I was sent a copy of Deepak Chopra’s Leela to review. And yes, it is a video game. (For Xbox 360 Kinect and Wii.) I know it sounds counterintuitive to have a relaxation and meditation video game, but I was highly intrigued. (Wait . . . what?!)
When I think of video games, my mind goes to sports, racing, kill-the-bad-guy, and yes, Pac-Man. And although we do have a video game system at home, the only time I’ve ever played it was for, you guessed it, Pac-Man. (Seriously, even at age 43, I am still quite the formidable Pacmaniac!)
But Leela is a video game in name only. There are no bad guys and certainly no crazy adrenaline as you race towards a finish line. It kind of defies categorization. In Sanskrit, the word Leela means “play.”
The game is based on the seven chakras, which are “a way of understanding how the energy flows inside and through you.” The game itself is split into two areas: “Movement and Sequence” and “Meditation and Oracle.” Each area then has a number of sequences that have to be “unlocked” before moving on to the next level.
I had hoped to dabble in all levels before writing up my review, but it would take quite awhile to accomplish this feat. However, I made sure to dabble in each category.
The game aims to help us ” maintain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance,” and who among us is not looking for balance?
Between the two options, I was more drawn to the “Meditation and Oracle” area, as guided meditation was more of a natural fit for me than “Movement and Sequence.” It was nice to have the two different choices of how to get the best out of this video game. Although, as I work my way through this game (which I plan on doing) I may find myself to be more of a “Movement and Sequence” kind of gal.
As a non-gamer, it’s hard to compare Leela to other video games. So I can only say that it was certainly interesting, and I could see myself using and enjoying the guided meditation within the game. And if Deepak Chopra ever makes his way to Portland, he has a standing invitation to play Pac-Man with me, although he’s sure to lose.
Katy Wolk-Stanley
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”
One lucky reader will have the chance to try out Leela on the Wii gaming system, courtesy of THQ (providing Leela) and BlogHer (providing the Wii). To be entered for a chance to win, please answer the following question:
How do you bring peace and balance into the confusion of a busy schedule and your daily life?
Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 11/17/2011 – 12/8/2011.
Be sure to visit the Leela Roundup page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
Also check out the Leela Mandala Facebook App to create and customize your
own personal “mandala” – artwork that expresses an individual’s unique
essence and intentions.
Click HERE to follow The Non-Consumer Advocate on Twitter.
Click HERE to join The Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook group.
This has been a paid review through BlogHer. All opinions are my own.
{ 157 comments… read them below or add one }
Meditation. Even if it’s only 10 minutes it can completely change my day. I just have to remember that and prioritize it!
Breathing. In a dark place. Away from small children. Now, this is a rare occurrence, but when the stars align, it is pure heaven!
So I don’t know how to find a URL for the tweet link, but I tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/MinimalistMommi
Quiet music, deep breathing, meditation.
I tweeted about the giveaway
https://twitter.com/#!/IFartFairyDust/status/137237516397985792
My chores end after my 5-year-old goes to bed. Dishes in the sink? I can do them in the morning. Tidying up? Same thing. My energy level is much better in the daytime, and the evening rest period allows me more time with my teenage daughter while she’s doing homework or watching TV. Then book-reading in bed until I find myself nodding off. (Qualifier that I am a stay-at-home mom, so I luckily have the time during the daytime.)
My cats, particularly my eldest. She takes a lot of extra care, which can be exhausting, but there is something amazingly centering about just sitting with her and enjoying her company while I care for her.
I’ve adopted a quiet hour in the house. From about 2 -3pm. The 4yr old still naps, the kindergartner can read books or have quiet play independently and I get a chance to have a break in the noise and chaos to have some quiet time reading or in thought.
Love the name of your post!
I am still searching for a way to bring peace and balance to our lives. Every day I hope inspiration will strike!
I like to spend 30 or so minutes prepping lunch or dinner in quiet- no music or radio, just me and a bunch of vegetables or fruit or garlic, chopping.
Sitting in my living room with nothing going on, but hanging out with two my two dogs. One minute or ten whatever I can get.
I’d love to win.
