Review of Deepak Chopra’s Leela – win a Wii console!

I tried a video game for the Wii console this weekend: Deepak Chopra’s Leela.

Actually, calling this a game is a bit of a stretch. Leela is relaxation and meditation software based on the ancient system of the seven Chakras, or understanding how energy flows through your body and mind. Each Chakra corresponds to a specific part of the body, mind, or spirit-the lower belly, the naval, the heart, the throat, the third eye, the crown, and the root.
Photo taken with iPhone 4s

During game play, you are asked to use the Wii remote, held horizontally with both hands, to complete movements and tasks based on each of the Chakras. The movements are simple, the visuals are colorful, and I really enjoyed the music that accompanied each level.

I’m all about immersing myself as much as possible when playing a game, as I use them as a form of escape, so I played this in the dark with the volume turned up. I highly recommend trying it that way. I admit, my competitive side got ahold of me when trying to complete the tasks for each level, and I had to remind myself that “beating the game” isn’t really the point of this experience. Once I stopped thinking about ‘winning’ and just enjoyed myself, I got a better idea of what Deepak Chopra is trying to accomplish with Leela.

Photo taken with iPhone 4s

As you complete each task, new levels are unlocked. At the beginning of each section, the Chakra you’re exploring is explained in detail. I knew very little about the seven Chakras, and these educational tidbits ended up being my favorite part of Leela.

The “Movement” levels for each Chakra mimic more of a traditional gameplay, but there is also a “Reflect” section which consists of seven unlockable levels per reflection group and focuses on meditation and awareness.

Leela is put together beautifully with its visuals and soundtrack. If you play it with the expectations of a typical video game, you’ll probably be disappointed, otherwise, sit back, enjoy something new, and appreciate it for what it is!

Now the fun part! A giveaway!

BlogHer and THQ are giving away one Wii Console and a copy of Leela to one of our lucky readers!

Here’s what you do: Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite ways to find balance and peace in your life. We all deal with a number of different stressors on any given day, so share your tips for staying centered (and staying sane – ha!)

Da Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment telling me how you find balance and peace in your life

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 11/11/2011 – 12/8/2011.

Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Oh, and one more thing.. check out the Leela Mandala Facebook App to create and customize your
own personal “mandala” – artwork that expresses an individual’s unique
essence and intentions.

Facebook App link: http://goo.gl/h9PPD