All of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are rooted in the communication between neurons. Naturally occurring brain chemicals influence our moods but there is also an electrical component associated with brain wave frequency that determines how we experience reality. Our brainwave state controls our ability to focus along with many other important functions in our lives. Knowing how to identify your brainwave state is the first step in empowering you to consciously shift these patterns as needed throughout the day.
“You have your very own signature brain wave activity, unique to you. It has a rhythm and pattern – and it incorporates Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta frequencies at varying levels over the course of a day as your brain modulates them to match your activities. Brain Sync audio programs amplify a single frequency or a carefully balanced combination of frequencies to achieve a specific purpose.” – Tools for Wellness
Our brainwave state controls our ability to focus along with many other important functions in our lives. Knowing how to identify your brainwave state is the first step in empowering you to consciously shift these patterns as needed throughout the day.
It’s All in Your Mind:
People have used meditation, music, dance, and art for millennia to alter consciousness. Thanks to a german physiologist and psychiatrist named Hans Berger we now have a device called an electroencephalogram (EEG) which has the ability to measure and record the wave frequency of electrical activity in the brain. This helps us understand what is happening internally while we engage in various activities.
Each of the millions of neurological synapses in our brain operate on electrical impulses which create an overall frequency. The frequency (wave-length) can be fast or slow, harmonious or discordant but whatever it happens to be will affect your consciousness dramatically. Luckily these waves can now be measured and we are able to induce desired states of consciousness.
Biomusicology has used the EEG to show how certain external rhythms can cause entrainment of brainwaves. This idea has been applied with biofeedback, binaural beats, and other advanced forms of technology but it is basically rooted in the ancient idea of the shaman’s drum. Music can alter consciousness and there are now many products on the market designed to help people explore different brain states.
“The acoustic stimulation of rhythmic drumming acts as an auditory driving mechanism, affecting the electrical activity of the brain by bringing it into resonance (at a particular frequency or set of frequencies) with external stimuli.” – Music, Science, and the Rhythmic Brain: Cultural and Clinical Implications
The Basic Brainwave States:
Alpha is about relaxation, imagination, visualization. This slow cycle of brain wave is 7-12 HZ (beats per second) is also associated with peace, safety and is a great state of mind for relieving stress. It is also present when people watch movies or television. It is considered a gateway to deeper realms of consciousness and the Schuman Resonance which is the resonant frequency of the earth’s electromagnetic field. This state is essential to well-being.
Beta is mostly associated with concentration, cognition, alertness, and focus. This state of mind allows you to make connections quickly and come up with solutions and ideas. It is great for creative projects and also a great state of mind for sports or physical activity that requires focused attention. The Beta wave rate is between 13-40 HZ (beats per second).
Theta is the state associated meditation, intuition, memory and was first noticed when EEG was applied to meditating monks. This mystical realm is elusive and mysterious since brain activity slows almost to the point of sleep, but not quite. This state brings heightened receptivity, visions, flashes of dreamlike imagery, inspiration, and your buried memories.
You may feel like you are floating or that your spirit is reaching beyond the container of your body. It is 4-7 HZ. and 4.5 beats per second appears to be the most optimal for inducing this “shamanic” state of consciousness. This meditative state increases creativity, enhances learning, reduces stress and awakens intuition and other extrasensory perception skills.
Delta clocks in at about 0-4 HZ. and is pretty much where we go when we are in a deep sleep. This state is crucial for restoration of the body and healing. Delta has to do with the subconscious, the place where intuition arises.
Gamma is hyperspeed, above 40 HZ. and it is the most recently discovered frequency. Little is known about this state of mind, but initial research shows Gamma waves are associated with high-level information processing and bursts of insight. Perhaps we are evolving to adapt with our fast paced, technology-driven world?
Creating the Reality we Desire:
As you can see, each of these states of consciousness are essential for our well-being. One thing to consider is that we don’t shift instantaneously, sometimes there are periods when we are somewhere between states. We now also know that emotion and heart frequency affect brain states and that each of us can influence each others frequencies.
Since the reality we perceive is based on our internal brainwaves and emotions we can shift reality by changing our consciousness. It begins with self-awareness and a desire to evolve our relationship within. This process will dramatically alter the life we create for ourselves. Take some time to experiment with recognizing your brainwave state and see how that changes your perception of reality.
