What is the Alpha state of mind?

Just before sleep the human brain enters the alpha state. 
When we are wide awake, our brain is in a beta (and sometimes gamma) state, but as we drift into sleep, it shifts to alpha, and then to delta and theta in deep sleep. 
The alpha state is a light hypnotic state—relaxed, yet focused and receptive. In this state of consciousness, a person is calm, able to absorb new information and become more resourceful and open to new possibilities.

In science language...

Neuroscientists measure electrical activity in the brain using EEG (electroencephalograph) machines. These machines measure 'fluctuations of energy sweeping across the neural networks of the brain'. These energy pulsations are called brain waves.

There are four distinct varieties of brain waves which have been called beta, alpha, theta, and delta.

Beta Waves -- 14 Hz to 100 Hz -- are associated with normal, waking, eyes-open consciousness; alertness, arousal, concentration, cognition.

Alpha Waves -- 8 Hz to 13 Hz -- are associated with the brain's relaxed or neutral state. This occurs when we are relaxed and healthy and not under stress.

Theta Waves -- 4 Hz to 8 Hz -- as calmness and relaxation deepen into drowsiness, the brain shifts to this twilight state between waking and sleep. Theta is associated with vivid imagery, creative insights, dreaming, visions, creative ideas.

Delta Waves -- below 4 Hz -- are typically associated with deep sleep or unconsciousness. Delta is also generated by those who can access deep trancelike or 'non-physical' states.

The simplified relationship between your brain waves and your state of consciousness can be summarized in the figure below: 

Alpha State opens the door
to the subconscious

When you allow yourself to enter the alpha state as I described, suppressed feelings will spontaneously begin to jump into your awareness as the subconscious cleanses. Just sitting still gives the subconscious the opportunity to bring its suppressed contents to consciousness for healing and clearing.

Alpha state refers to the rate of electrical vibrations of the brain. The normal waking rate, the beta state, is from 13 to 30 cycles per second. In alpha, brainwaves slow down to between 8 to 12 cycles per second. You can even go deeper, as you acquire expertise in processing, entering the theta state of 4 to 7 cycles per second. 

Much research has been done on the benefits of the alpha state. Healing occurs naturally and the conscious mind is relaxed. The body is relaxed and feels different. Processing begins: The Higher Self and the Witness begin to function. The psychic abilities are awakened. Sensitivity to the energy flow (as perceived through the feelings) increases. Visualizations and affirmations are more effective. Clearing begins, almost spontaneously. Integration is facilitated.

There are several ways to induce alpha state. Here’s one that works well for me:

 

1. Sit comfortably or lie down, closing your eyes. Perform a number of deep breaths.
2. Visualize the number 3 and say to yourself “Three” 3 times.
3. Visualize the number 2 and say to yourself “Two” 3 times.
4. Visualize the number 1 and say to yourself “One” 3 times.
5. Visualize the number 10 and say “I’m relaxing”
6. Visualize the number 9 and say “I’m calming down”
7. Visualize the number 8 and say “I’m relaxing more and more”
8. Visualize the number 7 and say “I’m calming down more and more”
9. Visualize the number 6 and say “My consciousness is clear and tranquil”
10. Visualize the number 5 and say “My whole body is relaxed”
11. Visualize the number 4 and say “I’m so relaxed so that I can’t feel the weight of my body”
12. Visualize the number 3 and say “I’m totally calm”
13. Visualize the number 2 and say “I’m totally relaxed”
14. Visualize the number 1 and say “I’m totally calm and totally relaxed. I’m at alpha.”

When you get to this point, you’ll be at alpha and should feel very relaxed. Note, that if you perform this while lying in bed and a bit tired, you can fall asleep even before your reach the end of this exercise. If you have trouble falling asleep, this is a good exercise to do every time you lie down and intend to sleep.

One of the technique  taught  when i attended  np642 camp on 24-26Feb2011 @ Awana Genting.

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