Online meditation partner/buddy sought

[strickvl]

I try to meditate every day, but some days it is difficult to summon the energy or just to get it done. I would like to try meditation with someone else, but I don't want to have to travel somewhere to do that, so I thought maybe I could try it on skype.

The idea would be that we call each other on skype at a pre-determined time every day then meditate at the same time. It's a mix of accountability and having some real motivation to do it.

If this is something you'd be interested in, let me know. I guess let me know a bit about your thoughts on the idea as well, and maybe something about your background?

[Shawn]

Yeah I'd be interested, but for me it'll be more useful if we could call eachother and reflect on our practice as well

[Janknitz]

It would help to know what time zone you're in and what time of day you typically try to meditate. I live on the West Coast and meditate late in the evening, and that means most people on the East Coast are (or should be!) asleep by the time I get a chance to sit.

[FeeHutch]

I've known people do this sort of thing on Gooogle hangouts too. If you create a group (public or private depending on how much you want to share) you could talk about it 'live' afterwards. From my experience the hangout videos stay in the group so you can review them later and post further thoughts etc.

[Janknitz]

I use an app called Insight Timer--it's available on the computer, too. It's free for the basic version and for $2.99 you can upgrade for more bells and access to guided meditations (I think those are the perks).

One thing I like is that you can see how many people around the world are meditating at the same time and there are ways to find "friends" or "communities" and communicate with others who may either be meditating when you are or have similar interests. I like it because I don't have to commit to anything or anyone, but people are around if I feel the need to communicate. Some people make lasting connections as meditation buddies or friends and then can communicate in other media too.

The app also keeps stats and awards stars for meditating a certain number of days in a row, which is also a good thing to keep you accountable if you need that kind of reinforcement. I'm pretty pleased with all that's available for a very small investment.

[FeeHutch]

Hello I used insight timer for quite a while. I agree that seeing the number of users around the world was pretty cool but after a while I found the rewards distracting. I started to use it so I'd get to the next level/star etc and not in the spirit of mindful practice where there is no goal other than being in the moment.

We're all different though and if it works for you great

[KernelOfWisdom]

If it helps, there are great communities on the "mindfulness" or "meditation" subreddits on Reddit if you are stuck too. They might have someone there.

[SheilaB]

Hi there,

I lead live guided meditations online so that people can practice 'together'. It's via the Mixlr site which is really easy to use. People often tweet me afterwards to share comments or reflections.

The schedule can be found on my website if you like the sound of it - www.lollipopwellbeing.com

Kind wishes,
Sheila