences for everyday audiences, MindTravelbrings music & healing to underserved and at-risk populations including seniors, youth, homeless, police, and veterans. 

Hidary said that people will experience the event at different depths. On the surface level, it’s a beautiful and evocative event. Listeners that fall further into the experience may feel emotional responses, and some might even lose track of time and undergo a more spiritual, mindful expedition. 

“I would have to say my first walk was somewhat of a success. It definitely was a challenge to try and keep my mind from wandering but overall I think I did a pretty good job for it being my first time,” said Chaves. “I’m leaving here feeling calm and more at ease than I’ve felt in a long time.” 

The result is introspection, connection and emotional healing.

“This music-driven experience is a new way to practice walking meditation while fostering a greater connection to the world around us, to each other and to yourself,” said Hidary.