The Way: Meditation path

You can do things the wrong way for years. Even the way you attempt to open a stubborn jar of olives can be improved in seconds with the understanding of a better way. I first heard of Henry from his interview with Sam Harris (on the Waking Up app). His good nature and authenticity were obvious from that conversation. He recorded some sets of guided meditations there and I was glad to see that he also added an introduction to koans. So, when I saw that ‘The Way’ app was in its early development, I requested to use it as it was evolving and have been glad to give feedback on some technical glitches. The structure of the app takes the listener step-by-step through retreats, which are continuously added, with Henry introducing and explaining the content. There is the option of a 10- or 20-minute timeframe on each audio track, but there is a restriction on jumping ahead. That is understandable since it makes one stick to the discipline of at least trying out each guided meditation before continuing. I am about the same age as Henry, and in fact started off meditating around the same time he did. I have looked into Taoist philosophy and practiced Chi Gong in Taiwan and meditated on and off for many years even leading groups, with some benefit, but not becoming awakened in any clear way. Eventually though, in the past decade or so, the option of following guided meditations (through apps) convinced me to get on track again. Henry has a good style of teaching, and he can guide the listener by advising on breath and posture, raising questions to make you reconsider assumptions, or suggesting the contemplation of koans. This app fits the lifestyle of people around the world with little chance for face-to-face access to such experienced guides. I highly recommend the app.

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

Very well done 🙏

I am so grateful for this app. Even as a seasoned meditator, I was drawn to The Way right away, and I have not been disappointed. It is simple, engaging and lovingly thought out; what’s more they listen to their user feedback and continue to improve! For newbies and experienced contemplatives alike, it is a perfect dose of beginner’s mind, and Henry is a wise and companionable guide on The Way.

I’ve been a meditator for 35+ years and practiced many types with many excellent teachers. But with this app I have a feeling of being personally shepherded by Henry. I highly recommend for all meditators.

I’ve tried several meditation apps and have meditated on my own and with a number of in-person teachers. It’s a very individual thing, but this app is my favorite. I appreciate having a single guide, especially when its Henry Shukman. He is so knowledgeable but more importantly so wise and gentle. I’ve never been as consistent with my practice as I am now with Henry.

I’ve tried many meditation apps and had given up on them as not fitting for me. Then I came upon The Way and I’ve been using it every day since it was in beta. It’s the best app I’ve used for meditation. The “one path” philosophy is exactly what I’ve been looking for, especially since it is under the guidance of Henry, a true master of his field.

This is the best meditation app I have used. Henry Shukman guides the user through a predefined series of meditations that build upon each other. No choices to make when you open the app, just proceed along the path. Been using it since January ‘24 and have had several awakening moments both during and outside of meditation. Strongly recommend.

I was introduced to Henry’s app after first hearing his teachings on the Waking Up app. There are so many offerings today in the realm of Non Dual meditation that it can be easy to be ‘a consumer of more’…..Nonetheless, The Way offers an elegant cumulative teaching in a heartfelt and intimate manner, without superfluous material that is a treasure.

Decades of stop and start meditation practice and finally experiencing a daily practice on The Way. I began with Henry during Covid through MCZC on zoom. So I trusted the App would be professional and gentle. I'm not a "buffet" kind of person who needs lots of different flavors of teaching. I tried (for years) Apps offering many teachers and many styles. What I love about Henry is his foundational approach to building a sustainable practice that is emotionally supportive and feels empowering. The Way is so very kind and believable... this coming from a temperamental and hot headed woman! I fell back in love with my life and all of its "defects." I am eager to join Henry (or not and just use the timer to practice the lesson du jour) every morning. So grateful to his whole team.