Published on 3/6/2024 at 5:15 PM

Meditation may serve as a brief escape from the chaos of everyday life, but musician and meditation expert Murray Hidary can do you one better. Hidary is the mastermind behind MindTravel, a meditation platform that completely transports its participants through uniquely immersive experiences and live music. It's a far cry from the zen monasteries Hidary used to visit growing up, but if you're willing to try, you'll see why people can't get enough.

Hidary started playing piano when he was just 5 years old, later studying music in university. He was a teenager when he first discovered meditation, noticing how it tied into his passion for music. "The two started to speak to each other," he tells POPSUGAR. "Music is incredibly powerful at navigating our emotional state. It is the language of emotion."

To Hidary's point, research shows that music, and live music specifically, has a way of maximizing emotional responses. While listening to recorded music may trigger similar emotional processes, live music has a stronger effect on the affective brain (the part responsible for our emotional responses). One study from the University of Zurich compared the difference between live music and recorded music using MRI technology. Results showed that live music ultimately led to higher and more consistent activity in the amygdala.

As Hidary explored this relationship further, he built MindTravel, playing live music and cultivating otherworldly surroundings to help others ground themselves, quiet anxious thoughts, and come to an emotional catharsis.

"People might try some kind of meditation, but so many people feel like they're doing it wrong, or it's not for them, or they're not good at it," Hidary explains. "What we found with MindTravel is that the music actually really helps keep people in the experience, so it's a lot easier for people to have a very powerful meditation."

These meditations are far from typical. MindTravel offers immersive experiences in a variety of unforgettable settings, occasionally pushing you out of your comfort zone in the name of inner peace. "Each one's a little different, but equally powerful," Hidary says. "It's about creating a very accessible experience and really an experience that brings together a sense of wonder." The signature experience includes a guided spoken word meditation and 75 minutes of live piano, which Hidary improvises based on the energy of the moment.

Then there's the underwater floating meditation, which takes place in a heated saltwater pool with underwater speakers. As participants float in the pool, Hidary leads an awareness-based meditation. "You have this true out-of-body experience because you almost don't feel your body anymore," Hidary explains. "You get to experience what pure consciousness, pure awareness is without the constraints of the body, without gravity."

If the pool isn't your thing, there's also walking meditations, which have taken place across the Brooklyn Bridge, in San Francisco, and even virtually, enabling people to join from any city.

Tying movement to the meditation makes it easier to stay present, Hidary says. "It's not just about your meditation cushion or a comfortable spot at home, but about bringing this sense of presence into every day, no matter what you're doing." For especially visual types, there's even a meditation set in a planetarium.

Some of Hidary's all-time favorite experiences include performing on the ice in Antarctica, surrounded by 200 penguins. "I'm playing there, and these penguins are looking at me," he remembers. "You can't believe how large this place is, and it's overwhelming overwhelming physically, emotionally, spiritually."

Another bucket-list-worthy concert took place on a safari in the Serengeti. "I had an idea to do the world's first piano concert in a hot air balloon," Hidary says. "I played and transmitted the music live to 10 hot air balloons with 150 people total. And then we [were] flying."

The novelty of these moments has a way of sticking with you. But for Hidary, the most impactful aspect is seeing how his music-based meditations help people heal. "You'll have people at these MindTravel events where they're having a very powerful emotional experience. They're working through past difficulty, past trauma, difficult situations," he says. It's these reactions that encourage him to keep dreaming big.

"I just keep coming up with ideas that create fantasy and wonder, because the world around us is filled with wonder and magic if we just look," he says. "Music just wraps it all together with this incredible bow."

Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for POPSUGAR Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.

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See Murray Hidary's Wild Musical Meditations - POPSUGAR

ROCKLAND The Coastal Recovery Community Center, Knox Clinic, and MaineHealth Community Health Worker Program announce an upcoming mindfulness meditation event at the CRCC in Rockland. Led by MaineHealth's newest Community Health Worker, Adi, in collaboration with Knox Clinic, this event invites community members to embark on a journey of self-discovery and tranquility through the practice of mindfulness.

Scheduled for Thursday, March 28, from 2 - 4 p.m., participants will have the opportunity to explore the transformative power of mindful breathing a simple yet impactful meditation technique that offers profound benefits for mental well-being, said the Knox Clinic, in a news release. Held at 11 White Street in Rockland, the event promises a rejuvenating experience for all attendees.

