Why Most Mindfulness Apps Fail to Heal — And the Cure You Didn’t Know About
First, a note from my heart
Before I even start, I want to let my readers know the reason I am writing this article is because I care. I care for your mental health, your spiritual health, and your purpose.
Mindfulness apps have taken the digital world by storm. Depending on where in the world you are reading this, if you meditate, the first question asked of you will be, “What app do you use?” And if you do not know what these apps are, I’ll ask you to come out from under the rock and check them out. On second thought, actually, if you’re blissfully unaware, just stay put.
I was speaking with one of the Fortune 500 company CEOs at CES earlier this year, and he said to me he doesn’t use the apps anymore. He said, “I have a Mindful Master, who guides me through my spiritual and life journey. These apps, they don’t work, man.” We had a good 15 minutes or so of conversation, and he patiently listened to my product ideas (not apps) and promised to help, which he has done in the past few months.
On the flight back to Toronto, I kept thinking (and researching) about the mindfulness industry. Below are my thoughts on why mindfulness apps work more for themselves than for the people who really need them. While I present my research and observations, I know there are people, albeit a minuscule number, who have told me, “Yes, they use it daily, and it works for them.” This article looks at the broader picture and calls out the industry for alluring customers with overstated marketing claims, misleading practices, and gamification. Let’s dive in to understand what really is going on under the hood.
Disconnect between Numbers and Feelings
Look, I genuinely believe that when founders embark on their ventures, they begin with noble intentions. However, once funding is introduced, the pressures of scaling, meeting quarterly results, ensuring ROI, and hitting targeted numbers take precedence. Over time, the board starts to view these numbers as genuine reflections of mindfulness among the populace. At this juncture, it seems the horse is sent to the barn, perhaps even forgotten, while the cart gets all the attention. For instance, the prevailing notion seems to be: the more content one consumes, the more mindful one becomes. Consequently, the apps continually introduce various meditation styles, celebrity narrations, and the like. Yet, this approach contrasts the very essence of mindfulness.
Superficial Engagement
Many users download mindfulness apps with the best intentions but struggle to weave them into a daily or even weekly routine. The initial enthusiasm often diminishes, resulting in sporadic use and, more often than not, abandonment. This inconsistency undermines the potential benefits of mindfulness, which typically demands regular practice. I’ve heard numerous modern influencers claim that you don’t need a designated space, incense, music, or any specific setting. They assert that you can meditate anywhere, anytime, even on the go, attributing life-changing results to a particular app.
The more content one consumes, The more Mindful one becomes. Really?
Promise of Judas
Mindfulness apps often tout quick solutions, such as “5-minute stress relief” sessions. While these can offer temporary relief, they don’t genuinely foster a deep engagement with the principles of mindfulness. The brevity and simplicity of such sessions can render the experience superficial, reducing the chances of reaping lasting mental health benefits.
Consider this: in the East, meditation and mindfulness have been ingrained in daily life for millennia. For instance, Patanjali outlined a step-by-step process of self-realization in the Yoga Sutras. Buddha discovered profound truths and lived in a specific manner, passing on those teachings. Meanwhile, app companies often cherry-pick one aspect, like mindfulness, without advocating for any lifestyle changes. They claim there’s no need to modify anything else in one’s life, promising enduring benefits from mindfulness alone. Additionally, if these apps utilize ML algorithms, they could, depending on the user’s needs and the algorithm’s design, cause harm in the long run.
The gravest danger of such misleading promises is that society might turn away from these time-tested methods, leaning instead towards quick fixes like drugs or supplements. Consider an analogy: someone suffering from a terminal illness seeks your help, and you offer them a sweet candy, claiming it’ll make them feel better. They might enjoy a fleeting moment of comfort, and they go home, only to return to you every day, for the sweet candy.
