The Alpha State Meditation
360 Meditation Methods:
Stages of Meditation
Brain Waves (alpha waves)
Brain Wave Entrainment
Alpha State Meditation: Info, Tips, Practice and more... Generally scientists agree there are four (4) different types of brain waves: beta waves, alpha waves, theta waves and delta waves. I'll briefly review them all, however, the focus of this discussion is the alpha state meditation, one of the stages of meditation that occur when practicing this effective ancient art to quiet the mind as a portal to the Soul.
Did you know you have already practiced an "alpha meditation" many, many times before?
Yes...you definately have! Being in a state of mind or consciousness in which we would measure your brain waves as alpha waves is what we mean by this term: alpha state meditation. For example: Daydreaming happens when we have a slower alpha rhythm, or oscillations (movements) of the brain which are measured scientifically as "waves."
Okay...so, have you ever been driving along the highway only to discover (much to your chagrin) that you completely "spaced out" and passed your exit? We all have done that. Your brain (the organ of the mind) went into a slightly slower wave pattern from what's called brain wave entrainment. Your mind (focus) followed the constant flow of the road--mile by mile. This explains how your mind "entrains" itself to follow any outside stimulus, which in this case is the highway driving.
Most of us experience this brain wave entrainment (going from beta to alpha, or beta to theta, etc.), while participating in many creative, normal, day-to-day activities such as: cooking, sewing, painting, drawing, etc. Can you think of a few others?
When I write, I go very deep and access alpha waves--sometimes even theta. I always smile when I gaze at the clock and see that hours have gone by that seem like minutes. That's when you know you are in an "altered" state of consciousness, or an "alpha state meditation."
When practicing various meditation methods you are definately "in" alpha, or perhaps even deeper wave levels to theta. Even lower and slower, Delta is considered the sleep stage of brain wave functioning. So if you are dozing on the couch while watching tv and start snoring...yes, you're down into "delta."
Most probably YOUR brain waves right now are in a low beta level, which is a full, waking state of consciousness. Yet, as you breathe slowly and relax here...if we hooked you up to sensitive equipment that measures waves, we might discover that you are entering into a higher alpha rhythm. This is what we mean by "daydreaming."
Of course it would depend on the web-sites you are browsing today and other stimulous coming into your brain. I personally designed this healing meditation methods site to facilitate your relaxation and lower brain waves (notice the soft color blue and gentle clouds, etc.) Now if you wander off and visit other web-sites with loud head-banging music, and intense red/orange colors, harsh images, etc., what do you think will happen to your brain waves? That's right...they'll go higher. (Which means you won't be as relaxed, reaping the benefits of a stress reducing alpha state meditation.)
Let's look at the generally accepted scientific measurement of the four waves in our states of consciousness to help facilitate further understanding:
Brain waves are measured in cycles per second -- cps, the number of cycles (brainwaves in one second), or length of brain wave. An EEG, the electroencephalogram machine, measures the electrical output of the brain through electrodes on the skin on the head (scalp).
- Beta Waves are Normal Waking State
16-24 cps
- Alpha Waves are Altered Consciousness (relaxed, meditative)
8-15 cps
- Theta Waves are Deeper Altered Consciousness (creative thought, images)
4-7 cps
- Delta Waves are Deep Sleep
0.1-3 cps
So, the bottom line is: When you meditate you have brain waves that are in Alpha. All meditation methods feature an altered state of consciousness in Alpha, not Beta.
Alpha Waves reduce stress...therefore, so do all meditation methods.
During your meditation practice, waves may fluctuate into deeper Theta levels, which may include imagery. If you are really tired and start dozing off on your cushion, this indicates brain waves are going down to a higher Delta. Remember, meditation is not sleeping: Although both are important activities in maintaining radiant health, they are not the same.
Explore this healing meditation methods web-site further to expand your "360" consciousness in this present moment. Enjoy.
Best with Blessings,
Click here to experience an 'Alpha Meditation' ...leading to Theta Waves
Learn more meditation methods: (2 Types of Meditation)
Read my Article on Meditation Methods for Beginners
Circle around to HOME from alpha state meditation
|
