Meditate in front of your computer with Calm(calm.com)
calm.com
Meditate in front of your computer with Calm
http://calm.com/
179 comments
It saddens me such a cynical response made it to the top. I will use this app. Some days I walk to a local park to meditate. Some days I go to the meditation class we have at work. However, some days I plan to use this app, even if for just the 2 minute meditation. In my experience, in regards to stress prevention even 2 minutes of meditation is better than none.
This response isn't that cynical, it's pretty accurate. I've been using Calm for about 6 months now and while it's been very nice and beneficial for my use cases, I truly believe meditation is a solely physical experience that will ONLY be hindered by the introduction of technology.
I see that comment as a voicing of my anger at seeing the direction in which we are heading. I'm not cynical about technology, I'm upset about our becoming slaves to it and losing our humanity to it instead of using it for connection and rediscovering and enhancing ourselves.
BTW I feel very similarly about many other meditation services offered, even in the outside (non-tech) world. Far too many gurus who purport to serve up enlightenment on a plate for a few bucks. True teachers are few and far between.
BTW I feel very similarly about many other meditation services offered, even in the outside (non-tech) world. Far too many gurus who purport to serve up enlightenment on a plate for a few bucks. True teachers are few and far between.
OTOH, I am spending more and more of my free time at the local hackerspace. Talking to people and combining computer with real world stuff. Also, manual work.
I have the impression that there has been/there is a society-wide phase transition, recently. More and more people seem to realize now that being in front of the net all day isn't really fulfilling, either.
I have the impression that there has been/there is a society-wide phase transition, recently. More and more people seem to realize now that being in front of the net all day isn't really fulfilling, either.
I think it's good to have a range of comments, cynical and positive. This one raised good points and is articulated well. Personally I think the app is great, but I agree on a lot of what the OP said.
How is this cynical?
It is rather cyinical to offer such a service.
Meditation like most things in life takes deliberate practise, effort and can be dull, hard and boring at times.
This is not meditation but distraction. If you want to medidate, first, don't do it alone. Do it with other people. Go to your next zen dojo, or Yoga school or whatever is available in your area. And then sit together with the people in the dojo.
It is rather cyinical to offer such a service.
Meditation like most things in life takes deliberate practise, effort and can be dull, hard and boring at times.
This is not meditation but distraction. If you want to medidate, first, don't do it alone. Do it with other people. Go to your next zen dojo, or Yoga school or whatever is available in your area. And then sit together with the people in the dojo.
I have to echo the siblings on this one. I don't think there's one prescribed route to meditation, especially since, as I'm sure you know, there are tons and tons of different meditation techniques and lineages.
I personally preferred meditating alone starting off, and really still do. There are some retreats that I wouldn't mind taking part in, but ultimately, meditation is a personal and solitary experience for me.
I personally preferred meditating alone starting off, and really still do. There are some retreats that I wouldn't mind taking part in, but ultimately, meditation is a personal and solitary experience for me.
Who are you to dictate to others what is or is not meditation? Who are you to dictate anything, to anyone?
This site is literally for voicing your own opinion. If it wasn't valid it wouldn't be near the top. Have a decent counter point because arguing by aggression isn't arguing.
Popularity has no bearing on validity, that's a common logical fallacy.
Correlation is not causation, but given people put their trousers on successfully, cross the street and go to work it's likely that they tend on aggregate to have a view of the world that matches reality. You can't use popularity of a view to ensure it's valid, but I don't think it should have zero sway, either. Or, to put it more precisely, I bet it's more likely that something the vast majority of people believe is true, is actually true.
Note: this does not mean I'm saying God/the tooth fairy/the loch ness monster/santa are real. It means there are more true things people believe than false.
Note: this does not mean I'm saying God/the tooth fairy/the loch ness monster/santa are real. It means there are more true things people believe than false.
Santa is real, FYI.
If the way of the parent comment is not the way, what is a way?
I for one am looking forward to migrating to a lotus position desk from my standing treadmill one.
I for one am looking forward to migrating to a lotus position desk from my standing treadmill one.
He's not dictating anything, he's merely explaining how meditation actually works. No one if forcing you to do it properly if you prefer doing it wrong.
> This is not meditation but distraction. If you want to medidate, first, don't do it alone.`
To me this is a practical oxymoron. At least when I was first learning to meditate, I had to be completely alone in a quiet place. Being surrounded by others sounds really unnecessary and distracting.
To me this is a practical oxymoron. At least when I was first learning to meditate, I had to be completely alone in a quiet place. Being surrounded by others sounds really unnecessary and distracting.
If you haven't tried sitting with a group, I highly suggest it. I find it much easier to focus, and there is more accountability so you can't get pulled away inside your own thoughts, then suddenly open your eyes and say, "I've got too much to do!" No, it's easier to refocus and sit until the end.
Also, I find guided meditation groups really nice. I'm a beginner, so it's great to have someone helping me along.
