When we listen to music, our brains have a very real and visceral reaction to the kind of sounds we are consuming. Music is like vibrational food for our brains, impacting our thinking patterns, our ability to relax and rest, and the quality of electromagnetic activity found within our minds.
Okay Hanna, what do you mean by “the quality of electromagnetic activity”?
Easy, the electromagnetic activity found in your brain can be simplified in two words: “BRAIN WAVES.”
What are Brain Waves?
- “The display of electrical activity formed in the brain.”
- “Categorized based on high to low activity.”
- “Formed when a group of neurons sends a burst of electrical pulses to another group of neurons, creating a wave-like pattern.”
What are the Various Brain Wave States & How do They Feel?
Gamma (my favorite)
- Fastest brain wave
- Alert & highly focused
- Extremely creative & attentive
- “Flow State”
- Measured above 35 Hz & can oscillate as fast as 100 Hz
- Brain is engaged in problem-solving
Beta (classic thinking brain)
- Aroused brain state
- Engaged in thinking & problem-solving
- The state we spend most of our waking hours in
Alpha (relaxed, imma take a bubble bath state)
- Relaxed, but alert
- Slow-moving activity
- Example: Activated as you are winding down before sleep
Theta (The home of your subconscious mind)
- Imaginative
- Access to your subconscious mind
- Prone to new insights and ideas
- Mental disengagement
- Positivity & peace
- Dream-like
- R.E.M sleep state
Delta
- Deep dreamless sleep
- Slowest frequency
- Picture a Buddhist monk in meditation
- Thoughtless
How do we measure brain waves?
- Brain waves are measured in Hertz, just like sound waves!
- Hertz: Metric defined as cycles per second
- The faster your brain waves cycle per second, the higher the hertz level.
If you read my last blog post you might’ve noticed a definition for the
Law of Resonance
The Law of Resonance means that all vibrations will synchronize to the most dominant vibration found. This means that since brain waves and sound waves are both vibrational patterns, measured in Hertz, we can listen to specific Hertz frequencies to alter our brain waves, to place our minds in their most optimal state.
If you are looking to relax before ending your evening, listen to 8-12 Hertz music so that your brain can resonate with that rate of vibration and relax itself.
If you are looking to access your deep subconscious mind, listen to 3-8 Hertz frequencies to slow your brain waves down enough to enter into the Theta state.
Free Resources
- Gamma Frequency: Listen here
- Beta Frequency: Listen here
- Alpha Frequency: Listen here
- Theta Frequency: Listen here
- Delta Frequency: Listen here
