Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
what a gift...., May 12, 2007
no, this isn't the answer to all of life's problems. But wow! I can control things on the screen by controling my pulse... I can learn to control the surface of my skin, etc... this is an amazing product... the more you use it, the better you get... Oddly, I would say most people use it and do not return because they are looking for a rush instead of a meditative control of their body... If meditation bores you, this is not likely to keep your attention more than a month. However, if you have patience, this can open new doors... especially with some of the other things you can add (new journey's, healing rhythms, the grapher... wouldn't you like to see what happens when you think a thankful thought? think about your dreams? Acoomplish something? Evening graphing the biofeedback that takes place during playing a computer game... looking into someone else's eyes... wondering about your future? This is definitely leading the way to the future... ironic that it is based on understandings that have been around for 1000's of years.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Interesting Device & Software, September 21, 2007
I just got this the other day and have spent a few evenings exploring it. It is a very interesting thing and learning the biofeedback techniques is pretty amazing. Basically the software presents a series of vignettes and "tasks" that you explore with biofeedback. Some are easier to control than others and I think I need to revisit the easy ones to learn how to accomplish the harder ones. The images are really nice and I find I also really like the music and nature sounds that play while you explore or do the tasks. It is a peaceful virtual world.
I do think that some of the tasks are harder (at least for me) if you watch the screen while trying to do them. There is a door with a meditating figure on it in one task and I can't get it to open except by petting my dog. Others are easier -- There are juggling balls that you can send up off the top of the screen and another where ballons float by and you try to keep them from going too high or low and bursting. But it is amazing to watch how changing your thoughts and relaxing will affect the things on the screen.
I do believe this wouldn't be for everyone. I got it for my girlfriend who is currently stressed at work but she wasn't interested. I've been the one using it. It's not really a computer game though their own literature refers to it like that. Some of it is a little cheesy - like the gal in the odd outfit who introduces you to the program and how to do things. But for me, it is the tasks that are the star. Learning how to control your body, breathing, and relaxation is pretty cool. I don't really know what that is ultimately good for but it is interesting. Just being more relaxed and aware maybe.
The system has a USB "stone" that houses the electronics and has a cable toat ends in three spring-tensioned finger sensors. Two are electric (just a contact) and are used to sense skin resistivity changes. The third is an optical (probably infrared) pulse monitor. On the sensor test screen in the software you see real-time readouts of your skin resistivity (no units) and a graph of your heart beats that really looks a lot like an EKG trace. It's the same kind of sensor that is used in the little heart rate monitors that clip on your fingers. Still, it is very cool and nicely done. The hardware is not cheap. It's well built and looks like it will last as long as nobody really abuses it. Somebody put a lot of thought, effort, and engineering into this and it shows. The imagry and animations of movement through the gardens are top notch too. Excellent graphics. Better than a lot of computer games I've seen.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in these sorts of inner journeys and learning how to relax more. It is aimed at the new-age types (which I am not) but it still is a very cool little device and software package. There is also an audio CD included of the soundtrack to the program. A bit new-age but good. Nice background music.
Installation was also a breeze. It took a while (2 CDs, maybe 15 minutes or so) but no problems at all. I am running it on a Mac though.
All in all, I would say well worth the money. No problem at all giving it 5 stars and I think I'll be using it a lot.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very innovative!, February 2, 2008
I recommend reading the product writeup and reviews at
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00099YLPM/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top; much more informative than this one, same product.
I was nervous as I have Vista, but installation flew by with no problems.
I have not yet installed Wisdom Quest as I am taking my time enjoying Journey. I am impressed at the variety the game includes. In addition to the biofeedback mechanisms, the temples are great places to go back to. The Subtle Body temple works with movement, and the Sky temple illustrates chakras and energy fields. Given, the sensors are only measuring SCL and heart rate, but somehow what you see varies a great deal from person to person and chakra to chakra.
The Turret also uses some Gestalt therapy techniques, and the Heart Temple has affirmations. Of course these can be skipped if you find them too cheesy, but I recommend having an open mind and giving them a try, as they can be beneficial. Our happiness in life and ability to be who we want really is all dependent on perception and approach, after all. I've heard a couple of the affirmations in my head after playing the game and I have found them helpful reminders.
I really think this is a great product. Our society is often all about thoughts and logic and the game helps us reconnect and remember that we're whole people beyond what our jobs require of us. And for people like me...I know well the benefits of meditation, but I don't make it a priority. Getting the direct feedback externally, rather than just based on my feeling, reinforces its usage, and the game encourages me to practice more.
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