51–60 of 118 posts
So rather than a coaching model, think of a simple tool like a gong or a timer.
Much like the original "Sleep Cycle" app, only for mediation (combing a timer with the feedback you can collect via the sensors of a phone).
If I want to meditate I don't want to have my phone or a computer anywhere near me. Having an app "guide" you is essentially another distraction you'll have to eliminate.
[0]: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nodoka-meditation-timer/id13...
Why would you need to quit your job to make a meditation app? Can't you make one in a few days? They don't have any social elements etc, just an app that plays music and notifications.
There isn't. There is maybe a hundred iterations between idea, prototype, marketing before something catches traction. And that is where persistance, focus and dedication (including quitting your day job) comes in.
solutionism
"the belief that every problem has a solution based in technology" I'm not very well versed in this idea, curious to learn and read more. Have any recommended books? What do you think about this one https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13587160-to-save-everyth... ? I personally believe that all problems are, at their core, human problems. Hence why the focus on meditation as an Archimedes lever. Technology helps us so…
They defined it as addressing problems that don't exist. I always think about battery powered spinning forks.
I've been to a Vipassana camp and every day for 10 days we would meditate for 12 hours a day in a hall. As people have for more than 2000 years. I'm in no way a meditation guru nor a traditionalist but any app that would give you stimulus whether it be through vibrations or visual/verbal instructions would take away from the grounding and mindful experience.
I am confident that most people who buy meditation apps don't actually meditate for more than a few days. We all already have a meditation app. It's a the clock app, you can set an alarm on it. Similar to those people who buy a expensive ellipticals or bikes and never use it. Peloton regret is a real thing.
I think this is a first world problem regarding consumerism. Capitalist society and the higher ups convincing us to worship money. Where we put all our energy into obtaining money in order to put it back in the system. Man has successfully domesticated man.
If anyone really wanted to meditate, they would just do it. Maybe look up how to do it, then do it. But we live in an app world today, it is what it is.
I just realized you're the poster of the article. I don't mean to say what you're doing is pointless but it'd be cooler if you made a meditation app that locked the phone or something totally different than the other apps.
What do you mean by: "I personally believe that all problems are, at their core, human problems. Hence why the focus on meditation as an Archimedes lever."
Yes, tech should solve problems mindfully which is why I always see meditation apps and the like to be oxymoronic. Our brains did not evolve at the rate our technology did, it is nigh impossible to be mindful with technology. We also did not evolve to work and play on computers all day and we are now seeing the psychological and physiological epidemic of problems. That's why people in the cities go camping to "unplug". That's why there a movement of high income industrious workers like yourself quitting and picking up manual labor jobs. Making things with your hands is far more fulfilling than coding small parts in a multi billion dollar app. It's just how our brains and bodies work. I believe this is another fundamental problem with humans today, up there with consumerism.
Your Memento chrome extension is pretty sick though and is pretty mindful. I just installed it.
Thanks for reading this probably incoherent rant.
I personally think that the meditation app space is under explored. Or rather the dominant players have their business model (a hefty monthly subscription) dictating their app design. So rather than a coaching model, think of a simple tool like a gong or a timer. Much like the original "Sleep Cycle" app, only for mediation (combing a timer with the feedback you can collect via the sensors of a phone).
It is really difficult to filter out all obstructions and notifications. And it takes carefull design to make flexible timer that suits meditator needs.
As for meditation coaching app I think there are so many approaches to teaching meditation that there is a space for many more apps. But I doubt that one size fits all approach will ever work... Best approach might be not an app but a meditation platform where a student might mix various techniques, teachings, styles... etc...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.telesens...
I have a bit of a problem with this mindfulness craze, I’m not really precious about Buddhist practices being solely for Buddhists, but these mindfulness programmes are taking a very small aspect of something that has been practiced for millennia without really having a way to deal with the results… most people will feel something after 8 weeks or so of such a practice, however usually after this point, if they’ve no…
They are basically two different tracks.
That said, having a pool of resources to help out would be beneficial to those who meditate and feel they need it.
Email is in profile
Ignore the naysayers in this thread. They have never experienced assisted meditation before. The biggest impact in my life (outside of having kids) was when I discovered Qi-gong and the power of assisted meditation. The thing that clicked the most for me was having calm soothing meditation music to help enter the trance state of consciousness. My mind tends to wander and focusing on the sound helped deliver clear tho…
Qigong is its own thing and should be addressed as its own thing. It's an energy-based practice with various claims to longevity and health through proscribed movements.