Free meditation in anxious times
Meditation can change lives. It needs to be affordable for everyone, even those who are on a budget or not ready to commit money to the practice. Quality meditation guidance is available for free thanks to a variety of creators.
Life continues to present stressful changes anywhere in the world - the lockdowns in Australia, extremely hot weather in America and similar challenges in diverse places. The pandemic is still happening. Even when many lucky people are gaining freedom, there may be a question of, 'what now?' Some may still be recovering from the long time we all faced. Whatever is happening in life, meditation can help as part of a coping strategy.
People may assume meditation guidance is behind a digital paywall. But there are free options. Some companies offer free recordings in addition to their subscription services. Some organisations create free meditation tracks as their main program. Get ready to see an abundance.
Here are some ways to learn meditation without spending much or anything at all. I tried to include some variety of styles. There would be more resources out there somewhere. But with this much linked and listed content, we could meditate for hours before needing to find more. Namaste.
Calm
Meditate along with Calm content on Youtube including a masterclass, 10 minute meditations, soothing sounds, music from Moby, quick guides from LeBron James, breathing practices, sleep stories and other stories.
There is a Calm app and Calm Radio. There may be some free content or a free trial.
The Chopra Well
The Youtube channel offers meditation and other techniques from Deepak Chopra and fellow leaders. Topics include music for deep sleep, guided sleep meditation, consciously reversing climate change and "daily breath."
Awakening with Russell Brand
This newer Youtube channel has playlists for meditation along with yoga and breath work. Russell Brand talks about meditation for beginners, anxiety, thinking during meditation and falling asleep. He also appears with Mooji. The spiritual community leader is inspired by Kundalini Yoga.
Headspace
Learn more about meditation for free on the Youtube channel from Heaspace. Hear about breathing, sleep, the science of meditation, common obstacles in meditation and more tips. Meditate with recordings from John Legend, Hevin Hart or Sesame Street. That's right. There's even something for the kids. Get inspired by athletes who meditate. Practice a short meditation.
If you already have a Netflix subscription, there is no extra cost to start watching the Headspace films. There's the Headspace Guide to Sleep, Headspace Unwind Your Mind and Headspace Guide to Meditation.
Goodful
See the Goodful meditation playlist on Youtube when you have 5, 10 or 15 minutes to spare. There's something for beginners, anxiety, meditating anywhere, facing stress, sleep, healing, starting the day, self-love, dealing with anger, depression and walking meditation. There's also a recording specifically for kids.
Insight Timer
This is apparently the "#1 free app for sleep, anxiety and stress," they claim. There is such a long list of topics for happiness, healing, relationships, sleep, spirituality, anxiety, movement, visualisation, self-observation and sound. Insight Timer includes tailored content that specifically services religions, science, spirituality and secular values. Try the web site or app.
Shekina Community
Follow the Shekina Meditation Podcast for a Biblical meditation from people who, "...loved the “hippie” side of Jesus..." Maybe I'm picking out a quote too much but I like that one. Try a contemplation of nature, focus on imagination or think mindfully about a section of sacred text. Find recordings on Spotify or where you listen to podcasts.
Yoga with Adriene
This yoga instructor also offers meditations. Adriene has 10 million subscribers and appeared on Under the Skin with Russell Brand. She must be doing something right. Meditate for starting the day, inner peace, self-love, anxiety, learning, resolution, mental balance and grounding. Maybe try one of these after following a yoga video or dedicate time entirely for meditation.
Learn and then independently practice anywhere, anytime
After following enough guided meditations, some people feel able to replicate the practice without needing to hear a recording during a meditation session. A regular routine could set a good habit. I say this not from personal experience as I would like to meditate more than I do. My lifestyle and schedule are unpredictable. But I value the benefits of meditation. Simple acts of mindfulness can be achieved even without following a program in a set time. At least when starting to meditate, know you're not alone and guidance is accessible online.
Meditating at home. Image: iStock.
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