Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Headspace, Fabulous, etc?

Re:Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Hea... by skilled on Sunday April 10, 2022 @10:46AM (#30977330)

I've always held a strong opinion about meditation apps, especially something like Headspace, which was founded by an ex-Buddhist. And, the fact that these apps also charge _money_ is just dumb. The strawman argument is that, "Yeah, but some people need guidance.". Which doesn't make any sense. You have to learn to guide yourself.

For a lot of people, these apps are an excuse to go and poster themselves as "spiritually aligned", "woke" and all kinds of other nonsense. And yet they fail to sit down with themselves, completely unplugged, and find that moment of peace that will come once the mind slows down.

Those scientific benefits can be achieved without apps. They just throw that stuff in your face to make you pay them money for a service that doesn't need paying for. Seriously.

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Re:Ask HN: Have you had any real benefits from apps like Hea... by reom_tobit on Sunday April 10, 2022 @10:57AM (#30977471)

I think there’s some benefits to guided meditation in general. Different techniques (body scanning, breath counting, etc) aren’t necessarily obvious to people looking to meditate.

People also come to meditation for different reasons. Some want to chill out, others want to be more present in every day life.

I assume you’re well practiced so you’ll know that ultimately apps aren’t what you need for “real” meditation. I think they’re a good starting point for many though.

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