Achilles’ Blind Spot: The Void of Personalization
Mindfulness isn’t a mass phenomenon. It primarily operates on a one-to-one basis, from guru to student, or perhaps in a group session. The arrangement is such that an experienced teacher can assess and guide students on their journey, much like how a Mindful Master guided the Fortune 500 CEO I mentioned earlier. That said, if you’re looking for personalized advice, I’m always here to offer insights from my own spiritual and mindfulness journey. A significant issue with the app-centric approach to mindfulness is the presumption that it can be turned into a mass phenomenon. Consequently, the personalized touch gets lost. While there is some degree of personalization with questions like “How are you feeling today?” or “Did you feel better?”, I sometimes sense that it’s primarily to generate stats for pre and post-meditation sessions to report.
Beyond this, communication from the app remains largely one-sided. Every individual is unique — their journey, the ups and downs of their life, their belief system, and their reasons for embarking on the mindfulness path all differ. The app ecosystem fails to address many of these critical factors.
Questionable Scientific Validity
Some of the apps out there are backed by solid research studies. For instance, I know that Headspace is currently involved in approximately 25 different research studies with elite US universities, which is commendable. However, because the business model is so lucrative, many new players have entered the market. Several of these newcomers deploy AI and automated techniques that haven’t been thoroughly vetted. Users need to exercise caution with these apps.
For some, mental health apps might exacerbate issues, potentially intensifying the very symptoms they turn to these apps to alleviate. This can occur, in part, due to heightened awareness of problems without providing the necessary tools to tackle them.
The focus shifts from Mindfulness to maintaining Streaks
Lack of diversity
This point is personal to me because I’ve received feedback of this nature from many participants while researching this topic. Consider this: mental health issues are at an all-time high in America. Certain demographics are affected more than others. Most of the apps, however, are designed and developed in the Silicon Valley area, where the majority of the investors also reside. There’s a pronounced disparity between those who need help with mindfulness and meditation and those creating the solutions. One could argue that this discrepancy exists for many products, but the difference here is that mindfulness delves deeper into your heart and mind, not just your body. You’re not designing a car, an iPad, or a shoe. These apps only skim the surface of one’s true self.
In a lot of cultures, mindfulness, and spirituality can not be, in fact, must not be defined into frameworks, models, visualizations, tools, and techniques. I believe the Insight timer app is a good exception from this lens. However, a lot of apps rely on these aspects, while certainly valuable, but not uniformly applicable.
Too much choice
Many of the apps now resemble an Amazon of options. A true breakthrough will never happen by sampling every type of meditation out there. To genuinely touch the truth, you have to go deep. When you dedicate yourself to one practice and delve into it, only then will you touch the spiritual waters. If you keep digging holes everywhere (or trying new meditations), it will certainly give you experience. You’ll have material to discuss with your friends about your new meditation techniques, but you’ll leave those dinner conversations empty-handed. It’s akin to carrying blocks of gold in your bag: you tell everyone how heavy they are but don’t recognize their value.
App companies adopt this approach because that’s their business model. It’s the world we live in; Netflix must release new content regularly. However, mindfulness isn’t about consuming content. It’s about delving deeply into one practice with more intention than deciding which show to watch on Netflix during dinner.
The Trojan Gamification
This is significant. I have friends who have worked on some of the gamification features that appear in various apps. Their intention was not misguided. The goal is to increase engagement so that users can get the most out of the apps. I would also argue that the higher the engagement, the greater the investment the company receives, leading to a higher valuation. If I see that I am meditating two hours less than my friend across the street, that feels insufficient. So, what will I do? I will start meditating more but with the wrong intention.
Another popular feature is the ‘streak’. People love streaks. They view it as an achievement, a reward, a sense of accomplishment. This makes sense for platforms like Snapchat; I know from my nieces and nephews—they even give their Snapchat passwords to friends to ensure their streaks aren’t broken. However, for something like mindfulness, this approach might prove counterproductive. The focus shifts from personal improvement to maintaining streaks. Even if one starts with the right intention, the subconscious aim becomes surpassing your previous record. While this provides impressive engagement numbers to present to the CEO, the board, and perhaps investors, does it genuinely make a user more mindful?
