New Meditation App Integrates Community to Enhance Habit Formation

Key Quotes

"As you may remember, last September, so about 15 months ago, I announced that I was leaving the meditation app that I co-founded and launching a new substack. I really did not know what I was doing at the time, to be completely honest. I was a little bit shaken up about the parting of ways from my old app and, uh, casting around for what to do next."

Dan Harris explains that his initial move to Substack was a response to leaving his previous meditation app, indicating a period of uncertainty and exploration in his career path. He candidly admits to not having a clear plan at that moment, highlighting the spontaneous nature of his subsequent venture.

"However, as we grew, we were spending a lot of time listening to you, our listeners and subscribers, to learn more about what you really wanted. And what quickly became clear was that while you liked what we were doing over on substack, what you really wanted was an app. A neat and tidy spot where you could access all the stuff we're doing."

Dan Harris describes how listener feedback directly influenced the decision to create a new app, demonstrating a commitment to user-driven development. He notes that despite the success of the Substack offering, the audience expressed a clear preference for a more consolidated and accessible platform.

"But what I've come to see, again through listening to you, is that my team and I have an opportunity now to create a next-generation meditation app. Most of the existing offerings out there are one-way content libraries. And again, what you're telling us is that you want more than that. Yes, you want a place where you can easily access guided meditations from your favorite teachers, but you also want to engage with those teachers, and engage with me, and engage with one another."

Dan Harris articulates his vision for a new type of meditation app, differentiating it from existing "one-way content libraries." He emphasizes that users desire not just access to content but also interactive engagement with teachers and the community.

"Just to say this, this instinct toward connection is deeply wise. For millennia, meditation was practiced in community. However, in our tech-drenched, hyper-individualized, extremely lonely culture, meditation has too often become a solo pursuit. I suspect this is why so many people buy subscriptions to meditation apps, but quickly fall off the wagon. Habit formation is much harder when you lack what the researchers call social support."

Dan Harris connects the desire for community in meditation apps to historical practice and modern loneliness, suggesting a reason for user attrition. He highlights that social support, a key element in habit formation, is often missing in current solo-focused meditation app experiences.

"So, what else is on the app? There are five broad categories. First, a library of guided meditations from the world's best teachers, designed to help with stress, anxiety, sleep, focus, self-compassion, dealing with annoying people, and more. Second, weekly live events. I mentioned these events already, but just so you know, every Tuesday at 4 Eastern, you can meditate with me, and with the group, and with our teachers, and then you can ask questions."

Dan Harris outlines the core features of the new app, detailing a structured approach to meditation content and engagement. He lists the library of guided meditations and weekly live events as key components designed to support users across various needs and provide interactive opportunities.

"And now really is a great time to sign up because we're offering a 30-day free trial, so you can try before you buy. That 30-day free trial also includes something I'm very excited about: a seven-day New Year's meditation challenge, led by the amazing Joseph Goldstein."

Dan Harris promotes the new app by highlighting a limited-time offer that includes a free trial and an exclusive New Year's meditation challenge. He frames this as an opportune moment for potential users to experience the app's offerings, including a special guided program.