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by 0x8BADF00D

My original review seems to have been deleted for some reason, so I’m re-posting it.

I've been trying to build a meditation practice, on and off, for several years now. Unfortunately, I've never managed to stay consistent with it, and lately it has mostly been off. I'm fully sold on the benefits of regular meditation, but practicing on a daily basis is easier said than done, and I feel like I still haven't really progressed beyond the stage of mostly "thinking with my eyes closed." I've also been a fan of Sam's work for a long time, so I was eagerly awaiting the release of this app in the hope that it would get me "hooked" and teach me the techniques I need to progress.

Unfortunately, after spending a few weeks with it, I'm a bit disappointed so far. I have to agree with Voletric's review; I find Sam's method of trying to disprove the existence of "the self" rather confusing. Many of Sam's instructions in this vein feel to me more like Zen koans than straightforward guidance, and they tend to leave me stuck in my thoughts, struggling to interpret them and understand what I'm supposed to take away from them. Perhaps I'm just too literal-minded, but this methodology does not seem to be working for me. I've had much more success with other apps like Calm and 10% Happier, even if their approaches are perhaps more surface-level.

by Sce6330

I have one suggestion - when referring to other people, such as in a loving-kindness meditation when we are asked to imagine another person, it would be helpful to use gender neutral pronouns. Sam Harris seems to have a particular problem with transgender people and with the use of they/them and other alternative pronouns for people who are outside of the gender binary. It is very distracting when I am trying to picture someone I love to only be offered the option of imagining “him or her.” Many of my loved ones use they/them pronouns. It’s so simple to use they, or just don’t use pronouns by saying “that person” rather than “him or her.” I think I have gathered from Sam’s podcast that he seems to have an issue with this way of thinking. I am very interested in all of Sam’s conversations and his views, and have learned so much from the app and from the podcast. I have not yet found the podcast(s) where his clearly strong position on trans people and pronouns is talked about, so I don’t fully understand his perspective, but wanted to mention that for at least one person, me, it is very distracting when I hear “he or she” in a loving-kindness meditation. I can of course get over this and it doesn’t diminish the usefulness of the app or the practice. I thought this was worth mentioning in case it matters to anyone.

by Skeetertheman

Sam, this is great. I’ve done maybe a few dozen hours of pure meditation over all. Ranging from 5 minute sessions to upwards of 2 hours at a time. I’ve read probably more than the average amount of material on meditation in general with no specific method at the forefront and the way you explain the experience and how to get there is identical to the lane I found best as I was figuring it out on my own. You’ve both reassured my current understanding of at least the begging stages of meditation and it’s always comforting to hear that we’re not trying to stop our thoughts more so recognize them and experiences them while not losing track of ourselves. I have some thoughts and questions on the breath being the forefront of meditation but ultimately have my doubts that it’s the perfect tool that most practicing meditators use. I think we can do better and I have to assume you take us there in this corse because if I have to spend one more second concentrating on my breath I’m going to phyciclyy implode. Again, thank you.

Just a special note: I’ve followed your career and your work over the years, I’ve read your books, and listen to your podcast religiously. I can’t help but consider you a friend in spirit. And I’d like to offer my thanks to you for being a source of reason in the times of my life that I could find none face to face. You’ve helped me tremendously...just in case you needed reminding that you are helping people.