I’ve tried meditation many times, and – I’ll be honest – it’s never quite worked for me.
But I’ve discovered something akin to meditation that doesn’t require me to close my eyes and sit cross-legged in the dark. This form of relaxation comes from the act of passively watching videos – specifically where an absence of any dialogue speaks volumes. It’s a fantastic way to relax and unwind, especially after a long day.
Here are a few of my favorites, in no particular order:
SimonFordman – Simon is a young man who has an uncanny aptitude when it comes to fixing things. While his channel focuses mostly on cars and trucks, he has also worked on motorcycles and boats. This channel is long form, where videos range anywhere from an hour to two hours. Watching Simon work quietly is a reward in its own right, but what also makes the videos worth the watch is the creative and careful framing. Each video feels cinematic, making the running time a feast for the eyes. Make some time for this one.
Serkan Bilgin – these relaxing videos feature a young man from Turkey who camps, cooks, builds tents and shelters, all in the wilderness. He is often accompanied by his faithful dog. The videos are roughly 20 – 30 minutes long. Bring a blanket and a warm beverage.
MrMattLee – each video features a silent, cinematic look at a new custom PC build. As a Mac user, I’m a little bit envious at many of the builds on this channel. Each video is around 20 minutes long, perfect to watch with a hot coffee.
PaulRestorer – die cast car restorations are a thing, especially when it comes to models from Corgi, Matchbox, Dinky and more. This channel features a meticulous look at taking a derelict vehicle and transforming it into a pristine specimen, complete with authentic packaging. If you have fond memories of playing with die-cast cars from the 1960s and 1970s, you’ll love this channel. Each video is between 30 – 40 minutes.
Pro tip: Turn on “closed-captioning” – many times, the host will share informative details of what is being shown.
Watching these channels brings me to a calm, centered state. And best of all, I don’t need to sit cross-legged to make the most of it.
-Krishna