Resources (Recommended Apps, Items, Tools, Books, etc.)
APPS:
The truth is, Busy Woman's Meditation is simple to learn and simple to do and all you will really ever need, to have a solid, sustainable meditation practice. You don't need any other additional accessories, apps or tools. However, that being said, because I understand human nature, so you may want to have different meditation apps and tools handy to choose from, to help you to stay motivated and consistent with your daily practice.
All of the apps I recommend are available online at the App Store or on your smart phone at the App Store and most are compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Insight Timer is my favorite and one of the most popular free meditation apps available for your smartphone. It's invaluable for keeping track of time while meditating and also has hundreds of guided meditations.
Calm is an excellent tool for meditating. It has a Timed Meditation feature where you can set a meditation time for 1, 2, 5 or 10 minutes, which is perfect for when you're just beginning your meditation practice. It offers a free 7 day meditation trial with personalized sounds and scenes or you can subscribe to their 21-day monthly program.
The Meditate Now phone app offers pre-set, 10 minute silent meditations.
Mind full vs. Mindful. Mindfulness Bell by Spotlight Six Software is one of my very favorite apps because it allows you to set regular reminders on your phone (for free) to be mindful and present. It rings a beautiful Tibetan Singing Bowl at a specified interval or at random intervals throughout the day. When it rings, stop what you're doing, close your eyes to take a Mindful Moment.
Headspace gives you an easy program to follow, and it’s almost constructed as a game, with levels to master and new features to unlock. First level with 10-minute sessions is free and eases you into the practice, after that, you’ll have to pay to play.
Breathe Sync. You can learn to adjust your breath to match the rhythm of your heartbeat with this app and it will help you to feel more relaxed, focused and balanced. Your breath and heartbeat are directly connected to your wellness and stress levels. By taking a few minutes each day with Breathe Sync, you can measure your well-being and stay in control.
Omvana is a beautiful meditation app created by the personal growth company Mindvalley.
HELPFUL MEDITATION ITEMS & TOOLS:
These are all purely optional and NOT required for doing the Busy Woman's Meditation or the Program.
I like to start and end every practice the same way, with deep breathing and with sound; either the sound of a bell,
chime, gong or a singing bowl. These beautiful singing bowls from The Ohm Store are made in Nepal from hand-hammered copper and are very reasonably priced. ( I bought my own singing bowls when I was in Kathmandu, Nepal several years ago and paid almost the exact same prices for them there!)
Music is NOT necessary for meditating, but if you choose to have background music for meditating or while working try: Liquid Mind: Meditation.
Recommended music station: www.Calmradio.com to create your own calm music playlist.
Using earbuds, (Panasonic $12), headset (Plantronic stereo headset $73), and earplugs (Etymotic brand $24.95) are all useful for meditating or while listening to meditation audios.
If you’re into using music and brainwave entrainment technology during meditation or to help you focus when working, you may want to check out brainfm.
Who knew you could do meditations with Alexa on the Amazon Echo? Just say, "Alexa, open a guided meditation,” and you'll get a new one each day.
If you really can’t stand silence while you’re working or studying at home, Coffitivity gives you coffee shop chatter
in your background so you don't feel left out of the action. :)
Check out the Zafu meditation cushion to sit on.
Himalayan salt lamp and an Essential oil diffuser are wonderful additions to your meditation practice (be careful
with any essential oils around pets, not recommended).
Not directly related to meditation, but something I recommend and take every day for my own personal health, Healthy Origins Probiotic 30 Billion CFU's.
BOOKS ON MEDITATION & SPIRITUALITY:
Project 369 book by David Kasneci
Project 369 workbook by David Kasneci
10% Happier by Dan Harris
A New Earth and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
Ageless Body, Timeless Mind by Deepak Chopra
Bliss More by Light Watkins
Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
Making Space by Thich Nhat Hanh
Quiet Mind Epic Life by Matthew Ferry
The Blissful Brain by Shanida Nataraja
The Science of Being and the Art of Living by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
The Untethered Soul and The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer
Waking Up: A Guide To Spirituality Without Religion by Sam Harris
Waking Up In Paris by Sonia Choquette
Wherever You Go, There You Are and Mindfulness For Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Awakening To The Wisdom Of Your Soul by P. Lynn Ahearn (my own spiritual memoir)
MINDFULNESS FOR KIDS:
Zen Pig series of books teaching mindfulness by Mark Brown
Moose the Worry Mutt by Dr. Jaime Crowley
A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles by Thich Nhat Hanh
Sitting Still Like A Frog by Eline Snel
Good Morning Yoga by Mariam Gates
Disclaimer: Lynn Ahearn and Soulful Living Coaching shall have neither responsibility nor liability to any person with any loss or damage caused or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by any participant's use of the meditations posted on this website or information offered through her coaching or in her programs. All content is shared as educational information and is not intended to be construed as medical advice.
Techniques and products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, heal or prevent any disease. Occasionally I may recommend products I think may be beneficial for you that I will receive a small compensation for, but you will not pay any more for and doesn't in any way affect the price you pay.
