An App Helping to Build a More Loving World Through Meditation

One of the ways that people deal with the stress of their everyday lives is through meditation. Globally it is estimated that 200 – 500 million people engage in this practice. In the United States, more than 14% of adults have tried meditation at least once, and since 2012, the number of people that has embraced this practice has more than tripled. With this increased popularity, training programs on meditation are emerging everywhere: in schools and training centers, as part of healthcare regimens, and even in the businesses to sector.

Technology has not been left out of this meditation revolution. In 2019 alone, the top ten meditation apps generated more than US$195 million in sales. And it is estimated that by the end of 2022, the self-care app market in the United States alone will be worth more than US$2 billion[1].

In this very crowded space, one app making a difference is the Healthy Minds Program. Created by the Center for Healthy Minds Innovation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and funded by the Fetzer Institute, this app uses neuroscience, contemplative traditions, and skill-based learning methods to aid users in developing the skills needed for a healthy mind. Through guided meditations, teachings, and progress features, the app helps users to build skills needed to gain focus, reduce stress, and maintain positive social connections.

Healthy Minds Program was selected as one of the best meditation apps by the New York Times in 2021. Mentioned as the Best Budget Pick, the app was lauded for having a "wider breadth of meditations that are organized in a clear, progressive fashion."

As part of its commitment to supporting human flourishing, the Institute continues to walk alongside Healthy Minds Innovation as they continue to improve the app and make it more inclusive and representative.

“Fetzer was particularly interested in how such an app might meet the needs of people on a spiritual journey, including followers of various faith traditions," notes Fetzer Senior Program Officer Mohammed Mohammed. "With our support, Healthy Minds completed a user experience study with Christians, and we are looking forward to making the app available to diverse communities. The insights generated will continue to inform the re/design of the app, which has plenty of room in its library for additional content—another design plus!”

Scientific research has shown that mindfulness practices such as meditation can help reduce stress, boost our memory, help us focus, and even help us have more satisfying relationships. The more people can embrace this practice, the more we can lay the spiritual foundation for a genuinely loving world. Join us by downloading the Healthy Minds Program app today.

Treat yourself to the two video clips below:

1) Dr. Cortland Dahl, chief contemplative officer of the Healthy Minds Innovation and one of the app creators, on how Fetzer’s funding helped Healthy Minds think big.

2) Dr. Cortland Dahl on why Healthy Minds made the app free.