There are many applications out there that claim to support Mindfulness Meditation. Some are simple timers (often with music or sounds of nature). Others offer complete programs of meditation, on-line lessons, reminders, and integration with other health apps.
Some words of caution … while mindfulness apps can be useful, they do not necessarily provide a certain path to mindfulness. I haven’t heard anyone suggest they could be harmful, but some time with a good teacher will be a better way to get started. Once on the way, one of these apps could prove helpful in maintaining momentum and discipline.
I have not tried out all of these apps! I have selected the apps on this list based mainly on their popularity and user ratings.
I make no specific recommendations, because personal preferences regarding style, voices and graphics vary widely. If you feel that an app will help you build the discipline to meditate and improve your learning rate, give it a try! You should probably try several of these apps before settling on the one that fits you best. The notes provide below are extracted from the developers’ websites.
Some of these apps are free: they may request donations, or earn money from advertising or from in-app purchases such as courses, books, music. Others are apps you can purchase (one payment). Others require a monthly payment (subscription). Paid-for apps usually offer a free trial period to allow you to try before you buy. You can download all these apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Listed in alphabetical order, here are a few suggestions to help you get started on your search.
- 10% Happier – “… a clear simple approach … meditation for fidgety skeptics …” ($ Free)
- Aura – “… mindfulness meditations, life coaching, stories, and music, created by the best therapists and coaches, personalized just for you.” ($ Free)
- Breethe – “… your personal mindfulness coach … learn simple mindfulness and meditation techniques.” ($ Subscription)
- Buddhify “… the purpose of a good meditation app is to help you get to the point where you don’t need a meditation app…” ($Purchase plus optional Subscription)
- Calm – “… guided meditations … lessons … music … sleep stories … a new lesson every day” ($ Subscription)
- Headspace – “… themed sessions on everything from stress to sleep… bite-sized meditations for busy schedules … SOS exercises in case of sudden meltdowns ($ Subscription)
- Insight Timer – “… free guided meditations, music tracks, talks and courses – timer – discussion groups – community” ($ Free)
- Meditation Oasis (multiple apps: Simply Being – “Guided meditation for relaxation and presence”, Learn to Medidate – “Meditation without borders” and more ($ Purchase)
- Omvana – guided meditations, inspirational speeches, binaural tracks – personal growth audios. ($ Free)
- Smiling Mind – “a 100% not-for-profit organisation that works to make mindfulness accessible to all” ($ Free)
- Stop, Breathe & Think – “Check in with what you are thinking, and how you are feeling … short activities tuned to your emotions … mindful breathing … personalized meditations and activities” ($ Free)
- The Mindfulness App – “Five-day guided introduction to Mindfulness – Guided and silent timed sessions – Reminders and statistics – premium meditations and courses” ($ Subscription)
https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started-2/
Dr. Marc Ronert - Age Later 