Fact: I do not know how to relax. You can ask my parents or husband for confirmation. That gene is missing from my DNA. In order to battle my stress, I run. Thats not relaxing, but it keeps me balanced, healthy and happy. Many of my friends relax with a glass of wine. I dont even do that. As a writer, you might think a great book would help me unwind. Nope. I only find relaxation in watching comedies or a Law and Order marathon. I need to be comatose in front of a screen to mentally check out.

Well, it was brought to my attention that Edgar Cayces Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) started offering a new way to relax. Its called AlphaSphere. The A.R.E. Health Center & Spa describes it as a unique sensory experience that combines sound therapy, color therapy and vibration to promote deep relaxation and revitalization for the body, mind and spirit.

Because Im a dedicated journalist, I decided to fit 30 minutes into my hectic schedule to do some investigative relaxing for my Beacon readers. When I arrived for my appointment, I had one stressful decision to make before beginning my session. Which color would I select for the therapy?

The choices were blue, pink, red and orange, and each had different benefits. I chose blue because it was described as a balancing and calming hue.

When I first entered the room, I noticed the ergonomic lounger that looked like a modern sculpture with its sleek and simple design. Later, I was told an Austrian artist had designed the AlphaSphere, and A.R.E. is the only site in North America that has this therapy.

Once seated in the comfortable and artsy chair, I started to soak up my surroundings that included a blue light over my head. I was instructed to close my eyes in order to fully relax, but I couldnt stop peeking at the glowing blue light and the sheer fabric that surrounded my chair.

Peaceful sounds that included scores of music and quiet chants were played throughout the 30-minute experience and were synchronized with the vibrations in the lounger.

I found the vibrating chair to be the most relaxing element and appreciated the subtle heating effect that resembled a heating pad on the small of my back. I enjoyed the sounds and scores of music that reminded me of a movie theatre with the surround sound, but didnt love the quiet chants of a human voice.

The unique therapy was definitely calming and even stimulated my imagination with the creative use of sensory elements such as sound, light and color. I only wish the therapy lasted an hour, because it took me awhile to decompress.

SHA, the artist and creator of AlphaSphere, is coming to A.R.E., located on 67th Street, to give a free lecture on April 27 at 7:15 p.m. For more information or to book an AlphaSphere appointment ($35), call 757-457-7202.

Later that evening, I decided to end the day with my true and tried way of unwinding from a long work day. I watched two hours of Law and Order and became instantly relaxed when the theme song (a.k.a.,my sound therapy) played.

Lee Belote

is a Bay Island resident who loves writing about her hometown. Reach her at jlbelote@verizon.net with any great stories, local happenings or new hot spots.

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Beach Buzz | In search of some relaxation with AlphaSphere - Virginian-Pilot