I figured I would write about this because it has become an important part of my daily routine. If I had to say it in a few words -it would be; Mind Expansion, Positivity, and Competive Movement.
I bought an Oculus Quest 2 (now called Meta Quest) about a year and a half ago just because I am a partial nerd and love those new sparkly, gamey, things. Oculus is a virtual reality gaming device. After that big $$$ outlay. I spent months trying the different free programs which included Beat Saber. I kept coming back to BS because of the music and movement. I noticed, after playing, I was breathing harder and my shoulders felt better, but wasn't crazy about their offerings of what they called music. I'm 74 - I am NOT their typical audience - I shouldn't expect to see any oldie but goodies. These were sounds I could not sing along to or identify with. Thank goodness for Paula's grandson Will, who told me to buy an album or song (usually 99 cents for a song and 11 dollars for a set of songs) of something I liked..... OK this was much better. But, they were definitly not in my music era (60's thru the 80's). I was actually lucky to have been a middle school teacher for 30+ yrs because the kids expanded my knowledge and 'musical acceptance' of a lot of their musical likes. So my first purchase was a Lady Gaga package. I finally worked my way thru those songs - from the easy to the normal to the hard level (won't even think about the expert level yet) Will wanted me to compete with him with some Fall Out Boy songs - HUH? Well I really did like the music of a few songs- expansion ---I added Counting Stars, more expansion, Maroon 5, The Weekend, Lady Gaga, BTS, Imagine Dragons, and lastly Lizzo. These are ones I have actually spent money on and have repeatedly enjoyed! You probably have seen Lizzo on the award shows. She is definitley not my normal mode of music, but if you listen to her music and words - she promotes power and positivity! I wish I had more knowledge of music becasue I might be able to better describe what amazing lyric, and music skills she has. For my generation still reading- try not to have that normal 'knee jerk reaction' to her apperance and some of her lyrics (cleaned up in BS) - you might be surprised. I am a convert - I really love 4 of the songs on the first side - I haven't gotten to the second side because my rule to 'win' that some before I go on.... in other words- not good enough yet. I am so glad that Lizzo's people had the good sense to allow her songs to be sold in this new interactive VR area. And I am also patting myself on the back for downloading it and allowing my mind to be expanded even more. Thank you Lizzo and those other talented artists that I so enjoy moving, singing and playing with these days. I feel more powerful and I always have a big smile on my sweaty face when I am done.
Supernatural was big $$ yearly purchase I made last January (and renewed). It also is a Oculus program. It is basically a workout program, stretching, meditation, yoga, and my two favorites because of the competition and music - Flow and Boxing. What a 74 year old Boxing? Yep, never knew that I needed to get out a little aggression as well as compete. All the coaches are instructive, motivating and POSITIVE. They are constantly adding new music. Again they focus their music purchase on their 'typical audience' which is not a 74 yro woman, so the majority of their music is for a different demographic. But, if you look they have added some mixed classical, oldies (for the coaches), country, and recently new workout programs with just one artist. Bonus - there is No extra cost in this subscription program! Today I saw one workout that had one Lizzo song !! MORE LIZZO please.
VR can be really scary the first couple of times - Have plenty of space and don't let anyone play for the first time before you teach them about the boundries and how to leave or stay in them. Have your hand on them the first time so you can help with their balance and take off their headset if they are too disorented. Watch this for a laugh and to remind you and them to be safe. They didn't.
Well it's time to get this sweaty body into the shower and finish my day. Side note I really know very little of the Oculus's features it is sort of like the internet or your brain - I know enough to know I know very very little, but I am enjoying the stuff I am doing.
