The Journey to Wild Divine Biofeedback Software & Hardware for PC & Mac: The Passage
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Customer Reviews of The Journey to Wild Divine Biofeedback Software & Hardware for PC & Mac: The Passage
Customer Review: An Amazing "Inner-Active" Adventure
Summary: 5 Stars
It has been said that the biggest cause of stress and anxiety is caused from a perceived disconnection from the Divine--either within oneself or in the universe at large.
We are finally realizing that our thoughts, emotions and physical body have an etheric counterpart that registers our bodily states. Attending to our spirits promotes peace, health, and a sense of well-being. The effect of stress and anxiety on our bodies is well documented. Likewise, studies are showing the powerful effects of prayer, meditation, and joy on our emotional and physical health.
Kurt Smith and Corwin Bell of The Wild Divine Project are two visionaries who have developed a groundbreaking tool that engages mind, body and spirit. The Journey To Wild Divine - The Passage is an "Inner-active" computer journey that integrates the power of the spiritual quest with an innovative biofeedback interface and high-end multi-media production. It incorporates mythology and elements of the classic hero and heroine's journey with state of the art 3D graphics, video and music.
In developing The Journey, Bell and Smith have collaborated with various leaders in the field of consciousness and compassionate action on both the spiritual and biofeedback technology aspects of the project. Known as "allies," they include Jean Houston, a pioneer researcher in human capacities, and Nawang Khechog, a former Buddhist monk and one of Tibet's foremost world music composers and musicians.
Bio-feedback is the science of recording both Skin Conductance Levels (SCL) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and using this information to modify thoughts, emotions, and breathing. SCL is the measurement of sweat gland activity on a person's skin, and HRV is the calculation of the differences in heart rate from one heartbeat to the next. No two of these intervals are exactly the same, and you need a device more sophisticated than just taking your pulse to determine it. Those who exhibit greater HRV tend to live longer and enjoy life more. When playing this amazing adventure, you slip 3 fingers in the comfortable sensors known as "Magic Rings". Your SCL and HRV are interpted by the "Light Stone" energy translator.
Up until now, biofeedback technology was in the hands of experts--where a professional had to interpret your results. From those results, you would then learn how to regulate breathing, thoughts, emotional states, and so on. However, with The Journey, the game itself lets you know how you're doing.
Set in the magical Sun Realm, players encounter breathtaking scenery, helpful mentors, and various "Events". For example, you're invited to join Cosmo and Sophia in the Inner Imagery Theater--which includes inviting your own partner to share the Magic Rings. Cosmo and Sophia show you how to challenge one other with sensory imaginings, and then you and a partner explore images from the five senses.
For example, my husband and I entered the Inner Imagery Theater together where we challenged each other with images such as "I want you to imagine stroking the soft fur of a kitten" or "I want you to imagine the sound of a gentle rain falling on a tin roof." All of the other Events I've experienced thus far, however, have been for just one person. (But I'm nowhere near completing the adventure!)
In one of my journeys, I entered a lush courtyard with vibrant greenery, colorful flowers, and majestic colums. I was encouraged to relax and levitate a purple ball. Sound easy? Not necessarily! It depends on how able you are to enter into relaxing breath and peacefulness. There are times when I can float the ball off the screen, but yesterday, I couldn't get it past an inch or so. I was irritated by my son's interruptions (which sent the ball back to the ground!), but it occurred to me that this was a perfect scenario to increase awareness of my thoughts, breathing, and emotional response. After I played the game for about an hour, I was amazed at the marked difference in my mental and emotional states.
However, not all "Events" are designed to promote calm. With some, you have to think joyful, enthusiastic thoughts and increase the rate of your breathing--such as spinning a pinwheel.
Helpful mentors you'll encounter include The Royal Falconer, Kwan-Yin--Lady of Compassion, Mila-Rugom, and Luna the White Wolf. You'll receive a magic bag created by the Lady Of The Woods, where you'll be able to store items that you collect on your journey--and use for other Events. For example, you'll need to pick a red rose from the courtyard to give as an offering to the Durga. You can save several areas to the bookmark section, in case you want to go back. Sophia guides you when you first start a game, but when you load it another time, you can bypass this introduction and just head right into the gameplay.