I try to take 10 minutes to breath and read a section from a meditation book before I go to sleep 🙂
Um, take extra time in the bathroom to just stop and breathe when hubby is keeping an eye on the baby? Hehe.
I take time to do something I enjoy each day, whether it be writing, cooking or doing a needle craft.
I like to bake. Something about making things and then cleaning up the kitchen just soothes me. Perhaps people who eat my confections think of the time it takes to make it too!
I just learned how to get a twitter url. Thank you for this 😀
And I also obviously tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/FindingReese/status/137277874687324160
Yoga, early in the morning before the kids get up and sometimes I sneak upstairs after work for a moment alone! I also work in a winery and sometimes enjoy a glass of wine to relax(not at work)!
I take long showers. It is the only place I feel calmer after leaving.
I brew a cup of tea. In the few minutes it takes to set the electric kettle to heat the water, measure out the loose leaf tea, steep it, allowing the soft sent to waft up I can forget about the day, and look forward to breathing in and savoring that first sip. It is even better if I can steal away a few more minutes to sit down and enjoy the cup. It helps me slow down, refresh, and energize.
A mug of tea after the dishes are done, house straightened up and my husband is putting the kiddo to bed. May involve a book or a movie but it’s my few minutes of peace.
My afternoon power nap. I set my phone to go off in ten minutes and lie down, eyes closed. Sometimes I fall asleep, sometimes I do but that 10 minutes of silence and stillness does wonders! I love Chopra…working my way through one of his books now!
*don’t, not do* I loathe typos!
I try to sit with my lap dog Bagby each day on the couch, give him lots of love and “tum tums”, cuddle with a blanket and be calm. If more active, a doggie walk also does wonders for us.
I love to snuggle up with a cup of hot tea and watch the sunset, relaxing from a busy day into a sometimes equally busy evening.
I try to read quietly for a few minutes before bed each night, and like to start my morning snuggling with my cat!
I go for a walk. Unless it is storming. Even light rain I don’t mind. 45 mins or longer and I”m usually good to go.
Walks outside. Walking clears
my head & lets me sort out my thoughts.
I find balance by doing 20 minutes of meditation over lunch hour, whenever I can. – – – and play with our dogs, nightly.
I work out and while I am working out I find my mind working on problems, ordering my to-dos, reflecting on good friends, all kinds of crazy stuff. I really don’t think my mental health could afford to not work out.
I wake up a half hour before my family each morning and work out on my exercise bike. UNLESS I wake up at 5:30 am and go walking with my next door neighbor (then I go back to sleep until it’s time for all of us to wake up!)
reading calms me as does swimming which helps with being more mindful and peaceful
By reading my favorite blogs on my computer! Quick, easy, thought provoking, funny and contemplative ~ a new way to relax!!
We would love the wii for Christmas, what a great giveaway! Thx!
When things get out of balance and negative, I sit and refocus on the positive things in my life. It seems to balance out the negative energy and makes me feel better.
Great giveaway, Katy!
The best way for me to relax and bring balance to my life is to take an afternoon and pamper myself. I read in the tub, do my nails, and give myself a pedicure. It is a fabulous relaxing day, and it is free!
I work…a lot. I get a half hour for lunch so I try to make the most of it. I spend about 10 minutes gobbling down a veggie burger, then I take what I like to call a “meditation nap”. I sit at my office desk, set a timer for twenty minutes, close my eyes, focus on my breathing and just relax. Sometimes I fall asleep, sometimes I just enjoy the quiet. It helps me focus for the rest of the day.
During my ride to work each morning, it’s dark outside, fresh fountain diet coke in my cup holder, and any darn radio station I want to listen to on the radio. I can regroup, be quiet, not correct any children or respond to husbands requests, I can just drive and think, and reconnect with me.
I listen to a stress relaxation / self hypnosis / meditation cd some nights. It really helps me to focus on the good things and feel optimistic.
Robin
Cary, NC
I shared this link with my friends on facebook.
I am also commenting that I am in a particularly stressful time and have been struggling with finding ways to decompress. The idea of meditation came to me about a week ago and I have been contemplating how to get started. Was this blog post a coincidence? I think not.