Also, I find guided meditation groups really nice. I'm a beginner, so it's great to have someone helping me along.
Shared focus, accountability, and retrospect. Also, a potential group of friends who won't judge you for doing nothing but sitting on a pillow for a half an hour (or more) every day.
There are pros and cons to everything.
There are pros and cons to everything.
I've been part of a few meditation groups. You really have to find the right mix or it doesn't work well.
I personally prefer alone-time meditation to introspect and sift through my inner concerns and arrange my emotional situation.
However you choose to do it, meditation is a wonderful way to unwind and an app with nice calming music and imagery is one way to disconnect from the bedlam.
(said while typing on hacker news with the calm site on the other screen)
I personally prefer alone-time meditation to introspect and sift through my inner concerns and arrange my emotional situation.
However you choose to do it, meditation is a wonderful way to unwind and an app with nice calming music and imagery is one way to disconnect from the bedlam.
(said while typing on hacker news with the calm site on the other screen)
"zen" bowman vs "cs" meder. coincidence?
cynical is the name of the game here.
This post made me think about how cynical my commentaries on the cynicism of hn probably sound, which was... weird.
>Anyone who has looked into causes of stress cannot avoid the fact that a lack of PHYSICAL activity, a lack of PHYSICAL presence, and a lack of PHYSICAL stimulation is a major, if not the major factor.
Could you provide peer-reviewed research supporting this statement? Stress is a well-studied process and if what you say is true you should have no problem finding sources.
Could you provide peer-reviewed research supporting this statement? Stress is a well-studied process and if what you say is true you should have no problem finding sources.
Physical stimulation probably happens more often in front of the computer these days too...
Also, could you provide a scientific definition for "physical presence"?
Let me help you out: http://bit.ly/N5TntW
I'm not the one making claims. It's not my responsibility to validate anything. Even if I tried to, it's possible I'd miss the original sources that another person used to make an inference, and I'll lose the opportunity to learn. Worse, I could find bad sources, and learn the wrong thing.
But thanks for taking the time to obfuscate a lmgtfy link. It's clear you put time, effort, and love into this comment. Thanks, Quinn. Happy hacking!
But thanks for taking the time to obfuscate a lmgtfy link. It's clear you put time, effort, and love into this comment. Thanks, Quinn. Happy hacking!
Instead of theorizing, how about just using it and seeing if it actually helps ?
I have been a regular user every morning for the past 3-4 months. It is easy to follow and gives a great sense of calm - almost time expanding in a way. Helps productivity too.
I have been a regular user every morning for the past 3-4 months. It is easy to follow and gives a great sense of calm - almost time expanding in a way. Helps productivity too.
Lack of physical activity CAN contribute to stress besides numerous other factors. It's definitely not the major factor for everyone. However, as funny as that cartoon strip might be, there's nothing wrong in using a stress producer (aka your computer) to counter stress. I'm not advocating this as a substitute for physical activity. Just saying that in a busy day, this site seems like a nice aid to calm your mind.
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I've used a computer program in order to aid me in meditating. That was a program dealing with sound, not with anything visual.
You're right that computers for computers sake is missing the point. But so is dismissing computers because they're computers, or because they're used in unconventional ways.
I can at least say that using that program made it a lot easier to get into a more meditative state. And it was not supposed to be a perpetual training wheel, more like a temporary one, until you could get the same desired effect without any sound-aid.
You're right that computers for computers sake is missing the point. But so is dismissing computers because they're computers, or because they're used in unconventional ways.
I can at least say that using that program made it a lot easier to get into a more meditative state. And it was not supposed to be a perpetual training wheel, more like a temporary one, until you could get the same desired effect without any sound-aid.
"once he reaches his destination at the far shore, does the wise man pick up the ferryboat and carry it with him?"
- http://www.angelfire.com/indie/anna_jones1/ferryboat.html
(linking to an angelfire page on hn is probably my favorite thing of the day)
- http://www.angelfire.com/indie/anna_jones1/ferryboat.html
(linking to an angelfire page on hn is probably my favorite thing of the day)
I like the images. Seems like something you'd see on those wall screens of the future.
Is there a business model for this, possibly subscription based in the future?
They have job postings:
http://www.calm.com/jobs
"We're a small start-up with a big mission: to reduce stress and increase calm in an increasingly stressed-out world. We're just starting out, and we're looking for talented and driven folks to join us.
On offer is a competitive salary, meaningful equity, great benefits, holiday when you need it and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. We're based in San Francisco's SOMA district and all roles are based here in our office."
Is there a business model for this, possibly subscription based in the future?
They have job postings:
http://www.calm.com/jobs
"We're a small start-up with a big mission: to reduce stress and increase calm in an increasingly stressed-out world. We're just starting out, and we're looking for talented and driven folks to join us.
On offer is a competitive salary, meaningful equity, great benefits, holiday when you need it and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. We're based in San Francisco's SOMA district and all roles are based here in our office."
I tried the 2-minute session, and it really felt great. Also had the same concern about long-term business model though.