Mindfulness Apps are not the end goal of your Mindfulness Journey.
Dependency on the Screen
The issue here is that, in today’s day and age, most of our stress, anxiety, and depression come from the 6-inch screen. Now, mindfulness applications reside on that very phone as well. So, from a behavioral science perspective, when you look at the phone, you don’t immediately associate it with mindfulness or peace. Some of the applications have been very effective at nudging you every now and then, and some send timely notifications. Unfortunately, those notifications often get buried under the notifications from Facebook, Instagram, work emails, text messages, Tinder, Hinge, WhatsApp, and so on.
This is truly an ecosystem problem. But it’s a major reason that apps don’t see long-term usage: there are just so many other things you can do with your phone. Users don’t directly associate their phones with peace and mental health.
Summarizing the Problem
So, here we are. In a world where mindfulness is nothing short of any other digital commodity. Curious? Just a swipe and a few clicks away, we encounter superficial engagement tactics, lack of personalization, scientific claims being applied universally, and a plethora of app options dependent on your 6-inch screen. Sure, the very nature of mindfulness through apps leads to many short-term, bite-sized moments of calm and clarity, which satiate an innate human need. But that’s just it: It satisfies a need. And this is not what true mindfulness was ever intended to be — not by the true yogis, Buddhas, Sufis, and Kabbalists who paved the paths to mindfulness through a much deeper, more profound quest for understanding of the Self. You may not be on a religious quest, but nonetheless, mindfulness started as a practice to deepen one’s understanding of the self beyond material pursuits and gains. And, if you haven’t realized by now, that isn’t going to happen with the help of the latest iPhone.
If you are on a quest for understanding yourSelf, Channel your Inner Sage
So where do we go from here?: A Roadmap to a Meaningful Mindfulness Journey
For App companies:
Those of you thinking of paving your way in the mindfulness space: Put the model upside down. it’s not Netflix of Mindfulness. Let’s be transparent about what we have to offer, and let’s focus on individual needs through personalization – think of the customer journey and go deeper. Ask yourself – what can you offer to a person who has been meditating with your app for 1000 hours? Where do they go from there? I don’t believe technology is the complete answer; think from the lens of connecting the person, based on their spiritual beliefs, type of practice, and cultural inclination, to a teacher/guru who can take the person further in this journey. Mindfulness apps are not the end goal of Mindfulness journey, they are just a starting aid :).
The ones on the journey:
My friends, if you’re going to use an app, then here is my advice: Do a little bit of your own research and figure out what works best for you. Start with something small – 5 minutes, 10 minutes a day, and make a routine out of it. Turn it into a habit, and when you open your phone to use the app, do it just for that purpose and not for anything else during that allocated time. Sometimes find a room, a place; call it your sanctuary. Remember, this isn’t like choosing the best streaming platform to watch a movie on while having dinner. When you’ve chosen an app, stick to it – don’t switch to another because all your friends have streaks on the ones that work best for them.
But if you’re someone seeking to learn more about mindfulness, its true potential, and its benefits to your life; if you’re on a quest for understanding yourself, your purpose, and life’s purpose, then you must go deeper and channel your inner sage. Apps introduce you to the concept, the way grade one teachers show you the rules of grammar. Mindfulness is more than a grade-one concept. Sometimes guidance can make a world of difference on your spiritual journey; feel free to reach out if you’re navigating that terrain.
As a Man, What Can You Start Doing Today to Improve Your Mental Health?
Mental health isn’t a buzzword; it’s a matter of survival in this fast-paced, expectation-laden world. So listen up, gents. You don’t need to do it alone, and today’s as good a day as any to make a change.
Start with Self-Awareness
Let’s face it— we often overlook our mental state, caught up in the facade of toughness, or brush it under the beer cans. Being aware, and then acknowledging our mental landscape is the first real step we can take. This isn’t just feel-good jargon; this is about mastering yourself through mindfulness. I’ve walked this path, and trust me, this is your bedrock. All the beautiful things in life spring from here: status, success, physical fitness, finance, and relationships. If you want to travel from Toronto to New York, you NEED to know where Toronto is first.
