Meditation: one way to increase well-being and combat stress

If you have consumed any news or popular media at all in the past few years, you have probably heard that meditation is good for you-it reduces stress, and improves mental concentration and clarity.  In fact, it’s highly recommended by many types of professionals, including doctors and psychologists. And in stressful or anxious times, it could be even more vital. However, knowing that and doing it can be two different things-it can be challenging to get started! Here are some great sources you can access online.

First, you can access many meditation eBooks and audiobooks through Overdrive, that you can read on your computer or tablet, or listen to on your tablet or phone. Download the Libby app for most devices, or go to clamsnet.overdrive.com to use your desktop or laptop. Call or email us if you need any assistance, or don’t have your card or pin #! If you don’t have a card at this time, you can get a free, temporary CLAMS eCard here. Be sure to look for the eBook or audiobook designation underneath the title to be sure you get the format you prefer! And, you can search the CLAMS catalog for ebooks as well, and then go to the Libby app or the Overdrive page to actually get them!

Here are some great ones available through Overdrive, found by doing a “Meditation” search on the page:

How to Meditate: a practical guide to making friends with your mind by Pema Chodron (CLAMS catalog link )

Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics by Dan Harris (CLAMS catalog)

Wherever You Go, There You Are: mindfulness meditation in everyday life by Jon Kabat-Zinn. (CLAMS catalog for audiobook)

Guided Meditations for Children: Eeny, Meeny, Miney, and Mo by Michelle Robertson-Jones Niall. (CLAMS catalog for audiobook)

Issues of Yoga Journal magazine, available through Overdrive! (CLAMS catalog entry)

Another library resource for eBooks, if you have any Falmouth-issued library card, is our Hoopla platform, which you can read about here.

Dr. Sang H. Kim, who has given workshops at the library on Mindful Movement and Meditation (and will be giving more here as soon as it is possible), has some sites to review techniques taught in his workshops: mbx12.org and onemindonebreath.com. 

Also, if you have a smartphone or tablet, you can download some of these popular apps: Headspace, Calm, or 10% Happier. A staff member let us know that the 10% Happier website offers live stream free guided meditations at 3 PM Eastern time, but you can check out their site 24/7 for all sorts of helpful meditations: https://www.tenpercent.com/coronavirussanityguide.

This article in Women’s Health magazine describes some apps they like in detail here.  Some are free, some have a subscription rate, and some offer both a free basic service and paid additional features. 

We wish you some enjoyment and peace of mind-let us know how you like any of these suggestions, if you try them, or if you have any others to recommend!