The practice of mindful breathing is likened to turning off the source of flooding water instead of scooping it out of a cup. By focusing on the breath, individuals naturally gain control over their thoughts, finding solace and stability amidst life's turbulence.

Participating in mindfulness meditation in a group setting adds a layer of magic to the experience, said the release. The shared journey enhances the benefits of the practice, fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities for mutual learning and growth.

As the event draws near community members are encouraged to stay tuned for further details.

The organizations look forward to welcoming participants to this enriching experience of self-discovery and collective well-being, said the Knox Clinic.

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Community Health Worker leads meditation session in Rockland - PenBayPilot.com

NEWARK, Del, March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The mindfulness meditation application market is anticipated to be worth US$ 172.3 million in 2024. The demand for mindfulness meditation applications is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 10.5% through 2034. The industry is anticipated to cross US$ 467.6 million by 2034.

The mindfulness meditation application industry is experiencing rapid growth due to several driving factors. There is a growing awareness and acceptance of mindfulness practices as effective tools for stress reduction, mental well-being, and personal development. This increasing recognition of the benefits of mindfulness meditation contributes to the rising demand for meditation apps. Additionally, the proliferation of smartphones and the widespread availability of high-speed internet connectivity have made it easier for individuals to access meditation apps anytime and anywhere, facilitating market expansion.

The mindfulness meditation application industry faces certain constraints. One significant restraint is the saturation of the market with numerous competing apps, making it challenging for new entrants to differentiate themselves and gain traction. Additionally, concerns about data privacy and security present a barrier to adoption for some users who may be hesitant to share personal information or engage with apps that collect sensitive data. Moreover, the commoditization of meditation content and the availability of free alternatives pose a challenge for app developers in monetizing their offerings and sustaining revenue growth.

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Partnerships with healthcare providers, employers, and educational institutions present opportunities to integrate mindfulness meditation apps into wellness programs and mental health initiatives, expanding their reach and impact. Furthermore, the growing adoption of wearable devices and smart technology opens avenues for integrating mindfulness meditation features into wearable gadgets, creating a seamless and immersive meditation experience for users.

The mindfulness meditation application industry is witnessing several emerging trends that shape its evolution. Firstly, there is a shift towards gamification and interactive features within meditation apps, incorporating elements such as challenges, rewards, and social communities to enhance user engagement and motivation. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on inclusivity and diversity in meditation content, with apps offering a range of guided sessions tailored to different demographics, cultural backgrounds, and specific needs. Moreover, advancements in technology, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), are being leveraged to create immersive meditation experiences, transporting users to tranquil environments and enhancing relaxation outcomes.

The mindfulness meditation application industry presents various opportunities for innovation and expansion. One notable opportunity lies in the customization and personalization of meditation experiences to cater to diverse user needs and preferences. By offering tailored meditation sessions, progress tracking features, and personalized recommendations, app developers can enhance user engagement and retention. opines Sudip Saha, managing director at Future Market Insights (FMI) analyst.

Key Takeaways from the Market Study

Competitive Landscape

The mindfulness meditation application industry is fiercely competitive, with numerous developers vying for market share in a rapidly growing sector. Established players like Headspace and Calm dominate the market with extensive meditation libraries and strategic partnerships. Emerging startups leverage innovative technologies and marketing strategies to challenge incumbents.

As competition intensifies, differentiation becomes crucial for developers to stand out. They invest in advanced features like personalized recommendations and partnerships with healthcare providers to enhance user engagement. Integrating gamification elements and immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) creates unique user experiences. Despite competition, the industry offers ample growth opportunities. Expanding markets, diverse demographics, and evolving preferences allow companies to develop tailored offerings. AI and data analytics advancements present opportunities to enhance app functionalities and personalize user experiences.

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Sudip Saha is the managing director and co-founder at Future Market Insights, an award-winning market research and consulting firm. Sudip is committed to shaping the market research industry with credible solutions and constantly makes a buzz in the media with his thought leadership. His vast experience in market research and project management a consumer electronics will likely remain the leading end-use sector cross verticals in APAC, EMEA, and the Americas reflects his growth-oriented approach to clients.

