This is a question I hear quite often. There are many platforms and apps that contain hundreds of guided meditation sessions as well as courses taught by world-renowned meditation masters. With this wealth of material and expertise, why should a person invest in private, individual meditation training?
It’s a fair question, but it rests on a false premise: that you must choose one over the other. Both can be of tremendous benefit to meditation students. That said, while each app and platform is different, a few limitations are generally true:
Large platforms offer standardized content designed to appeal to a wide audience, which may or may not align with your personal needs.
It can be difficult to ask questions. Access to a teacher is often behind a paywall, or responses are generated by AI or another automated system.
Higher-quality content usually costs money and is still general in nature.
Hopping between apps can leave you with conflicting advice.
Most content is introductory and rarely delves into deeper, more advanced topics.
And the most important factor: there is no human interaction. Meditation is relational, and despite claims to the contrary, you cannot develop a true student/teacher relationship with an app or AI.
Apps can be a helpful supplement, but learning mindfulness meditation from an experienced, certified teacher offers benefits that are difficult to find in the apps and platforms that have flooded the market:
The personal touch. One-on-one instruction lets you experience the teachings in the context of a human relationship, which is often more effective than mass-produced content.
Ask your questions. Private meditation instruction offers space for conversation, questions, and exploration in a way an app cannot.
Curate your path. Working with a teacher lets you focus on the topics and practices that will benefit you most.
Get real. Sometimes a student needs to be gently challenged if they become stuck in their practice. An experienced teacher can compassionately guide the student through these obstacles in an atmosphere of safety and trust.
Accountability. A commitment to a real human being is usually much more effective than a habit tracker or going it alone.
Finding new options. Experienced meditation teachers come with years of training and experience in a variety of practices, techniques, and teachings. Forming a relationship with a teacher allows you to gain access to options you might not have otherwise considered.
Mindful With John offers individual meditation instruction in the greater Columbus, Ohio, area. You can choose from several options, including:
Location. Training can be held in your home, in my private meditation studio, or on Zoom.
Discount packages. Bundled training offers the full meditation instruction experience at a reduced cost. Currently, I offer prepaid bundles of four and ten sessions.
Scholarships. I don’t want finances to keep anyone from developing and deepening their meditation practice. Visit my Booking Page to apply. Please note that a limited number of scholarships are available.
Free consultation. I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation so we can get to know each other and see whether Mindful With John is the right fit for you.
An app can guide you through a meditation, but only a teacher can walk alongside you on the path. If you’re ready to go begin meditation or deepen your existing practice, I’d be honored to walk with you.
