Photo by Mor Shani
“Meditation is not about stopping thoughts, but recognizing that we are more than our thoughts and our feelings.” Ariana Huffington
There's one meditation app which I believe stands out amongst the competition. Not only does it offer free guided meditations, music tracks, a meditation timer and other community features, it's a free meditation app.
I've been using Insight Timer as part of my meditation practice for years now to manage stress, sleep deeply, and you know, get me just one step closer inner peace.
What does Insight Timer do?
Insight Timer, in my opinion is better than other meditation apps because so many of its meditation practices are free and led by experienced practitioners.
Is Insight Timer any good?
Insight Timer has the potential to be an effective meditation app which suits most people with experience in meditation. This vast library provides an interactive platform that provides an incredibly rich user experience. The music was excellent and the content was professionally delivered.
Some of the free features on Insight Timer include:
Audio tracks
Ambient sounds
Sleep tracks
Free meditations
Meditation programs
Free timer with bells
Group meditations
Wide variety of meditation types
Insight Timer is highly customizable, and while there is an optional in app subscription, you can access thousands of meditation teachers and mindfulness practices free of cost. The insight network is vast and full of world renowned artists willing to share their gifts.
Which is better Insight Timer or Headspace app?
The headspace app has a well-defined focus. There are many alternative options. It would suit beginners. Insight Timer provides a variety of courses with free content, as well as a free-to-use timer. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference. I prefer Insight Timer because of its high quality audio, short meditations, timer with bells, and even with the free version, I've been able to understand meditation practice on a deeper level. Either app will serve you if you want to reduce anxiety, but the fact that insight timer offers thousands of free meditations and features really says something about their commitment to well being.
What is the best way to use Insight Timer?
Improving sleep: use the guided sleep meditations, or simply set the timer. This app also has an automatic free feature where the guided meditation or music track will turn off when finished. If your goal with meditation is to sleep deeply, Insight tImer offers amazing free features to help you do just that.
Better relationships: even in the free version of Insight Timer you can join groups and interact with the community.
Live Events: if you don't live in the main time zone, it can be tricky, but what's better than a free virtual yoga class led by one of your favourite teachers from around the world? The meditation teachers very obviously care about their craft.
Discussion groups: you can be as active or as passive as you'd like on this app, and they're constantly making ui improvements and updates, so it keeps getting better. Tap into the insight network and make your meditation experience 360!
What are some Insight Timer features?
Keep in mind though that some features like fast forward / fast forward and rewind or unlimited courses and repeat mode are a paid feature which requires a subscription.
No matter how you look at it, a free app with some of the world's leading meditation teachers just a click away, numerous music tracks, popular meditations and over 70,000 guided meditations from mindfulness experts is a gift! If there's a free trial, give it a shot! But honestly, I've been so happy with the free features that I haven't felt the desire!
I hope you start seeing meditating as a simple daily habit that is free, useful and a great way to improve focus, reduce stress and create calm in these times. Meditate more, friends.
