Meditation apps offer a path to nirvana

If you plan to try meditation this year, here’s a bunch of apps that might help.

Whats On; generic image; Woman sitting in yoga position; meditation. Pic: ThinkStock

Have you decided to make meditation your thing this year? Many of us say we don’t have the time.

“What I tell them is … just do it for two or three minutes a couple of times a day,” says US meditation researcher Richard Davidson. “But really do it for two or three minutes.”

Here are five apps to try:

For a deep dive: Imagine Clarity

This taps the wisdom of Matthieu Ricard, a Buddhist monk and molecular biologist who has lived in the Himalayan region for more than four decades. It includes four series of video lectures by Ricard on beginner-friendly topics such as meditation basics as well as deep discussions on compassion, altruism and altruistic love. Available for iOS and Android; ­imagineclarity.com

For doubters: 10% Happier

Turned off by the flowery, feel-good language that often goes hand in hand with meditating? This app features guided meditations videos by Joseph Goldstein. He is interviewed by US current affairs program Nightline presenter Dan Harris, who brings to the discussion the same funny and ­unpretentious vibe that made 10% Happier, his book on meditation, such a hit. A subscription gives you unlimited access to the app’s two courses (with more to come) and pairs you with a personal coach, to whom you can text any questions. According to the developer, all the coaches work under the guidance of meditation teacher Jill Shepherd, are trained in a relevant coaching field (such as social work) and maintain a daily meditation practice themselves. iOS; 10percenthappier.com

For populist charm: Headspace

This app by Andy Puddicombe, a former Buddhist monk, is hugely popular — and with good reason. Headspace is chock-full of accessible guided meditations and lessons on everything from the fundamentals of meditation to how to turn everyday activities (cooking, running, commuting) into opportunities to meditate. Android and iOS; headspace.com

For a place to meditate: mSpot

This crowdsourced app is like Yelp for ideal meditation spots. The data­base includes many off-the-beaten-path public spaces that users have uploaded — churches or secluded parts of a park or ­library. For each location, users can contribute photos, notes and ratings. An Android version is slated for release later this year. iOS; mspot.info

For keeping time: Enso

Aesthetically and functionally, this timer app is pretty much perfect. Settings are easy to adjust, and the app can play a chime at certain intervals during each session — a handy feature if you’re pushing yourself to do longer runs. The default bell is sonorous and well recorded. Additional tones are available individually or in a package of 11 options. iOS; ensomeditationtimer.com

The Wall Street Journal