We’ve all heard the term virtual reality in video games, but this kind of virtual reality is a bit different.  With most virtual reality it’s about seeing a new world.  This method is actually about not seeing anything.  Regardless, why do we need to know about virtual reality mindfulness?

Maybe you’ve been in a rut in your mindfulness journey and are really looking for a way to deepen your practice?  Or maybe mindfulness meditation hasn’t quite registered with you and you are looking to take a different direction in your mindfulness journey?  Either way, virtual reality mindfulness is the way to go.

Today I will highlight the features of virtual reality mindfulness, and I will also attempt to show how and where you can begin this practice if you are interested.

This device for virtual reality mindfulness is actually called the sonic cradle.  You sit in a hammock like chair in a dark room, and listen to music that is controlled by your own breathing.  How crazy is that?  Personally I think I would have a hard time adjusting to this, because I would end up being too focused on my breath.  However this works perfectly for some people, so it really just all depends on your own preferences.

It’s certainly clear to me how the sonic cradle can help improve your mindfulness skills.  By having nothing to focus on except the music which is controlled by your breathing, you have the chance to focus and practice being mindful through the breath.  It’s like a new twist on an old favorite.

In addition to being more mindful, some people noticed other effects.  According to the writers of iSpace, “par­tic­i­pants also reported per­cep­tual illu­sions, feel­ings of float­ing, and emo­tional responses.”

This reminds me of those floating chambers.  I don’t know if any of you are familiar with those, but you float in water and are devoid of all your senses.  Many people have similar experiences in the sonic cradle as they do in these floating chambers.

Unfortunately the sonic cradle is still in its prototype stage, so most people won’t have access to it for a while.  The only exception might be if you happened to be selected for a study regarding mindfulness.  However all hope is not lost.  There are plenty of audio tracks available on youtube and Soundcloud.  These tracks are the recordings of other being using the ambient noise and breathing technologies.  While it’s not as good as being able to control it yourself, it still gives you something to focus on.  These could be especially beneficial if you like to meditate with music.  It can even just be a new way to regain focus on the breath.  These types of tracks can also be purchased on Amazon if that’s something that interests you.

According to the research papers published, it seems like they have a lot more testing to do before this concept is officially released to the public, but that’s okay.  I’d rather wait for a truly profound product than have a rushed and not well done prototype.

Jay Vidyarthi is the main brain behind this concept, and I would highly recommend checking out his website.  He has many great insights into mindfulness, and all of it seems very modern in its approach.  If you’re like me you’ll find that anything that can relate to current technology while still being good for you is a huge benefit.  There you’ll also find his teaching credentials, and any news on his musical endeavors.  He even has his own blog so be sure to check that out as well!

I hope this has enlightened you on some of the newer technologies regarding mindfulness!  While unfortunately we may not have direct access to the sonic cradle, there are still plenty of other ways we can get in on this great new discovery.

Have you ever tried anything like this or the floating chambers?  Or would you ever be interested in trying something like this? Let me know in the comments!

Remember: Everyone starts out as a beginner, if they can do so can you!

Mindful Musings

A mental health journey through mindfulness