by Josef Firestone

Created on: February 09, 2009   Last Updated: February 19, 2009

It is highly recommended for one to follow a special spiritual seminar in order to learn or to start meditating. However, we meditate on a daily basis intentionally or not. As we focus our attention away from the auto-response of the mind, for example, by looking at a most beautiful sunset that takes us completely away from our usual pattern of thought.

On the physical side of things, while meditating, our brainwaves slow down. These brain frequencies were first recorded in humans by Professor Emeritus, Hans Berger, University of Jena Germany in 1924. Berger discovered the Alpha and Beta waves. The alpha wave, also called Berger's wave, has a slower frequency (7-13 Hz) than the Beta wave (14 -22 Hz). When we open our eyes, much of the brain attention is directed into interpreting incoming visual messages and by doing so, creating a sort of blockade, the alpha blockade. While in the beta wave state, which is our normal waking state, much of the anxious thinking appears, stress is a familiar factor and most reactions, plans and decisions are taking place.

It is the alpha state which is sought after by meditation. In this state the brain shows us that reality is indeed in the eyes of the beholder. And that any given situation can be interpreted by the brain-mind on different levels and with multiple conclusions. As our brain slows down, we find more harmony in a stressed-filled hostile world, more creativity, intuition appears and our infinite capacity to give and receive love becomes apparent.

The creator of the Silva Method, Dr. Jose Silva discovered in a life long research that began in 1944, that it is possible for the individual to switch at will from the beta state into the alpha, by following a series of steps. He demonstrated with the Silva Method, that with the right coaching, the field of meditation was open for all. And that with the right seeds planted in the mind-garden, very good crops could grow..

Meditation was practiced in the Far East as long as 5000 years ago. Perhaps, without brainwaves knowledge, but with deep understanding of the many benefits to those who practice regularly. The goal of meditation can be relaxation, self awareness, religious motives and prayers, spiritual awakening, more creativity, observation of certain thinking patterns, self improvement and reaching higher states of mind.

Over the years, many methods of meditation has been developed. In the West, one sees that meditation is also used to achieve personal goals. Not only in

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