From: marsha 
Subject: [illusions] Altered States newsletter no 60
Date: 25 Aug 2000 20:15:31 -0400
To: illusions@beyond-the-illusion.com

-=> Illusions Mailing List

>Delivered-To: button@sasquatch.com
>Date: 25 Aug 2000 07:01:17 -0000
>From: altered@xtra.co.nz
>Reply-To: altered@xtra.co.nz
>To: altered@xtra.co.nz
>Subject: Altered States newsletter no 60
>
>___________________________________________________________
>Welcome to Altered States newsletter no 60
>Greetings! Welcome to the f60th issue of our email newsletter for Altered
>States customers, website visitors and friends. (Sometimes friends
>subscribe friends, if you are not interested in receiving this newsletter,
>we apologise for the inconvenience, instructions for easy unsubscribing
>are below).
>
>If you¼re new to our newsletter list and would like to see previous issues
>just email lynne or barry with The subject of you interest
>We hope you find value in this newsletter. We welcome your input and feedback.
>
>PLEASE, SEND THIS NEWSLETTER TO A FRIEND
>Meditation will never be the same, what once took years now takes 5 mins..
>The altered state a goal of the ancients achieved through years of
>meditation is now available within minutes thanks to advanced light and
>sound technologies and amazing binaural beets
>
>Meditation FAQ
>1. What is meditation?
>The basic idea generally associated with why people meditate is that
>during our day we are constantly subjected to sensory input and our minds
>are always active in the process of thinking. We read the newspaper, study
>books, write reports, engage in conversation, solve problems, etc etc.
>
>Typically, as we do these normal activities we engage in a constant mental
>commentary, sort of an inner "The Drama of Me."  Usually people aren't
>fully aware of all the mental thought activity that we are constantly
>engaged in. Meditation allows all this activity to settle down, and often
>results in the mind becoming more peaceful, calm and focused.
>In essence, meditation allows the awareness to become 'rejuvenated'.
>Meditation can be considered a technique, or practice. It usually involves
>concentrating on an object, such as a flower, a candle, a sound or word,
>or the breath. Over time, the number of random thoughts occurring
>diminishes. More importantly, your attachment to
>these thoughts, and your identification with them, progressively become
>less. The meditation subject may get caught up in a thought pattern,
>but once he/she becomes aware of this, attention is gently brought back to
>the object of concentration. Meditation can also be
>objectless, for example consisting of just sitting.
>
>Experiences during meditation probably vary significantly from one
>individual to another, or at least if different techniques are involved.
>Relaxation, increased awareness, mental focus and clarity, and a sense of
>peace are the most common by-products of meditation.
>While much has been written about the benefits of meditation, the best
>attitude is not to have any expectations when practicing.
>Having a sense of expectation of (positive) results is likely to create
>unnecessary strain in the practice.
>
>As well, since meditation involves becoming more aware and more sensitive
>to what is within you, facing unpleasant parts of oneself may well be part
>of meditation.
>Regardless of the experience, the meditation subject should try to be
>aware of the experience and of any attachment to it.
>Failure to experience silence, peace of mind, mental clarity, bliss, or
>other promoted benefit of meditation is not in itself a sign of incorrect
>practice or that one can't concentrate properly or concentrate enough to
>be good at meditation.
>Whether one experiences peace or bliss is not what is important. What is
>generally considered important in meditation is that one
>is regular with their meditation -every day- and that one makes a
>reasonable effort, but not strain, to remain with the object of attention
>during the practice. With regular practice one inevitably acquires an
>increased understanding of and proficiency with the particular meditation
>technique.
>
>Some people use the formal concentrative meditation as a preliminary step
>to practicing a mindfulness meditation during the day where one tries to
>maintain a calm but increased awareness of one's thoughts and actions
>during the day.
>
>For some people, meditation is primarily a spiritual practice, and in some
>cases the meditation practice may be closely tied to the
>practice of a religion such as, for example, Hinduism or Buddhism.
>
>3. How is meditation different from relaxation, thinking, concentration or
>self-hypnosis?