Exercise Daily
Let’s face it— we often overlook our mental state, caught up in the facade of toughness, or brush it under the beer cans. Being aware, and then acknowledging our mental landscape is the first real step we can take. This isn’t just feel-good jargon; this is about mastering yourself through mindfulness. I’ve walked this path, and trust me, this is your bedrock. All the beautiful things in life spring from here: status, success, physical fitness, finance, and relationships. If you want to travel from Toronto to New York, you NEED to where Toronto is first.
Mindful Eating
Food isn’t just fuel; it’s the very stuff that constructs you, cell by cell. I’ve noticed the difference clean eating has made in my focus, my mood, and even my confidence. For example, Drinking a liter of water first thing in the morning. A well-fed man is not just physically robust but mentally sharp. Make every meal count. Have vegetarian food at least once a week, pick Thursday. An elephant is vegetarian for all seven days a week but hey it’s the strongest, even the pride of lions of depression, and stress think two times before attacking an elephant.
If you want to travel from Toronto to New York, you NEED to know where Toronto is first.
Practice Mindfulness
Ever tried to navigate a ship through a storm without a compass? That’s you, diving into the daily grind without a mindfulness practice. Look, Mindfulness is as scientific as the laws of thermodynamics. It is a practical skill, starting with simple techniques like breathing, being a spectator to your thoughts, watching a line of birds flying in the sky, sitting next to a river and seeing it flow by, or a series of black clouds floating in the sky, just watch on the sky of your mind the clouds of thoughts to flow by. Don’t interrupt, neither judge just be. Taking a mindful walk in nature can substantially improve mental health as well but make it a routine. If the idea seems foreign, I’ve got your back. My beginner’s guide to mindfulness has been a life-changer for many men who thought meditation wasn’t for them.
Build Meaningful Relationships
Isolation is a silent killer among men. Look, to me, this is one of the most important criteria that has fallen away in today’s society. In this society that often mocks vulnerability, it’s high time we shift the narrative. My experience says, that if you have meaningful relationships with people around you, Mental Health issues won’t even be there. Surround yourself with a brotherhood that enriches you, men who understand the grit and grind but also the emotional touchstones. Problems in life won’t go away but your mental Hull will be strong to navigate the rough waters. Brotherhood isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s your life vest..
Get Enough Sleep
Men, lack of sleep is the stealth bomber of mental health. This is not negotiable. Seven to eight hours of quality sleep is a game-changer. If you are an athlete, half the game is won if you sleep well, if you are in the professional setting half the project is yours if you get deep sleep. If the sandman eludes you, a little gratitude meditation before bed helps. Try it; all the suggestions in the article are more powerful than depending on outside supplements or agents.
Seek Professional Help
Look, even the strongest warriors had their advisors and healers. Therapy isn’t unmanly; ignoring your issues is. And if you think therapy alone won’t cut it, I offer a Holistic engineering approach that seamlessly complements traditional treatments. You’re not less of a man for seeking help; you’re more of one for taking action.
Consistency is Key
Here’s the thing, my friends—mental health is not a one-off. It’s a full-time job, and you’re the boss of it. Don’t like how things are going? Change it. Know It’s not a fast break; it’s a full-court game
Gentlemen, the toughest mountains yield the most exhilarating views. As someone who’s been there, let me tell you, the view is worth it. You’re not just doing this for yourself; you’re setting a precedent for every man who’s finding it tough to keep going. Start today, and you’re already one step closer to a more balanced, healthier you, setting an example for your partner, brotherhood, kids, and your family.
From Boardrooms to Bedtime Stories: The Lotus Touch of Mindful Mothers
We live in an era where relentless ambition and perfection, physically or emotionally, are glorified. Mothers often find themselves grappling with the invisible weight of expectations. This internal struggle oscillates between battling self-doubt and questioning, “Am I doing enough?”. If you’re a mother feeling this tug, let nature’s spirituality of the lotus serve as your guiding light, reminding you of your immense strength, resilience, and unparalleled value.
