I’m deep in revising the first couple chapters of the contemplative computing book and so have been pouring most of my energy into the manuscript, rather than here. But I wanted to note something I came across while finishing up a few paragraphs about email apnea: an art + technology project called Breathe I/O, an “investigation of breath (virtual and bodily) as it mixes with video and sound in immersive virtual environments.” This in particular caught my eye:

Our relationship with media sources competing for our attention is often one of unconscious ingesting in a constant search for meaning, connection, diversion. This can be compared to shallow breathing where the body is forgotten and left to react in a starving mental state. Conversely, images and sounds may bring attention to the body by matching its rhythm or otherwise bringing the mind out of its usual patterns, triggering curiosity or calm attention. This can be compared to deep mindful breathing.

Naturally it reminds me both of Linda Stone’s work (which Breath I/O’s designer Maria Lantin writes about) as well as Neema Moraveji’s calming technology.