>Relaxation: Relaxation is a common by-product of meditation. Relaxation
>itself can assume many forms, such as taking a hot bath or reclining in
>the Lazy-boy and watching tv, etc.
>Meditation is an active process where the meditation subject remains fully
>aware of what the awareness is doing. It also attempts to transcend
>the thought process whereas many forms of relaxation still engage the
>thought process. Meditation allows the body to relax and can offset the
>effects of stress both mentally and physically to a potentially much
>greater degree than passive relaxation.
>
>Thinking: Thoughts generally consume energy in the process of their
>formation. Constant thought-activity, especially of random nature, can
>tire the mind and even bring on headache. Meditation attempts to transcend
>this crude level of thought activity. Through regular practice one becomes
>aware that they are not their thoughts but that there is an awareness that
>exists independent of thought.
>
>Concentration: Meditation begins with concentration, but after an initial
>period of concentration, thought activity decreases and keeping the
>awareness focused becomes more spontaneous. At this point the person may
>or may not continue to employ the object of concentration.
>
>Self-hypnosis: Self-hypnosis, like meditation, involves at least an
>initial period of concentration on an object. However in hypnosis one does
>not try to maintain an awareness of the here-and-now, or to stay conscious
>of the process. Instead one essentially enters a sort of semi-conscious
>trance.
>4. What are the different meditation techniques?
>Meditation involves concentrating on something to take our attention
>beyond the random thought activity that is usually going on in our heads.
>This can involve a solid object or picture, a mantra, breath, or guided
>visualization.
>
>Typical objects employed include a candle flame or a flower. Some people
>use pictures, such as a mandala - a highly colored symmetric painting - or
>a picture of a spiritual teacher in a high meditative state. Mantras
>are sounds which have a flowing, meditative quality and may be repeated
>out loud or inwardly. The breath is also a common focal point. Finally,
>guided visualization is also considered by some to be a form of meditation.
>A guided visualization can help to bring one into a meditative state;
>also, visualization may be used once a meditative state has been reached
>to produce various results.
>5. Which meditation is right for me?
>There is no "right" meditation technique for everybody.
>Some techniques work better for certain people while other techniques work
>better for other people. The important thing is to find what works for you.
>6. What are some meditation guidelines?
>… There are a few recommended guidelines for meditation:
>… It should be done every day, preferably at the same time
>… It should preferably be done before a meal rather than  after a meal
>… A spot should be set aside for meditation, which should  be a quiet
>place and used for nothing but meditation
>One should sit with the spine straight and vertical (a chair is ok to use)
>7. Is there any religious implication or affiliation with meditation?
>Meditation has been and still is a central practice in eastern religions,
>for contacting "God" or one's higher Self. Christianity also has
>semblances of meditation, such as the biblical statement "The kingdom of
>heaven is within you". Churches have a meditative atmosphere.
>Meditation deals with contacting something within us
>that is peaceful, calm, rejuvenating, and meaningful. Whether one calls
>this something "God" or "soul" or
>"the inner child" or "theta-wave activity" or "peace" or "silence" is not
>important. It is there and anyone can benefit from it regardless of what
>they believe.
>Most people in the world have already meditated. If you have relaxed
>looking at a beautiful sunset, allowing your thoughts to quiet down, this
>is close to meditation. If you have been reading a book for awhile, then
>put it
>down to take a break and just sat there quietly and peacefully for a few
>minutes without thinking, this is close to meditation.
>8. Does meditation have any ethical implications?
>In many traditions meditation practice is a means for reinforcing ethical
>qualities. In these traditions, calmness of mind,
>peacefulness and happiness are possible in meditation and in life
>generally only if they are accompanied by the observance of ethical norms
>of behavior.
>9. What is the best time of day to meditate?
>While meditation is beneficial at any time, most people who meditate agree
>that early morning is the best time to meditate.
>Part of the reason is that it is said that in early morning the
>hustle-and-bustle of the world has not yet begun and so it is easier to
>establish a meditative atmosphere.
> Having an early morning meditation also lets us carry some of the energy
>and peace of the meditation into our daily activities.
>
>Many people also meditate either before dinner or later in the evening.