Right now my best method of bringing peace and balance — work 4 days a week (80%) and take Fridays off to run errands, cook, organize, lunch with a friend, whatever. Makes me MUCH more sane than when I worked 5 days.
And Katy, I would love to be a fly on the wall when Deepak Choprah comes over to play PacMan. 🙂
Warm relaxation pool at the gym after a good workout. No kids. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the chance!
Horseback riding. Riding mindfully, the barn is the only place I just *am* and don’t think about work or other daily stresses. Even cantering around in a circle all you can think about is you and the horse.
I’ve been wanting to try yoga for a while now. Maybe this game would be a good place to start. With Christmas approaching it’s the perfect time to slow down and relax.
I would love to win this – started doing qi dong recently and need more of that kind of stress relief in my life.
I walk my dog through the woods.
I do yoga, meditate, or sleep to reduce stress. I also Tweeted about this at http://www.twitter.com/montanamonica 🙂
I like to take walks on my lunch break at work. It even helps to just walk outside and stand there for a little while – the change of environment really helps me leave work stress behind.
I always have a lot going on, so I live with plenty of colorful sticky notes and lists. These reminders allow me to live in the moment, knowing that I will get to my tasks at the right time because I won’t forget. I can relax and be where I am needed, so peace and balance follow naturally.
When I do bring peace and balance in, it’s usually as a result of remembering to pause and listen to myself.
Exercise. It’s my alone time, because I exercise at home in my basement. I can’t de-stress without working out!
Yoga or a walk. Or curling up with a good book on the couch and shutting out the world.
Super hot bath and a cup of tea works like a charm!
i like to either take a nice walk or bike ride all by myself. headphones on and no destination. just some fresh air and a little wind on your face – usually solves everything.
A good up of restorative tea and a book. Heaven
Breathe!
Tea and reading.
Turn off the radio in the car when I am driving.
for me is relaxation, walks and meditation
babitababita@hotmail.com
https://twitter.com/#!/zbabita5/status/138030272565362690
babitababita@hotmail.com
I really think it’s all about buying out the time. Maybe a little earlier just to meditate or go for a walk before your day starts.
I try to find balance by having some me time when I read or take a walk in the woods enjoying nature.
https://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/138071958318366721
Meditation that includes a gratitude list; helps me put things in a better perspective.
Belive it or not, I enjoy puttering arund my house, especially in my kitchen. I enjoy light cleaning or baking, no rush or deadline, just me and my home. I not only unwind, I feel productive!
I nap. Of course, that could have something to do with me being pregnant, but its always nice to relax and get a new perspective.
Exercise and reading ( not necessarily in that order, though ! )
Exercise is my form of daily meditation, especially when I am running. I can just tune out the world and be left alone with my thoughts. I love it!
I wake up at least an hour before my children so I start my day with quiet, books and tea!
I often do focused breathing to relax. Even just focusing on how you’re breathing can help lower your heart rate.
By a cup of Hot Chocolate at the end of the day!
Tweeted the giveaway at: https://twitter.com/#!/mimir557/status/138813870637719552
Thank you 🙂
I am trying to learn to stop and move.
Sounds silly to type, but working an office job that can get stressful for no reason (URGENT URGENT! I THINK I NEED THIS RIGHT NOW) type of atmosphere, I am working to take a moment and stretch. Squats with my arms outstretched. A few stretching lunges at my desk. Stop, and move.
I thought it was silly to put reading as my “peace and balance” but I see I’m not alone. My book, magazine, newspaper, or newly acquired Kindle help me get absorbed into something other than my schedule and to-do list, even if it’s just the time spent on the subway.
Snuggle time with my cat. 🙂
Hmm, for me, reading. And sometimes just sitting on the couch, which feels weird but works!
It’s good for me to walk the dog. Time out from things. Time for the mind to decompress.
I have a great husband, and he allows me to have my own time and space. He takes the boys out sometimes for the entire day and I find a lot of solace working in the peace of my garden during that time.
After a hectic day, I like to go for a walk by myself.
