Ever since I downloaded the Streaks app on my iPhone, I’ve been meditating more frequently. It’s one of my 6 daily tasks to complete and, though meditation is more than just a task, it’s been a good place for me to start.

It’s almost silly for me to even call it meditation. My phone alerts me to complete the “task” of meditation, at which point I open up an app on my iPhone to start a guided meditation.

Not quite the Dalai Lama status yet.

More of a modern meditation.

But it’s a starting point and it’s what I need at this moment to build momentum.

Three (free!) apps that I’ve been using consistently are:

1) Calm.com

An app where I can focus on nothing but my breath for the length of time that is appropriate for me. They have some scenic stuff you can look at if you need to. I just close my eyes and use the sounds to float away.

2) Stop, Breathe, and Think.

This app lets you check in on how you are thinking and feeling in that very moment. You select emotions that direct you to some recommended choices for mindfulness and compassion-building audio meditations.

3) Headspace

This app provides 10-minute meditation sessions – with the first 10 days available free of charge. Then, you have to choose a subscription, but it seems pretty worth it. It starts off with a brief body scan, continues on to a guided meditation, and includes animations about how the mind works and tips on how to sit and breathe. It also allows you to set reminders for yourself and track your meditation activity.

Again, if you’re pretty far along in your meditation practice, these apps may not be very appropriate. But, if you’re just looking for a place to start, I’ve found them very helpful for me.

Happy [modern] meditating!

Questions of the Day:

• Modern Meditators – What apps or tech tools do you use for mindfulness?