Meditate & get to alpha as easy as 1-2-3

Do you know why meditation is so good for us? It changes our brain.... literally! Meditation induces an Alpha state of brain activity which unlike our usual Beta state we are in when awake, is characterized by lower frequency brain waves leading to wakeful relaxation, inward focus, creativity, increased intituition. The Alpha state has been used by prolific inventors and painters (such as Edison) to unleash creativity and focus.

Our brains’ millions of neurons fire rhythmic, electrochemical signals inside the brain. In doing so, they create a collective cyclical pulse. We can measure the speed of this pulse with an electroencephalogram (EEG machine).

Neuroscientists have identified a spectrum of activity with 4 main categories. Beta is the fastest state, slowing into Alpha, then Theta, and finally Delta. These brain wave states change as we do. We may be in any of the four depending on environment, activity, stress level, etc.

When we’re awake, our brains primarily produce Beta waves. When resting or meditating, our nervous system calms and our brain produces Alpha waves. We reach the same state while doing things like walking and stretching. Counter-intuitively, flow state-inducing athletics like surfing or snowboarding can also put us in Alpha. (find more at https://floathouse.ca/blog-archive/hack-your-creative-brain)

But how do we get to Alpha quickly during meditation - below is a quick 4 step process that I use for myself and my clients.

This post is also now available as video @ https://youtu.be/DLKgozJb-KA