Wow, I love the irony.
Perhaps I'm having a dumb day. Where's the irony?
It's a startup. Startups are notoriously hustle-and-bustle.
Yes, it's completely impossible that this company has its own corporate culture, they're probably exactly like every other startup (to a laughable stereotype). Working 500 hour weeks, literally paid in peanuts, and if you go on a date instead of pushing a bugfix they crucify you.
Companies like this still need to be made by talented people.
I know the founder of Calm, he's extremely laid back and great to work for.
You have to believe in the vision of a company to work there and this will be no different for Calm. It'll take the right kind of mentality to succeed at a place that puts reducing stress at the forefront of its mission.
I know the founder of Calm, he's extremely laid back and great to work for.
You have to believe in the vision of a company to work there and this will be no different for Calm. It'll take the right kind of mentality to succeed at a place that puts reducing stress at the forefront of its mission.
iOS app has subscription-based guided meditations
Such an awesome website and startup mission.
Back in high school I took a free class put on by the Art of Living (www.artofliving.org) - it was the best thing I ever did. They taught us the Sudarshan Kriya, which is a 20 minute meditation and breathing exercise. For people who practice it regularly, it is literally a substitute for a morning cup of coffee.
The Sudarshan Kriya is just one of the many yogic exercises out there, and the yogic exercises are part of a huge ecosystem of meditative processes designed to enrich one's ability to live in the present. It would be amazing to see at least a small subset of these exercises incorporated into this.
It doesn't need to have nondescript names like "Sudarshan Kriya" - what yoga practitioners call Pranayama, Buddhists call Anapanasati, and regular people call "breathing exercises". The revelations about how to live in the moment are fairly universal, so it would be more about incorporating these fundamental ideas into an online meditative course.
If you're from Calm, just want to say that I absolutely love what you're doing - by far, the best startup idea I've seen in a while.
Back in high school I took a free class put on by the Art of Living (www.artofliving.org) - it was the best thing I ever did. They taught us the Sudarshan Kriya, which is a 20 minute meditation and breathing exercise. For people who practice it regularly, it is literally a substitute for a morning cup of coffee.
The Sudarshan Kriya is just one of the many yogic exercises out there, and the yogic exercises are part of a huge ecosystem of meditative processes designed to enrich one's ability to live in the present. It would be amazing to see at least a small subset of these exercises incorporated into this.
It doesn't need to have nondescript names like "Sudarshan Kriya" - what yoga practitioners call Pranayama, Buddhists call Anapanasati, and regular people call "breathing exercises". The revelations about how to live in the moment are fairly universal, so it would be more about incorporating these fundamental ideas into an online meditative course.
If you're from Calm, just want to say that I absolutely love what you're doing - by far, the best startup idea I've seen in a while.
My knee-jerk reaction to this was at first laughter, followed by a deep sense of loathing as I dug deeper into whatever this site is supposed to be. This is fucking appalling. In some respects I might, -might- be able to get behind the idea of "meditation" as "SaaS" but for the most part I find this borderline insulting.
I think you might have some stress in your life.
I think you of all people could benefit the most from something like this.
What do you have against Serenity-as-a-Service?
For me, it'd be like "virtual-parent.com! No need to be a parent to your kids, just point them at this website and we'll be their parent for you".
If you want less stress, or to calm down, the last thing you should be doing is staring at a computer screen. Go outdoors. Exercise. Meet real people.
If you want less stress, or to calm down, the last thing you should be doing is staring at a computer screen. Go outdoors. Exercise. Meet real people.
I agree that "real" experiences are awesome and sometimes people spend a bit too much time in front of their computer or staring at their phone....
But the vitriol of the grandparent-comment seems uncalled for. Computers/phones/etc are not some sort of evil presence that infect everything they touch, and apps like this can have their place too. In the right context, they might do a lot of good.
[E.g. I love various simple "sounds of rain" apps on my phone -- they can reallllly help me concentrate when I'm trying to study in a cafe and the background noise is somehow putting me off. It's like a blanket of calm...]
But the vitriol of the grandparent-comment seems uncalled for. Computers/phones/etc are not some sort of evil presence that infect everything they touch, and apps like this can have their place too. In the right context, they might do a lot of good.
[E.g. I love various simple "sounds of rain" apps on my phone -- they can reallllly help me concentrate when I'm trying to study in a cafe and the background noise is somehow putting me off. It's like a blanket of calm...]
Yeah, to be fair I had just gotten out of a series of meetings about having less meetings...perhaps the vitriol was a bit uncalled for. I'm also with you on those "sounds of rain" or other white noise apps for concentration.
But this isn't just for concentration, this is for (quoted from their terms and conditions) "customized relaxation and self-improvement sessions." I'm not of the mind that electronics are an evil presence that infect everything they touch, rather I'm of the mind that there are certain activities which are cheapened by a service like this.
Actual meditation requires some amount effort, not a 20 minute session with headphones and an app.
