Alpha Waves are brainwaves which our brain produces naturally each day. We typically enter Alpha as we fall asleep.
Alpha Waves are typically associated with deep relaxation, peace & an overall “inner experience”. This is why it feels so nice to fall asleep!
When we are awake our brain is producing Beta Waves. These are much faster than alpha waves; resulting in faster thoughts, the ability to multi-task – but often, unfortunately, they can result in anxiety & stress.
NOTE: It is practically impossible to Visualize effectively when in Beta mode. Your brain is just “too busy”.
Accessing Alpha Waves is the key.
Benefits of Alpha Waves :
There are numerous benefits to consciously experiencing alpha waves.
1) Better access to subconscious mind
For our purposes, the most important benefit of Alpha Waves are that they give us direct access to the subconscious mind, which is absolutely perfect for Creative Visualization.
When we are in Beta, we have very limited access to our subconscious. Visualization here doesn’t really work.
Our only other alternative is to drop down into Theta Waves (which we enter when we are dreaming), but it is VERY DIFFICULT to stay conscious in this state. More likely, you’ll simply fall asleep.
Therefore, Alpha Waves are perfect – plus, they act as the “bridge” between your conscious & subconscious mind.
If you can learn to produce Alpha Waves whilst remaining conscious, you will be able to make profound & lasting changes to your subconscious mind.
2) The Relaxation Response
The Relaxation Response was discovered by Dr Herbert Benson from Harvard Medical School, whilst studying top performers. He wanted to see why they remain cool under pressure.
He found that an ability to access The Relaxation Response – characterised by alpha brain waves was massively beneficial to the body & mind; and not just when under stress, but at any time.
Some of the major benefits, reported in Michael Hutchison’s excellent book Megabrain, include a reduction in heart rate, blood pressure & sweating combined with a greater functioning of the digestion system, deeper relaxation of muscles, & an increase in the percentage of oxygen & blood flowing to the brain.
For Visualization, triggering The Relaxation Response leads to far superior results. And it feels rather delightful, too.
3) Pure Pleasure
Luckily, accessing Alpha Waves feels really good too – and is massively beneficial for body and mind.
Dr Margaret Patterson & Dr IforCapel, of the Marie Curie Cancer Foundation Research Group, conducted a study on Alpha Waves.
Additionally, people who can access this state tend to demonstrate superior performance on both physical and mental tests.
