Relaxation Room

FirstThings brought this to my attention:
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To help promote the University of Hertfordshire’s Health and Human Sciences Research Institute Showcase, Wiseman reviewed the scientific research into relaxation, and has created what is being billed as ‘The world’s most relaxing room.’

During the Showcase, which runs from 21-24 October at the University’s de Havilland campus, groups of up to ten visitors at a time will be invited to enter this large and unusual space, lie on soft matting and rest their head on lavender-scented pillows. In each fifteen minute session, people will be bathed in a calming glade-like green light, listen to a specially composed soothing soundtrack, and look at a completely clear artificial blue sky.

“The pace of modern-day life, credit crunch, and financial crisis is making many people feel very stressed and so we have created this space to help them relax”, noted Professor Wiseman.

“Research suggests that the subdued green light enhances the production of dopamine in the brain and provide a calming sensation. In addition, the artificial blue sky helps create a mild form of sensory deprivation that will help them turn their attention inward and distract them away from daily stress.”

The music that will be played during each session has been specially composed by University of Hertfordshire Professor of Music, Tim Blinko.

“Richard asked me to create a piece of music with a slow and distinct rhythm, low frequency notes, and no sudden changes in tempo”, noted Professor Blinko. “I have completely re-written a piece especially for this project. It features a solo soprano voice, chosen for the soothing properties of the human voice, together with a Tibetan singing bowl, used in meditation and a string ensemble."
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I find it fascinating that a room which simulates all the sensations associated with lying in a verdant glade of lavendar looking up at a blue sky listening to the wind has now been constructed artificially, when really--

--what this proves is that we should get outside more. God knew what he was doing! This is the reason my favorite color is periwinkle blue, that particular shade of blue found in the bowl of the sky on a clear day. When I'd lie down at the apex of a hike through the woods and wildflowers, staring up at the sky from a clearing or hilltop, I never felt more at peace. Likewise, when I'd finish building a snow fort or raking a pile leaves and I'd flop down on my back, absorbing the depth of that blue sky...I could have stayed there all day were it not for the beckoning of hot cocoa or mulled cider or lavendar tea with honey.