The Journey to the Wild Divine - The Passage comes in an attractive, sturdy box which includes:
*CD-Rom Software featuring spectacular high-definition 3-D graphics and video
*More than 40 unique energy and breathing "Events"
*Install disks for both PC and Macintosh
*Easy-to-use "Magic Ring" biofeedback sensors
*"Light Stone" energy translator
*Supports upcoming multi-user, online experiences
*Original Soul Flight music CD
*Companion Guide and User's Manual
The music that accompanies the game is filled with gorgeous orchestration from the Soul Flight CD, performed by The Wild Divine Band. Featuring Kurt Smith and Andy McEwen, the band's music (which is sold separately, as well) is intended to have Transformational Effects that can help facilitate the journey of the soul.
The Journey to Wild Divine is a groundbreaking tool for stress-relief, mindfulness, and meditation--promoting a sense of well-being and health. I highly recommend this visionary gift to humanity.
(To see 6 color screen shots of this computer game visit http://janetboyer.com/Journey_To_Wild_Divine.html)
Customer Review: Groundbreaking Tool For Stress Reduction
Summary: 5 Stars
It has been said that the biggest cause of stress and anxiety is caused from a perceived disconnection from the Divine--either within oneself or in the universe at large.
We are finally realizing that our thoughts, emotions and physical body have an etheric counterpart that registers our bodily states. Attending to our spirits promotes peace, health, and a sense of well-being. The effect of stress and anxiety on our bodies is well documented. Likewise, studies are showing the powerful effects of prayer, meditation, and joy on our emotional and physical health.
Kurt Smith and Corwin Bell of The Wild Divine Project are two visionaries who have developed a groundbreaking tool that engages mind, body and spirit. The Journey To Wild Divine - The Passage is an "Inner-active" computer journey that integrates the power of the spiritual quest with an innovative biofeedback interface and high-end multi-media production. It incorporates mythology and elements of the classic hero and heroine's journey with state of the art 3D graphics, video and music.
In developing The Journey, Bell and Smith have collaborated with various leaders in the field of consciousness and compassionate action on both the spiritual and biofeedback technology aspects of the project. Known as "allies," they include Jean Houston, a pioneer researcher in human capacities, and Nawang Khechog, a former Buddhist monk and one of Tibet's foremost world music composers and musicians.
Bio-feedback is the science of recording both Skin Conductance Levels (SCL) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and using this information to modify thoughts, emotions, and breathing. SCL is the measurement of sweat gland activity on a person's skin, and HRV is the calculation of the differences in heart rate from one heartbeat to the next. No two of these intervals are exactly the same, and you need a device more sophisticated than just taking your pulse to determine it. Those who exhibit greater HRV tend to live longer and enjoy life more. When playing this amazing adventure, you slip 3 fingers in the comfortable sensors known as "Magic Rings". Your SCL and HRV are interpted by the "Light Stone" energy translator.
Up until now, biofeedback technology was in the hands of experts--where a professional had to interpret your results. From those results, you would then learn how to regulate breathing, thoughts, emotional states, and so on. However, with The Journey, the game itself lets you know how you're doing.
Set in the magical Sun Realm, players encounter breathtaking scenery, helpful mentors, and various "Events". For example, you're invited to join Cosmo and Sophia in the Inner Imagery Theater--which includes inviting your own partner to share the Magic Rings. Cosmo and Sophia show you how to challenge one other with sensory imaginings, and then you and a partner explore images from the five senses.
For example, my husband and I entered the Inner Imagery Theater together where we challenged each other with images such as "I want you to imagine stroking the soft fur of a kitten" or "I want you to imagine the sound of a gentle rain falling on a tin roof." All of the other Events I've experienced thus far, however, have been for just one person. (But I'm nowhere near completing the adventure!)
In one of my journeys, I entered a lush courtyard with vibrant greenery, colorful flowers, and majestic colums. I was encouraged to relax and levitate a purple ball. Sound easy? Not necessarily! It depends on how able you are to enter into relaxing breath and peacefulness. There are times when I can float the ball off the screen, but yesterday, I couldn't get it past an inch or so. I was irritated by my son's interruptions (which sent the ball back to the ground!), but it occurred to me that this was a perfect scenario to increase awareness of my thoughts, breathing, and emotional response. After I played the game for about an hour, I was amazed at the marked difference in my mental and emotional states.
