There’s no denying tensions have been running high. At home, at work, and across communities. We’re all trying our best to be good partners, friends, coworkers, parents, neighbors, caretakers, children, community members, and global citizens. It can be overwhelming.
So how do you manage the feelings of stress and anxiety that may come up as you watch the news, brave the grocery store, make tough decisions about your business, or navigate social distancing?
Here are five organizations in Greater Boston providing online mindfulness and meditation resources for those in need:
1. Ten Percent Happier - Free: Known for helping “fidgety skeptics” experience the benefits of meditation, Ten Percent Happier is experimenting with new forms of programming to support people at this particularly uncertain time.
- Live Meditation: Tune in every weekday at 3 p.m. for a free live “sanity break” featuring Dan Harris and some of the world's leading meditation teachers. Can't make the live stream? Watch the meditations on YouTube.
- Coronavirus Sanity Guide: This free guide is a collection of meditations, podcasts, blog posts, and talks to help you build resilience, cope with stress and anxiety, and find some calm amidst the chaos.
- Ten Percent Happier Meditation App: Download the free iPhone & Andriod app for guided meditations, videos, talks, and sleep content to help you build (or boost) your meditation practice — and stick with it.
2. Cambridge Insight Meditation Center - Free, Donations Encouraged: CIMC is moving to Zoom for their usually in-person Beginners Drop In Program. Tune in Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. for basic instruction in Insight Meditation with practice and discussion. Good for first-time and experienced meditators alike.
Join the Zoom broadcast here and sign up for the CIMC email list to be notified about future online programs. If you enjoy the meditation, consider making a donation to the CIMC to show support while they’re closed for the next few weeks.
3. Home Healing Tips - $198 (normally $397): As many people are home and unable to keep their usual appointments for things like acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, and health counseling, Stephanie Smith of Home Healing Tips is offering 50% off her 6-week digital program, Unblock Your Mind, Unblock Your Health. Kicking off March 25, the program deep dives into the spiritual and mental aspects of healing and is great for anyone struggling with anxiety, stress, or building immunity.
4. Kripalu Video - Free: Kripalu is offering an abundance of free meditation classes and lectures through their online classroom. There are meditations for relaxation and stress management, guided breath exercises, and a wide range of talks on everything from cooking and nutrition to self care. You’ll also find curated playlists with content focused on things like Easing Fear and Anxiety and Stress Relief.
5. Tips for Coping with Coronavirus Anxiety - Free: Harvard Health Publishing, part of Harvard Medical School, has published a guide outlining key practices to help you manage worries related to COVID-19. There are recommendations for what to do more of, what to do less of, and resources for additional support.
