TL:DR – The idea of an app for mindfulness is inherently contradictory, but they may have some use if used mindfully…
The notion of mindfulness is often discussed in light of an apparently epidemic of mental health crises, anxiety, depression, phobias, addictions, and other problems. It is considered a state of being where one is fully present in the moment and aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. The aim of mindfulness is not to exclude external stimuli nor to ignore one’s memories and preclude predictions of the future, but rather to live in the moment, to try to feel satisfied in the moment and to ultimately achieve a comfortable mental state.
Apparently, there are mobile phone apps that purport to help with mindfulness. The problem with that notion is that mindfulness requires a deep level of self awareness and attention that cannot be achieved through an app or device. In fact, using an app could be a distraction and prevent a person from being fully immersed in the present moment. Bells and whistles, bleeps and beeps are not conducive to mindfulness, it must be said.
The practice of mindfulness involves developing a non-judgemental attitude towards one’s experiences as well as non-attachment from cyclic thoughts and other distractions. It underpins many forms of philosophy and what we might refer to as spiritual practice, such as meditation, yoga, and even some religions including Buddhism. But, it also underpins the practice of what we do not normally consider to be spiritual in the conventional sense, such as taking a walk or indeed any form of exercise or other hobbies and tasks.
One of the big problems with using an app for mindfulness is that the whole practice succumbs to the expectation of achievement or success, which can be counterproductive to the development of non-attachment and a non-judgemental attitude. Instead of focusing on the present moment and accepting one’s experiences as they are, the use of an app can create pressure to meet certain goals or expectations, just as is experienced with fitness tracking apps, social media metrics and similar distractions.
Perhaps more worrying, is the idea that as with fitness apps, an app for mindfulness could reinforce the idea that there is a quick fix for mental health and becoming mindfulness. Mindfulness is not a technique to be mastered, but should best serve your mental health if it becomes a way of life. The practice of mindfulness involves a long-term commitment to being present and aware in one’s daily life. An app can give the impression that mindfulness can be achieved through a few minutes of practice each day, rather than a continual effort to develop a more mindful way of living.
There are other issues such as a person becoming dependent on the technology to achieve a state of mindfulness. Almost inevitably, this is likely to lead to detachment from the present moment and a reduced ability to be mindful without the artificial assistance of an app.
Another issue is the lack of personalization. Mindfulness is a highly personal practice that requires an individualized approach. An app cannot provide the same level of personalization that one might gain from a trained mindfulness teacher who can tailor the practice to an individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
Overall, while phone apps for mindfulness may seem convenient and accessible, they can create a number of negative consequences that can limit an individual’s ability to fully develop their mindfulness practice. It is important to approach mindfulness as a personal, long-term practice that requires a deep level of awareness and commitment, rather than as a quick fix or technique to be mastered.
Having said all that, there are perhaps a few benefits to mindfulness apps that might help a person begin their practice when time, access, and other factors are limited. For instance, an app could fill the gap when access to traditional mindfulness training is unavailable or when commitments and busy schedules make it impossible to attend in-person classes.
An app can act as a guide at any time and in any location, perhaps it is useful that it can prompt someone to carry out their practice and make it easier to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routine in a flexible way. The various apps usefully offer guided instruction and mindfulness exercises that can help individuals develop their mindfulness skills. In addition, tracking progress is not always a bad thing, provided the goals and targets do not themselves become a distraction.