Meditation is a popular remedy for the stresses of modern life, with proven effects such as reducing inflammation and anxiety. However, not everyone finds meditation to be a natural or easy practice. Gwyneth Paltrow, a longtime advocate for mindfulness and meditation, has invested in an AI-powered meditation app called Moments of Space, which aims to challenge traditional ideas of meditation as a silent and solemn practice. The app encourages an eyes-open approach to meditation, allowing users to find inner peace while engaging with the world rather than shutting it out completely.
Moments of Space was created by Buddhist software developer Kim Little, who wanted to make meditation more mainstream and practical. The app is designed around a “little and often” format, offering short meditation sessions as well as longer ones, making it more accessible to those who find sitting still for long periods challenging. The app is centered around Tibetan Dzogchen techniques, which focus on mindfulness and awareness of surroundings. There is a personalized function that uses personal data to recommend the right meditation for each user’s mood and surroundings at any given time.
While Moments of Space aims to democratize the practice of meditation, beginners and novices may still find the app challenging initially. The language used throughout the app, such as “amplifying energy” and “exploring sensation,” may feel jargon-heavy to some users. The app offers a variety of narrators to guide users through meditations, including Gwyneth Paltrow, who voices several meditations and is a co-owner of the app. The Moments tab provides standalone moment meditations to accompany everyday tasks like journaling or cooking, offering a good entry point for new users.
The eyes-open approach of Moments of Space encourages users to be more aware and conscious of their surroundings, making them work harder to find focus and mindfulness amidst distractions. The app also aims to educate users on the skill of meditation so they can experience long-term benefits beyond the short sessions provided in the app. It offers a range of meditation options, including Mindful Walking, which requires movement, and the option for Mindful Cleaning, although it is unclear if Gwyneth Paltrow herself uses this feature. Ultimately, Moments of Space strives to make meditation more practical and accessible for users of all levels, offering a unique approach to finding inner peace in a busy world.
