Sonification of Real-Time Physiological Data for Meditation Practice

Abstract

Translating biophysical data to meaningful audible pieces has been under investigation in plants, animals and humans [2]. For example, the electrical signal resulting from changing the galvanic response of human skin (GSR) [3] by a physical or emotional stimulus can be used for mapping the parameters of a musical piece [6]. In a similar manner, the temperature change created by the human breath can be translated to audible signals. On this basis a scenario has been developed for a real-time sonification of breathing patterns and GSR data to create an audible reflection of the unconscious mind. This instrument can be a practical device to enhance the power of self-control in meditation practice as mapping the user’s psychophysical signals to musical notes can be a powerful way to control stress by enhancing mindfulness about internal layers of psychological patterns [1].