The Seed
When a lotus seed first finds itself under layers of mud, it doesn’t resist; it trusts. Trusts the nature that has endowed it with this responsibility. Similarly, as you embarked on motherhood, you might’ve felt submerged—under advice, societal standards, and personal aspirations. Amid these overwhelming voices, there’s profound wisdom in pausing and embracing mindfulness. By trusting the process and understanding that each challenge is an opportunity for growth, you tap into an inner reservoir of strength. Every sleepless night, every tough decision stands as a testament to a mother’s unwavering spirit. This strength is not always evident, but it’s always present—right within you.
The Rising
The lotus doesn’t merely grow; it rises, cutting through the mud, undeterred by the surrounding murkiness. Every working mother, battling deadlines and ensuring her child’s lunchbox is packed with love, embodies this perseverance. When professional commitments weigh heavily, and the heart pulls toward home, it’s essential to sit in mindfulness meditation and be washed by Lotus’s journey; one of triumphant, dignified, and purposeful.
But here’s an insight that the world often overlooks: the very challenges that a mother navigates daily equip her with holistic leadership skills. Juggling diverse roles, prioritizing tasks, managing time, showing empathy, making swift yet effective decisions, and constantly adapting — these are not just the hallmarks of motherhood but of exceptional leadership. When you connect with yourself, you will realize that not only do you gift the world inspiration, purpose, and life, but you also bring forth a brand of leadership that’s nurtured by both heart and mind. The world’s chaos existed long before you, and it will persist after we are gone, but mothers, as leaders, have the power to influence, inspire, and leave indelible marks.
Blooms: Milestones and Memories
Each day you conquer, each challenge you metamorphose into an opportunity, you bloom. Whether it’s witnessing your child stand tall against bullying or clinching a deal at work despite the odds—you are crafting a legacy. These aren’t mere milestones; they are symbols of a warrior’s spirit. As you walk this path, others follow, inspired by your mindful steps. Cherish these moments, understanding that your journey inspires not only your family but the entire modern civilization. It’s like when you walk you make a mark for a mighty river of civilization to flow after your footsteps.
The Balance
In its full glory, the lotus stands radiant, unaffected by the mud below. Your journey, dear mother, mirrors this brilliance. While balancing boardrooms and bedtime stories, you create harmonies, each distinct yet collectively resonating with unparalleled meaning. In moments of doubt, engage in brief mindfulness meditation. The daily practice serves as a reminder that your myriad roles don’t dilute your essence but amplify it. Your adaptability, and your ability to comfort and command, serve as a beacon of inspiration for many.
Your Wisdom to the World
As petals fall and new lotuses prepare to bloom, the cycle of life and wisdom persists. Your experiences, your battles, and your triumphs are the wisdom you bequeath. The stories you share with the little ones and the values you impart to your family shape not only your child but ripple through traditions and cultures. Mindful parenting, rooted in authenticity, sends forth waves of positive change.
A Heartfelt Ode to Every Mother
In life’s intricate dance, where roles perpetually shift and challenges arise, mothers remain unwavering, reminiscent of the lotus in full bloom—graceful, robust, and awe-inspiring. If ever you question your worth or feel dwarfed by challenges, oh dear mother, recall the lotus and its spiritual journey—a reflection of yours, highlighting strength, resilience, and love.
They say a mother’s stature is next only to divinity. A mother’s blessings, they believe, surpass the boons of all the Gods combined. Even the ancient Sages have bowed down to Mothers. With every step you take, and every choice you make, understand that you’re not merely living; you’re sculpting a life and legacy and in this journey, the strength of all the sages, and angels is right in you.
Guidance on your Lotus Journey:
While the lotus symbolizes the magnificent journey of every mother, sometimes the muddy waters can get overwhelming. It’s in these times that an understanding voice can make a world of difference.