However, not all "Events" are designed to promote calm. With some, you have to think joyful, enthusiastic thoughts and increase the rate of your breathing--such as spinning a pinwheel.
Helpful mentors you'll encounter include The Royal Falconer, Kwan-Yin--Lady of Compassion, Mila-Rugom, and Luna the White Wolf. You'll receive a magic bag created by the Lady Of The Woods, where you'll be able to store items that you collect on your journey--and use for other Events. For example, you'll need to pick a red rose from the courtyard to give as an offering to the Durga. You can save several areas to the bookmark section, in case you want to go back. Sophia guides you when you first start a game, but when you load it another time, you can bypass this introduction and just head right into the gameplay.
The Journey to the Wild Divine - The Passage comes in an attractive, sturdy box which includes:
*CD-Rom Software featuring spectacular high-definition 3-D graphics and video
*More than 40 unique energy and breathing "Events"
*Install disks for both PC and Macintosh
*Easy-to-use "Magic Ring" biofeedback sensors
*"Light Stone" energy translator
*Supports upcoming multi-user, online experiences
*Original Soul Flight music CD
*Companion Guide and User's Manual
The music that accompanies the game is filled with gorgeous orchestration from the Soul Flight CD, performed by The Wild Divine Band. Featuring Kurt Smith and Andy McEwen, the band's music (which is sold separately, as well) is intended to have Transformational Effects that can help facilitate the journey of the soul.
The Journey to Wild Divine is a groundbreaking tool for stress-relief, mindfulness, and meditation--promoting a sense of well-being and health. I highly recommend this visionary gift to humanity.
(To see 6 color screen shots of this computer game visit http://janetboyer.com/Journey_To_Wild_Divine.html)
Customer Review: The Magic of Beauty, Body, and Wonder
Summary: 5 Stars
I discovered Wild Divine at a time when I was starving for magic. It was Christmas 2004. For the first time in four years, there would be no new *Lord of the Rings* film. The final *Star Wars* wouldn't be out until May and it would be July 16th before the next Harry Potter book was available. What a long time to wait for magic, I thought - and by "magic" I mean not only the sense of wonder sometimes found in daily life but also the genre of the "wonder tale" -- that special blend of enchantment and fantasy crafted out of human imagination and brought to life in books, films, and art.
Then a friend told me about a video game called Wild Divine. It was love at first sight. Magic blew back into my world and I felt at home again. I had never before played video games because I oppose their self-centered focus on death and power -- the subtext of such games is that we are innately violent, man-the-killer. What is so compelling about Wild Divine is that there's no violence, no reward for aggression or dirty tricks, no murders, wars, or massacres. Instead, Wild Divine's biofeedback sensors relay messages from one's own heart and skin, integrating the magical unfolding of the game with the extended world of one's own magical *body.* In the realm of Wild Divine, we are humans because we play - and play *wonderfully.*
In one place, for example, a relaxed, rhythmic breath creates steps through the clouds to a Sky Temple where three portals reveal what's happening within various dimensions of one's energy-field. Forms and colors shift, sometimes becoming simpler, sometimes taking on the complexity of rich Moorish art or intricate ancient geometries. Many will find that seeing the unsuspected grandeur of their own unique energy-self is as profound an experience as seeing an ultrasound fetal image. There is a similar vulnerability and awesome potential.
The game's landscapes and airy architecture are beautiful -- and its navigation is complex enough to hold one's interest despite repeated playing. There are subtle musical shifts (some of them quite hypnotic) as one moves through the many locales, each shift suggesting new mysteries to be found. Throughout the game, there are well-placed "energy-events" in which one uses breath combined either with quiet energy or heightened energy to perform magical actions -- these include learning how to create stairs across space, orchestrate an enchanted rainfall (that's my favorite), free a caged falcon, guide a falling feather, feed a shy rabbit, awaken an entranced woman, dance to one's own sacred rhythms, and collect seven glowing crystals. The special effects are fabulous. Sometimes one feels like a young student in Harry Potter's Hogwarts or a novice in an ancient temple. At other times, one might even catch a glimpse of the wise Yoda hidden within oneself.
There's a visually potent introduction by Jean Houston, her melodious voice awakening a sense of archetypal awe as she introduces the seven sages, or "gardeners," who created the universe in the first place. This is a lovely touch -- that gardeners, dancing through space, created and loved all of life.
