The Meditation Blog

David Paradise Light Sound Machines

December 20th, 2011

Mind Alive, Inc., makes the David Paradise L/S machines, some of which also include cranio-electro stimulation as an option. CES may magnify the results of the light/sound entrainment patterns. The website provides links to data regarding the use of these devices for enhancing performance, and improvement of various symptoms. http://www.mindalive.com/index.htm The device itself is small, and has multiple built in programs which can either slow the brain waves for relaxation or aiding in meditation, or can speed the brainwaves to improve alertness. The electrical supply can either be set to recharge the unit for periodic battery use, or to be simply plugged in long term. The numerical pad on the control panel has keys which double for functions, although later models appear to have a different control interface. In addition to the built in functions, control of each aspect of the light goggles and sound can be manually controlled. The device ships with Tru-Vu goggles which provide an even illumination with separate activation of left and right visual fields to increase the entrainment. I particularly like the sound input mode of this device which allows a CD player or iPod to provide music which is then integrated into the light/sound program. I have found this particular device to be well made, durable, and reliable.

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Presentation and Thoughts 2

December 4th, 2011

If you have an interest in following the ideas in the Presentation and Thoughts entry from November, 2011, please follow at www.consciousnessblog.net

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Light and Sound Machines

December 4th, 2011

On of the rather powerful technologies that I have found for entraining particular brainwave states is the light-sound machine. These use not only the binaural sound beats in stereo headphone, but also flashing goggles that stimulate the visual fields. Due to the flashing lights it is important that individuals with seizures should probably not use these devices, or if they do, they must choose the color of the light goggles carefully: refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Please discuss the use with this technology with your own neurologist if you fit in this category. These devices range from the quite simple to the technologically sophisticated. Some, such as the newer David Paradise units also include cranial electro stimulation if preferred. Some of both the Sonic Pro and the David devices allow for audio input from your favorite music to be included in the sound portion of the experience. The newest versions of the devices actually allow the sounds from music to alter the light frequency for stunning visual effects.

These devices have multiple built in programs for specific brainwave pattern entrainment, and allow for the download of additional programs from the manufacturer. Some even have a computer interface program that allows for you, the user, to create your own programs. Note: for those of us Apple users, none of the companies have direct Mac compatible software or even downloads, although some of them allow Windows emulation software to allow for this function.

The research sited from the David Paradise site indicates that much like other binaural technologies, although the device helps you reach a particular brain state, it doesn’t mean that you are forever dependent on the device to reach the state in the future. The ability to reach the state reliably apparently allows more rapid access to the state during meditation without the device at later dates.

A somewhat dated book, by Michael Hutchinson, which reviews the technology in some depth is MegaBrain. This is well worth a read, as there is no single source that gives background material in more detail.

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Presentation and Thoughts

November 20th, 2011

I had the honor of speaking at the International Alchemy Conference in Long Beach in September of this year. The topic was on the Union of Opposites. Carl Jung, M.D., noted that this process of uniting opposites was the means to expand consciousness. He further noted, that it was rarely performed because of the general effort involved. His process related to identifying unconscious aspects of the personality and allowing them to actively interact with conscious awareness in his method of Active Imagination. The ego rarely enjoys being unseated, though, and unless these opposites are given energy and allowed time and interaction, typically the unconscious attempt at representing wholeness will be lost to the ego’s attempt to regain control. Of course, this merely leads to further and more intense attempts by the unconscious to be heard, demonstrated in life by the repetitive patterns and mistakes we all find ourselves within.

Jung further noted that the opposites can never unite on the same plane or the same level in which they interact. This creation of a new “third” or the synthesis from the thesis and anti-thesis forms the mark of rapid psychospiritual growth. Some of the more common phases of this path will be explored in upcoming posts.

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Energy Psychology

November 20th, 2011

A relatively new entry into techniques for rapid mind change is encompassed under the overall category of Energy Psychology. This family of techniques generally combines accupressure tapping with one form of affirmation or another. Scientific data are beginning to emerge, and many theoretical anatomical considerations have been described in detail by Dr. Fred Gallo. What makes this a technology for mind change is the rapid effect which is discussed by the originators of the technique. The sequence is rapidly accomplished by individuals, and may or may not require the support of a professional. Two primary sites to review and consider:

http://www.emofree.com

This is Gary Craig’s site who founded the version called Emotional Freedom Technique.

http://www.masteringeft.com

This is the site of Patricia Carrington, Ph.D., which utilizes her version called the Choice Technique.

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Binaural OOB Training

October 11th, 2011

William Buhlman is one of the most clear authors who writes about the Out of Body experience [at least that I’ve found], and his direct informative style was the flavor of the weekend seminar as well. As an experiential workshop, the two and a half days included about 10 different meditative practices designed to increase the likelihood of experiencing a willed OOB. Several of the techniques are described in his book, “Adventures Beyond the Body,” and some are included in CDs designed by William which use the binaural technology to help the brain entrain to the 4hz range. More information is available at his website: http://www.astralinfo.org/

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2011 International Alchemy Conference

June 5th, 2011

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Tibetan Chimes

November 14th, 2010

It seems that the effectiveness of creating some form of binaural beat technology was discovered on a practical level long before modern technology. The traditional Tibetan “Tingsha” cymbals or bells were slightly off pitch of one other to create form of sound wave prominent only when both bells sounded. These are commonly used in various meditation retreats in the US to announce the beginning of a meditative practice or to create a sacred space with sound. As with many of these technologies, test the bells first to make sure they provide a relaxing and positive experience for you as an individual. They are a highly portable means of producing a clear sound that many find conducive to meditative practice.

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Music Meditation Experiences

July 24th, 2010

For a less technological version of entrainment, several different musical products are available which allow you the choice of brainwave state. The Brainwave Suite is one example of this music based system. This four CD volume allows the choice of alpha, theta, delta, or an alpha/theta mix. Another choice of this type is the “Five Directions” CD set. Any of these types of music requires headphones, as the binaural technology cannot be processed by the brain when the sounds are played by speakers.

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Journey to the Wild Divine

June 23rd, 2010

A somewhat more high tech means of reaching meditative states comes from biofeedback technologies. Although many devices exist, one of the most entertaining and engrossing I’ve found is the series which begins with The Journey to the Wild Divine.

The Wild Divine series is a group of rather sophisticated computer programs which provide a rather amazing and detailed means of monitoring internal physiological states during meditation. Provided with each of the programs is a biofeedback hand monitor which communicates with your computer via a USB cable. Events on the screen change as the physiological rates change in your body. The first two programs have a nearly video game appearance, and require that you find various locations in order to access the particular meditative exercises. The graphics which follow successful completion of each exercise are stunning.

My favorite of the three, though, is the last, which provides a direct series of tutorials on different meditative methods and different types of breathing exercises. Also included in this software is a heart rate variability monitor which allows for direct video biofeedback for this important physiological measure which many researchers claim correlates with heart health. This program is called Healing Rhythms. Another benefit set of this programs are the video instruction modules which include the likes of Andrew Weil and Deepak Chopra. The ability to objectively observe the level of relaxation using the software makes all three of the programs excellent training tools, even for those who find meditation otherwise “boring.” These are all available for both Mac and PC platforms. Note I have no connection with the company or their website.