Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom

Name: Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom
Rating: 4.9 (41806 reviews)
Author: Waking Up Course, LLC

Insights for a Better Life

Free · In‑App Purchases

42K Ratings
Ages

4+
Years
Category

Health & Fitness
Developer

Waking Up Course, LLC
Language

EN
English
Size

117.7
MB

Recognized as a 2025 Pick by NYT Wirecutter Thousands worldwide call Waking Up life changing. Whether you want better sleep, more clarity, or deeper meditation, Waking Up is your complete guide. Testimonials “Waking Up has led to my most consistent meditation practice. Family and staff also use it because it’s such a powerful tool.” —Andrew Huberman, neuroscientist “Waking Up is a critical part of my daily practice. It’s my go-to for presence, peace, and well-being.” —Rich Roll, athlete & author “Waking Up is the most important meditation guide I’ve ever used.” —Peter Attia, MD “If you’ve had trouble getting into meditation, this app is your answer!” —Susan Cain, best-selling author What’s Inside - Introductory Course—a transformative 28-day program, for both beginners and experienced meditators - Daily Meditations—regular guided sessions with Sam Harris - Moments—short reflections when you need them most - Daily Quotes—a spark of insight each day - Reflections—breif lessons that shift perspective - Sleep—talks and meditations to help you rest - Meditation Timer—customize your own sessions - A vast library of meditations, theory sessions, life courses, conversations, and Q&As - Community—connect with members to discuss meditation, philosophy, psychedelics, and more Why Waking Up Stands Out Unlike conventional meditation apps, Waking Up blends practice with theory—so you not only learn to meditate but also understand how it transforms your mind. It’s meditation, science, and timeless wisdom in one place. Topics & Techniques Our library combines contemplative traditions with modern science, offering tools for both practice and understanding. Techniques include mindfulness (Vipassana), Loving-Kindness, body scans, yoga nidra, and nondual awareness practices from Dzogchen, Zen, and Advaita Vedanta. Topics span neuroscience, psychology, Stoicism, ethics, psychedelics, productivity, and happiness. Content & Teachers Created by neuroscientist and best-selling author Sam Harris, Waking Up features leading voices in meditation, philosophy, and psychology. - Practice—Vipassana, Zen, Dzogchen, Advaita Vedanta (Joseph Goldstein, Diana Winston, Adyashanti, Henry Shukman, Richard Lang) - Theory—the philosophy and science of consciousness, ethics, and well-being (Alan Watts, Charlotte Joko Beck, Joan Tollifson, James Low, Douglas Harding) - Life—mindfulness in relationships, productivity, Stoicism, and more (David Whyte, Oliver Burkeman, Matthew Walker, Amanda Knox, Donald Robertson, Bob Waldinger) - Conversations—Sam Harris with Yuval Noah Harari, Michael Pollan, Morgan Housel, Roland Griffiths, Cal Newport, Shinzen Young - Q&As—Sam Harris with Joseph Goldstein, Adyashanti, Henry Shukman, Jack Kornfield, Loch Kelly And many more subjects and teachers. Created by Sam Harris Neuroscientist and best-selling author Sam Harris built Waking Up as the resource he wished he’d had when he began meditating 30 years ago. Every practice, course, and teacher is chosen for its power to change lives. Free for Anyone Who Can’t Afford It We never want money to be the reason someone can’t benefit from our app. To learn about our scholarship program, reach out to support@wakingup.com. Subscriptions renew unless auto-renew is disabled 24 hours before the current period ends. Manage in Apple account settings. Payment charged to your Apple account. Terms: https://wakingup.com/terms-of-service/ Privacy: https://wakingup.com/privacy-policy/ Satisfaction guarantee: Email support@wakingup.com for a full refund.

Ratings & Reviews

4.9

out of 5

42K Ratings

I could cry at how much Sam Harris and this app has changed my life
12/09/2020

Alana Herlands
I first discovered Sam Harris through his podcast, Making Sense, which is still my favorite podcast of all time. And I remember when he announced he’d be coming out with this app and at first, I didn’t use it. I was already using Headspace for over a year and didn’t feel the need. Then I tried it once and felt this immediate click, this light: “This is the kind of practice I’ve been looking for.” I’ve been using Waking Up ever since. I remember trying the first-offered longer introductory course and after each session, I swear I said “whoa.” Not because I felt like I was in another state, but I felt closer to “myself” and others, bit by bit, each session. I felt less insecure, less anxious, less angry, less anticipatory, less critical, bit by bit, each session. And this continues to be true. Sam, I wish I could look you in the eyes and tell you this in person: This app and your podcast have made me a better person. My interactions feel lighter. I am less self critical. I am less reactive. I am a better critical thinker. Your work pushes those who listen over and through the walls we put up, the walls created by childhood, by fear, by habit, by politics, by culture. I don’t know how to thank you and don’t think I ever will. I will end with this: This app is for everyone. Even if this way of thinking and practicing is totally new to you, try it. Just try it. Give it a shot. You won’t regret it.
I could cry at how much Sam Harris and this app has changed my life
12/09/2020

