[Lambdanaut]

> This is not meditation but distraction. If you want to medidate, first, don't do it alone.`

To me this is a practical oxymoron. At least when I was first learning to meditate, I had to be completely alone in a quiet place. Being surrounded by others sounds really unnecessary and distracting.

[benburleson]

If you haven't tried sitting with a group, I highly suggest it. I find it much easier to focus, and there is more accountability so you can't get pulled away inside your own thoughts, then suddenly open your eyes and say, "I've got too much to do!" No, it's easier to refocus and sit until the end.

Also, I find guided meditation groups really nice. I'm a beginner, so it's great to have someone helping me along.

[livepreview]

Shared focus, accountability, and retrospect. Also, a potential group of friends who won't judge you for doing nothing but sitting on a pillow for a half an hour (or more) every day.

There are pros and cons to everything.

[parksy]

I've been part of a few meditation groups. You really have to find the right mix or it doesn't work well.

I personally prefer alone-time meditation to introspect and sift through my inner concerns and arrange my emotional situation.

However you choose to do it, meditation is a wonderful way to unwind and an app with nice calming music and imagery is one way to disconnect from the bedlam.

(said while typing on hacker news with the calm site on the other screen)