An App Worth Sitting For

A brilliant coach turned dear friend of mine often says, “The only thing required for genius is a great state.” I think of this often when I’m in a funk, wake up overwhelmed, or can’t find my creative flow.

Years ago, my therapist recommended the Ten Percent Happier app, an extension of the book and podcast by Dan Harris. What I love most about it is the variety of options it offers. From a five-minute guided meditation to twenty minutes on your own to a few minutes of resetting while driving, the offerings are extensive. I’ve never used the app and not thought, “Why don’t I do that more often?”

The word meditation can be intimidating, if not woo-woo-sounding to many. This app (and all the ancillary offerings from Harris) make it not only simple and approachable but also explains the neuroscience behind the practice. A simple Google search of what studies have found about the brains of meditators is a good start if you’re a skeptic, and if you’ve had any interest in starting meditation or making it a more common practice, this app is a must-try.