Please Take My Idea to The Metaverse.

It has been stirring around in my mind for so long that I am hesitant to let it out. Posting this feels so similar to presenting a science project in 7th grade. I cannot look you in the eyes, for fear of what you will think.

My husband and I talked about getting an Oculus Quest 2. I could think of a hundred things to do with the money instead. A different world seems so appealing, though. I quickly caved. He was grinning like a little boy at Christmas as he un-boxed the Oculus and strapped it to his head. “Do you want to try it?”, he asks.

I knew I wanted my first VR experience to be beautiful. I decided that Frida Kahlo’s home in 3D would be a great way to decide if I liked this big breadbox on my face. When I walked into the foyer of my favorite artists home, I literally gasped. It was the most beautiful, and exciting things that I had done in literally months. Years. Everything was so vibrant and looked so real. The names of Frida and her husband emblazoned above the stove. It felt to me like such a safe place. I wanted to just sit in Fridas kitchen forever. My entire mood had changed from grumpy to completely elated that I got to visit such an amazing historic site, all from my sofa.

Covid and all of its problems cannot live in VR. VR can be a safe place. Somewhere that everyone can gain free access to mental health tools such as journaling and art therapy.

After trying the Oculus for the first time, a wee little seed was put into my mind. My brain went into overload thinking about the impact that VR could have on the mental health of humans. The core of this world/app is having a “Safe Place” a “sanctuary”. The room is blank and each user chooses to make it anything they want. What would your safe place be? Under a favorite tree? At the top of the mountain? Inside of a shell?

Inside each safe room is a diary. The diary can only be accessed inside the safe room. The room leads to a larger room, which is a public art studio. There are constantly changing new art therapy programs and games in the Art Room. Branching off of the art room is a giant museum. The museum has art which can be displayed and (maybe?) even sold.

Of course, there are lots of fun in-app purchase ideas. The main objective is that everyone can have a safe place to go to. A sanctuary in their own homes. Somewhere to journal or to make art or even to visit a virtual rage room.

So many developers are trying to make the next big VR game. What if people aren’t looking for a game at all? Combining VR with art therapy and journaling will be a new way to provide mental health tools that anyone in VR can access.

There must be a reason that I cannot quit thinking of this whole entire new branch of VR. New rooms and ideas come to me daily, and I feel I might burst if I don’t share. May this spark someone else’s imagination so that one day, we can all lead a more centered and peaceful life.

Years ago, I read BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert. I promised myself that I would share my ideas when they spark. So, I am tossing this in the air like glitter and making a thousand wishes.