There are several meditation apps on the market that are quite popular. These include Headspace, Calm, and Sam Harris' excellent app Waking Up. Calm was the first such app that I ever tried and I have dabbled with a subscription Waking Up because I dig Sam Harris' podcast and paying for the app provides full access to his enlightening long form interviews.

However, the app I have been using for a decade for meditation is Insight Timer. I do not and have never paid for a subscription because the free version does all that I need. Specifically, I want something simple, with options about start/start sounds, and a decdent choice of ambient sounds I can play while meditating when I’m in the mood. Another important feature I love about Insight Timer is their tracking system. They used colored stars and I love it because a) I like tracking things and b) I love that if gamifies the habit. Despite my age, I’m a sucker for good gamification.

While I’m the first to admit the negative aspects of modern technology, and phones in particular, I love that my phone has helped me build an important personal habit. My meditation sessions are not very long (I have averaged about 10 minutes a day over the past ten years), but I have managed to meditate most days over the past 12 years or so. The habit is important to me personally and has definitely helped with both my mental and physical health.