Tweet.
https://twitter.com/#!/mgoss123/status/140620260649877504
I’m an energy coach so I have a few tools I can use, but mostly, I find balance and peace though asking the right questions, being willing to hear the answers that come up, and letting go of whatever comes up.Â
I usually take a long walk or relax in a bubble bath. sweepmorey at gmail dot com
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/mommysdizzy/status/141009441947529216
I always have a soak in my hot tub at night. It helps calm my mind and let me sleep better.
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/The_Sunshyn/status/141379394479472640
chainmail (at) iwon(dot) com
I linger over home/garden/cooking magazines with a cup of coffee, admiring the beautiful layouts, the meticulous homes, the manicured gardens, all the while knowing they have no relationship to reality and that my own chaotic cluttered mess has no chance of morphing into such perfection. Yet, I find the process relaxing, and occasionally motivating.
dog walks and meditating!
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/141749901099929601
Nature!! We have some canyons nears us & love to go up and go hiking just to find some relaxation and get away from everything! It’s so peaceful and refreshing!!
http://twitter.com/#!/aj_sahm/status/141920212906811394
i like to walk
Whenever I just sit down, zone out and spend time with my cats, I feel so at ease. The sound of their purring is so soothing and lulls me into a peaceful state. Sounds silly, but it’s so true!
I remind myself what I have to be grateful for
I take a lot of hot baths
I find peace in a good crafting project, sewing without interuption, and would love to add Dr. Chopra’s latest along with a Wii to the list!
Well we really dont have much PEACE as far as “peace and quiet†because
life has been constant crazy for years for our family with 6 kids always running for sports and family events. I have learned after becoming ill to pass on perfection and not stress out about having everything JUST SO. My balance is also found with the whisper of little prayers every day…it just seems to ground me. Lately the calm and balance seems like it should be rattled even MORE, with a new live in grand daughter depleting our sleep, but really, cuddling and rocking a tiny angel puts everything in perspective. It takes you out of the rat race and makes you just sit down and see the world with new wonder.
thanks for hosting this!
(mammablestx6)
tweeted too!
https://twitter.com/#!/2sic2mooov/status/142465376377257984
thanks for hosting!
Intriguing concept! I’d like to win to try it out. Thanks for the review and the chance.
I take time for myself and breathe….and do yoga
https://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/142883545575194624
https://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/142883851650351104
There’s such a thing as peace and balance? 🙂 I try to do yoga to relax, and I cuddle with my husband or dog and tune everything out. I really like the sound of this ‘game’!
I read or take quiet time.
I like to take a ride on a curvy road(s) with the top down, wind in my hair sun on my shoulders and no music. I even do this in the winter sometimes, by wearing winter wear, and the heat on.
I have started practicing yoga to relax and to stretch
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/143184070325706752
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Take a big breathe, and I ask myself if there is anything my stressing will do to benefit the situation? I grab my bike and head out to the lake and bike the trails, it lets me clear my head… just some quiet time for myself.
karenmed409 at comcast dot net
My own form of meditation is knitting while watching television. In fact, the lower the quality level of the show, the better. I like something that’s mildly entertaining but doesn’t require me to really concentrate. (Pawn Stars comes to mind.)
Twitter tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/TheWardensLog
exercise and prayer keep me centered
my tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/flyergal82/status/143483583342981121
I make sure to have at least 30 minutes of alone time during the day…usually hiding in my room with a good book.
Honestly? I pray a lot and when that doesn’t bring me peace, I hide in the bathtub away from everyone else for a while. A video game would be cool though….
I try to find time for a walk alone. Even a brisk once around the block helps settle me down when I am overwhelmed.
I’m with the commenter above me. I pray… a lot. When I’m driving down the road (eyes open – I promise!), when I’m sitting in class, when I’m cooking dinner… all the time. I just pray. A walk with the dogs helps to clear my mind, too.
I tweeted about this giveaway:
https://twitter.com/#!/FeathrdFriendsy/status/143517116333703168
driving usually is the best for me.
i sometime actually miss my previous 2 hour (one-way) commute.
I tweeted about this giveaway.
https://twitter.com/#!/brokedownbenz/status/143519352577204224
I go on a run with my dog–it helps clear my mind and relaxes me.
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/livelovelynn/status/143526924445163522
I play volleyball! Physical activity calms me.
