Virtual Relaxation

Want to relax, but finding it difficult? Do you have two minutes to spare? Gaiam has a wonderful set of virtual meditation rooms that can help.

There are six different rooms to choose from: space, winter, floral, forest, water and zen. Each room has a soundtrack, though the sound can be turned off if thoughtful silence is more your style. The soundtrack lasts for approximately 2 minutes, then loops after a brief pause, so you may wish to substitute your own music for longer periods of meditation.

The space room consists of beautiful photos of galaxies, planets and nebulae. The soundtrack is reminiscent of a space-age interpretation of the harmonies of the spheres, though a little busier acoustically than expected. The photos are breathtaking.

The winter room is crisp, and cool, with photos of snow-draped trees, landscapes and mountains. If you struggle with hot flashes, this might be your room--it almost had me reaching for a sweater! The soundtrack is a relaxing piano accompaniment reminiscent of George Winston.

The floral room is a riot of sunflowers, tulips and roses. The soundtrack consists of light ambient electronica, with faint background vocals.

Of all the rooms, I think the forest room is my favorite, as it reminds me of one of my favorite activities, hiking. The soundtrack is nature-based, and filled with birdsong, crickets and falling water.

The water room is another favorite, with water in various forms, including droplets and splashes, frozen mid-motion. This soundtrack is also nature-based, a hypnotic lullaby of waves and crashing surf.

Last but not least, the zen room ranges from nature to zen. The soundtrack consists of a tonal drone, accompanied by strings and sitar.

It is estimated that up to 80% of doctors visits are stress-related. Facilitated relaxation such as these meditation rooms can help to decrease stress and enhance well-being, even in just a few minutes. Hope you enjoy!