John’s Sunday Blog

Waves

Did you know our bodies heal the most during the Delta brain wave pattern? The next level of brain wave is the Theta pattern. I call this “the between state” in which emotional healing and great insights may occur. Next level up we have the Alpha pattern. A calm, clear state in which brain health and cognitive sharpness is actually enhanced. This occurs during yoga, meditation, art and other actions that demand calm focus. The Beta waves are on the next level. A highly alert and busy state present during conversations or quickly switching from one task to another. This is when our waves are at their peak, enabling us to get things accomplished, but it does comes at a cost. Surfing this wave too much is linked to stress, anxiety and mental fatigue. It seems to be the most widely used, most popular “and propagated” wave in modern society. Why am I talking brainwaves? Because learning to surf these waves, in a more balanced way, heals.

Yoga Nidra, practiced consistently, is a sure way to lower stress levels, even reduce pain, and explore your abilities to relax and come down out of Beta state. This leads to relief of pain and tension. Additionally, you gain knowledge and receive the benefits from the two states you generally pass through upon waking or falling asleep (Theta and Alpha). These states give one clarity on unconscious patterns. They are a doorway to sending a message of security to the limbic brain, the emotional center; most importantly to the brain stem. Why is this important? Because the brain stem (reptile brain) directly influences the whole body to protect it. Fight or flight.

So, how does one send a message to this reactionary part of the brain? It doesn’t understand language. That’s why one could spend years in therapy or many other treatments and still suffer. So, how does one talk to it? Again, learn how to sit in the slower waves, Theta and Alpha. Here in Theta and Alpha is where you can communicate to the body, aka your subconscious, a message of safety no matter what your life circumstances are. Becoming more oriented in Theta and Alpha, will AUTOMATICALLY sends a message of safety.

Now, I’m not saying that life won’t or shouldn’t have stress or discomfort. It will. There would be no life without it. But next time, or any time you are stressed or worried, STOP. Take account of your surroundings. BREATHE. Relax. Then focus on what it is you’re worried about. Maybe even jot it down, and ask if it is dangerous, in real time, right now. Yes, pull that aggravation, fear, or worry close. Feel it and ask, “Am I in danger here?… or are these just habits of thought I picked up?” Reframe it. It generally is not a danger. But, the deeper brain can’t sense that until you feel and sense that. Send that message of safety. Your body will thank you for calming that little lizard.