Meditation Oasis: Simply Being

Simply Being has been around since 2009, making it one of the longer-running meditation apps on the market. Built around guided sessions from teacher Mary Maddux, it pairs spoken instruction with original music composed by Richard Maddux or optional nature sounds. The app has earned a strong 4.7 from roughly 2,000 ratings, though a 2021 update as its most recent refresh raises questions about ongoing support. For a focused, no-frills introduction to meditation, it holds up reasonably well.

What It Does Well

Mary Maddux brings genuine teaching credentials, with her guided sessions used in hospitals, clinics, military settings, and schools. That real-world pedigree shows in the tone: calm, unhurried, and accessible to beginners without talking down to experienced practitioners. Richard Maddux's original music is a standout, designed specifically to support relaxation rather than just being stock ambient filler. The ability to swap between that music and nature sounds gives users a small but meaningful layer of personalization.

Where It Falls Short

The last update was November 2021, which is a long gap for a paid-tier health app in a competitive category. At 68 MB the footprint is modest, but the app's age shows in areas beyond file size. With only around 2,000 ratings accumulated since 2009, the user base appears limited compared to category rivals. Potential in-app purchases are listed without clear public detail on what is locked versus free, which can frustrate new users trying to assess value before committing.

Who Should Download It

Simply Being suits someone who wants a straightforward, teacher-led meditation experience without algorithmic content feeds or social features. If you find larger apps like Calm or Headspace overstimulating or subscription-heavy, this stripped-down approach may feel like a relief. It is also a reasonable fit for therapists or clinicians looking to recommend a low-friction tool, given Maddux's documented use in professional health settings. Expect depth in delivery, not breadth in content volume.