A journey within one's mind 

One can therefore learn the basics of meditation, with breathing as a starting point. Andy Puddicombe explains in his lullaby-evoking tones, that when we breathe in, we should feel our lungs fill with air, and when we exhale, the body releases tension and our muscles relax. The 48-year-old is the creator of the headspace application which inspired the series. The 60 million downloads in 190 countries are a testament to the appetite for mental well-being.

In an interview with L'Echo, Andy Puddicombe explains the success of the application and the current quest among many for calm and peace by several factors. "In the past, when you wanted to learn how to meditate, you had to look for a meditation center. ... Meditating via your smartphone has become a new way of looking at things," explains the creator. He adds that, paradoxically, social networks have opened a new door to meditative practices. The testimony of many athletes, artists and entrepreneurs endorsing the practice has freed meditation from its esoteric image.

From niche to mainstream

The interest in meditation videos is not new. Many such categories have existed for many years on Facebook and YouTube. Meanwhile the ASMR movement, "Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response" had already seduced millions of followers on social networks. In these videos, the protagonist whispers, chews or taps in order to provide a sensation of relaxation and brain tingling. Many people are embracing these sounds to help them relax or fall asleep. 

Other, more niche, relaxation trends abound on the web such as the "oddly satisfying." In these videos, you can crush playdough, make pottery, make cake icing or even do deep cleaning. Almost anything can work, as long as you enter an almost hypnotic state.

If the whole world of meditation appeals to you, be aware that Netflix will soon release "Headspace Guide to Sleep".