5 iPhone Apps That Have Changed My Life

For those of you that follow my blog regularly, you know that I am not a techie. So, it is extremely rare that I write about such topics. But I shouldn’t go without mentioning how the iPhone has changed my life. It has changed the way I work, play, and even… meditate.

While the built-in functions of email, calendar, and weather were liberating in their own right (compared to my 4-year old Razr), the world of iPhone apps opened up an infinite portal of opportunities. So much that I feel inclined to share, particularly since a few of these are not in the Top 25 or even 50 of downloaded Apps. (By the way, this is purely a personal endorsement and not financially rewarded in any way.)

1. Pandora
   

    If you are not a fan of Pandora yet, you will be. It is simply the best internet radio available. (If you disagree, please share with me what you think is better. I would love to know.) Pandora.com actually started 10 years ago proving that, like wine, some things just take time. Pandora is not only free, but commercial-free. You have the option of choosing your genre of station or better yet pick an artist. It will then play not only that artist but similar artists. You create the station. It is extremely rare to come across an artist that is not in their library. My new favorite is the Quick Mix feature in which you can mix your stations thereby creating a sort of shuffle iPod effect. Imagine having this access 24/7. You can with the Pandora app. And did I mention it’s free.
   

    

2. iMantra
   

    For a while I was reluctant to pay for any apps because there were so many great free ones. I then took my chance with iMantra. And, wow, has it turned out to be a great investment ($4.99)! Mantras are the Sanskrit version of affirmations. An affirmation is a set of positive words or phrases repeated out loud or to yourself. The more the affirmation is repeated consecutively and over time, the more the subconscious mind is being programmed to believe it. For more information on Affirmations, see my article, 8 Affirmations for Abundance. As I mention, the traditional mantra practice involves repeating a mantra 108 times consecutively. Mala bead necklaces are often used for this practice for they have 108 beads with the beginning and ending point being a yellow or red tassel.
   

    The iMantra app does the counting for you. Choose how many times you want to repeat the mantra and it will do it for you. Not sure what mantra to chant? It has six categories of traditional mantras, from Hindu to Kundalini to Planetary with a great selection of mantras within each. It also tells you what each mantra means. Not sure how to pronounce the mantra? It does that for you too. Chant along with a soothing male and/or female voice ensuring your pronunciation is correct. Perhaps you want your favorite mantra or personal affirmation that isn’t listed. Simply record yourself in the Personal category and voila! This App alone has revolutionized my daily spiritual practice. I hope you will be inspired as well. Om Shanti Shanti!
   

    

3. Vegan Yum Yum
   

    Despite what you may think, you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy this App. But, if you are, you will simply fall in love. For anyone who has ever bought or flipped through a cookbook, you know the pictures are the most important consideration in buying the book and oftentimes trying out the recipe. In this App every recipe not only has an accompanying picture, but an unbelievably well photographed picture. Furthermore, the recipes are great! Some simple, some complex. A nice mix of entrees, desserts, and apps (no pun intended). It’s yum yum and definitely worth the price… Free!
   

    

4. iChing by Astrology.com
   

    There are many different iChing apps available and I can’t vouch for the other ones. I’m sure there are some other great ones out there. This one I know is good and, again, it’s Free. The iChing has been used for over 5000 years ago and is the basis of many sciences, including Feng Shui. It has a strong tradition in assisting people in decision-making. iChing is the Book of Changes based on the yin and yang (opposites, male/female, duality) aspects of every issue. This App is consistent with the traditions of the iChing in its interprations. There are 4 spinners that you stop six times resulting in one of 64 combinations. Ask it a question, see what kind of day you will have, reflect back on the inner meaning of your day, or just have fun.
   

    

5. Tweetie/Facebook (tie)
   

    These mobile social networking apps are so incredibly useful for wanting to catch up on the go, whether you are traveling or simply waiting in line somewhere. The Tweetie app ($2.99) is a great interface for Twitter. It is visual and content friendly. In fact, I sometimes prefer using it than Twitter itself or other online interfaces. The Facebook app is free and easily linked to your account. Great for for making spontaneous updates or doing a quick check-in on what others are up to. As any social networker knows, you have to stay on top of it. These apps make that not only possible, but easy.
   

    Please share with me Apps that have changed your life…I would love to know!
   

    Photo by rich sipe