Technalink has always believed that technological advances can bring positive change when used correctly. Smartphones, for example, can be a huge distraction when used for social media, but at the same time, they can connect us to loved ones anytime, anywhere, or even save lives in emergencies. In the same way, virtual reality has only become a ripple in the mainstream in recent years, but primarily as a novel form of entertainment.Now, however, other uses are being applied, including medical and industrial practices and, perhaps most surprising of all, spiritual ones to help people be more mindful during the day. Meditation has now come to “VR,” For some, this may be the perfect way to achieve better mindfulness.
What Is Virtual Reality?
VR, as it is more commonly called, has appeared for years in science fiction but is only now finally coming into homes and offices within the last several years. It is a multi-disciplinary combination of different technologies that come together to simulate reality. This has obvious entertainment purposes, such as transporting participants to exotic new locales, but has also seen success in less conventional uses, such as therapy for phobias.
Now, some businesses have brought mindfulness to VR with guided meditation software. One of the biggest challenges for people trying to meditate is to shut down outside distractions so they can focus on mindfulness. For some, the surroundings of an office, or even a busy apartment, can be too much to block out successfully.
VR, however, can virtually take users to a completely different setting. A quiet tropical beach, a peaceful view of a mountain lake, or any other location with all the sights and sounds involved. When this ability to simulate another reality is paired with guided meditation software, for some, this is the perfect answer to “getting away from it all” for just a few minutes and then instantly returning to reality by removing the headset and headphones.
A New Way To Meditate
Everyone is different, and so people will have different preferences and approaches. For some, sitting in an office chair with the door closed and an accessory like mala prayer beads is enough to get into the proper frame of mind. For others, there may need to be more aggressive steps taken to reduce distractions. Then there are others who still may not find it entirely comfortable to meditate in complete silence or isolation.
VR meditation addresses several of these issues if a VR unit is available. Even being in a small, confined space matters little for VR meditation once users find themselves in another environment entirely. And like less advanced meditation apps found on smartphones, VR meditation software can provide a guided experience set to specific time durations if there’s a need to limit usage to just a few minutes or ensure it is less than an hour.
However, the biggest addition to mindfulness has some interactive guidance. Instead of having to carry out your own memorized or written down regimen, VR meditation can provide as much or as little guidance as needed, whether that is helping you with reminders about your breathing or suggestions about ways to achieve a state of mindfulness for that day. For people who prefer having someone lay out a path to follow, guided VR meditation can be a great way to feel like having a meditation companion.
Find Your Way
Meditation can be extremely useful in helping to maintain mindfulness, but only if you can find a method that works for you. If you’ve never done it before, there’s always a bit of experimentation and self-discovery involved in your preferences. If you haven’t tried VR meditation, maybe this is the one for you.
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