He is a strong believer and proponent of innovation-based solutions, emphasizing customized solutions to meet one client's requirements at a time. His foresightedness and visionary approach recently got him recognized as the Global Icon in Business Consulting at the ET Inspiring Leaders Awards 2022.

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Mindfulness Meditation Application Market Soars to US$ 172.3 Million in 2024, Predicted to Reach US$ 467.6 Million ... - GlobeNewswire

Dan Harris, the ABC News anchor and meditation advocate, was on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show this morning to discuss the transformative power of meditation.

Harris, known for his book 10% Happier and his advocacy for mindfulness, emphasized how meditation can profoundly impact one's life. During the interview, he highlighted the benefits of meditation, such as reduced stress, increased focus, and improved emotional well-being.

Harris shared his personal journey with meditation, explaining how it helped him overcome anxiety and find greater clarity in his professional and personal life. He encouraged listeners to explore meditation as a tool for enhancing their mental health and overall happiness. By demystifying meditation and presenting it as a practical, accessible practice, Harris inspired many to consider incorporating mindfulness into their daily routines. His insights on the Elvis Duran Show served as a reminder of the profound positive impact meditation can have on individuals' lives.

Check out the full interview at the link above!

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Dan Harris On How Meditation Can Change Your Life - iHeart

(Quiet February morning at Alki photo by James Bratsanos)

Heres the list for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm at City Hall, the weekly meeting in which councilmembers talk about their plans for the week ahead. Heres the agenda. Watch live via Seattle Channel.

TODDLER GYM PLAYTIME: Free indoor drop-in playspace 3-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center. (9050 16th SW).

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Fourth day of cookie booths at various locations some starting at 4 pm. Search here for your nearest locations.

BENEFIT BAKE SALE: A local soccer club, Valencia CF Academy Boys 2010/2011, is fundraising for its upcoming trip to Spain, including scholarship costs to ensure all players can make the trip. Theyre having a bake sale during Arbor Heights Food Truck Night, 4:40-7 pm. Theyre promising key lime pie, cookies, brownies, pan dulce, more. Read more about them in our calendar listing. (10835 42nd Ave. SW)

DISCOVER SEATTLE COLLEGES: As previewed here last night, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) and its sibling campuses are opening the doors virtual and physical this month so you can learn about what they offer. Tonight at 5:30, the first online info session focuses on health and medical programs RSVP here to get the link.

GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings Crafting and Creativity Night at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three options tonight 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

MEDITATION ON ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community invites you to Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) for meditation. 7 pm.

MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

KARAOKE: 9 pm, Monday night karaoke at Talaricos Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com thank you!

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Benefit bake sale, trivia, tunes, meditation, more on the West Seattle Monday list - West Seattle Blog

Notre Dame's Maddy Westbeld joins the show to discuss her love of basketball, how coffee and meditation in the morning is a big part of her process, being recruited to Notre Dame, meeting Dara for the first time, and how the team has come together over the five game winning streak.

3:00 - When she fell in love with basketball

4:02 - Development of perimeter game

5:35 - First interaction between Dara and Maddy

7:35 - What it was like to play with Mabrey

9:10 - Recruiting process

11:05 - Love of coffee

14:25 - Importance of meditation and rituals

23:28 - Thoughts on Notre Dames five-game winning streak

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Dimes with Dara | Notre Dame's Maddy Westbeld On Hoops, Coffee, Meditation & Winning - Irish Sports Daily

In an era where digital innovation seeks to transcend traditional boundaries, a groundbreaking collaboration between Headspace and Meta has brought forth Headspace XR, a virtual reality (VR) application designed to redefine the contours of mental wellness. This novel venture combines the immersive capabilities of VR with the ancient practices of meditation and Tai Chi, aiming to offer users a unique and engaging approach to mindfulness and well-being. At a time when the mental health landscape is clamoring for innovative solutions, Headspace XR emerges as a beacon of hope, leveraging technology to foster a deeper connection with the self.

Funded by Meta, Headspace XR is not just an app but a pioneering platform that marries the tranquility of meditation with the dynamic engagement of a Tai Chi-inspired game. Its development represents a significant leap in making mental health practices more accessible and appealing, particularly to a younger, tech-savvy demographic. Through the lens of the Meta Quest virtual reality headset, users are transported into a serene virtual environment where the hustle and bustle of the outside world fades away, replaced by a peaceful sanctuary designed for reflection, relaxation, and personal growth.