Alana Herlands

I first discovered Sam Harris through his podcast, Making Sense, which is still my favorite podcast of all time. And I remember when he announced he’d be coming out with this app and at first, I didn’t use it. I was already using Headspace for over a year and didn’t feel the need. Then I tried it once and felt this immediate click, this light: “This is the kind of practice I’ve been looking for.” I’ve been using Waking Up ever since. I remember trying the first-offered longer introductory course and after each session, I swear I said “whoa.” Not because I felt like I was in another state, but I felt closer to “myself” and others, bit by bit, each session. I felt less insecure, less anxious, less angry, less anticipatory, less critical, bit by bit, each session. And this continues to be true. Sam, I wish I could look you in the eyes and tell you this in person: This app and your podcast have made me a better person. My interactions feel lighter. I am less self critical. I am less reactive. I am a better critical thinker. Your work pushes those who listen over and through the walls we put up, the walls created by childhood, by fear, by habit, by politics, by culture. I don’t know how to thank you and don’t think I ever will. I will end with this: This app is for everyone. Even if this way of thinking and practicing is totally new to you, try it. Just try it. Give it a shot. You won’t regret it.
I’m Waking Up
Nov 2

codach200020
I’m not writing this to negatively talk about other meditation apps, because I do think they have helped me too, and I think they are probably good for certain people, but this app, compared to others, has changed me more in my day to day living. This one genuinely feels like I’m “rewiring my brain” to experience the world differently. Where other apps utilize (even similar techniques) meditation to reduce stress and anxiety—which is helpful—, Waking Up puts it in a way that makes the experience of meditation easier. I always felt like I was meditating wrong until using this app. Something about how the guided practices are worded, I feel like I have finally understood that there is no “wrong” way to do it. It’s just acknowledging what is happening and that’s it. Simple. I truly feel like I’m waking up from the sleep I’ve been in. I also think that the interface is helpful; other apps have given too many options, like how long I want the meditation to be, for example, but Waking Up just has it there, and I don’t feel like I’m not taking my practice seriously if I choose a 3 or 5 minute meditation as opposed to a 10 or 20 minute one. It’s whatever time it is and I don’t have to make any decision about how much I’m dedicating to the practice. The content is also so beneficial in helping the intellectual, spiritual, emotional bodies. I love all of it truly. Such a great app! Couldn’t recommend it more.
I’m Waking Up
Nov 2

codach200020

I’m not writing this to negatively talk about other meditation apps, because I do think they have helped me too, and I think they are probably good for certain people, but this app, compared to others, has changed me more in my day to day living. This one genuinely feels like I’m “rewiring my brain” to experience the world differently. Where other apps utilize (even similar techniques) meditation to reduce stress and anxiety—which is helpful—, Waking Up puts it in a way that makes the experience of meditation easier. I always felt like I was meditating wrong until using this app. Something about how the guided practices are worded, I feel like I have finally understood that there is no “wrong” way to do it. It’s just acknowledging what is happening and that’s it. Simple. I truly feel like I’m waking up from the sleep I’ve been in. I also think that the interface is helpful; other apps have given too many options, like how long I want the meditation to be, for example, but Waking Up just has it there, and I don’t feel like I’m not taking my practice seriously if I choose a 3 or 5 minute meditation as opposed to a 10 or 20 minute one. It’s whatever time it is and I don’t have to make any decision about how much I’m dedicating to the practice. The content is also so beneficial in helping the intellectual, spiritual, emotional bodies. I love all of it truly. Such a great app! Couldn’t recommend it more.
Low experience user review
09/15/2019

