What happens when you meditate once a week? One writer gave it a try.

A world first, Rituals’ Mind Oasis is a space dedicated to meditation and breathwork. The spa for your brain features different treatments such as the Hydro Massage, a 20-minute treatment where you float on a warm waterbed while hydrojets massage away tension and nature sounds soothe your mind. Or the group-based Campfire Meditation where the groups collective mindset shifts the light of the fire you see.  

I wanted to see whether visiting the Mind Oasis once per week and booking in for the hero Brain Massage, would make a difference to my chaotic mind and simmering stress levels. The Brain Massage takes place in a small cabin. There is a short 30-minute version and a longer one that’s 55-minute. Both start with a breathing exercise - inspired by Dr. Weil in the shorter version and guided by breathwork expert Niraj Naik in the longer version. Both finish with 4D music created by Elusis, expert audio engineers, in combination with haptic vibrations through the chair. At points it really does feel like the crevices of your brain are being kneaded and massaged.  

According to science, meditation can: 

• Improve stress levels 

• Reduce anxiety 

• Aid sleep 

• Increase patience and empathy 

• Boost self-awareness 

And so with those benefits in mind, it felt like this challenge came at the perfect time. During this particular month, I had an influx of last-minute projects and tasks at work, and in my spare time I was rehearsing for a play which meant when my mind wasn’t whirring at the office, it was busy running lines the rest of the time. Not to mention I was midway through a home renovation which meant I was living out of boxes. In short, I was the ideal candidate to go and lie down and think of nothing. Keep reading for my experience. 

Session 1: Recharge, 30 minutes 

I headed to the Mind Oasis at the end of a busy Wednesday at work and en route to a rehearsal for the play. The 30-minute session (which equals 2 hours sleep) was long enough to quiet my busy brain but not long enough to leave me drowsy. I felt re-energised for my rehearsal and a little less stressed.  

The voice on this shorter version of the Brain Massage is the same voice we use for many of our campaigns and his dulcet tones quickly relaxed my mind. The delicate scent and soothing vibrations from the zero-gravity chair also lulled me into a state of complete calm quicker than I thought possible.  

Session 2: Deep Rest & Reset, 55 minutes 

For my second session a week later, I headed to the Mind Oasis after lunch. Now, I’d had a terrible night’s sleep and was feeling super tired and, if I’m being honest, unproductive at the office. Luckily, I had booked the longer version, so I had 55 minutes to relax. In the Brain Massage pod there is a screen on the ceiling with visuals that guide you through the breathing exercises before you can close your eyes and let the music and vibrations take over.  

I didn’t fall asleep during this version like I thought I would, but I did find myself having an incredibly productive afternoon. This reset moment really helped turn my day around and I ticked off all my tasks with time to spare; I’d like to say this burst of efficiency came from my willpower and work ethic but let’s face it, I 100% put it down to the midday meditation.  

Session 3: Recharge, 30 minutes 

Another end of day session, I have to say I really enjoy the speedy 30-minute Brain Massage. The combination of short breathwork, soothing voice, meditative sounds and vibrations is a real treat. My advice, combine this 30-minute Brain Massage with the Hydro Massage and you have a pretty perfect visit.  

After heading to the Mind Oasis for 3 consecutive weeks I feel calmer and less bothered by a bursting-at-the-seams Inbox and a house that’s in disarray.  

Session 4: Deep Rest & Reset, 55 minutes 

You know those weeks where you just can’t find the time to fit everything in. Well, this was one of those weeks. I had to jigsaw puzzle work, chores, packing for a trip to the UK and, so, something had to give. I couldn’t make it to the Mind Oasis, but I was determined to still fit a meditation in. I chose to listen to our Rituals meditation created to inspire joyful gratitude. Did you know we have a library of over 80 meditations that are completely free? The Mind Oasis can be found at House of Rituals, Amsterdam, and in Paris, Antwerp, Frankfurt, Barcelona and Berlin, so if you don’t live near or you’re not visiting those cities soon, you can still enjoy our library of free meditations from the comfort of your own home.   

The results 

I have to say, during the month I felt much calmer and less chaotic in my mind, especially directly after each session and for a couple of days following. I think if you live near a Mind Oasis location, booking in for a couple of sessions each month is a great way to boost your wellness in combination with exercise and healthy eating.  

This challenge has inspired me to meditate more often at home because focusing on these moments of mindfulness really helped to calm my anxious mind (one that loves to run through to-do lists!) and helped me navigate life’s minor stresses more easily. And, think about it, who wouldn’t want that?