It’s been a year since I discovered CALM, the amazing meditation app that’s guided me on many journeys that have eased my body, mind and soul. I know it sounds corny, but it’s true. For the last 370 days, CALM has led me through at least one – but usually many more – meditation sessions. I choose the topic – inner peace and sleep (two of my favorites), creativity, confidence, lovingkindness, energy, motivation, etc. Then I decide how long I want the session to be – usually 10 minutes, sometimes more and occasionally less. Two minute or five minute sessions really give me a boost when I’m at work and feel my energy level drooping.

Although CALM has made my days more peaceful and productive – and by the way, I highly recommend an Emergency CALM session to get you through the really stressful moments – it has absolutely transformed my nights. While I usually have little trouble falling asleep, I often wake up during the night. Sometimes I’m able to get back to sleep pretty quickly, but other times, my mind starts whirring – hashing and rehashing things that happened during the day; ruminating about things that haven’t happened yet – and probably never will – but in those eerie night-time hours, anything seems possible. That’s when I lean over, grab my iPhone, and rely on CALM to help me focus on my breathing instead of my thoughts. Before I know it, I’m feeling relaxed and then…I’m off to dreamland. Now, that’s a gift.