But this isn't just for concentration, this is for (quoted from their terms and conditions) "customized relaxation and self-improvement sessions." I'm not of the mind that electronics are an evil presence that infect everything they touch, rather I'm of the mind that there are certain activities which are cheapened by a service like this.
Actual meditation requires some amount effort, not a 20 minute session with headphones and an app.
Fair enough.
I would totally use Nagios on my kids though.
I would totally use Nagios on my kids though.
Yeah, I concur. My wife tried it out and wanted to do more, but it was all "in-app purchase this" and "in-app purchase that," and "you'll be tracked on our website," etc. All she wanted was to download a single app and use it. She didn't want all the crap that goes along with it because other people keeping lots of info about her stresses her out!
You didn't try it, did you?
Imaging entering a state of meditative bliss, realizing we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves and then being interrupted with an advert for a PS4.
lol
"Today a young man on acid realised ..." - Bill Hicks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D0BeLz5blM
On the iPhone, calm.com takes you directly to the App Store page without even prompting. You can try going to the deeloper's website from there, BUT that takes you to their Facebook page. From there it links back to calm.com.
Worst. Experience. Ever. And I haven't even downloaded the app yet!
Worst. Experience. Ever. And I haven't even downloaded the app yet!
Lucky. On Android it just says the app isn't ready yet.
My guess is they want to herd users to the mobile app right away, rather than manage both the app and optimized website for mobile.
My guess is they want to herd users to the mobile app right away, rather than manage both the app and optimized website for mobile.
What's annoying for me was that I was redirected to the "sign up for when the app is released" page, but if I fake the user agent I get a very nice, very usable calm.com that works out of the box with my phone.
Why, why must you force me towards your app? At max, serve the web page first, then suggest the app to me.
Why, why must you force me towards your app? At max, serve the web page first, then suggest the app to me.
Well if it's optimized for mobile already, then I agree - the herding behavior to an app store is annoying.
How about.
Close your eyes. Find the peace within. Learn something you will be grateful for for the rest of your life.
It takes practice and some discipline, like anything worth doing, but the rewards to your health, your mind and those around you gives it back 100fold at least.
And you will have something you can do anywhere, at anytime.
No computer, no internet, no website needed.
Just apply within.
Close your eyes. Find the peace within. Learn something you will be grateful for for the rest of your life.
It takes practice and some discipline, like anything worth doing, but the rewards to your health, your mind and those around you gives it back 100fold at least.
And you will have something you can do anywhere, at anytime.
No computer, no internet, no website needed.
Just apply within.
"Now focus on your body. This is you, alive and present."
Wow - this punched me very hard. I have a mild case of depersonalization and those words really affected me. I'll use this daily.
Wow - this punched me very hard. I have a mild case of depersonalization and those words really affected me. I'll use this daily.
Very cool, and well-executed.
Not to mean to nitpick, but am I the only one who thought it felt jarring to hear an outdoor babbling brook, while looking at the surface of the water from... below? Both the videos and audio are spectacular on their own, but I'm not sure they always match up quite well enough. :)
Not to mean to nitpick, but am I the only one who thought it felt jarring to hear an outdoor babbling brook, while looking at the surface of the water from... below? Both the videos and audio are spectacular on their own, but I'm not sure they always match up quite well enough. :)
Ha, that bugged me a little too. I love being underwater so much because of the sensory deprivation :-)
what kind of meditation needs (or is helped) by this?
i kind-of do mindful meditation (i'm no expert) and this would be just one more piece of sensory data to acknowledge and then largely ignore.
if you're doing "concentrative meditation" (i'm using terms from wikipedia) then i would have thought this would be distracting.
is this more like new age tv?
i kind-of do mindful meditation (i'm no expert) and this would be just one more piece of sensory data to acknowledge and then largely ignore.
if you're doing "concentrative meditation" (i'm using terms from wikipedia) then i would have thought this would be distracting.
is this more like new age tv?
Good question. The site's 10 minute guided meditation right now does not sound like the forms of Zen meditation I'm familiar with, and it doesn't sound like mindfulness meditation. What is it? And is it evidence-based?
I practice Zen-style breath-counting meditation (susokukan) now. No doubt many different kinds of meditation are beneficial, but I suspect they have different effect sizes. Probably some do nothing for you at all.
The most unexpected consequence of breath-counting is how dispassionately I see my random intrusive thoughts during meditation, whether it's anger at someone, a happy memory, or a worry about some future task. It sounds crazy to non-meditators, but it's actually hard for me to not to laugh during meditation sessions at how ephemeral and "unreal" these thoughts are... and how quickly all emotions, sensations, thoughts move in and depart like blips on the screen of mind.
After breath-counting for half an hour, I feel a much deeper, more substantial calm than if I'd done something like listening to relaxing noises in the same time. It's a calm of mind that bleeds into the rest of the day, because meditation gives practice at seeing the shape-shifting nature of thoughts and human identity.
