TOBY MIZZI, COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST, STRONG MINDS PSYCHOLOGY
For those of you who have tried some of the mindfulness meditation activities discussed in previous blog posts, you might have encountered resistance or struggles in applying the techniques. This is perfectly normal and can continue even with significant practice. Sometimes it helps to use other resources to assist in mindfulness meditation practice. Here are some apps and resources you might consider using:
- Smiling Mind – A non-profit organisation dedicated to making mindfulness accessible. Their app, available on iOS and Android, offers different mindfulness programs based on age groups and is free. More information: Smiling Mind
- Headspace app – An organisation providing mental health support for children, adolescents, and young adults. Their app, available on iOS and Android, offers mindfulness information and practice opportunities. More information: Headspace
- Insight Timer – A favourite app offering thousands of recordings in various formats, including guided mindfulness, meditation, music, and talks. It has a free version with extensive content, and a subscription option for additional features. Available on iOS and Android. More information: Insight Timer
There are many other apps available out there. If you search for mindfulness and meditation-based apps in the Apple Store or Google Play, you are likely to find hundreds of options. I think the above three represent a good place to start, but I certainly haven’t used all of the ones available on the market. You might find some other great apps out there too. At the end of the day, these apps provide guided activities that can make those initial attempts at practicing formal mindfulness a bit easier. In addition, they offer lots of helpful information and resources around mindfulness, including practical tips for applying mindfulness to daily life.
