Transforming VR Gaming into Mindfulness Meditation: A Journey of Inner Calm
The Power of VR: How Beat Saber and the Meta Quest 3 Helped Me Find Mindfulness
As I slipped on my Meta Quest 3, I was taken back to a moment of clarity. It was a small upgrade, but one that would bring me closer to the digital world and further from the confines of my mind. My partner had kindly allowed me to treat myself to this new headset, and I couldn’t wait to experience the immersive world of VR once again.
The Journey to Mindfulness
Over the past year, I found myself returning to VR – but not for the high-octane action-packed games I initially fell in love with. Instead, I discovered a newfound appreciation for methodical rhythm games like Beat Saber and Synth Riders. It wasn’t the grand adventures that kept me coming back, but the sense of calm and focus they brought. When I got to test out the Pico 4 Ultra, with its ankle trackers for rhythm game compatibility, I was intrigued by the potential for a more immersive experience.
As a self-proclaimed hardware enthusiast and chronic overthinker, I’ve always craved the extra screen for watching videos or listening to music. But in reality, having just one monitor is plenty. My VR playtime this year has shown that Beat Saber is one of my top choices – not necessarily because it’s my favorite game, but because of the meditative qualities it brings.
Slowing Down and Finding Peace
The tactile game, with its vibrating sabers and block-slashing sounds, has no storyline or hidden messages – it’s simply music and my trusty bastions. This has allowed me to clear my head and focus on the rhythm. I realized I’m not just exercising in VR, but practicing mindfulness.
A Newfound Appreciation for VR
As someone who loves to have multiple screens on the go, I’ve found myself scaling back on screen time by staring at a single, large screen (the Meta Quest) in front of me. It’s counterintuitive, but true. I’ve noticed myself decompressing after a long day or putting on the headset to think through a challenging problem. The limits of this technology have been a blessing in disguise, allowing me to maintain a sense of space and mental health.
Conclusion
VR has proven to be a valuable tool for me, providing a space for introspection and self-reflection at various points in my life. When the lockdowns first hit in 2020, I bought my first Quest, and later upgraded to the Quest 2. My latest purchase, the Meta Quest 3, has taken my VR experience to new heights. I’ve come to realize the importance of intentional relaxation and mindfulness, and I’m excited to explore more song packs for this new headset.
Stay Tuned
Keep up to date with the latest stories and best deals, as curated by the PC Gamer team, and join me on this journey towards a more mindful, VR-enhanced life.
