How to use the meditation timer
- Choose a length, from 5 to 30 minutes or any number of minutes you like.
- Optionally add interval bells (to bring your attention back or switch practices), a short settle-in period, and a soft background sound.
- Press Begin. A singing-bowl bell marks the start, intervals and the end, so you can close your eyes. Your daily minutes and streak are counted.
A simple practice to start with
Sit upright but relaxed, on a chair or cushion, hands resting. Close your eyes or lower your gaze. Let your breathing be natural and notice the sensations of each breath at the nose, chest or belly. When you notice your mind has wandered, which will happen many times, simply note "thinking" and gently return to the breath. That moment of noticing and returning is the exercise; it is not a failure. Interval bells can serve as reminders to check where your attention is.
Research on mindfulness programmes suggests regular practice can reduce stress and improve attention and sleep for many people; consistency matters more than length, so a daily 10 minutes beats an occasional hour. The bell is synthesised in your browser from the harmonics of a singing bowl, and the timer keeps time from the clock, so it stays accurate if the screen dims. Your session history stays on this device. If meditation brings up distressing thoughts or feelings, it is fine to stop; talk to a professional if that persists.
How long should a beginner meditate?
Five to ten minutes a day is a good start. Increase gradually if you want.
Will the bell play with the screen off?
Keep this page open; the screen is kept awake where supported. Phones may pause pages when locked.
Is my history stored online?
No. Minutes and streaks are saved only in this browser.