Feel calm in isolation with these online meditation sessions

Many of us around the world are currently facing the prospect of indefinite social distancing and self-isolation. Luckily, as a society we are really coming together, using social media to bring everything from fitness classes and art workshops to raves and festivals online to be experienced from the confines of our homes.

But while these sessions do offer much-needed entertainment, it is also important to make sure we are taking time to look after ourselves and our mental wellbeing. The relentless news about the virus, uncertainty around the future and being cooped up inside by ourselves all takes its toll. One way to help cope with the added anxiety and stress is through meditation.

Amid the crisis, many meditation platforms have been offering free live meditations streaming daily that anyone can join whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. Here are some of the best.

BEEJA MEDITATION

Founder of Beeja Meditation (as well as of World Meditation Day!) Will Williams this week launched free, live guided meditations. Hosted by him, the daily sessions can be found on the platform’s Instagram and aim to give users the tools needed to bolster their sense of self-connection and ease the anxiety which the sudden loss of human contact and indefinite quarantine are likely to produce.

Tune in here at 12pm for the daily meditation session. 

TEN PERCENT HAPPIER

Every weekday, meditation platform Ten Percent Happier is offering what they are calling free live sanity breaks. Hosted by founder Dan Harris, he will be joined each day by some of the world's best meditation teachers who will lead a five minute meditation and then take audience questions. The website also has a coronavirus sanity guide full of free resources to help keep you calm.

Ten Percent Happier Live will be streaming on YouTube at 3PM ET every weekday.

ALYSON STONER

For a more pop cultural meditation why not join Alyson Stoner who danced her way into our hearts as a six year old in Missy Elliot videos and then secured her place there with her roles in Cheaper by the Dozen and Step Up. Stoner will be hosting daily mindfulness check-ins on her Instagram live which will include 25 minutes of meditation and 15 minutes of minfdul movement to help alleviate stress and anxiety.

Join her on IG Live at 4pm ET for Mental Health Check-In and Meditation, and at 7pm ET for Mindful Movement.

COPPER BEECH INSTITUTE

Mindfulness and meditation institute Copper Beech Institute have increased their weekly livestream meditation sessions this month in order to offer people additional support. Sessions take place through Zoom and this week will focus particularly on the  impact of COVID-19 and support through mindfulness practice. See the full schedule here.

LULULEMON

Workout clothing brand Lululemon recently announced it will be closing all stores amid the pandemic. Instead, it will be livestreaming daily content from its Instagram from yoga lessons to meditation sessions. Live meditation will take place on Thursdays. Find the full schedule here.