Hello all!
I’m a big believer in guided mediation, especially for beginners. Think of them as training wheels for getting your meditation practice started. It can be really challenging for most of us to sit in peace, and reap the benefits of meditation with no guidance or instruction. I’ve tried a number of meditation programs, and meditation apps, and I wanted to share my favorites with you.
Headspace
- It’s my favorite because it teaches you how to meditate and helps you build a routine, which is key for sticking to any new habit.
- His voice is fantastic – I love listening to Andy Puddicombe speak.
- There is a free 10 day trial, and there is a paid portion of the app as well.
- It’s well worth the price because the library is HUGE and the content is really fantastic.
- You can choose between 10, 15, or 20-min meditations, and it helps you commit to 30 days of meditating on one particular topic – good for scatterbrains like me.
- Headspace.com or Headspace in the app store
Meditation Studio by Gaiam
- It’s new, it’s free, and it features a variety of really great instructors.
- There are courses on special topics like happiness, and changing habits, and there are also one-off meditations you can squeeze into your day.
- You choose which meditations you want to download – so you can access them even when you’re offline.
- There’s a scheduling option to help you stay on track with your habit.
- http://www.meditationstudioapp.com or Meditation Studio in the app store.
Oprah & Deepak Chopra 21-Day Meditation Challenges
- Oprah and Deepak put out free 21-day challenges periodically on lots of great topics for your wellbeing.
- The background music is lovely.
- It’s thought provoking, inspirational, and gives you adequate time to process what you’re learning with silent meditation.
- You can buy any of their recorded 21-day challenges online – I particularly love The Energy of Attraction program.
- http://www.chopracentermeditation.com or Oprah & Deepak’s 21-day Meditation Experience in the app store
Stop.Breathe.Think.
- Love it. Also does a good job of teaching you how to meditate.
- Easy to use and really effective.
- You can track your progress, and I enjoy the animations as well.
- As short as 3 minutes and as long as 20 – so you can fit it into your schedule.
- I like to use this one as a quick break in the middle of the day in addition to a more regular morning practice.
- http://www.stopbreathethink.org or via app store.
Welzen
- A newie but a goodie. I’ve tried it a few times so far and I like the simplicity.
- Choose your topic, choose how much time you have (3, 5, or 10-mins), and they’ll guide you through a meditation.
- Topics include relaxation, resting the mind, quick breaks, stress relief, and deep sleep.
- http://www.welzen.org or via app store
Check them out, and share your favorite programs in the comment section.