Windy Grace
Calm is a meditation app, available on iOS, Android, and on the web.
While you CAN access Calm from your computer, the online version does NOT have the musical section which I use to boost my focus and productivity while I’m at work. Henceforth, the online version is useless to me. I have to use my cell phone to access it.
Since the vast majority of the work I do is quite solitary, Calm’s “Focus” music files help me a great deal in keeping my mind focused on the job at hand rather than worrying about any number of other things. This helps me to perform my tasks at maximal speed AND quality because it calms and centers my mind. My favorite “Focus” music files on Calm are “Pulse” and “Composure.”
“Calming the mind is not about switching off and retreating from the bustle of life. It’s a superpower that rewires our brains, changes the way we see the world and helps to unlock our true potential.” – Michael Acton-Smith, Calm’s Co-Founder
While I find its “Sleep” and “Focus” music, available on the iOS and Android apps, to be very helpful, I have not had much luck with the actual meditations. The voice of the woman who guides the meditations is a bit annoying, in my opinion; because she acts as though being able to find a quiet, comfortable place to meditate is one of the easiest things in the world. The way she says it so calmly cracks me up! “Find a quiet place to sit, where you won’t be disturbed.” That’s where my problem with mediation begins. I can assure our guide that this is the most difficult problem with meditation that most people have. If she can’t get us around that, the meditation aspect of this app is absolutely useless. Not all of us have caves to go hide into or extravagant mansions with plenty of room to go off to yourself and find peace and quiet nor can we afford retreats.
Having said that, I can’t iterate enough how helpful the app’s music files are. Not only does Calm have the “Focus” files I use for work, there are also “Relax,” “Sleep,” and “Nature Melodies.” The “Relax” and “Nature Melodies” I have only tinkered with because focus and productivity are my number one goals at this time. However, what little I have heard from the “Relax” and “Nature Melodies” files do seem to be very relaxing and even refreshing. The “Sleep” music files work just as well as the “Focus” files. They will put your entire house to sleep, including children and pets. I get insomnia A LOT. Using this app, I drift off to sleep peacefully and awake well-rested and ready to start the day, every time.
If you are one of those lucky people who can find a quiet, comfortable space to meditate, you would most likely love this app for the wide array of meditations. It is truly a great app and an incredible helpmeet in boosting your focus and productivity.
“There are many joys of entrepreneurial life but it can also be a chaotic, restless and intense existence. As an entrepreneur, you’re ‘always on’ fretting about missed opportunities and stressing about the future.” – Michael Acton-Smith, Calm’s Co-Founder
To that end, I say it works. Try it.
In May of my junior year in high school I started doing Transcendental Meditation twice a day. A few weeks later my sister returned from he college in Colorado. First morning she was back she opened the door while I was meditating and exclaimed “Oh Shit!”. I can totally relate to the “Finding a quiet place ain’t easy” sentinent. Three years later I meditated in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the first morning of the Youth International Party (Yippies) “Pot Not Paraquat” Smoke In.
Now, THAT sounds like a great place to meditate! 😀 I have found that the backseat of my vehicle, late at night, under the moon, is the best option I have here. So far, it’s working 🙂 Thank you for stopping by, Paul <3 I'm sorry it has taken me so long to respond. I've been doing some house cleanings to keep the bills up 😉
Perfectly understandable Windy. Glad to see you still checking in 🙂
I will be back more regularly again very soon… Trying to get my body used to more strenuous work again. Not so easy after 40 lol So far, I’m still ready for bed as soon as I get home.
Thank you for this information, Windy. I really like that kind of music for the various atmosphere as well. Btw, Welcome aboard my friend
You’re most welcome, my friend, and thank you! I’m glad to be helpful as often as I can <3
First of all, welcome to Virily! Next, thanks for sharing.
I am always looking for ways to stay calm and peaceful.
Thank you and you’re very welcome! I am as well and I try to share what I find to help others 🙂 There are tons of apps, few that work well. Calm is fantastic!