I make my baby giggle. Nothing calms me like the sound of a laughing baby.
Hi Katy, this is my favourite blog on the internets (do love some Hyperbole and a half too though). Just wanted to comment (don’t want to win anything) how much it tickles me that all these people are trying to win a Wii console and game on a blog called ” Non Consumer Advocate”. That’s all really.
I sit in my quiet living room (no tv, music) and hold my cats everyday after work.
I keep a list and focus on doing one thing at a time. I’m trying to be more present in each task instead of always thinking of the other 12 things I need to do.
Deep breathing and being with my pets helps me to destress.
Ideally, the first thing I do everyday before the kids wake up is to spend an hour reading, praying, scheduling my day, and exercising. I’ll admit, though, it’s hard getting out of bed at 5:30, and some weeks I’m much more consistent than others. I really think that starting my day before the rest of the family is the best thing I can do for myself and my family.
Second, I try to focus on one area of the house to clean up that helps me feel sane. For me, it’s my bedroom, and every day I make my bed and tidy up. Even if the rest of the house is in complete chaos, having my one little sanctuary helps me to not be anxious about the rest of the craziness of the day.
lastly, I try to get at least 30 minutes of quiet in the afternoon (but I love an hour) where the kids are downstairs, and I sit down with a warm cup of coffee or chai. I read, putter around online, or work on a project.
I try to be very organized in my daily routine. If I have figured out dinner, started the laundry and completed to day’s clean up chore by the early am, them my household runs with a more peaceful rhythm.
i try to get outside and work in my garden as much as possible brings me peace and balance
nannypanpan at gmail.com
You know the old saying ‘just walk away’? That’s my motto. If I’m in a stressful situation or am just having an ‘uck’ day, I like to take a nice long walk to recharge!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/144150466694098944
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I get a massage every other week and go swimming 3 times a week.
Thanks for the contest.
Blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2011/12/win-nintendo-wii-copy-of-deepak-chopras.html
I run and do yoga and try to eat right. When I stop doing one (or all) of those things, I don’t feel like myself.
tweeted!
http://twitter.com/#!/mrs_puddle/status/144316862933630978
i run off most of my stress and have removed all the negative people from my life, which wasnt easy!
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/erunuevo/status/144327548216676352
I would be excited to win the game. My kids would be excited to win the wii. I guess I couldn’t play the game without the console though.
I have to take a walk if not a nap to find balance during the day.
marybug2@yahoo.com
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/144450471376072704
marybug2 @ yahoo . com
Deep Breathes and Perspective!
I try and eliminate the clutter in my life. Keeping things simple helps to reduce stress
To bring a sense of peace, calm, and balance to my life, I indulge in a period of meditation the first thing each morning. Then I write a page in my gratitude journal. It puts me into a positive frame of mind that usually lasts all day.
Spending time in nature is what brings me peace of heart and relaxation.
I find balance and peace by practicing snuggle therapy. Seriously! Snuggling with my hubby and 7 fur babies (read house cats) by candle light or the light of our DVD fireplace is so wonderful. It is truly amazing how healing it can be! Doing this on a regular basis keeps things in perspective and makes you ready for the play/work part of your life!
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/144771875279613953
When I find quiet time I grab a book and a cup of hot tea to relax. It really balances out my busy day. Thanks for the awesome giveaway 🙂
Renee
fattybumpkins at yahoo dot com
I’ve found that taking even just a few minutes to create something – little bit of knitting, painting, doodling, etc – really helps me relax. If I don’t have enough time for that, a quick cup of chai always seems to calm me down a lot after a long day.
I make sure I get my daily jog in before I tackle the day. It’s my alone time, when I can clear my mind and enjoy the outdoors. It sets the tone for the rest of the day.
http://twitter.com/#!/LuckyDuckyToo/status/144835388027047936
I find balance and peace by breathing slowly.
I love to take walks out in nature to find balance and peace.
I like to read before going to sleep. It helps me shut down my body for renewal.
I find peace by playing with my dog and 4 cats.
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/LinInOrbit/status/144989204944928768
I listen to a lot of music to relax
tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/cappytweet/status/145000481150877696