The essence of Headspace XR lies in its ability to create a fully immersive experience that goes beyond traditional meditation practices. By incorporating activities such as a Tai Chi-inspired movement game, the app not only promotes mental well-being but also encourages physical activity, blending mindfulness with motion in a seamless and engaging manner. Such innovative approaches to mental wellness underscore the potential of VR technology as a tool for enhancing mental health. However, the journey of integrating VR into mental health practices is still in its infancy, with ongoing research and user feedback being crucial to understanding its long-term benefits and limitations.

While the collaboration between Headspace and Meta signals a promising direction for the future of mental wellness, it also brings to light the challenges of ensuring that such technological interventions are accessible to all. The reliance on VR headsets, such as the Meta Quest 3, highlights a potential barrier in terms of cost and accessibility. Moreover, as Headspace XR gathers user data and feedback, the importance of privacy and ethical considerations in digital mental health interventions cannot be overstated. Despite these challenges, Headspace XR represents a forward-looking approach to mental health, offering a glimpse into how technology can be harnessed to create more inclusive and engaging wellness practices.

In a world where mental health is increasingly at the forefront of societal concerns, Headspace XR stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. By blending the ancient with the futuristic, and the physical with the digital, this venture offers a new pathway to wellness, one that promises to evolve and adapt as it explores the vast potential of virtual reality in promoting mental health.

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Headspace XR and Meta Innovate Mental Wellness with Virtual Reality Meditation - Medriva

Headspace, the company behind the sleep and meditation mobile app, announced the release of Headspace XR, which combines social VR connection and a number of mindfulness techniques that aims to combat loneliness, anxiety and depression.

Developed by Nexus Studios and published by Headspace, Headspace XR arrives exclusively on Quest today, bringing with it both mixed and virtual reality experiences that include mood-boosting games, one-on-one guided meditations, and techniques the company says help users strengthen their mind-body connection through movement and breathwork.

Headspace describes its new XR app as a virtual playground where you can move, play, meditate, or just explore on your own or adventure with your friends all in breathtaking immersive environments.

The company says with Headspace XR, its especially reaching out to younger generations since they tend to feel loneliness more acutely, noting that 27 percent of Gen Z report feeling very or fairly lonely which usually comes alongside physical or emotional symptoms due to things like stress, such as feeling depressed or sad, or lacking interest, motivation or energy.

This age demographic is at a critical juncture of learning how to build lifelong mental health habits, the studio says. With the extended reality activities in Headspace XR, players can learn how to incorporate mindfulness techniques into their everyday lives, while also participating in positive socialization and community building with their friends.

Additionally, Headspace says its conducting a randomized control trial at Virginia Tech later this year to evaluate how Headspace XR helps people with social health and connection, as well as perceived and objective stress.

Headspace XRis now available on the Quest Store for a one-time purchase of $30.

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Headspace Launches Social VR Mindfulness App on Quest Thats More Than Just Meditation - Road to VR

In an era where digital wellness and mental health are at the forefront of societal conversations, a pioneering collaboration emerges, promising to revolutionize how we approach mindfulness and meditation. Headspace, a leader in the digital health domain, renowned for its commitment to improving mental well-being through meditation and mindfulness, has joined forces with Meta, the tech giant behind the Quest virtual reality platform, to introduce an immersive meditation experience like no other. This partnership aims to harness the power of virtual reality to make meditation not only more engaging but also more accessible to a broader audience, offering a unique blend of technology and wellness that could potentially transform the landscape of mental health practices.

The product of this collaboration, Headspace XR, is more than just a meditation app; it's an invitation to explore mindfulness in a virtual reality setting. Designed to cater specifically to the Meta Quest VR headsets, Headspace XR offers users an array of meditation and mindfulness activities, ranging from tai chi-inspired movements to guided meditations and interactive relaxation games. With the aim of appealing particularly to Gen Z users, the app seeks to address the mental health needs of younger audiences by providing a platform that is both innovative and engaging. Sara Cohen, Vice President of Content Creation at Headspace, expressed the company's ambition for the app to make a significant positive impact on the mental well-being of its users, emphasizing the potential of virtual reality to enhance the meditation experience.

