Have you been wanting to learn more about mindfulness meditation, but don’t know where to start?
Maybe you’ve meditated in the past, and are looking for some inspiration to get back in the habit.
As a psychotherapist trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, I’ve got ideas! Here, in no particular order, are 8 of my absolute favorite mindfulness resources.
8. The Headspace App
Headspace explains how to meditate in simple, engaging videos. Great for beginners or even kids! They provide guided meditations as well as courses, none of which last longer than 30 minutes.
Cost: $12.99 monthly or $69.99 per year. You can get a free trial for 7 to 14 days. Family plans are also available through their website only.
7. YouTube
A psychotherapist is recommending YouTube? Really? Really! There are literally thousands of guided meditations as well as meditation music, tracks, soundscapes, and on and on. Try typing in “meditation for” and anything you need help with… “anxiety,” “depression,” “sleep,” and you will find many options. Many creators (specifically Headspace and Glenda Cedarleaf from this list) provide some free content on YouTube, so check there before opening your wallet!
Cost: Free!
6. Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames by Thich Nhat Hahn
I bought and read this book around the time Donald Trump first got elected… and wow, did I need it! It was straightforward, but somehow at the same time, completely mind-blowing. I recommend this book to anyone who’s hoping to use mindfulness strategies to help them manage anger. Also, any book by Thich Nhat Hahn is probably going to slap.
Cost: $16.74 (at the above link, may vary)
5. Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Written like a devotional, this mindfulness resource provides quick and useful reflections. Great for anyone who wants to weave mindfulness into their daily life, but who only has a few minutes a day.
Cost: $17.66 (at the above link, may vary)
4. Mindfulness Skills Workbook for Clinicians and Clients by Debra Burdick, LCSWR, BCN
This is my go-to workbook for teaching my therapy clients about what mindfulness actually *is,* as well as practical and specific ways to practice it. Whether you’re a therapist looking to brush up on your knowledge, or a therapy client looking for a supplement to therapy, or just a nerd who loves workbooks like myself, this is the one for you!
Cost: $27.89 (at above link, may vary)
3. The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook by Martha Davis, PhD, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, MSW, and Matthew McKay, PhD
This workbook is very comprehensive, covering everything from breathing, to meditation, to progressive muscle relaxation, and even some light Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. But don’t be intimidated: it is written in simple language with lots of diagrams and checklists! Easily the best workbook I own in regards to formatting and readability.
Cost: $24.13 (at above link, may vary)
2. Glenda Cedarleaf
Oh, have y’all been sleeping on Glenda Cedarleaf?! LET ME TELL YOU about this fellow social worker and absolute queen. I’ve been listening to her guided imagery meditations for years. She has dozens of free samples as well as some full guided meditations available on her website. Her voice sounds like melted butter.
Cost: Varies
1. Insight Timer App
Insight Timer is, by far, my favorite meditation app. Why? Because of the thousands of guided meditations on every topic, the customizable timer for silent meditation, and the COURSES! I’ve been using this app for years and recommend it to just about everyone.
Cost: Free or $60/year with a premium plan
Which of these mindfulness resources caught your eye? Comment below and let me know how it worked for you!
Rebecca Ogle, LCSW, is a psychotherapist who provides compassionate tele-therapy. She helps folks heal from anxiety, depression, people-pleasing and burnout using their strengths and inner wisdom.
Live in Illinois? Looking for a therapist?