Presence

What the app does

Paces the Jesus Prayer to the breath and slows it gradually until the words and the breathing are one rhythm. The session record shows how long the prayer was held without effort.

Ways in: Paced breath, The Name, repeated, Withdrawal. Every session is carried on binaural sound tuned toward theta, the slow rhythm of the edge of sleep that these rites were built to reach. More on the state.

Why the rite works

The hesychasts taught that the prayer descends from the lips to the mind to the heart. Slow breathing near six breaths a minute is one of the most reliable ways to settle the nervous system, and it is exactly the cadence the old instructions describe.

Questions

Do I need anything besides my phone?

Headphones. The app carries the rite on binaural sound, which only works when each ear hears its own tone.

What is it based on?

The Desert Fathers; the Philokalia. The names, words and order are taken from the source and guided step by step. The full list of sources is in the Library.

Is there an EEG version?

Not yet. EEG neurofeedback editions are coming as a $19.99 add-on per app, built in order of request. They will need a Neurosity Crown headset, sold separately.

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