After my experience with Headspace I didn’t think I would bother with another subscription app, especially one that is mostly voiced by one person. However, earlier this year I tried Calm and I decided to subscribe. One of my favourite aspects is ‘The Daily Calm’ which has a different focus for each meditation. Some of the techniques might be similar, but there will always be a different angle, which suits me because it is a mixture of familiarity and difference, which helps me stay consistent, at the end of each meditation there is a quote to consider. (One of my favourites is shown in the image)
I admit that spending money on a meditation app has previously been something that I judged myself for, as it seems a bit unneccessary when you know the basics of meditation. I felt I should be able to build a practice for myself without needing to buy into anyone else’s products. I have never been able to build a habit around meditation before with or without an app. This has meant that all previous money spent on meditation apps has been a little guilt inducing, like the classic gym membership you buy and never use.
I have been using Calm for around five months now and I can’t remember the last time I missed the day. It could of course be because of lockdown and having extra time to build things into my routine. I think there is another major reason though and that is: I don’t hold myself to a specific time to meditate. I have ideal times, for example if I’m not working that day then I will try and meditate as soon as my PA leaves in the morning, but if that doesn’t work I just keep trying to find space in my day. Normally this is directly after I’ve had support because that is when I’m at my most settled and therefore ready to meditate. There are other times when I will notice I’m feeling stressed and if I have the opportunity I will stop and meditate. On some days I meditate more than once a day, but my aim is simply to meditate at some point in my day.
Aside from the variety of meditations that are available, the other part of the app that I found really useful is the Sleep Stories. Over the last couple of years I have always used audiobooks to try and help me get sleep, but they haven’t always been successful. My experience with the Sleep Stories is that there have been only a few occasions where I have heard the end of the story. Even when I have been feeling restless and doubtful that I would fall asleep, it feels like they might have discovered a secret formula.
If you’re able to keep up a varied, consistent, and enjoyable meditation practice without the assistance of an app, great. In the meantime if like me you struggle with consistency in your practice then I recommend giving Calm a try.
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