The launch of Headspace XR on the Meta Quest platform marks Headspace's foray into the realm of extended reality. The app is designed as a virtual playground, where users can delve into various activities such as breathing exercises, mood tracking, and one-on-one meditations. Features like the Moodstream with its colorful bubbles, the Boxy Treehouse, and the Energy Dome, among others, aim to make mindfulness practices not only more interactive but also more enjoyable. By gamifying relaxation and meditation, Headspace XR strives to encourage users to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines, making it a habit rather than a chore. This approach also allows for social interaction within the app, offering users the opportunity to connect with friends in a serene virtual environment.

Available on Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro, Headspace XR is part of a broader mission to enhance access to mental health support on a global scale. Building on Headspace's already significant impact on over 100 million people across 200 countries and regions, this initiative represents a significant step forward in democratizing mental wellness. Unlike traditional meditation apps, Headspace XR is available for a one-time fee of $30, making it an accessible option for those looking to explore mindfulness without committing to a recurring subscription. With guidance from Headspace instructors Dora Kamau and Kessonga Giscombe, and set in metaverse-style environments, the app not only offers various meditation techniques but also introduces a community element to encourage consistent practice through engagement and social activities.

See more here:

Headspace and Meta Team Up to Launch Groundbreaking VR Meditation App on Quest Platform - Medriva

Movies

Much is open-ended about this realist yet dreamlike exploration of midlife crisis and regret set in Vietnam

The question of what the title means, or what the movie means, remain open; even so, this is a quietly amazing feature debut from 34-year-old Thien An Pham, born in Vietnam and based in Houston, Texas. Its a jewel of slow cinema set initially in Saigon and then the mountainous, lush central highlands far from the city; it is a zero-gravity epic quest, floating towards its strange narrative destiny and then maybe floating up over that to something else. Its compassionate, intimate, spiritual and mysterious in ways that reminded me of Tsai Ming-liang or Edward Yang.

Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell is presented in a calm, unforced realist style with many long, unbroken middle-distance shots, with closeups a rarity. There is a flashback and a dream-sequence presented in exactly the same way, leading to the woozy feeling that past and present, reality and reverie are all folding in on each other. The refusal of explicit emotion does not prevent one fiercely erotic kissing scene, or a moment where a young woman declares her adoration for Frank Capras Its a Wonderful Life and wonders aloud: Why cant they make movies like that any more? I can actually imagine Bob Rafelson making this film in 1972 (at half the length) with the same narrative structure, the same elements of midlife male crisis and regret.

In the noisy, bustling city, Thien (Le Phong Vu) is having an unhurried conversation with his friends about religious faith and the meaning of life at an outdoor cafe when they are stunned by a deafening motorbike crash just a few yards away. His later session at a massage parlour is tragicomically interrupted by a call on his smartphone. The fatality in that crash turns out to have been his sister-in-law, Hanh, whose five-year-old son, Dao (Nguyen Thinh), miraculously survived. Now it is Thiens duty to take Hanhs coffined body in a rented van to her home village for burial (with little Dao as well).

This is also his own home village and that of his brother, Tam, Hanhs husband, who ran out on her and his son years ago. Thien must make a reckoning with Thao (Nguyen Thi Truc Quynh), a young woman from that village with whom he once had a romantic understanding; she could help him to do something about poor little Dao, whose grief about his mother can only be guessed at. He must also track down his runaway brother and what? Break the news? Use this tragedy as a path to reconciliation? Or make sense of his own life and his place in a vast, placidly indifferent world?

The camera drifts and turns with the slow deliberation of an aircraft carrier: characters will move out of shot and keep talking off screen until the camera catches up with them and they are back in the frame. A still tableau will turn out to be an almost imperceptibly slow zoom. Thien has arresting encounters: an old man who once fought with the South Vietnamese at the Battle of Vung R, and an old woman who is as enigmatic as a wraith. One entire sequence is simply Thiens viewpoint, in silence, as he drives on his motor-scooter down roads where the headlights of oncoming traffic flare into a screen-filling dazzle.

Is Thien having a breakdown? Or are these recent, desperately sad events simply giving articulation to a breakdown he might have had anyway? If Hanh had not died, would he not have muddled on with his unsatisfying, anonymous life in the city, and never thought to contact Thao or Tam ever again? The panoramic intelligence of this film is a wonder.

Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell is at the ICA, London, from 8 March.

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Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell review jewel of slow cinema is a wondrous meditation on faith and death - The Guardian