I come from the school of simple and natural is better. But let's be honest. I'm a millennial. I was raised around a lot of technology and I am constantly surrounded by it. I'm mesmerized by innovative technology and how technology works to make our lives better. But can technology super-charge our spiritual journey?
In this "Using Technology in Spiritual Journey" series, I aim to explore different aspects of using technology to expand our consciousness and support our spiritual journey.
Let's talk meditation first.
Meditation is a powerful exercise of mindfulness and concentration that can help you strengthen your mind, improve emotional well-being, and connect to your higher self and spiritual body.
But it's hard.
If I had a dollar for every excuse I had to not meditate, I'd clone a yogi version of myself and connect my brain to hers. Sometimes it's hard to concentrate, especially after a long time of not meditating. Sometimes it's hard to know if I'm doing it right. Sometimes it's just hard to meditate.
Which is silly. Meditating is one of the simplest way to rapidly improve your life, but sometimes it is so hard to make the time to find the discipline, and set aside time to sit and focus.
Can technology make meditation easier? Here are some apps and gadgets that could assist in maintaining a enhanced and more disciplined meditation practice.
Technology Tools for Meditation
Breathing Buddha Visual Meditation & Mindfulness Tool
This is an affordable option for a tech gadget that can support your meditation. Introducing the Breathing Buddha, a guided visual meditation and mindfulness tool designed to help you find calm and focus in your daily life. Whether you're seeking stress relief, anxiety management, or simply a moment of peace, the Breathing Buddha offers a simple and effective way to pause, reset, and connect with your breath.
Suitable for both adults and children, the Breathing Buddha can be used anywhere – at home, work, school, or as part of a bedtime routine. Its compact size fits perfectly on desks, nightstands, or any space where you need a gentle reminder to breathe deeply. By encouraging intentional breathing and mindful awareness, the Breathing Buddha helps cultivate mindfulness and presence in your daily life. It serves as a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and live in the present moment.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Ideal for visual learners and those who find it challenging to focus with closed eyes.
- Adorable!
- Practical for meditation and sleep
- Creates a calming atmosphere for yourself and the kids!
Cons:
- Limited breathing pattern options, a few more features could really enhance this adorable gadget
HEPA Air Purifier
I mean, speaking of breathing, if you are going to breathing deeply indoors, one way to enhance your meditation space is with clean, purified air. The Clorox Air Purifier offers advanced filtration technology to help you breathe easier during meditation sessions, deepening your practice and promote overall well-being.
Pros:
- Removes allergens, particulates, viruses, and bacteria
- Ideal for small to medium-sized rooms
- Whisper-quiet and compact design
Cons:
- Not great for larger rooms
- Doesn't track changes over time
- Potential sensor issues, leading to concerns about accuracy and reliability
Muse: the brain sensing headband
Muse meditation app and device
If you find yourself uncertain that you're meditating right (and you have $250 to spend on self-help tech gadgets), Muse is your thing. Muse is a brain sensing headband that claims to elevate your meditation experience by reading your brain waves and curating a meditation experience based on the real-time state of your brain. After meditation, you can review a report that gives you feedback on exactly what is happening in your brain during your meditation session. Pretty cool, huh? It's also designed to help you form the habit of meditating regularly with motivational challenges and rewards. Learn more here about Muse here.
Pros:
- Easy to use and set up
- Connects easily to phones
- Offers meditation guides and soundscapes
- Some users find it effective for focus and relaxation
- Biofeedback helps some users stay focused during meditation
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- A bit fragile
Learn more here about Muse here.
Bluetooth Aromatherapy Diffuser
My favorite aromatherapy diffuser here.
Pairing aromatherapy with meditation can enhance the sensory experience and deepen relaxation. A Bluetooth-enabled aromatherapy diffuser allows you to control essential oil diffusion directly from your smartphone, creating a harmonious environment conducive to meditation and inner peace.
Shop for my favorite aromatherapy diffuser here
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Quiet operation
- Fills the room with fragrance effectively
- Some users experience improved sleep
Cons:
- Limited information available (no specific brand mentioned)
Get your aromatherapy diffuser here
Orb - biofeedback device
Orb utilizes biofeedback technology to provide real-time insights into your meditation sessions, allowing you to track and improve your practice over time. By monitoring physiological signals such as heart rate variability and skin conductance, Orb offers personalized guidance for achieving deeper states of relaxation and focus. Get your Orb here.
