Brainwave Entertainment: Bad Side-Effects , page 4

I was a psych major and learned some neurology, I received neurofeedback training for several years, I read a lot of metaphysics, and I'm now a Q'ero hampe (earth steward shaman), so I have some thoughts.

I know that the brain entrains itself not just at the time of the frequency but later as well. Not that you stay in that frequency (god forbid!), but the more you listen to alpha, for example, the more your brain tends to go to alpha automagically unless you push for something else. This is, as I understand it, because the subconscious is like a barrista who's very, very attentive- she's just waiting to take your order and deliver it. You consciously request to stay in alpha for a while - she sees you get out the cd and use it, which is a visual command - and she delivers alpha. You order alpha every day, or you drink alpha for long periods, she assumes that's what you want and starts pouring you a cup whenever you aren't otherwise occupied (which would create other brainwave states). She defines "otherwise occupied" pretty tightly however - she'll try to slip you that cup of alpha while you're driving on automatic pilot or sitting in class, etc. Give your subconscious the credit she is due; she tries very hard 24/7 to deliver whatever you command, listening to even your images, thoughts, and feelings. But the truth is, she can't discriminate very well. Even the fantasies in your mind seem like commands to her.

The subconscious serves up that brainwave state a lot more because she sees you request it, and perhaps keep asking for it. That's why people are usually warned in shamanic training against shamanic journeying too often (say twice a week max!), or too long (20 minutes is preferred, 25 minutes max). More than that would mean too much time in theta, which does lead to ongoing side effects for many people, because the subconscious/barrista just does what she thinks she is told: produce theta.

After you've used the entrainment a few times, she thinks this is a standing order, so you're going to have to place a few different orders to correct her misunderstanding. For instance, if too much theta has wonked you, use some alpha (not too much!) and then some beta (again, not too much!). Then your subconscious will realize you actually want a variety of states and will be listening for your order more carefully.

As for the hallucinations, etc., that happens in theta; it's a journey into the subconscious aspects of reality - and even other realities - which can be pretty bizarre. If you drop into it while awake (compliments of your hard-working, devoted barrista), you may find this distressing, but if you find yourself surrounded by giant spiders, know that in alternative reality you can be superhuman - do anything, be anything, your imagination is the only limit - therefor, you are in no danger. Give off a blast of withering light and they'll fall away and leave you alone, for example.

As for feeling like you're not present, most people slip out of their physical bodies while in theta - some do in alpha - and if you're constantly feeling not present, you probably aren't - your consciousness is outside your body (a common occurence for shamanic practitioners) and you aren't grounded. There are lots of ways to get back in, grounded and aligned properly. I suggest 1. Stand barefoot and wrap your arms around a tree and ask it to ground you and align you, imagining your roots reaching down to the center of the earth. Sink your energy down until you feel present. No tree? Set your tookus on the ground. 2. Hold black tourmaline against the bottom of each foot. No black? Any tourmaline will help align (but not ground) you. 3. Reach out around yourself and hug your energy bodies back into your physical body (intention is very powerful). 4. Ask whatever Spirit help you believe in to assist. Don't believe? Ask them anyway.

I also agree with the chakra awakening aspects as part of the problem.