In the wake of COVID-19, so many great free resources have emerged to calm and soothe ourselves. I’ve pulled together some of the resources I’ve come across and added a few personal favorites. Bookmark this post and return to it often, as I will be adding more resources as I learn of them. Please feel free to also email me with any free resources that have been helpful to you as well and I’ll be happy to add them to this page. Please take good care of yourselves and of each other.
Apps to Calm and Soothe
Calm
Calm app is offering free resources including meditations, music, talks and stories.
Headspace
Headspace is offering several free resources including a selection of free meditations, as well as free subscriptions for healthcare professionals and educators.
https://www.headspace.com/covid-19
InsightTimer
This app is 100% free, with no subscription needed and access to more than 30,000 guided meditations.
Additional Mindfulness and Meditation Resources
Wednesday Night Livestream with Tara Brach
Psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher Tara Brach offered a free guided meditation, followed by a talk this past week and it was glorious. I participated in the event and it was the most peaceful 1 ½ hours I have experienced in a while. For updates on the next live stream or view some of Tara’s inspiring talks, visit www.facebook.com/tarabrach.
Creating a Home Retreat
Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield offer tips for creating a home retreat, as well as a free video of a guided half-day retreat with Tara and Jack that you can follow in your home.
Tips for Creating a Home Retreat: https://www.tarabrach.com/create-home-retreat/
Free Half-Day Retreat: https://product.soundstrue.com/power-of-awareness/free-retreat/
Ways to Wind Down After Work
With more individuals having to work from home, it can add more stress to our mind, body and spirit as we adjust to this change, some of us telecommuting for the first time, and also trying to find harmony as our work-life and home-life collide. It’s important now more than ever to incorporate some calming activities after a day of work. Try these activities from Deepak Chopra.
https://chopra.com/articles/need-to-unwind-after-work-try-these-6-calming-activities
21-Day Free Meditation Experience with Deepak and Oprah
This 21-day meditation offers an opportunity to improve your overall well-being and increase peace and fulfillment in your life. Click here to sign up.
Free Meditations by Jack Kornfield
Compassion in the Time of Coronavirus (13 minutes): https://jackkornfield.com/compassion-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/
A Steady Heart (13 minutes): https://jackkornfield.com/steady-heart/
More at https://jackkornfield.com/.
Thriving in Turbulent Times
A free masterclass by one of my favorites: Martha Beck. From Martha’s website, “This is a time when familiar things are crumbling—but as they do, rigidity gives way to fluidity, and inspired new ways of living can emerge.” Masterclass begin March 31, 2020.
https://marthabeck.com/masterclass-free-thriving-registration/
Walk With Me
This beautiful documentary explores the monastery community of Zen Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. It’s beautifully shot with such care and intentionality. The film instantly calms and soothes as you watch.
Podcasts
Daily Breath Podcast with Deepak Chopra
Start your morning with these bits of wisdom and calm.
https://open.spotify.com/show/1qEVTzZKFP5MtunTtygg2j
Living by Design Podcast
This podcast is by a friend of mine and fellow helper in the world. Its main audience is female entrepreneurs; however, I think there are great messages in her podcast for folks in general. Devoney is a ray of sunshine, and her podcast reflects that as well.
https://www.devoneytaylor.com/livingbydesign
Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations
From Apple Podcast: “Awaken, discover and connect to the deeper meaning of the world around you with SuperSoul. Hear Oprah’s personal selection of her interviews with thought-leaders, best-selling authors, spiritual luminaries, as well as health and wellness experts. All designed to light you up, guide you through life’s big questions and help bring you one step closer to your best self.”
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oprahs-supersoul-conversations/id1264843400
Office Ladies
Superfans of The Office will love this behind-the-scenes look of each episode of The Office. Co-stars and best friends Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey explore an episode each week with the occasional special guest and their great insider-info.