Pros:
- Reduces anxiety and stress
- Quality relaxation aids in the app
Cons:
- Mixed opinions on the effectiveness of stress reduction
Rylaxtones - relaxing soundscapes
Rylaxtones offers a diverse collection of immersive soundscapes designed to facilitate meditation, relaxation, and stress relief. From tranquil nature sounds to soothing ambient music, Rylaxtones provides a customizable auditory experience tailored to your meditation preferences. Learn more about Rylaxtones here.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- High-quality soundscapes with various frequencies
- Affordable price
- Effective for some users in achieving a meditative state
Cons:
- Limited information available (no specific brand mentioned)
Hatch - sunrise alarm clock
Hatch combines the functionality of a sunrise alarm clock with guided meditation programs to create a holistic wake-up routine. By simulating the natural light of sunrise and incorporating gentle meditation prompts, Hatch helps you start your day feeling refreshed, centered, and ready to embrace mindful living. Check it out!
Pros:
- Easy to use with user-friendly interface
- Offers calming sounds and light options
- Gradual light increase creates a peaceful wake-up experience
- Some users find it improves sleep quality and reduces morning stress
Cons:
- Pricey!
Zero EMF Sauna
Incorporating infrared sauna therapy into your meditation practice can promote detoxification, stress reduction, and overall well-being. With zero EMF technology, you can enjoy the benefits of sauna therapy without exposure to electromagnetic radiation, ensuring a safe and tranquil meditation experience.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble and operate
- Heats up quickly and provides a good sweat
- High-quality construction
- Some users report health benefits
Cons:
- Limited space
- Expensive
Meditation Cushion
A comfortable and supportive meditation cushion is essential for maintaining proper posture and alignment during meditation. Look for cushions made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton or buckwheat hulls to support both your practice and the environment.
Grounding Mat
Grounding mats harness the Earth's natural energy to promote relaxation, reduce inflammation, and support overall health and vitality. By connecting to the Earth's electrical field, grounding mats facilitate a deeper sense of grounding and presence during meditation sessions.
Self Healing Courses & eBooks
I launched a free, wonderful self healing course that is online! Even though this is a totally digital course, it gives you tips on exactly how to cleanse, strengthen, & fortify your body using the 5 senses! Each class is sent via email, and we will explore rituals you can implement immediately to heal the body, mind, & soul. While enrollment is currently closed, I will be opening up again soon! eBooks are another great way to learn new information that you can use in your meditation practice. My newest Oshunita ebook provides a step-by-step ritual on self love that includes a lot of meditation, affirmations, and more!
Download the Oshunita Self Love Ritual Book
Stop, Breathe, and Think App
If you're new to meditation, guided meditation is sure-fire way to support your meditation practice. Stop, Breathe, and Think App is a "simple, fun and free mindfulness and compassion building tool, available for iOS, Android and Web." It works like this. You'll first check into your mood. Are you uneasy? Disappointed? Excited? Satisfied? Neutral? Checking in with your mood is an important tenet of mindfulness, and Stop, Breathe, and Think makes it easy to be a daily habit. After checking in, Stop, Breathe, and Think will suggest a guided meditation that will help with your current mood. Many of the meditations are from 3 to 10 minutes, so you can find time to meditate in the morning before getting ready for the day.
Learn more here: https://www.stopbreathethink.com/
Lumen
If meditation bores you and you're into virtual reality, Lumen delivers a beautiful meditation experience via virtual reality. Check it:
According to Lumen, "the experience is a self-guided, nonlinear meditation rooted at the intersection of virtual reality and wellness." When using Lumen, you are "surrounded by mountains and a night's sky aurora display" and create a beautiful, mystical forest with your gaze. Lumen can be used with an HTC Vive Headset.
Learn more: https://store.steampowered.com/app/520040/LUMEN/
Obviously, you don't need any tech gadgets to meditate, but technology is heavily entangled in our lives. If you want to enhance your meditation or if you need more support in creating a habit of meditation, technology can be a helpful tool.
What are some apps, tech tools, and IoT gadgets you use in your meditation practice?