As someone raised by three generations of women, myself deeply immersed in this dance of life and its myriad roles, I’ve woven my personal experiences with ancient wisdom, creating a sanctuary of understanding and support. If you ever feel the need for a touchstone amidst the chaos, or simply someone to reflect with, know that I’m here.
My commitment as a modern-day sage is to serve as a bridge, helping you connect more deeply with your inner lotus, balancing boardrooms and lullabies with grace. Together, we can navigate the streams of life, ensuring you bloom radiantly and inspire others in the process.
Feel free to reach out, “Book a Call” and navigate this journey with guidance.
What is the best online meditation service?
There are approximately 2500 online meditation services available, each with its own unique features and benefits. At a high level, there are a number of ways one could categorize these services. Below is what makes sense to me to dissect this service industry:
- Western and Eastern services
- Religious inclined services
- Platform-based communities
- Personality based services
- Research-based services
The best online meditation service for you ultimately depends on your preferences, unique journey, and specific needs. Here are the categories in detail.
1. Western and Eastern:
Remember that purpose of most of the online services is very similar. The only difference between Platforms is the targeted customers and mediation techniques and practices.
a) Western Lens: Medito, Smiling Mind, the mindfulness app, Headspace, and Calm, are apps that capture most of the market in the West. Most of the apps have greatly simplified the UI, which is very pleasing to the eyes and easy to navigate. Calm and Headspace have been two of the most successful apps in the last 7 years. Depending on how you define the success; in this case the number of downloads, ratings, online reviews, and awards.
b) Eastern Lens: Satva, Art of Living, Patanjali and Dhyana. These services have elements of Eastern philosophies. Remember the concept of meditation rooted in the Eastern philosophies of Yoga, Vedic Culture, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. These apps also include mystic elements, festivals, and rites and rituals as a comprehensive offering. Another important point to consider is that Eastern philosophies, such as Raja yoga or the practice of Dhyana in Buddhism, outline a path from an ordinary human to divine realization. It involves not only dedicating one or two hours of daily meditation but adopting a complete lifestyle aimed at uncovering the inherent divinity within oneself. It’s worth noting that sometimes online resources may offer a simplified or diluted version of these teachings.
2. Religious based:
a). Amen is an excellent example of a religious-based app. The app roots in Christian philosophy. It has a variety of meditations, daily worship, and scripture readings. It also has a community element called groups. Perfect who wants to meditate and believes meditation is not a foreign idea or philosophy. Abide, Pray.com, and Soultime are other options that offer a range of guided meditations, stories, and Bible-based reflections.
b). Muslim Pro is another app that roots in Islamic tradition. It offers features such as prayer times and Qibla direction. Muslim Pro also includes a meditation feature called “Tasbih Counter.” This feature allows users to engage in a form of Islamic meditation by reciting specific phrases or names of Allah while keeping count using a digital tasbih. Ruqyah are a few other options for you if you are interested. Dhikr and Dua as the name suggest it is focused on prayers and remembering god, this again is another meditative path. Quranic is mostly a Quran app, which is beautiful in its own way, but also has a section called Reflection that encourages mindfulness and meditation.
c). Jewish Meditation: Jewish Meditation is an app developed by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. It offers a variety of guided meditations and contemplative practices inspired by Jewish teachings and traditions. The app includes meditations for different purposes, such as mindfulness, gratitude, and inner peace. A few others are, the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis and Sefaira
3. Personality-based meditation services
There are some meditation teachers who either started the journey of the digital world early on and/or introduced meditation to a certain geography. Then there are other teachers who developed certain meditation practices either by learning from a guru, a Spiritual awakening, or research. They all have their unique value proposition, and depending on where you are in your journey and what your beliefs are you will find yourself gravitating towards one or the other. Below is the list in no particular order. Deepak Chopra, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Sadhguru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Transcendental Meditation (Mahesh Yogi), Kriya Yoga (Yogananda Paramhansa), Ekhart-Tolle are a few names with concrete and credible footprint.
