The release of Headspace’s meditation on Netflix raises interesting questions about meditation’s place in entertainment.
Can they ethically co-exist?
Colombian superstar J Balvin evencredits meditation with saving his life.
But for all of meditations benefits, it isnt typically described as something thats fun.
or Oh, you must be so pumped!
That may soon change, though.
Andy Puddicombe is a meditation and mindfulness expert. Prior to co-founding the meditation company Headspace, Puddicombe spent 10 years as a Buddhist monk.
Experts in This Article
Andy Puddicombe is a meditation and mindfulness expert.
Prior to co-founding the meditation company Headspace, Puddicombe spent 10 years as a Buddhist monk.
Thubten Chodron is a Buddhist nun and meditation teacher.
She has written several books, including Guided Buddhist Meditations.
Puddicombe then ends every episode by leading a meditation.
What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?
We would never even pretend to compete with shows like that, he says.
Still, the content on streaming platforms does have to be entertaining, or people will turn it off.
And thats where Puddicombe says the friendly illustrated animations come in.
Andy Puddicombe is a meditation and mindfulness expert. Prior to co-founding the meditation company Headspace, Puddicombe spent 10 years as a Buddhist monk.
Advansun saysWorld of Calmdepends on the breathtaking landscapes it shows for a similar effect.
Viewers will be transported into tranquility through carefully designed narratives, enchanting music, and gorgeous footage.
These elements fuse together to create a calming, relaxing effect.
Its not necessarily the grab-some-popcorn jot down of entertainment, but more so nature-porn escapism.
And during a time when no one is traveling much of anywhere, theres real value in that.
Can a meditation be entertaining while still honoring its cultural roots?
Traditionally, meditations role in Buddhism is a path to liberation, Chodron says.
Its looking at the meaning of life and how to be liberated from the cycle of rebirth.
Meditation practice is supported by ethical conduct and compassionate actions in our daily life.
It is not just what makes me feel good now.
Entertaining meditation can facilitate heightened relaxation and calm.
It is not a spiritual path.
Practicing a spiritual path entails changing our way of thinking and acting.
Puddicombe says in the decade that he spent as a monk in Asia, entertainment and meditation coexisted.
They would tell stories that would inspire us and excite us.
The more places people can find guided meditations, the more likely they are to give it a try.
But sitting on the couch in front of the TV has always been a place for relaxing.
In that sense, meditation on TV is exactly where it belongs.
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