The Power of Theta...

"When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds, Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction." Job 33:15-16

What is the last thing you usually do before you drift off to sleep at night? Do you fall asleep watching Netflix or other media? Do you meditate/pray? Do you read? Do you ever drift off to sleep fearful or upset? .. upset with your partner, your children, other relationships or situations? What would you say if I told you that the sensation that dominates your mind as you fall asleep will be sealed into your subconscious forever?

Let's see what science has to say about this. Check out this chart. In short....

Gamma waves are associated with higher brain function. In this heightened level of consciousness, we are happier and more compassionate.

Beta brainwaves dominate our normal waking state of consciousness when attention is directed towards cognitive tasks and the outside world. Beta is a 'fast' activity, present when we are alert, attentive, engaged in problem solving, judgment, decision making, or focused mental activity.

Alpha brainwaves develop when you close your eyes and begin to block out the external world. We are generally more relaxed in Alpha which allows the brain to slip into a light meditative state. The development of these types of brain waves allows for the creation of the analytical mind.

Theta brainwaves are the brain frequencies of the barely conscious states just before sleeping and just after awakening. Theta is the intriguing border between the conscious and the subconscious worlds. While in a theta state, the mind is capable of deep and profound learning, healing and growth.

Delta is the realm of your unconscious mind, and these brainwaves are slow, loud brainwaves (low frequency and deeply penetrating, like a drum beat). They are generated in deepest meditation and dreamless sleep. Delta waves suspend external awareness.

Now that we understand the basics of brainwave function, which one would you say allows the most suggestibility?

In beta, our neocortex (thinking brain) is in full force, so it's not so easy for anyone to pull a fast-one on us. We are sharp, right on top of things. However, our thinking brain turns off when we are in the lower frequency alpha/high theta stages... just before we drift off to sleep. It is in this state when our brain is the most vulnerable, will believe anything, because it's thinking factions are turned off. Advertising companies are very well aware of this, and will take advantage of us during TV commercial breaks, as we drift off to sleep. They've got us right where they want us. Watching news at night? Your thinking brain is turned off, and you will believe whatever CNN/Fox News tells you...lol. It is sealed forever!

I want to mention Thomas Edison, the great inventor of the electric light bulb/power, batteries, phonographs and sound recording, cement, mining, motion pictures, telegraphs and telephones. He averaged 4 hours of sleep a night, yet power-napped throughout the day. Because of this, he would have slipped in and out of consciousness (slumbering state) often, thereby having heightened theta brainwave activity, where creativity occurs. No doubt his frequenting of this brainwave state contributed to his renowned creativity.

We should also remember to "not let the sun go down on your anger". Our unresolved anger solidifies within us as we drift off to sleep, affecting our physical, mental and spiritual well-being, possibly even creating dis-ease within us.

I know most of us moms save our worrying and fretting for night time, while we are lying in bed trying to sleep. Remember that worrying is a form of praying for what you DON'T want, especially in theta/slumber state. Switch over your thoughts to what you DO want, say your I am's, and list all the things you are grateful for. You just may be surprised at what shows up in your future.

Use your time before sleep wisely. How we spend this time is, perhaps, the most important part of our day (and coming out of sleep in the morning). What are you solidifying into your subconscious? This is the best time to create through meditation/prayer, mentally rehearse your I am's... whatever you wish to be (I am healthy, strong etc). "Let the weak say I am strong..." Joel 3:10. Give thanks for what you are asking for as if you have already received it, listen to positive affirmations, or that uplifting audio book, high frequency meditative music, or visualize whatever else you want to reinforce into your subconscious mind. At the very least, your sleeps will be more restful.

Happy sleeps, everyone!