Skeetertheman
Sam, this is great. I’ve done maybe a few dozen hours of pure meditation over all. Ranging from 5 minute sessions to upwards of 2 hours at a time. I’ve read probably more than the average amount of material on meditation in general with no specific method at the forefront and the way you explain the experience and how to get there is identical to the lane I found best as I was figuring it out on my own. You’ve both reassured my current understanding of at least the begging stages of meditation and it’s always comforting to hear that we’re not trying to stop our thoughts more so recognize them and experiences them while not losing track of ourselves. I have some thoughts and questions on the breath being the forefront of meditation but ultimately have my doubts that it’s the perfect tool that most practicing meditators use. I think we can do better and I have to assume you take us there in this corse because if I have to spend one more second concentrating on my breath I’m going to phyciclyy implode. Again, thank you. Just a special note: I’ve followed your career and your work over the years, I’ve read your books, and listen to your podcast religiously. I can’t help but consider you a friend in spirit. And I’d like to offer my thanks to you for being a source of reason in the times of my life that I could find none face to face. You’ve helped me tremendously...just in case you needed reminding that you are helping people.
Low experience user review
09/15/2019

Skeetertheman

Sam, this is great. I’ve done maybe a few dozen hours of pure meditation over all. Ranging from 5 minute sessions to upwards of 2 hours at a time. I’ve read probably more than the average amount of material on meditation in general with no specific method at the forefront and the way you explain the experience and how to get there is identical to the lane I found best as I was figuring it out on my own. You’ve both reassured my current understanding of at least the begging stages of meditation and it’s always comforting to hear that we’re not trying to stop our thoughts more so recognize them and experiences them while not losing track of ourselves. I have some thoughts and questions on the breath being the forefront of meditation but ultimately have my doubts that it’s the perfect tool that most practicing meditators use. I think we can do better and I have to assume you take us there in this corse because if I have to spend one more second concentrating on my breath I’m going to phyciclyy implode. Again, thank you. Just a special note: I’ve followed your career and your work over the years, I’ve read your books, and listen to your podcast religiously. I can’t help but consider you a friend in spirit. And I’d like to offer my thanks to you for being a source of reason in the times of my life that I could find none face to face. You’ve helped me tremendously...just in case you needed reminding that you are helping people.
Transformative & Revelatory
12/28/2021

Oak Strales
I don’t have the proper capacity of language to fully capture how the information contained in this app has completely transformed my life. I have been living on the outer edges of my existence, as a passenger who felt she lacked any agency to change course. I’m filled with such profound gratitude for those of you who have kept a torch lit for all who are asleep. Awakening, like everything in the universe, is twofold. Characterized by joy and gratitude as you realize the power you wield with your discerning attention and overwhelmed with compassion, helplessness and sorrow for the suffering of so many around you. All I want to do is share what I know with everyone I meet, but I’ve learned that all I can do is continue to deepen my practice, live what I know and be ready when those around me are ready to listen. I just applied to UCB get my science teaching credential. The best thing I can do right now from my current vantage point is to help teach this generation how to effectively direct their attention and to inquire about the nature of their reality. They won’t find it in the virtual or augmented reality that they are becoming increasingly entrapped in. While I know there are many who make this app possible, I must offer special thanks to David Whyte, Joseph Goldstein and you Sam. It is important now more than ever to start waking up and I’m so humbled to have made it to the other side.
Transformative & Revelatory
12/28/2021

Oak Strales

I don’t have the proper capacity of language to fully capture how the information contained in this app has completely transformed my life. I have been living on the outer edges of my existence, as a passenger who felt she lacked any agency to change course. I’m filled with such profound gratitude for those of you who have kept a torch lit for all who are asleep. Awakening, like everything in the universe, is twofold. Characterized by joy and gratitude as you realize the power you wield with your discerning attention and overwhelmed with compassion, helplessness and sorrow for the suffering of so many around you. All I want to do is share what I know with everyone I meet, but I’ve learned that all I can do is continue to deepen my practice, live what I know and be ready when those around me are ready to listen. I just applied to UCB get my science teaching credential. The best thing I can do right now from my current vantage point is to help teach this generation how to effectively direct their attention and to inquire about the nature of their reality. They won’t find it in the virtual or augmented reality that they are becoming increasingly entrapped in. While I know there are many who make this app possible, I must offer special thanks to David Whyte, Joseph Goldstein and you Sam. It is important now more than ever to start waking up and I’m so humbled to have made it to the other side.

We’ve improved search. You can now filter the whole library by session length, speaker, or newly added content. On the Explore page, tap the magnifying glass in the top left corner. You’ll see a new filter icon next to the search field. Find the topic, teacher, or track length you’re looking for. Discover something new.

Version 3.16

Oct 28

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Waking Up: Meditation & Wisdom

Insights for a Better Life

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Version 3.16

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Data Used to Track You

Data Linked to You

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Family Sharing

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