I was wondering if anyone has experienced using certain meditation apps that can be useful for busy people. There are a few I've heard of, and looking to give some a try during my free time to just close off my mind and be in a better place mentally.
I'm aware some have a limited free version as well, so would be good to know what some limitations are, and whether or not in your opinion the paid subscriptions are worth it or not.
I've been using Smiling Mind and Aware on iOS, got both for free a few months ago
Edit: I should probably add that I no longer practice mindfulness as it was having an adverse effect on my mental health. But I've been told I'm the exception. Good luck with your practice:)
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wheres-the-proof-…
Maybe also a factor -
https://cos.io/about/news/28-classic-and-contemporary-psycho…
Ongoingly confident that you will be fine most of the time. OzBargain in moderation, no more Gangnam-style dancing, don't get water in your lungs trying to swim in a spa pool, etc.
I found these guided meditations quite good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92i5m3tV5XY
Am I doing it wrong?
Insight Timer, they also have a FB page. The free version covers almost everything. Has a simple timer, as well as a multitude of different guided meditations, and support groups you can join, all for free. A really good app, much more a community than a simple app. Their support section is also excellent. From the play store, unsure about Apple.
Hi Doggie,
There are many apps so definitely not easy to work out what to get or whether you should pay for subscription.
Over the last 3 years I have used a few apps and also freely available meditation/mindfullness mp3's
@Amar the apps mainly provide guide meditation audio rather in a sequential and trackable manner.
Apps I have used
Headspace - I started with this. I think it is a great introduction to mindfullness meditation. It has a free 10 week course but you must pay afterwards. I think I paid for a year and in retrospect feel it is worth for 1-2 months to complete the foundation series and perhaps 1-2 others which you may be interested in. If the subscription was cheaper I probably would still be using headspace. I like the voice for the guided meditation and I think they do a good job explaining mindfullness and meditation techniques. I think there is a discounted student version if that is relevant to you.
Aware - There was a coupon for lifetime free subscription for aware last year which is why I ended up using it for much of last year. Again I think it is a good introduction to mindfullness with guided meditation sessions. I prefer Headspace audio though.
Waking up with Sam Harris
This is what I am currently using. It provided a good introduction to mindfullness and also has lessons about mindfullness and related philosophy. It is suitable for you if you are also looking for some general philosphocial/spiritual education and discussion in addition to meditation. It might be something to look at
You could also read the Waking Up book by Sam Harris which will give you an idea of what to expect from the app.
What to choose?
At the end of the day meditation is much like doing a workout. You could do it at home or pay extra and go to the gym. The main thing is to try find a way to meditate regularly for at least 30 days which can be much harder than it sounds. Even though it only means setting aside 10-15min per day early on it is easy to feel that you are not getting anything out of it and not meditate.
Would be keen to hear what you ended up doing!
Insight timer does the trick, and it's free.
I'm by no means some mountain-top guru on the subject of meditation but as someone who has regularly practised it for years now and varied their approach through many different schools of thought on the practice, if you're serious about meditating then I wouldn't recommend becoming dependant on any kind of outside aids to actually be able to still and focus your mind.
The entire point of most meditative techniques is to accept everything as it is and to be in the present, with no pre-conditions, prerequisites or metaphorical safety blanket. You have to experience reality wholly and unflinchingly, and that means not distracting yourself.
Apps and smartphones are over-stimulating and distracting enough as it is (as well as a huge driver of our overly-anxious and hyperactive minds), let alone when you're using them as an instrument to guide you through training yourself to exercise greater awareness of your mind.
The common way meditation has been practised for millennia by its progenitors before it was recently introduced to the West through the guises of mindfulness and relaxation is literally sitting on a cushion, alone in a quiet room and staring at a spot on the wall, for up to several hours at a time.
Like the gurus of Advaita Vedanta believe, you'll have mastered meditation if you can sustain not having a thought for hours at a time.
Ditch the reliance on your phone (and technology in general). If you do need some guided meditation audio to listen to as you're getting familiar with practising meditation, I'd recommend True Meditation by Adyashanti, as well as his audiobook series Falling into Grace for a greater philosophical basis for mindfulness.