OM (AUM) is the language of the universe. Om is a simple but potent sound to use in meditation either to repeat it or meditate on the sound of OM.

There are two types of meditation. In Passive meditation, such as in Yoga, transcendental meditation, breathe-work meditation, rosary meditation, mindful mediation, etc. when you mediate to go within, letting go of the external world and its worries, a few important shifts happen in the brain. This is ‘letting go of the control and survival programming/ego’ we allow the body’s innate inner voice, healing and rejuvenating systems to come to the forefront; we clear the clutter of the thoughts and receive clarity.

The human brain has four frequencies – Beta, Alpha, Theda and Delta.  In Passive meditation, gradually the brain shifts to stable and stronger brain frequencies in time with consistent practice. This allows our brains to shift into more stable, stronger brain frequencies (called alpha and theta by scientists) normally reached during sleep.

When we can reduce our brain frequencies to these levels while staying awake we are able to bring the unconscious mind to the conscious level. This allows us to control and harness the power of the unconscious mind.

In Active meditation, some examples are the Holosync Solution, Dr. Wayne Dyer and Jose Silva’s techniques, creates a relaxed mind and using various techniques of visual, auditory and kinesthetic that stimulates right and left brain hemisphere to create new neural pathways to assist to solve your day-to-day problems, improve memory, learn new skills, increase in spiritual practice, improve health to name a few.

Your brain functions on a small amount of electricity, much like a computer. This electrical current vibrates and pulses at various speeds. When you are wide awake, with your eyes focused, your brain vibrates 20 times per second or 20 cycles per second (Beta frequency).

When you go to sleep, your brain frequency slows down, all the way to about half a cycle per second in the deepest levels of natural sleep. This is known as the Delta level. In between Beta, the waking state, and Delta, the deep sleep state, there are two other levels of mental activity. When you are in a light level of sleep or in meditation you are in the Alpha range, which is 7 to 14 cycles per second. This is the center range and this is what we mean by saying “going to your center”. When you wake up in the morning from a deep sleep you are in Alpha state.

Going to the alpha level or centering is essentially the same thing as meditating. When someone meditates, scientifically, they are simply reducing their brain wave frequency to Alpha. The Alpha level is the level we use to activate our minds. At the Alpha level, feelings of intuition, creative ideas, inspirational thoughts and ideas come to people while at this Alpha level. According to Jose Silva teaching, it is said, “at the Alpha level you can learn to overcome all kinds of problems, such as insomnia, tension and migraine headaches, bad habits, and much more.”

Theta is a level of deeper relaxation or sleep, when your brain waves are at  4 to 7 cycles per second.

The table below summarizes the 4 states of brain frequency.

Some tips for meditation. A quiet environment is important, soft lighting and /or  candle, comfortable space, turn off the cell phone volume, and ideally use the same space daily to meditate. Being in the same space daily, allows your mind to become accustomed to the space and the energy in that space is conducive to your bring a calm state of mind.    

–Sit erect, keep curve in lower spine or lie down. Sit in a lotus position or on a chair. Do not cross legs if sitting on a chair. Palms placed facing down on thigh or legs. If palm is open, connect index to thumb to center the energy flow in the body.  

-In the morning as you awake your mind is in Alpha state. It is perfect to get into meditation before you start your daily chores of self-care.

– Attempt a morning meditation and another meditation in the evening before bedtime. Start for 10 minutes at each session and gradually to 30 minutes.

-Based on yoga teaching, in the morning face the north direction and in the evening face the east. This is to align with the electromagnetic forces of the earth. Sit on a cotton mat, rug or cloth versus synthetic material.  

-Meditate on a light stomach or empty stomach. Reduce caffeine beverages an hour before meditation.

– Use various tools such as breathing techniques, rosary beads or mala, music, mantra, incense, focus on heart centre, etc. to help focus the wandering mind.

– In meditation, the mind will wander and it will take months and/ or years to completely disengage from the thoughts. For example for beginners, 30 minutes of meditation may provide 5 minutes of complete freedom from thoughts. This is normal, continue and you will see the benefits with consistent practice.

In summary, in meditation, through my experiences, I believe these are little spaces where Creation, Creator, God, Supreme Consciousness, Absolute, Higher Self enters our lives.

 I am only the Self: Nisargadatta Maharaj

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzd0txiRN2E

Ramana Maharishi:  Who Am I?  

Download at https://www.sriramanamaharshi.org/teachings/instructions/

Who Am I – Ramana Maharshi English Audio Book

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2VcZWypI9c

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Lengacher, C. A. et al (2009).  Randomized controlled trial of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) for survivors of breast cancer

https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.1529

Grossman, P. et al. (2004) Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits: A meta-analysis. Volume 57, Issue 1, July 2004, p.35-43

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Waelde, L. et al. (2004). A pilot study of a yoga and meditation intervention for dementia caregiver stress.  https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.10259

Davidson. R.J. et al (2003). Alterations in brain and immune functions produced by mindful meditations. Psychomatic Medicine. 65: p.564- 570.

doi: 10.1097/01.PSY.0000077505.67574.E3