Spiritual Meditation App: the Insight Timer

It was bound to happen. Technology has taken on the meditators and designed an app specially for them. It's not only a timer with Tibetan bell sounds for the beginning and end of the sessions but a link to other meditators worldwide who happen to be "in the Zone" at the same time as you are. Well, here is the demo for you to watch yourself. Here's what Jordan Shapiro, author of FREEPLAY: A Video Game Guide to Maximum Euphoric Bliss has to say in his article in Forbes (online version).

Or, maybe the reason we meditate in the first place is to get out of a dieting and quitting mentality. To remember that everything can’t be isolated, analyzed, and measured. Perhaps we meditate in order to remind ourselves that in a world that is caught up with innovating and rebranding, the human soul does not need to be reinvented or transformed.

Sarcasm aside, Insight Timer raises questions about both spirituality and technology. Are bells, chimes, and singing bells religious artifacts, or simply tools that aid in the efficient execution of spiritual goals? Spotlight Six Software, the one person company that makes Insight Timer, clearly thinks that these are tools, and that an app that makes meditation more convenient does a service for humanity. It makes meditation easier. To read the original click here.

I can't think that my original meditation teacher, Konsho Morii at Koyasan in Japan would have liked this app. I suspect the Dalai Lama would laugh about it as he embraces modern technology. I have to admit I found the free version, downloaded it to my Android Galaxy and tried it out right away. The tones are very realistic and there are some other lower tones while you are meditating (I don't think I imagined it). I understand that it is available for iPhones, Androids, iPad and Kindle Fire. If any of you readers try it please let me know your reactions, OK?

A New Train Trip Starting Right Now

For anyone who enjoys train travel the Canadians have put together a series of super trips through western Canada and down to Seattle in the US. This video you are about to watch is a promo for the trips with Tanya Memme, former Miss Canada as the narrator/host. The trips run from $2500 - $5000 depending on the service level for 3 or 4 days on board the Rocky Mountaineer. Although the trip is right in my back yard I would consider taking it just for the experience shown in this video. Enjoy. Remember the 4 "S" - scenery, service, sweet and savory food , and social. If you would like to try this trip please click like below. Sorry - there's no "love" to click!