Alpha State
In bio-feedback work it has been found that a calm mental state enhances the process of communicating with the parts of the mind that directly control the body. This "calm" state is probably a somewhat altered consciousness which produces longer wavelength brain waves and works in images more than words. It is suggested [Y&P] that this is related to the creative consciousness of the artist, in which the intuition is more active than the analytical mind. This is a state that is beyond the I-ness of the ego, or in which it has been temporarily set to one side.
Experiences with bio-feedback induced theta wave states have resulted in permanent changes in the subject's consciousness. Reported results included a greater sense of detachment, i.e. less emotional involvement with activities such as writing papers, being able to step aside more and let things happen. The resultant state was peaceful and more enjoyable.
These longer wavelength conscious states are undoubtedly what
Ali refers to as the limbic state, induced through rhythmic exercise
and listening to the body. [GLE] I.e. relaxing the mental aspects of
the normal waking state. This state
is one without stress and without a cortical monkey ( ego) driving the body on and on
until it fails.
When a person is in a calm mental state, as indicated by
alpha waves and they are startled
by a bright flash or a load noise they will snap back to a fully
alert waking state as indicted by
beta waves. This is called "alpha
blocking". However, with repetition of the stimulus, in particular
regular repetition, it ceases to be alarming and they subjects
remain in the alpha state. It has been found, however, that Zen
mediators do not exhibit alpha blocking. The future is not
conditioned by past experience, they are always in the present
and allowing no expectations, are forever startled by the light
or noise. In their meditation they are still in contact with the
external world.
With experienced yoga practitioners, they experienced blocking
in their waking state, indicating
that the focus on the present was carried outside of their
meditation. When meditating however, they showed no respose at all,
having completely blocked sensory input (
pratyahara).[Y&P]
The normal waking state is often
one of stress, in which alpha blocking automatically pops
us into an aroused state, hormones at the ready. This is true even
if there is no immediate physical threat. In extreme cases this
arousal can permeate the sleep/dream
cycle too, preventing proper rest. [AHM]
There is a process involved in the formation of the
ego in which a normally
unconscious part of the
mind scans through a range of possible models for the external
experience, each with different emotional weightings, and comes
to a consensus model which becomes the reality for that moment.
Under certain conditions this may be brought into the conscious
awareness.
In terms of the kosas this is function is performed by the
thinking manomaya kosa, or the
subconscious mind, as part of its control of the sensation and
actional functions of the kamamaya
kosa, the conscious mind.
It is as if there is a vast multidimensional matrix of possible
interpretations of the combined perceptions
with each dimension being an emotional
weighting of a certain factor in the model. As these weightings are
varied the emotional interpretation of the experience varies and the
optimal response to it also varies. In other words, which of the inputs
is most significant, and what is the proper flavor and strength of the
emotional reaction. This involves a
highly complex amount of analysis and thought, as the various possible
evolutions of the current experience are also included in the mix.
This emotionally driven (and generally automatic) response underlies
most of our behavior. This seems to be principally a function of the
kamamaya kosa, which is called the
conscious mind. This is a rather low level of consciousness however, one
that does not directly involve the "rational mind". As one pursues mental and spiritual growth more and
more of ones actions are brought into conscious awareness. [HB]
Normally this scanning of possibilities
occurs outside of consciousness, which is only presented with the result,
a consensus, or greatest probability model. This scanning process is a
sort of ongoing reality check, in which the projections of the model are
continually being compared to the unfolding experience, and the
weightings and probabilities being adjusted accordingly. At a conscious
level the experience which comes closest to reveling this process is
one in which some unexpected factor suddenly comes into play and one
experiences a sudden shift in the meaning of the experience that is
unfolding.
In the altered state in which this process becomes conscious,
action becomes quite difficult as the "model" will not hold still.
The weightings are shifting rapidly and with that the optimal response
is also changing, faster than any actual response can be made, and the
usual stability of world view is lost.
In a more normal consciousness a milder form of this underlies uncertainty
and difficulty in making decisions. If one can see multiple
interpretations of a situation, or various possible outcomes, without
being able to give one a clear advantage, then it may be hard to
"know what to do".
In these terms different world views, or paradigms, are models
in which the interpretive weightings are different. This is the door
(or a door) by which belief enters into our experience of the world.
Based on beliefs our world model will vary, and with this our very
perceptions of the world may change.
Both what information we are aware of, but more importantly, what it
means to us.
Comparison of coherent responses
to sensory inputs over time leads to
categorization. This process is probably part of the analysis of the
subconscious mind. It is the
interaction of present perceptions,
the past of memory and experience, and the
model of the body, or self, which provides a point of reference, that
leads to conscious experience.
Long term memory is constantly being
created from short term memory
through the process of generalization. It is, however, dynamic,
in that changes in the sense of self, or the
models one has of the world, will affect the interpretation
of long term memories (and current perceptions) as they are
recalled. Consciousness is a dynamic (highly non-linear) process
dependent on the flow of images, and the comparison of one instant
to the next, i.e. memory. In this view, "awareness is change, not
the direct perception of stimuli", and the subjectivity (individuality)
of consciousness is due to the self-referential aspect of perception
and memory.
When neurological damage (primarily in the hippocampus or other parts of the
limbic system) inhibits this process
various changes in consciousness
result. Neurological effects on linguistic functions also seem to
change the quality of consciousness.[SFF]
In people with frontal lobe
damage, who are generally passive and unable to function coherently,
the world of music can be transformative. Either playing music or
signing, even listening to it produces an apparent radical change
in their personality, bringing out the emotion and engagement that
is generally lacking. There can even be a change in the brain waves, with the EEG becoming
coherent, calm and rhythmical when listening to music. [AM]
This is also true for some autistic people. [TP]
Alpha Blocking
Reality Checking: Ego Formation
The Self and Consciousness
Music and Consciousness