Does the kind of meditation practiced on this site have similar effects?
I practice Zen-style breath-counting meditation (susokukan) now. No doubt many different kinds of meditation are beneficial, but I suspect they have different effect sizes. Probably some do nothing for you at all.
The most unexpected consequence of breath-counting is how dispassionately I see my random intrusive thoughts during meditation, whether it's anger at someone, a happy memory, or a worry about some future task. It sounds crazy to non-meditators, but it's actually hard for me to not to laugh during meditation sessions at how ephemeral and "unreal" these thoughts are... and how quickly all emotions, sensations, thoughts move in and depart like blips on the screen of mind.
After breath-counting for half an hour, I feel a much deeper, more substantial calm than if I'd done something like listening to relaxing noises in the same time. It's a calm of mind that bleeds into the rest of the day, because meditation gives practice at seeing the shape-shifting nature of thoughts and human identity.
Does the kind of meditation practiced on this site have similar effects?
breath-counting meditation sounds really interesting, where did you learn about it? Any recommended resources?
I can give you basic instructions based on what I've been given at Fire Lotus Zendo and Insight Meditation Society:
Sit, get comfy, and calm down. Relax your eyes, your jaw, your shoulders, and anywhere you're carrying tension.
WHen you're settled, focus on your breathing, pick one spot (belly, nostrils, nose, etc) and count each breath in your mind. Try to count softly; you want to pay attention to your breathing, not your counting. Start at 1 and go to 10. When/if you reach 10, start over again from 1.
When you find yourself distracted by a thought (and you will), that's normal. Just acknowledge the thought, and start counting again from 1.
Get curious about your breath. Is it hard or soft, fast or slow, dry or wet, smooth or ragged? Notice the pauses at the ends of the inhale and exhale: what's it like? What are the parts in-between like as it comes and goes?
If you find the counting helpful, stick with it. If you find the counting too distracting, just try to pay attention to the breath without it.
Lastly, don't worry too much if your mind is bouncing around like a monkey on a sugar rush; that's pretty normal. Most of the practice of meditation is continually coming back to the present moment, not attaining blissful thought-free emptiness (which is quite rare, even on retreat).
Good luck
Sit, get comfy, and calm down. Relax your eyes, your jaw, your shoulders, and anywhere you're carrying tension.
WHen you're settled, focus on your breathing, pick one spot (belly, nostrils, nose, etc) and count each breath in your mind. Try to count softly; you want to pay attention to your breathing, not your counting. Start at 1 and go to 10. When/if you reach 10, start over again from 1.
When you find yourself distracted by a thought (and you will), that's normal. Just acknowledge the thought, and start counting again from 1.
Get curious about your breath. Is it hard or soft, fast or slow, dry or wet, smooth or ragged? Notice the pauses at the ends of the inhale and exhale: what's it like? What are the parts in-between like as it comes and goes?
If you find the counting helpful, stick with it. If you find the counting too distracting, just try to pay attention to the breath without it.
Lastly, don't worry too much if your mind is bouncing around like a monkey on a sugar rush; that's pretty normal. Most of the practice of meditation is continually coming back to the present moment, not attaining blissful thought-free emptiness (which is quite rare, even on retreat).
Good luck
Thanks. I find that when I focus on counting my breaths, I immediately start visualising the numbers. They get painted. Or flipped around in 3D. If I pay attention to breath, then it, too, takes on all sorts of stuff. A whistle-type breath might make me see a cliff with wind blowing by it, and then that'll trigger memories. I can't seem to get passed even 3.
This is expected, if you are freeing some of your attention and focusing on your breathing, intrusive thoughts will likely arise. Don't get discouraged or angry about your lack of attention, just refocus "gently" on the breathing. And just keep going. With some practice, it becomes easier to stay on the breathing. The goal is not suppress or ignore those intrusive though anyway.
In theory, anything can be the subject of attention. But at least at first, it's best to practice sticking with one thing, to build your focus.
As a pragmatic matter, if the counting is distracting, try paying attention to the breath without it.
Likewise, if the breath itself is problematic (something I'vep ersonally wrestled with), try another anchor: full-body awareness, or just listening.
As a pragmatic matter, if the counting is distracting, try paying attention to the breath without it.
Likewise, if the breath itself is problematic (something I'vep ersonally wrestled with), try another anchor: full-body awareness, or just listening.
Great introduction!
My favorite book for beginners is Philip Kapleau's Three Pillars of Zen. The author was a Zen teacher for many years and helped steer me in the right direction.
My favorite book for beginners is Philip Kapleau's Three Pillars of Zen. The author was a Zen teacher for many years and helped steer me in the right direction.
That's a great book!
I do this every morning for 23 minutes. Except I'm a computer programmer so I do start my counting at zero.
After one or two counts to ten (but starting over whenever I'm distracted) (which happens a lot), I usually stop the counting and just focus on my breathing, which I find more relaxing.
