At Lifetime Daily, we’re always looking for ways to bring more peace and calm into our lives. Seems like a lot of people feel that way. Meditation has become popular again these days, and there’s a good reason why: it helps give us that sense of well-being we strive for. At first, we were skeptical about the idea of a meditation podcast (technology and spirituality don’t seem to have a natural affinity) but we’ve since become converts.
Podcasts are (usually) free, and easy to download from the internet to your computer or smartphone. Some podcasts can be downloaded directly to your phone via an easy-to-install app. (If you’re not sure how to download a podcast, just see our simple instructions.)
Here are five free podcasts we particularly like:
1. The Meditation Podcast
This podcast is narrated by Jesse and Jeane Stern, who offer simple, straightforward meditations in areas such as depression and stress. Interestingly, the podcasts use audio tones that apparently affect brain waves, and help bring about relaxation. This is an excellent series if you’re dealing with a health or emotional challenge: some listeners have given profound testimonies about how this podcast has helped them deal with strokes, anxiety and emotional loss.
2. Guided Meditations by Tara Brach
Listen to Guided Meditations for free
Brach is the founder of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC, one of the largest meditation centers in the nation, and her podcasts have millions of followers. We like the fact that she combines her background in psychotherapy with trainings in Buddhist teachings. If you’re new to the idea of meditation, there’s a podcast to guide you through the basic practice.
3. The One You Feed
Listen to this free podcast series
Created by Eric Zimmer and Chris Forbes, this isn’t a podcast about how to meditate, but we’ve included it because there are excellent interviews with a variety of health and wellness practitioners, who offer interesting, inspiring insights. Each episode relates to the podcast’s theme, which is based on an old Cherokee myth about how there are two wolves inside all of us (good and bad) who are constantly at war.
4. The Daily Meditation Podcast
Mary Meckley is one of our favorites. She’s straightforward and genuine in her approach, making it feel like you’re listening to a friend. There are weekly themes, so there’s always something fresh to listen to. She has a meditation for just about everything, from finding joy to dealing with negative people. She’s also not dogmatic in her approach: there are a variety of meditation techniques, so you can find one that works best for you.
5. Headspace
It’s free to sign-up for a 10-day trial
This is, quite simply, an excellent meditation if you’ve never meditated, and are wary of overly spiritual or zen-like meditation instruction. The podcast itself offers insights into meditation, and why and how to meditate. Founder Andy Puddicombe narrates via simple and pragmatic instructions that are helpful and straightforward, making meditation easy and no nonsense. There are even two-minute meditations to do while you’re cooking, walking or even eating.