As I journeyed through Wild Divine, I learned to watch my rhythms of blood and heart, breathing and lungs. A calming happened, a new patience, an acceptance of necessary delays. This marvelous game awakens ideas, insights, clusters of myths, and a delicious sense of wonder.
I have my favorite places in the game. I love being able to hear the exquisite *Kyrie* in one of the towers, for example, or to open the glowing stained glass dragonfly box in an abandoned Atlantean backwater. The Royal Falconer in the Falcon Temple is a real charmer. I still gasp at the beauty every time the Rainbow Rocks shimmer into life and reveal the secret at their center. There's a hidden room in the corridor between the Tower of Legends and the bridge across the Murdias River -- most people never retrace their steps from the bridge back to the Tower but if you do, there's a magnificent special effect in that room -- it comforts one after failing to get across the river <smile>. Then there are the two delightful Durga dancers: when my energies ebb in early evening, I find myself revived by going to their temple and watching the crimson-garbed "yang" dancer -- and before turning in at night, I enjoy the soothing grace of the blue-garbed "yin" dancer.
I unreservedly recommend the Wild Divine game. If you're interested in the remarkable health benefits for children (especially those with ADD) or for stressed-out adults, you'll love this game (those health benefits, by the way, have led to the creator of the game being invited to address major medical conferences all across the US). But you'll also love this game if your daily grind is starved for the spaciousness of magic and wonder, which are in such short supply in our crisis-ridden world. The game is fun, profound, awesome, beautiful, compassionate, and alternately exhilarating and relaxing -- best of all, it restores one's awareness of all those same qualities shimmering within the rhythms, neural nets, dreams, and heartsongs of one's own wild-divine body.
Kathleen Jenks, Ph.D.
Customer Review: Magical Hero's Journey
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Journey helps people to see how a few concentrated minutes of deep breathing can have long-lasting effects." ~Deepak Chopra, M.D.
So you want to learn to relax and monitor how relaxed you have become? Do you love yoga and have a world inside your mind that is magical and an escape? This game is one that will be enjoyed by those who want a relaxation challenge or want to focus on mind-body mastery. The more relaxed you are, the faster you get through the game challenges. By using your mouse, you navigate through the game with a magic wand (you follow "swooshes" of stars). By using your breath to deepen your relaxation, you move forward into new worlds and exciting adventures.
So far during the game I've been able to get through all the areas that presented a challenge, but there were some times when it took a good five minutes of relaxing to light a fire, create a rainstorm or awaken the sleeping maiden. The rainstorm, complete with croaking frogs around a pond was comforting and absolutely gorgeous. The first time I tried to relax, I kept my eyes open. During some of the challenges, it is almost better to close your eyes and to imagine relaxing situations. The problem with seeing your "power to control the game with breath" is that it causes you to be less relaxed, therefore causing you to have to repeat the experience.
Some of the most interesting moments are when you breathe on a flower and it spins, when you laugh and you juggle balls, and when you awaken the maiden with your heart breath. Specific lessons are given for the breathing, but this means you have to make sure you go to all the rooms in one area before proceeding to the next section of the game. A few times I tried to venture further and a voice explained why that might not be the best idea. When I couldn't figure out what to do next, I navigated back to the "Lady of the Woods" cottage and looked in the mirror. This mirror shows you pictures and explains what you might want to do next. Once you have your magic bag and your guide you should then look for the Durga eyes that show you two colors (Blue and Magenta) - one for heightening your energy and one for decreasing energy.
In each area of the game there are guides who teach you how to meditate or explain how you can build stairways with your breath. Now and then you get to just relax and watch dancers or enjoy a view. As you move through each screen, look for hidden items! These are things you collect in your magic bag and use later in the game.
The Companion Guide is like a diary of the game experience. I would only advise reading the book first if you want to know all the secrets. It is much more exciting to play the game and discover each moment on your own. Throughout the game, there is music and guides appear to help you in your journey. A Bonus "Soul Flight" CD is fun to listen to when you are not playing the game, although the songs appear in the game. This game also contains a Bonus CD with an exclusive interview with Deepak Chopra, Animated Excerpts from his Book of Secrets, a preview of Wisdom Quest (the next game you add on to this one) and a Journey to Wild Divine Demo.