After one or two counts to ten (but starting over whenever I'm distracted) (which happens a lot), I usually stop the counting and just focus on my breathing, which I find more relaxing.
try vipassana meditation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vipassanā
I agree with you in several ways, but to be charitable, just look at the site as a place to go to get some guided meditations for newbies.
I think over time, people turn away from guided meditations as distracting (I know I do), but something like this could be helpful to the right person.
I think over time, people turn away from guided meditations as distracting (I know I do), but something like this could be helpful to the right person.
This is more like using suggestion to enable relaxation.
Meditate on our webpage while reading thousands of words of 'Terms of Use' and 'Privacy' pages. Calming!
Apparently, they raised $415K investment http://techcrunch.com/2013/02/26/relaxation-resource-calm-co... I wonder how they will pay it all off
does anyone else feel this is a bit.. ridiculous?
We should keep in mind that we don't have access to all the available information the investors had. Previous successes by the founders, a kick-ass business model or solid traction could all be valid reasons for such an investment.
Our valuation of the company is based on partial information, and is likely less accurate than that of the investors.
Our valuation of the company is based on partial information, and is likely less accurate than that of the investors.
If the app is useful, a premium version could be made, as well as a company branded version for an entire company, etc. HR is tough to sell to, but that doesn't mean impossible. It could be a nice corporate perk.
I do.
Must have some money behind them to snag that domain name!
Yeah I was just thinking that. It must have cost a crazy amount.
In an interview last year with the creator, Alex Tew, Jason Calacanis guessed $50-75k and it sounded like that was a little low.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYTJXiyyytQ#t=227
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYTJXiyyytQ#t=227
From the founder of http://www.milliondollarhomepage.com/
This is similar to http://www.getsomeheadspace.com which is based on a subscription model and a mobile app. The app is free and provides 10 sessions of 10 minutes each. If you like calm.com, try www.getsomeheadspace.com for a very good alternative.
I subscribe to headspace, have been for about two months now. I find it extremely helpful. There are a wealth of different programs with different areas of focus, and about a years worth of content with daily use. I highly recommend it.
Also a Headspace subscriber. If you're interested, subscribe and then, instead of using their site/app, you can download the whole program via a torrent (5 GB).
Do I get the full benefit if I just run this in a background window?
If you want less stress, turn off your computer and go out for a walk, do some exercise, be with friends/family.
Can't put into words how horrible this idea is.
Can't put into words how horrible this idea is.
I like this, as I do anything that fights the flood of stress and insanity that is a lot of (at least my) daily life. Business-wise, I could see this being a gateway drug for selling meditation accessories, but it'd be hard to sell the sessions themselves. Advertising would be a no go, as putting it anywhere you'd make money on it would negatively impact the product itself.
Am looking forward to my meditations being monetized!
I would be very interested to see a meditation based currency that might use webcam, brainwave readers, GSR, MRI visits, and duration logs to prove people people are meditating and that it is having an effect.
It's all about the inner eyeballs.
I was told recently that some study showed the brains of humans lighting up much more when reading using a video screen than with paper, and that essentially digital displays are a stimulant of sorts. Anyone see a study like this before? If it's real, wouldn't it be better to meditate in front of a non-digital interface?
In the guided sessions (as in most other meditative practices I've seen), you're instructed to close your eyes. The imagery is just there to set the stage before and after the meditation; the guidance is audio-only.
I'd really like to hear more about this. If anybody knows where to find it, please reply.
baby steps, baby steps..
You close your eyes during meditation.
That's awesome. Just yesterday I did a web search and Hacker news search for this exact thing, and now boom, you've delivered!
Great UI, awesome background activity, relaxing music, timers -- exactly what I was looking for. Well executed!
On the practical front: How are you a company? What's your mission? Purpose? Business model?
Great UI, awesome background activity, relaxing music, timers -- exactly what I was looking for. Well executed!
On the practical front: How are you a company? What's your mission? Purpose? Business model?
Hmmm interesting, so what are you searching for today?
"Those practicing meditation for profit, power, prestige, position ... are not on the correct path." - basic Ch'an Buddhism - http://cgarriott.bol.ucla.edu/nmsm/Meditation_at_Nan_Hua.doc
Calm.com's maximum, 20 minutes is quite a short meditation.
It takes me about 35 mins for a chance at losing my self in space and getting out of my skull (when the brain really starts doing noticeably interesting stuff).
@zenbowman @tucosan I mostly meditate alone on my computer chair and it can work totally fine, I have many friends that do the same every day. I would get rid of the 2 mins, and add 30,40,60,120 mins. If needed, fold out on hover.
Sure our devices can be noisey, but just like when sleeping, people can stop the noises.
Physical exercise is a great idea, and goes well with meditation. Also there online communities for meditation and practice these days, which is a good way to build reinforcement as we're social creatures.
@zenbowman @tucosan I mostly meditate alone on my computer chair and it can work totally fine, I have many friends that do the same every day. I would get rid of the 2 mins, and add 30,40,60,120 mins. If needed, fold out on hover.