There are also a variety of local & regional meditation practitioners each with their own unique message. If your preference is to have someone guide you in a personalized, one on one manner, this may be what you are looking for to open you up to the world of meditation. Also, I have been teaching holistic lifestyle for about 16 years with documented benefits of RHR going down, increased VO2 max, better sleep, and less anxiety and stress, impacting thousands of lives both professionally and professionally. Meditation and mindfulness is a very important part of it. I will be happy to help should you need any guidance.
4. Platform-based communities
There are many platforms where community leaders, meditation teachers and influencers run meditation services. You can find many rooms on Clubhouse, and many servers on Discord that focus on meditation and mindfulness. On the other hand, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are other places where people have groups and channels where meditation is provided. Sometimes, these services are free and sometimes at a cost. Insight Timer is an app that brings teachers from all backgrounds and walks of life to its platforms. You can pick and choose what fits your taste, style and where you are in the journey of mindfulness. In my experience, I have seen some genuine people/communities sincerely trying to share and learn.
5. Research-based meditation services
Headspace, Calm, 10% Happier, and Aura are a few examples where meditation sessions are research-backed. Sri Sri’s Sudharshan Kriya and Sadhguru’s meditation is also has been extensively studied by the likes of Harvard with proven physiological and mental benefits. Generally, these companies have tie-ups with universities (or in-house) where different meditation techniques are studied and scientifically researched. Last, when I checked I remember Headspace had about 25 different research studies going on with various universities. And when the positive outcome is concluded they are launched for the general population.
In the end, I would like to add, there is a gap in the ecosystem for people who would like to go deeper in the journey. These apps are designed (or overtime they got developed this way) for the broad interest in meditation. But unfortunately they leave people, who want to advance in their journey, hanging. In my last one year of research I haven’t found a many people who started using the apps, and continue to use it. Over 4 to 6 months on an average, customers fall off. On the other hand, if you are starting your journey or want to try various different paths, I will highly recommend exploring the features and trial versions of these apps to see which one resonates with you the most. Almost all the services provide you with a free trial to try one or two sounds, chantings, stories, journeys, or meditations. Keep in mind that personal preferences and compatibility with the teaching style, interface, and available content are essential factors in choosing the best online meditation service for you. If you are confused, and still need help, please reach out email@thepiyushgaur.com. I will be happy to help. I wish you all the very best in your journey.
Alone with the New Apple: A Holistic Perspective on VisionPro
Image: Apple.com (screenshot)
It was in Edinburgh, just after university, where I had my first internship at a company called SFX. During the lunch break, I was telling everyone about how cool my new iPod Nano is. Being a product person from the heart, I have always admired how Apple products have a sense of ‘knowing you’. At the time, I didn’t even know much about product management or user design, experience, etc. But I was very impressed by the simplicity of use, and its intuitiveness. It got the work done and had a sense of privilege using it. As a student, that was the only Apple product I could afford and I surely was enjoying/bragging about it.
Years down the line, spending time in the hi-tech industry, and more importantly observing society change, I have come to understand many of these innovations have not done justice to the holistic ‘customer journey’. A typical customer journey is, for example, the customer gets to a website or an app, browsing to purchase a product/service, selects one to put in the cart, and then goes through the checkout and purchases it. From a holistic perspective, we should question how the customer was feeling prior to arriving at the app, during the in-app journey, after signing out, and then the implication of that service or product that the customer purchased? Maybe 20 years ago, it didn’t matter so much, but today when these innovations are unintentional enablers, in the guise of convenience, independence, and individuality, in creating physical distance among friends and families, a good product manager will think of it.
Of course, a healthy argument can be made that it is none of my business or that it’s up to the users. Any product company might say that, and this will not be invalid. If someone harms themselves after seeing their team lose a football match on TSN, it is not the fault of TSN. I submit to this argument. But there is something bigger at play here. Since the arrival of various handheld technologies, social media, and the plethora of apps, mental health issues are on the rise at an unprecedented rate. Loneliness is huge in today’s day and age. Some Anecdotes:
- South Korea is offering isolated young people $500 a month to get them to leave their homes and reconnect with society.
