Alpha State
When the mind is in the process of staying in the moment or in deep relaxed concentration, it is in an alpha state. In an alpha state we feel calm, it increases creativity and enhances our ability to absorb new information. In that state we are working with our intuitive mind.
The alpha state also activates the parasympathetic nervous system which stimulates rest and repair. It is a vital function needed for our body and mind. But why can we not stay there? Because we have been trained to be outwardly focused. Society wants us there to become better consumers. Family and friends want attention and want us outwardly focused. Inwardly focused has been given the subtle implication of being selfish.
It is only a matter of training the mind. To create alpha brain waves we need to make an effort. When we concentrate or are present and deeply involved in the moment we go into an alpha state. By taking time to practice we create a habit for the mind to be in an alpha state. After a while, the mind will try to go into an alpha state automatically throughout the day.
Our brain is made up of billions of “neurons” that communicate with each other in our brain. Neurons also convey information to the cells in our body about sensory and motor stimulus. This activity of the neurons results in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Our thoughts and emotions create this electro-chemical activity which can be measured by an electroencephalograph (EEG)…
Brain waves are divided into five different bandwidths that are believed to create a spectrum of human consciousness. Our brain waves change throughout the day and are part of a feedback loop that is influenced by what we’re doing, thinking, and feeling emotionally at any given time—or while we sleep.
Delta waves (.5 to 3 Hz) are the slowest brain waves and occur primarily during our deepest state of dreamless sleep.
Theta waves (3 to 8 Hz) occur during sleep but have also been observed in the deepest states of Zen meditation.
Alpha waves (8 to 12 Hz) are present when your brain is in an idling default-state or either practicing concentration, mindfulness or meditation.
Beta waves (12-30 Hz) typically dominate our normal waking states of consciousness. Beta is a ‘fast’ wave activity that is present when we are alert, attentive, focused, and engaged in problem solving or decision making.
Gamma waves (25 to 100 Hz) are the fastest of the brain wave bandwidth. Gamma waves relate to simultaneous processing of information from different brain areas and have been associated with higher states of conscious perception.
The nervous system is the major controlling, regulatory system in the body. It is the center of all mental activity including thought, learning, and memory. Together with the endocrine system, the nervous system is responsible for regulating and maintaining homeostasis both external and internal.
The nervous system is composed principally of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and ganglia. Millions of sensory receptors detect changes inside and outside the body and convert them into electrical signals called nerve impulses transmitted to the brain. They in turn create sensations, to produce thoughts. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system is split up into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The somatic nervous system moves skeletal muscles. The autonomic nervous system is split into the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
The sympathetic nervous system leads to a “fight or flight” response, and parasympathetic nervous system leads to a “rest and repair” response. In today’s society we are in a perpetual state of stress. Society creates stress through demands on our time, through the news, through work, through driving, etc.
The parasympathetic nervous system is for growth and repair through primarily the vagus nerve, and the lumbar spinal nerves. When stimulated, these nerves regulate the internal organs and glands. Its role includes stimulation of rest-and-digest activities that occur when the body is at rest, including sexual arousal, salivation, tears, urination, digestion, and defecation. It plays a vital role in maintaining both mental and physical health by helping the body to calm down from stressful reactions.
The alpha state of mind activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Therefore, if we want health of body and mind, we need to bring our mind into alpha states. We can live our life in an alpha state. It is called mindfulness. We begin to enjoy every moment as now. We stop comparing the now with the past. Generally, when we hear or see something immediately the mind will want to recognize it with something in the past. So, we are not hearing or seeing what is in front of us as is, but with a lens or coloring of the past. Practicing alpha state exercises will make us aware of what that state is. Right now, with the world the way it is, we rarely are in an alpha state. To achieve health and wellness we need to learn to bring ourselves into alpha states, this may be done through yoga, meditation, mindfulness or specific alpha exercises.
Some Alpha exercises are:
Toning especially toning OM. It activates the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve connects the brain with the body. Once activated its parasympathetic fibers release and your body goes into an alpha state. It is the longest nerve see the picture.
In Shambhavi Mudra we direct your eyes towards the center of the two eyebrows gently and concentrate on that center. Your mind will instantly stop running around.
Sukha Purvak or simple alternative nostril breathing done very slowly. Close the right nostril with your thumb inhale through the left nostril. Close the left nostrils with the ring finger and exhale through the right nostril and then inhale through the right nostril. Close the right and exhale through the left and inhale through the left and exhale through the right etc.
Let us make a resolution to practice going into an alpha state and feel the change within you.
“Alpha waves in the human brain are between 6 and 8 hertz. The wave frequency of the human cavity resonates between 6 and 8 hertz. All biological systems operate in the same frequency range. The human brain’s alpha waves function in this range and the electrical resonance of the earth is between 6 and 8 hertz. Thus, our entire biological system – the brain and the earth itself – work on the same frequencies. If we can control that resonate system electronically, we can directly control the entire mental system of humankind.” Nikola Tesla
