The app that monetised doing nothing. Inside the meteoric, chilled-out, totally paradoxical rise of Calm.

As a trustee of The Mindfulness Network charity, a plug for one of my favourite organisations. We are celebrating the 20 year anniversary of our affiliated body - the Mindfulness Centre at Bangor University. This is the subject of a blog post written by Rebecca Crane PhD, Director of the Mindfulness Centre at Bangor University and Trustee for the Mindfulness Network. The anniversary also features a sequence of monthly online events presenting notable personalities from the world of mindfulness. 

Interesting. Apparently, depression amongst teenagers went DOWN in the last 12 months. Why? Because they’re getting more sleep.

Nice piece on mindfulness for Fathers from Breathworks. ’There is also the question of whether mindfulness for Dads exists? Is there a difference between mindfulness for dads and mindfulness for men? And what about mindfulness for parents? Is there any value in making distinctions between men and women, dads and non-dads? 

New book out from Michael James Wong, friend of Mindful Musings. ‘According to tradition, if a person were to fold a thousand paper cranes in one year, they would be granted a single wish and a long and joyful life’. This is Senbazuru. ’In this beautiful and inspiring book, renowned mindfulness and meditation teacher Michael James Wong shares a personal collection of short stories and teachings, accompanied by traditional hand-painted proverbs and prayers.’

From Brain Pickings. The Ocean and the Meaning of Life. ’In June of 1952, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service received a letter of resignation from its most famous marine biologist. On the line requesting the reason for resignation, she had stated plainly: “To devote my time to writing.” But she was also leaving for the freedom to use her public voice as an instrument of change, awakening the world’s ecological conscience with her bold open letters holding the government accountable for its exploitation of nature.

Audio Healing. Using soothing sounds to heal physical pain is growing louder in wellness circles. Audio apps are having a moment in the wellness industry. Music, sound therapy, and autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) have a secure foothold in mental health, relaxation, and wellness rituals. 

From Psyche. If you’re an overthinker, you’ll know exactly how it goes. A problem keeps popping up in your mind — for instance, a health worry or a dilemma at work — and you just can’t stop dwelling on it, as you desperately try to find some meaning or solution. Round and round the thoughts go but, unfortunately, the solutions rarely arrive. Grappling with your thoughts will leave you even more entangled in worry. Use metacognitive strategies to break free.

‘I love roadmaps. I think they are a fantastic way to communicate priorities, what you are doing and why, openly and transparently. They help give teams a clear focus and when done well they generate useful challenge and ideas.’ However, this why your roadmap should have a ‘Not doing’ section.

Some great music. Ambient, beatless, suspended jams. Music to work, walk, stretch, sleep to. HT @neilperkin. Air Gap.