Harmony

The chakra system, more than just an assemblage of energy centers located in the body, is a profound system for spiritual growth and a reference to our embedded sacred architecture. As we go about our every day life, our chakras can be either open or closed, sliding between a scale of being excessive and deficient. If a chakra is blocked, or in a closed state, then it loses its ability to receive or transmit energy on that particular plane. On the other hand, if it is too open, then has the characteristics of chronic fixation.

Inspired and based on the chakra system expounded by Anodea Judith, Harmony provides a platform to aid meditation and the opening of each of the seven chakras, allowing the user to assess which chakras are deficient.

Traditional meditation techniques tend to have a certain focus that aids the meditator to awaken the body’s natural healing mechanisms. For example, the use of a mantra, a set of words recommended in the holy Vedas, is used in the Vedic tradition. In the case of Harmony, the participant is guided to notice their heartbeat, the center of their energetic system which, due to its unconscious regulation and subtle workings, often remains unnoticed. The experience amplifies the individual’s heartbeat visually whilst their eyes are closed, creating a pulse behind their eyelids. A gong is continuously played in the background, creating a rhythm which the participant can use to synchronize their own flow with.

I guide the participant on a different journey dependent on the choice of the chakra. The reason behind my decision to use my own voice for the guided meditation is twofold. Firstly, it allows me to create personal engagement with each of the participants, hence humanizing the experience, rather than the ubiquitous impersonalization so rampant in technological experiences. Secondly, it is a first step to developing relationships for my healing practice.

It is worth noting that this experience is not intended as a destination, but rather, the first foray into what I hope will be a long and fulfilling journey for my participants’ spiritual journey.

I would specifically like to thank:

The team at Evoke Neuroscience, particularly James Thompson and Angel Frett for their generosity, help and support with the project and code related work with bluetooth heart monitor.

Siri Rishi Kaur of Beloved Yogi Harlem for allowing me to record her beautiful playing of the gong for the meditations (and for letting me play, too!).

Adiel Fernandez for support throughout, and the amazing 3D printed cover of the Oculus Rift.

Robert Yang and Pierce Wolcott for always being on hand to help with code related problems!

Additionally, these beautiful people: Jorge, Rosannah, Emmi, Daniel, Namreta, Ayo, Peter and good ol’ Mum, for countless reasons.