Some Meditation Resources
If you’re new to meditation, the concept can seem a bit overwhelming. Or off-putting depending on your belief system (given meditation is often wrapped up in religious or new age hippie dogma.) Here are a few resources that should appeal to pretty much everyone:
Resource #1: The Ten Percent Website. Named after the excellent book “10% Happier” by TV anchor Dan Harris, this website has some excellent meditation resources for newbies, including a great page for beginners. The video embedded on the beginner page explains a process very similar to the process I explain in the original Meditation post. This video is a true gem for mediation noobs:
Resource #2: Meditation Apps. Personally, I just use a timer on my phone for meditation, but dedicated meditation apps may help remind you to practice and help motivate you to keep at it. Many of the apps also have options for guided meditation. Very Well Mind has a good list of the best apps available (as of March 2022.)
Resource #3: Various Websites, Youtube Channels, and Spotify Channels. This Muse article is another useful collection of more guided mediation resources and general information on meditation. At some point in the future, I’ll discuss the products Muse produces. They’re essentially easy-to-use electroencephalographs (aka EEG, devices that monitor brain electrical activity), which can be used for biofeedback to teach yourself how to calm down. I’ve used a Fitbit heart rate monitor for the same purpose; the Muse would just provide way better data.
Resource #4: “Why Buddhism is True” by Robert Wright. This book discusses mediation at length from a scientific perspective. It’s not about Buddhism per se, it’s more of a discussion on how and why the practices of Buddhism are slowly being confirmed by neuroscientists. Given my skeptical nature, this book really convinced me mediation wasn’t just some new-age bullshit practiced by granola-eating hippies.
So there ya go, four resources to help you learn more about mediation. Enjoy!
~Jason
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