We've all heard of alpha brain waves. They're the most positive states of mind possible - the opposite of beta brain waves. But how do we get these amazing states of mind? And why should anyone care?
In this article, I'm going to share with you the science behind alpha brain waves and explain how you can harness them to create awe-inspiring positive emotions. This will help you become happier, healthier, and more productive.
What are Alpha Brain Waves?
As measured in an EEG, Alpha brain waves function between 8 and 13 cycles per second.
Alpha brain waves are the first stage of sleep when we dream. Alpha brain waves are associated with creativity, imagination, intuition, and spirituality. When we are awake, our brains produce beta brain waves which are responsible for logical thinking and rational decision-making. During deep sleep, our brains have Theta brain waves.
Ajna meditation helps your brain enter the Alpha frequency. However, your brain will oscillate between Alpha and Beta at Ajna meditation.
Sahasra meditation helps your brain remain at the Alpha frequency.
I read a research report titled, 'EEG Correlates of Ten Positive Emotions' by the National Library of Medicine.
Awe-Inspiring Emotional Benefits of Alpha meditation
A group of 20 participants were studied by showing them 30 clips inducing the following emotions:
- Amusement
- Awe
- Gratitude
- Hope
- Inspiration
- Interest
- Joy
- Love
- Pride
- Serenity
An EEG machine was connected to the brains of the volunteers.
Here are the results.
Alpha brain waves correlated with the ten positive emotions.
According to research, there is a positive correlation between the power of the frontal and central regions of the brain with the ratings of awe, gratefulness, hope, and inspiration. Researchers explained that the enhanced frontal-central alpha oscillations relate to the cognitive process.
As these positive feelings require more understanding of the situation and thinking processes than the negative ones, the enhancement of alpha activity related to them might occur due to the increased cortical activation needed for their evaluation.
In short, alpha brain waves produce happiness and peace.
Peace makes us happy. Happy people live longer. Long life equals healthier living. Healthy living equals success. Success equals happier families.
Happiness creates abundance. Abundance creates prosperity. Prosperity creates freedom.
Freedom creates joy. Joy creates serenity. Serenity creates balance.
Balance creates harmony. Harmony creates love.
Love creates meaning. Meaning creates purpose. Purpose creates fulfilment.
Meditation helps quiet the mind and enter the Alpha frequency.
Quieting the mind calms the body. Relaxing the body reduces stress.
When you meditate, your brain experiences positive emotions.
When we experience these positive emotions, our brains produce alpha brain waves. It is because the brain releases endorphin neurotransmitters during this state. Endorphins are natural painkillers that reduce stress and help us feel happy.
Meditation changes our brains.
It means that when we're experiencing positive emotions, our brains release dopamine, which makes us feel rewarded. So, when we meditate, we enter an alpha brain wave state. As a result, we become aware of ourselves and the world around us. We notice things we usually wouldn't see, like the beauty of nature or the kindness of others.
Meditation helps you to stop the mental chatter. You focus better.
We also notice our thoughts and feelings. Our minds relax and become quieter. We become more mindful and aware of our surroundings. We become more connected to ourselves and the universe.
These experiences lead to greater happiness and well-being. They give us hope and inspire us to be better people. And they create a feeling of gratitude.
Do you meditate?
How would you describe the world if you could access the alpha frequency of your brain? Would you say that the world looks brighter? That the world seems more hopeful? That the world seems safer?
Would you say that the world feels more loving and compassionate?
Do you find more meaning in life?
Do you feel more connected to others?
Share your experience. Let me know what you feel.
May you enjoy a sense of more profound connection with others. A feeling of safety. A feeling of compassion. A feeling of happiness.
Love you dearly.
Thank you for inspiring me to do what I am doing.
Be Blessed by the Divine!
Krish Murali Eswar.