The Way: Meditation path 4+

I tried a lot of varying forms of meditation from in person TM, to Headspace, to the multitude of teachers and options on Waking Up. While I have had significant moments in each and every one of them still the most significant was an awakening I experienced after practicing Henry’s Koan series on Waking Up. When I saw he had his own app I was hesitant at first because I was not enthusiastic about “another” meditation being offered on the market but I gave it a go and it has been the greatest experience with mindfulness and meditation for me to date. I highly recommend anyone from beginner to a frequent meditator to try this app and in the order it is presented, it is truly impactful. While I have fundamental disagreements over approaches presented by other teachers particularly Sam Harris’ teachings and the way his app is presented, I have nothing but deep respect and love for Henry and what he has given here.

I’ve been meditating, almost daily, for the past 10 years now. I used headspace for many years when I first started and Sam Harris’ Waking up for the past few years. I was so excited when I found out Henry was coming out with his own app. His knowledge and many years of experience as a Zen teacher make The Way by far the most accessible, simple, easy to use and enjoyable guided meditation app I’ve used. Henry’s is a fantastic teacher and his teachings are so simple, yet impactful that this app is perfect for beginners and more seasoned students alike. I’ve always wanted to come practice with Henry in person, but this app is the next best thing. Thank you to both Henry and his team for creating this app and making Henry’s experience and teachings so easily accessible.

I have been practicing for a couple years via Waking Up, where I found Henry Shukman’s meditations. I’ve found his guidance is very powerful and precise, inviting us to be with all of our experience, emphasizing compassion and acceptance of what arises, as well as recognition of the more ultimate selfless nature of awareness. While I think Waking Up is an incredible resource, The Way really has simplified some of the confusion that has come with navigating an array of similar yet different approaches and lexicons.

There are so many beautiful teachings out there, but I think I’ve found a few that I want to focus on exploring. I’m using The Way for my meditation sessions—with some daily meditations from Sam on Waking Up—and listening to Joseph Goldstein’s amazing Dharma talks on Waking Up. I’m also reading Joseph Goldstein’s Mindfulness.

Selfishly I do have a suggestion 🤪. At the moment we can do 10 or 20 minute meditations. I would like the option to customize the meditation length further. Preferably by adding mostly silence to the end, with the ending guidance (“move fingers, open your eyes…”) still coming at the end of the chosen duration.

Thank you so very much to the Shukmans for creating this.
~Kyle