Sure our devices can be noisey, but just like when sleeping, people can stop the noises.
Physical exercise is a great idea, and goes well with meditation. Also there online communities for meditation and practice these days, which is a good way to build reinforcement as we're social creatures.
My two cents: I've been trying (on and off) to meditate for a few years now, with very little success. I just did the 2-minute guided calm, and felt good! This app seems to do a good job with their guided exercises.
I've read about meditation, and a consensus I'd seen was that you're not doing it right if you need an external aid. You're supposed to learn to do it on your own entirely.
Well, that's not strictly true.
If by "aid" you mean the video, well, the Pali Canon (the oldest known buddhist meditation writings) talk about kasinas, which are visual meditation objects, though they're not especially popular these days.
And of the "Three Jewels" that support buddhist practice, one is the sangha, which can be translated as community, so it's not always true that meditation should be a solitary practice either..
I think guided meditations like this may be useful for beginners, though that being said, I think no stimuli may be better in the long-run than even soothing stimuli.
If by "aid" you mean the video, well, the Pali Canon (the oldest known buddhist meditation writings) talk about kasinas, which are visual meditation objects, though they're not especially popular these days.
And of the "Three Jewels" that support buddhist practice, one is the sangha, which can be translated as community, so it's not always true that meditation should be a solitary practice either..
I think guided meditations like this may be useful for beginners, though that being said, I think no stimuli may be better in the long-run than even soothing stimuli.
Worrying about whether you're doing it right or wrong is much more of a failure than using an unfocussed screen and gentle music/sounds.
If you're good, you should be able to successfully meditate whatever is going on around you. I can (just about) do it on the tube (subway) during my commute.
If you're good, you should be able to successfully meditate whatever is going on around you. I can (just about) do it on the tube (subway) during my commute.
Right, you're supposed to be able to do it whatever's going on, so it's bad to use anything as a crutch.
i would not call this meditation. the form of meditation which is most studied and produces health effects is mindfulness meditation, and it does not involve neither music nor scenery. also cool is transcendental meditation. this is relaxing. not every form of relaxation is meditation.
although, i do not wish to belittle the effort of the authors. the site looks beautiful, and i'm sure it will help people alleviate day-to-day stress.
although, i do not wish to belittle the effort of the authors. the site looks beautiful, and i'm sure it will help people alleviate day-to-day stress.
I like this one: http://mynoise.net/noiseMachines.php
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Switching between the scenes is terribly slow; a thumbnail based selection would be a smoother experience.
I remember avoiding revising in an exam hall when I was 16, dreaming up an idea about 'Silence TV', which was a fictional channel for people to watch a blank screen to relax. At the time I thought I was being pretty silly, now it feels somewhat prescient.
Seems no-one else was annoyed by the auto-play music and closed the tab before they viewed the page?
FF27, WinXP
FF27, WinXP
If you need to look at your computer to meditate
you are doing it wrong.
And if you are writings apps to encourage people to need to look at a computer with an internet connections t connect to your site you are not helping.
Never though I would hear myself has a luddite
And if you are writings apps to encourage people to need to look at a computer with an internet connections t connect to your site you are not helping.
Never though I would hear myself has a luddite
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The fact that I was immediately thinking about the cost (and so do many others here) corrupts the experience right away. But anyways, very nice find for today. Hope it stays as is in the distant future.
Yeah but entrepreneurs have a shitty experience with anything that isn't their own startup. We think and judge too much.
It's ok, I doubt we're their target market.
It's ok, I doubt we're their target market.
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Do you plan to add binaural beats?
It seems to me they fit perfectly with your vision.
It seems to me they fit perfectly with your vision.
It certainly looks a lot better than the Million Dollar Homepage :)
What's a good source for video and sounds like they've used? I have been meaning to record some, but in the interests of laziness... where can I buy/find for free?
Thank you :)
Thank you :)
This is exceptionally well executed.
The ogg and mp4 files are lovely as well :).
The ogg and mp4 files are lovely as well :).
Actually, integrate this with some kind of consumer-grade portable EEG to monitor progress and I'll be the first person to give you my money.
Former neuroscientist and current meditator here (even went to the Mind and Life Summer Research Institute to combine the two once). While it's nice to want objective measures of meditative progress, there are two caveats:
a) Once you start meditating, you will probably notice subjective improvements that will be of more importance than things like vertex electrode amplitude.
b) This is still early days for brain science. Our tools (EEG and fMRI) are way cruder than the populace at large believes, so take their results with a grain of salt.
a) Once you start meditating, you will probably notice subjective improvements that will be of more importance than things like vertex electrode amplitude.
b) This is still early days for brain science. Our tools (EEG and fMRI) are way cruder than the populace at large believes, so take their results with a grain of salt.
This is already available. http://www.heartmathstore.com/category/emwave-desktop/emwave...
this uses heart rate, not brain activity
we're launching this with www.brainbot.me -- ping me [email protected] for details!
