Past Tense

Over time there have been many Philosophers and Thinkers (including the ancients) who have wondered about the mind and how it works for humans. This self-same type of investigation goes on today, assisted greatly by modern science.

The “split mind” is a modern idea which theorizes that one side of our brain (mind) is more suited to one set of duties or situations than the other. This idea seems to make sense and it is the basis of much research today.

Therefore, there is often talk about “thinking with the right side of the brain.” This means that the thinker is in contact with the brain’s right side — the place where thinking takes place. Well, good enough, but what about the left side of the brain?

The duties of the brain’s left side are more about control and regulation. This is where the pilot is piloting the body and watching what is going on. Bodily functions are controlled and regulated, here.

The theory seems to be that not much real thinking is going on for the busy left side. Its more like day-to-day management.

New methods of “looking into” the brain have brought about some very elegant and smart ideas. The split brain idea has been studied extensively and continues.

But that brings up a question. How hard is it to ‘look inside a living brain? The brain is, after all, relatively hard to get to inside our bony skulls.

Scientists found early on that when a subject is thinking about something or doing a task, the blood will flow to the area of the brain which is suited to this activity. Blood flows are an indicator of where brains are active.

When a researcher knows what the person under investigation is using his brain for, then blood flow will pinpoint where that activity takes place in the physical brain.

This discovery has lead to a lot of mapping of the brain. We know quite accurately where sight and sound are being processed, for example. Or, also, where certain kinds of thought processes are taking place.

Today, there is a more complicated way to find our way around the brain. This is to monitor electrical signals which are generated when synapses fire as thoughts move around. Synapses are areas where tiny electrical charges move from synapse to synapse as we think. Our brains are biological electrical organs in the body. This phenomenon has been extensively studied. Many useful discoveries have been made.

A fairly recent discovery which has been the basis of much additional work is the study of brain waves. There are four types.

BETA – The fastest and representing the most intense state of alertness. Beta is caused by mental activity. Our minds are in Beta when we are up and doing things. When we are fully awake we are in Beta.

ALPHA – This brain wave indicates a relaxed mind. It is a meditative mind. The Right and the Left brain are said to be working together in Alpha. Alpha is a good state to be in to learn things fast and for test taking. Psychic/mental states of mind can occur. Here are seen visions, powerful ideas and even the creation of the incredible.

THETA – Deep meditation. A high state of mental concentration which is associated with life-like imagination. A magical mind. This brain wave is best for suggestibility and inspiration. Oddly, being in Theta is dominant in children of ages 2 to 5.

DELTA – When your mind is here it is in deep, dreamless sleep. With this brain waye you are in a deep relaxed. The belief is that there might be some things may be accomplished while in Delta.

Most of those who work with the brain attempt do it while their subject is in the Alpha state. Alpha generates a quiet, calm feeling in people. Being in Alpha may cause people to become more likely to cooperate with ideas or others.

There are ways to influence the brain (mind) to be more serene, to be more creative or to have an influence on our physical body. It seems to some people that encouraging the mind to have an effect on our physical body is a far stretch. Others, do not agree and cite examples of such seeming miracles taking place. There is work going on in the area of mind/body influences as we speak.

Disclaimer – This information is not meant to diagnose, cure, treat or mitigate any disease or condition. Before using consult your doctor or medical advisor. This information given here is not approved by any government agency – it is for educational purposes only