Using Technology to Help You Meditate

We live in a fast paced, information rich world. Our brains are plastic meaning that they change on a structural level according to what we think about, the activities we engage in and how we use our minds every day. We are expected to process vast amounts of information quickly, and to multi task efficiently. This has its positive aspects to be sure. We are evolving collectively in terms of what we know, can think about and the amount information we can process and access.
I do think that the diverse and multi layered attentional style most of us have adopted changes our brains to actually crave and need alot of stimuli. This can make meditation challenging!

When we are in our in our conscious minds focusing on objective reality, processing information, planning and problem solving we are in a brain wave state known as Beta. Many people find it difficult to shift out of Beta as this is state so valued and practiced in our society. A healthy brain is one in which all the brain wave states can be experienced, allowing us to move into meditative relaxed states at will.

The brain waves we are producing in Beta are oscillating at a frequency of  13-40 Hz . Of course, our brains produce all the brain waves all the time. But the predominate brain wave frequency we are experiencing determines our state of consciousness.

The state of consciousness that you are experiencing right now is a result of your brain wave activity! That means when you change your brain wave frequency, your change your state of consciousness, which results in a specific feeling and state of mind! This is Meditation.

Every thought we think is a bio chemical and electro magnetic event that causes neurons to fire. The speed at which these neurons fire creates a frequency that can be seen on an EEG machine as waves. Our brains constantly produce five brain wave frequencies: Gamma, Beta, Alpha,Theta and Delta. . Brain wave therapy helps you to have a flexible brain!
The chart below gives you a graphic representation of brain waves and their corresponding states of consciousness.

Brainwave	Consciousness
Gamma +40Hz	Manifestation Consciousness Binding Perception
Beta 13-40Hz	Concentration Attention Waking Consciousness Analytical Thinking ADD/ADHD Therapy Focus
Alpha 8-12Hz	Relaxation Right brain thinking Creativity Light Meditation Creative Visualization Creative Problem Solving
Theta 4-8Hz	Super Learning Changing Behaviors Healing Addictions Healing Trauma Deep Meditation Resolving Fears, Phobias Lucid Dreaming
Delta 0.2-4Hz	Sleep Physical Healing Recovery From Surgery Treatment for Insomnia Deep Relaxation

 So how do we change our brain waves to a state conducive for Meditation?  

We can change our brain waves through a process known as Entrainment. When we listen to any repetitive, rhythmic sound such as computer generated beats  our brain waves automatically become synchronized with the sounds we are hearing.

Pulse of Sound

Brain Wave Response

   
There are frequencies embedded in the audio programs  in Healing Meditations known as binaural beats. A beat oscillating at one frequency is played into the right ear (when wearing headphones) and a different frequency is played into the left ear. The brain automatically averages these frequencies. So if you play 12 Hz in one ear and 4 Hz in the other ear, the brain "hears" 8Hz which is at the  Alpha range. As you listen to these pulses of sounds, your own brain waves began to oscillate at the same at the same frequency. As you move into a Alpha brain wave state, you begin to feel more relaxed. Vivid, rich images begin flowing through your mind. You are connecting to the Creative Unconscious where new solutions to old problems effortlessly arise.

You can use binaural beats to create a meditation experience! Once you  know how it feels to go deep into a meditative state with the help of technology, it becomes easier and easier to get there on your own. You can use brain wave therapy as your "North Star" to guide you to the state you want to be in.

I use a program called Gnaural to produce binaural beats. Its fun and easy to use. Give it a try!

All the guided meditations from Healing Meditations  include binaural beats. I've recently created two new programs which are ambient music with binaural beats without any spoken word. Very relaxing. The Tropical Dream can be used as a sleep aid.
Tropical Dream-Theta
Forest Relaxation-Alpha

I know that the binaural beats, and beautiful ambient music  will easily guide you to a state of deep meditation, happiness and peace. Please feel free to comment and ask questions!

Wishing you Good Meditations,
Sue Schmidt C.Ht
www.healingmeditations.net
www.facebook.com/healingmeditations1
healingmeditations1@gmail.com

Sue Schmidt Certified Hypnotherapist