Unlike other games that seems to promote violence, this game has an especially loving message and awakens your inner imagery. You are not just an observer, but fully involved in the game, mind, body and soul. As you move through the game, you feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness. It is also wildly fun to levitate objects, light fires with your breath and enter rooms that amaze. By synchronizing your brain and heart, you boost your immune system. The biofeedback "light stone" measures your Skin Conductance Level and Heart Rate Variability through three sensors. The game cannot be played without attaching the finger sensors, but they are very comfortable and the cord is even long enough so you can sit on the floor or as I had to do one time, lie flat on your back and try to relax fully. While my eyes were still closed, different music started to play and I knew I'd relaxed enough to get through a door. If you get impatient with any section, you can come back later and try again.
There are ten hours of game play and you can bookmark a room or challenge and return later. Playing Journey to Wild Divine will also enhance your memory, open up your inner world and give you a place to escape to for soul healing. To say I adored this game is an understatement. I have never seen anything so beautiful. How can I just live in this land? The Journey to Wild Divine "The Passage" is the most exciting way to relax since the discovery of Yoga!
There is a sense of ecstasy when you realize you can heal yourself through your own breath and a feeling of contentment and empowerment soon follows. After a week of playing this game, I was much less stressed and seemed to be making healthier decisions based on the idea of reducing stress in my life.
~The Rebecca Review
Customer Review: A playground for the mind and a classroom for the spirit
Summary: 5 Stars
OK. I admit it. In some ways Wild Divine is a form of escapism. When wars, the economy, the ecology, earth changes, and 2012 get just too much to worry about, it is a relief to move into a world of peace and light and beauty. The colors are a bit brighter, the people loving and helpful and I get to float rather than walk. Addictive? It could be, but in our list of possible addictive scenarios I can't think of a more positive one.
The first evening I used The Journey to Wild Divine before going to bed, I slept a deep, comforting sleep - for nine hours! Yes, there are some goals in the game but most of them concern adapting body rhythms not deciphering cryptic clues. In fact, those in the Myst 4 camp may find that there is not enough challenge. Wild Divine is not a typical adventure game. You don't need to be a gamer to play as clues are available through guides and magic mirrors and sometimes words in your "head".
The actors (real people, not animations) portray a variety of archetypes. There is the pagan Lady of the Woods, the Eastern guru / yogi, the mystical Lady of Compassion, the clock making wizard and the list goes on.
Many health care professions advise daily meditation. Many laypeople agree. Still, it is sometimes difficult to make the time in our busy schedules to do our yoga or qi gong or drumming. Sometimes-even though we know it is good for us-it seems like merely a chore. Enter Wild Divine. Play with the ball or the pinwheel. See if you can hit the bullseye with your imaginary, mind-body controlled arrow. Move on to more difficult tasks as you will. PLAY!!!!
The Journey is not a typical 360 degree navigation game. You cannot delve into each nook and cranny. In other games this inability to explore has bothered me, but in the land of Wild Divine there is no hurry and as the land glides by I am content to play the part of observer. There is no choppy change of scene; everything glides effortlessly together. The experience, in part at least, is a guided meditation. The initiate has control of his main movements, but the paths are clearly defined.
The downside? For some people it will be the price. Since Wild Divine is not simply a game, the cost reflects that. The biofeedback components (you could think of this as a metaphysical Xbox of sorts) attach to fingers and measure your Skin Conductance Level as well as your Heart Rate Variability (HRV). You can visit the Institute of Heart Math to learn more about how HRV can boost your immune system. Moving through the game involves mastering the Heart Breath. Don't worry (after all the point of all this is to relax), there are lessons and guides along the way.
The upside? A new game is in production, so if you love Wild Divine you can explore the sequel without purchasing new hardware. Wisdom Quest featuring Deepak Chopra's new book, The Book of Secrets is due out in Spring 2005. Keep your fingers crossed. And The Journey includes a music CD is included for the times when you just can't get to your computer.
From the users guide:
To succeed in The Journey, players have to learn certain principles, which basically require an "allowing attitude" - a kind of passive will. It's the difference between saying, "I must do this" and learning that the only way you're going to progress is by deepening your breath or being in touch with more positive emotions or imagining that what you want to happen is already happening - bringing the wished-for event into the present.
Yes, there is indeed a scientific explanation to WHY objects move for you in The Journey, but sometimes I have to admit it simply seems like magic. And why not? We are!