I'm quite happy to see that wheels are already in motion on something like this. Pinging you.
I love the music.
Also for what it's worth, the voice made me feel like I was in Michael Bay's The Island. Somehow was that strangely meditative.
Also for what it's worth, the voice made me feel like I was in Michael Bay's The Island. Somehow was that strangely meditative.
Pretty sure this is being run by the guy (Alex) who created the "million dollar homepage" years ago by selling pixels for a $1.
I don't know what this is doing for music, but I hear nothing from the website and it disables all audio on my Mac. (10.8.5)
The video jumps between loops. It's sufficiently distracting while I'm meditating that it makes me not want to use it.
Agree, noticed the same. The clouds are very quickly repeating. Hoping they'd innovate here further.
Did you close your eyes?
Then there is Vow of Now: http://vowofnow.com
Different approach to the same problem.
Different approach to the same problem.
Two minute session was perfect. What a great way to break off, clear your mind, and re focus for the second half of the day.
>Give me mystery meat navigation that vanishes on page load
>overly stimulating images
I like my approach to meditation -- with the laptop in sleep mode
>overly stimulating images
I like my approach to meditation -- with the laptop in sleep mode
While it probably wouldn't be a trivial feature, I would love this to be integrated with Chromecast in some way.
They have an iphone app, they might simply charge for that... Id love to get this on Android..
Also a full screen option would be nice.
Also a full screen option would be nice.
Very nice. Although I feel I already enter a meditative state when I'm in front of the glowing screen anyways.
I love the music.
Would love to hear about a Spotify playlist with this kind of relaxing music.
Would be great if it worked in IE instead of just "Loading..." indefinitely.
I hate to be "that guy," but this doesn't work for me in IE11.
Stop with the annoying music, faux chanting, and instructions. Bleh.
I had high hopes.
I had high hopes.
I meditated while my computer crashed trying to load their webpage.
I think the whole website is lovely. I hope Calm does really well.
the voice sounds like Catherine Keener
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001416/?ref_=tt_cl_t6
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001416/?ref_=tt_cl_t6
that is a remarkably novel use of such a valuable domain name.
I met the creator at the launch fest this week. Standup guy!
There is no need to meditate if you are never distracted.
Doesn't that assume meditation is just about achieving focus?
Well, yes, and if you can focus and be totally present at all times whatever you are doing. There's many definitions for meditation. Some day it's simply being as still and as dead as a rock, some say it's about regrouping all the bits of you scattered all over the place...
I think the people who hope to be as still and dead as a rock will have a bit of a rude shock waiting for them once they actually dive into meditating. It takes a lot of practice to reach those states.
Anyway, as you mentioned, meditation has multiple definitions. There are many forms that are about much more than just focus. Concentrative practices (e.g., samatha jhanas) are all about one-pointed focus, but mindfulness practice (vipassana) also includes awareness of whatever flits about in the mind. In this sense, it's about being aware of all the distractions... Metta practice is one-pointed focus, but directed to cultivation of joyous feelings.
Anyway, as you mentioned, meditation has multiple definitions. There are many forms that are about much more than just focus. Concentrative practices (e.g., samatha jhanas) are all about one-pointed focus, but mindfulness practice (vipassana) also includes awareness of whatever flits about in the mind. In this sense, it's about being aware of all the distractions... Metta practice is one-pointed focus, but directed to cultivation of joyous feelings.
I found my light-background-music-for-coding website! :)
great idea. however, the water stream in the video is moving too fast to be relaxing. any way to slow it down?
Choppy water is hard to meditate to ;)
cool!
to get rid of the annoying logo in the top left paste:
$('#logo').hide();
into the console of the dev tools (option-command-i on mac)
to get rid of the annoying logo in the top left paste:
$('#logo').hide();
into the console of the dev tools (option-command-i on mac)
by the way, if this resonates with anyone for whom meditation is new and they want to learn more, a great book is
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki
that's a great book for anyone, new to meditation or not.
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki
that's a great book for anyone, new to meditation or not.
I second this. Good book.
kind of disappointed the animated background is just a plain old mp4 movie :(
this is pretty calming
Probably the worst place to attempt to meditate. Try doing it in a room with no wifi, nothing distracting, a room that has nothing to do with work.
I think there is some merit in several minute breaks right where you are working.
Unusually well done, especially the guided sessions.
I tried it and I find it very helpful! Thanks!
http://anticache.img0.joyreactor.com/pics/post/comics-before...
Anyone who has looked into causes of stress cannot avoid the fact that a lack of PHYSICAL activity, a lack of PHYSICAL presence, and a lack of PHYSICAL stimulation is a major, if not the major factor.
Trying to get the average person today to meditate on a computer screen is like trying to get your average desk jockey to do an iron cross - it will not happen without years of PHYSICAL preparation.
This violates the golden rule:
"Computers to make people happy, not people to make computers happy" - GJS