Finding tranquility in today’s fast-paced world isn’t always easy. Personally, I often grapple with anxiety, worrying about what lies ahead. Life with family can get quite hectic too, just like anyone else’s. Although going for a walk might help, I frequently find myself wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Living in a small place doesn’t offer much in the way of peaceful solitude. Even when silence surrounds me, my mind tends to race with anxious thoughts.
In the past, I’ve used music or soothing whale sounds to calm down, but they haven’t quite managed to keep my mind from wandering off into a spiral. Fortunately, with the leaps made in technology today, I’ve discovered some helpful tools that keep me grounded when a therapist isn’t accessible.
One such tool is Tripp’s meditation app, available both in virtual reality and as a free mobile application. For someone who considers gaming a sanctuary from stress, Tripp’s VR app is a perfect fit. In fact, Nanea Reeves, Tripp’s co-founder and CEO, shares a similar sentiment.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Reeves mentions, “Video games have always been a kind of retreat for me during different times in my life. Even casual games on my phone help distract me from negative self-talk, allowing me to clear my head.”
After trying the free VR app demo several times, I found it to be a valuable escape, offering a momentary, tranquil space—even if it’s virtual. It’s an immersive experience with calming audio and vivid visuals reminiscent of a kaleidoscope, helping me to unwind and just be.
The concept behind Tripp emerged partially because of the compelling power of VR. Reeves notes, “I was an early investor in Oculus, gaining access to the devices at a pivotal moment. Most initial experiences were fear-inducing, like standing on a cliff, and I found it fascinating. If creating fear was that straightforward, what other emotions could VR invoke?”
Upon launching the app, I was treated to a mesmerizing fireworks show, followed by a visit from Tripp’s animated hummingbird, Terrence. I then engaged in a simple exercise, directing a sphere through an obstacle course by tilting my head. The app’s voice narrator encouraged me to see gaps between obstacles as gaps between thoughts—spaces where “joy lies,” as it was described.
This concept reminded me of an analogy from author Pema Chödrön, likening it to rays of sunshine breaking through clouds. Imagining thoughts as tangible items with sunshine peeking through was groundbreaking for me, particularly as someone who visualizes ideas. This perspective can be powerful for those who think in images.
Additionally, Tripp has introduced an AI assistant called Kōkua in their VR app. This feature is practical and easy to use—I enter my current mood, and the AI voice, modeled after Reeves, offers comforting words. It creates a brief reflection to help guide me through stress, usually lasting just over two minutes, followed by the opportunity to provide feedback on its effectiveness.
Most of the time, I found the app quite beneficial. There was just one time when it assumed I had children, but overall, it understood my thoughts well. The real value was in feeling understood and having my emotions validated.
Before embedding Kōkua into their subscription-based VR app, Tripp initially introduced it on mobile for user feedback, as Reeves explains: “Our mobile audience is smaller, allowing us to refine the experience based on user interactions.”
Though Tripp’s offerings are not a substitute for professional therapy, they do link users to support lines if the AI detects someone might be in crisis. This ensures connection to real-time support when needed.
While the tools are not therapy in and of themselves, they have provided comfort during stressful moments in my life. Even if my surroundings remain unchanged, using Tripp’s VR and mobile apps makes me feel more equipped to tackle challenges—a finding of calm amidst chaos. Despite life’s conflicts and disagreements, Tripp allowed me to feel okay, even temporarily.
Ultimately, while the colorful and calming Tripp VR environment and Kōkua aren’t substitutes for human counselors, they do make a meaningful difference. Being heard by a program might seem impersonal, but the empathy feels real.
The potential of VR and AI in enhancing mental wellness is vast, and these technological strides may become invaluable tools for mental health professionals in the future.
For more insights, explore the body of work by Terrence J. Smith, who combines his love for technology with an appreciation for mindfulness and nature.
