On Saturday, November 16th, Lake Eola Park became the setting for a transformative MindTravel experience led by Murray Hidary, where attendees immersed themselves in a silent piano concert through headphones, blending music with mindfulness and reflection.

Attendees at the park, each equipped with custom headphones, engaged in a range of activities. Some walking, others seated quietly, and a few even lying back. All while absorbing the music’s calming tones and Murray’s meditation guidance.

MindTravel’s approach, founded by Hidary, is designed to connect music, mindfulness, nature, and community in a meaningful way.

“I created MindTravel to really create a sense of wonder for people,” Hidary explained. “Life is so busy that sometimes we forget what really matters, to be in touch with the wonder and the mystery of everything,” Hidary said.

The event at Lake Eola Park exemplified this mission, offering attendees a break from the noise of daily life a chance to reflect, heal, and remind their inner child.

For some attendees, like Humberto Ceballos and his partner Andrea Carosi, the experience went beyond music.

“It’s a moment to find calm and disconnect,” Ceballos shared. He described how the event allowed them to step away from the daily hustle and reconnect as a couple. “On a personal level, it’s very enriching and relaxing,” he said, adding that the music evoked memories, creating a vivid mental journey through their past.

According to the Aura Health team, studies have shown that listening to music stimulates the release of key neurochemicals in the brain, such as dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. These chemicals, which are responsible for feelings of pleasure, bonding, and relaxation, can have a transformative effect on mood, leaving feelings of inspiration, calm, and centeredness.

The logistics of the event were carefully crafted by a dedicated team, including Erick Jiménez.

“Our role is making sure that every person hears the piano perfectly and that every headphone is clean, sterilized, and in perfect condition,” Jiménez explained. His team’s attention to detail, from setting up the piano and decorations to ensuring sound quality, created an immersive environment that allowed attendees to fully embrace the experience.

Michelle Kipp, another participant, described her time at the event as “magical.” Accompanied by her partner, she found joy and connection through the music. “Happy. Very happy,” she said, reflecting on her feelings afterward.

For first time attendee T.J. Williams, the event left a strong impression. “If I had to define the event in one word, I would say, very calming,” she noted. Her advice to future attendees was simple: “Bring a blanket, bring some snacks, put on the headphones, enjoy it.”

Hidary’s vision for MindTravel is not just about creating moments of calm, it’s about fostering connections.

“I hope they feel more connected to other people, more connected to nature, and more connected to themselves,” he emphasized. Reflecting on the reactions of children who attended, he noted the power of music to provide a safe space for imagination and emotional release. “The music becomes a soundtrack to their imagination and they can be themselves,” he said.

The combination of music, mindfulness, and serene settings like Lake Eola Park demonstrates the potential of art to heal, inspire, and connect people in meaningful ways.