- Britain has had a loneliness minister in the Government from pre-pandemic times.
- NYTimes reported at any moment, about one out of every two Americans is experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. This includes introverts and extroverts, rich and poor, and younger and older Americans.
On the technical innovation scale of Vision Pro, I will give full marks to Apple Leadership.
- Eye coordination with hand gestures, topped with Siri integration, will lead to a very smooth user experience. This is one thing that other players in the industry never are able to take advantage of – the ecosystem.
- The see-through headsets, where you can still talk to someone while you have them on.
- Digital Avatars. Yes, it looks very realistic. If you remember Animojis World. Clearly, they were working on this for quite some time.
- A good AR implementation with real-world awareness.
- 4k resolution for each eye. and 3D will look proper 3D with surround sound for your ears. Amazing.
What I don’t know yet.
- How heavy is the headset?
- How much fatigue will it cause? Physical head and neck fatigue and also eye strain. When I used AR Glasses from North, a company purchased by Google later on, had a huge eye fatigue. Similarly, when I used Oculus a few years ago, it was clunky, not comfortable to use, and pixelated.
Look, having said all this, as I said above, Apple is good at product execution. I am sure, purely from the product innovation and implementation, they have done a great job and are leading the way.
But in what direction?
A direction that has caused serious damage to people. Now Apple created a portal (Vision Pro) through which all the apps and services, with functions and features that are well-researched on addiction, gamification, performative magic, social engineering, persuasive design, and behavioral economics will start coming through.
It starts to become dark/questioning when the goal of these features is to keep you in the app for as long as possible. And now, with Vision Pro, the persuasion will be exponentially high because of the Convenience and Pleasure factor.
I see two ways forward. Maybe three, let’s see.
- Apple Leadership starts coming out with products and features that ‘actually’ does something for loneliness.
- All the apps and functionalities that are designed for Vision Pro, pass through some sort of ‘Mindfulness by Design’ framework. So it’s not an afterthought but from the get-go.
- Users themselves get smart and are able to minimize the time and usage of these products. So they are the masters of it and not the other way around. We know this hasn’t worked so far.
I would love to know your thoughts. What do you think will be the impact of a device like this in society? And what can be done to mitigate that?
How can you help children meditate without them losing interest?
Children, you tell them something to do, pretty much guaranteed, they will do the opposite. And even if they do as you ask, it’s only a matter of seconds, they will move on to the next stuff. Honestly, this is okay. actually, you want this; this is what really means to be children. But meditation is a gift that you want them to learn. It is more important than giving them a holiday ticket to Paris, a Mustang, or anything like that. Meditation will stay and guide them entire their life. So what to do? Below are a few things that are proven to help:
- Don’t tell them the moon is shining; show them the glint of light on broken glass: Don’t tell them to do meditation. Do it WITH them. It takes 10 minutes. Start there. Do it with them.
- Kids are outward-focused, so make a small ritual out of it: Fix a place in the house. Fix a time. burn some candles or light some incense sticks, and get some plants or meditation pillows. And do it together.
- Keep it short: Children have shorter attention spans than adults, so it’s best to keep meditation sessions short and simple. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable with the practice.
- Start with Stories: Maybe engage them first with the stories. Give them 5 to 7 minutes of stories, with meditation music in the background, and then do meditation with them for 10 minutes. Stories transport the soul, they have the power of narration. Do that and then start the meditation.
- Use props: Children may be more engaged in meditation if they have a special object or prop to focus on. For example, you could have them hold a small stuffed animal or a special rock while they meditate. If they are older (12 years or older), they can focus on the flame of the candle. Breathe in, hold, breathe out. Keep the candle at chest height at about 3 feet of distance.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to meditation. Try to establish a regular meditation routine with your child, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. This will help them develop the habit and see the benefits of meditation over time
I wish you all the very best in giving your children the best gift of their life.