>Others also meditate at noon. A short meditation at these times allows one
>to throw off some of the accumulated stress of the work-day and become
>rejuvenated for further activity.
>An important consideration is when your schedule will allow you to
>meditate. Having a time of the day set aside for meditation helps in
>maintaining regularity.
>10. Why do some people use light and sound, music or binaural beat audio
>while meditating?
>Light and sound tools, Meditative music (not rock-n-roll !) or binaural
>beats audio can help in establishing a meditative atmosphere very quickly.
>Also, some people find meditation relatively easy but find that the hard
>thing is to actually get themselves to sit down and start their
>meditation. Music
>can help make this easier. Some people use music with their light and
>sound tools.
>Most people find light and sound machines give a deeper meditative stateÖ.
>11. Should I meditate with my eyes open or with my eyes closed?
>Different traditions give different answers.  Closing your eyes may
>contribute to drowsiness and sleepiness--if that's the case for
>you then try opening them a little.  Opening your eyes may be distracting.
>If that's the case try closing your eyes or direct your gaze on a blank
>wall (Zen-style). Or try with the eyes open halfway or a bit more, the
>gaze unfocussed and directed downward,but keeping the head erect with the
>chin slightly tucked in.
>Sometimes meditation subjects experience headaches from focusing on a
>spot too close to the eyes (perhaps closer than three feet). Whether
>focused or unfocussed, the gaze should be relaxed in order to prevent
>eyestrain or headache.
>Experiment and see what works for you and then stick with your
>choice of technique. If you are using a candle, flower, or other
>visual object in your meditation then here the technique itself
>requires your eyes to be at least partly open.
>12. What are the physiological effects of meditation?
>The most common physiological effects of meditation are reduced blood
>pressure, lower pulse rate, decreased metabolic rate and changes in the
>concentration of serum levels of various substancesÖ.
>
>BALANCE
>BALANCE IS THE KEY to mastery in a human being. Meditation is the foremost
>technique for achieving balance and addressing the challenge of human
>mastery. Throughout history, such mastery was the result of many years of
>arduous training and hours-a-day spent in isolated meditative practice. In
>our contemporary Western society, very few of  us devote our time to
>create such a disciplined and rigorous lifestyle.
>Yet, the desire to move beyond our boundaries, to explore the nature of
>transcendental experience and to witness the peace which lies at the heart
>of our being is natural to human beings in all times and all cultures.
>As Westerners, we seek a more efficient way, a method that is congruent
>with our fast-paced lifestyle and non-traditional belief system. We have
>found the most effective method available today for achieving balance and
>addressing the challenge of human mastery are Light and Sound tools.
>13. When I meditate I experience physical pain in my body. What should I do?
>Sensations (itching/aches/pains/etc.) can arise in the body when
>meditating for several reasons.  Sometimes the cause is just an
>uncomfortable posture--make sure that your posture is comfortable under
>normal circumstances.  Other times the cause is that sensations in the
>body are more noticeable in meditation.  The body and mind are calmer and
>you are able to notice more details in your bodily experience.  It is
>often interesting to simply observe these sensations in your body : to use
>them as the objects of meditation.  Sometimes these sensations just go
>away without your having to move or change your posture. Remember that a
>quiet body contributes to a quiet mind.
>14. How long should I meditate?
>
>When first learning meditation it is usually not possible to meditate for
>more than 10-15 minutes. After regular
>practice for awhile, one becomes able to meditate for longer periods of
>time. Many people meditate twice-daily
>for 20-30 minutes each time, but the right duration and frequency is for
>each individual to decide.
>1. Do I need a meditation teacher?
>
>The short answer is no if you are going to use modern technologies eg
>Light and sound tools, hemisync tapes, etc..
>otherwise
>It is theoretically possible to learn meditation from a book. However most
>people who teach and practice meditation
>agree that a teacher can be an invaluable aid in learning a meditation
>technique and making sure it is practiced correctly. The beginner will
>usually have several questions which a teacher will be able to answer.
>Various individuals and groups teach meditation. Some charge and some do
>not. Many different techniques are taught, some
>more spiritual in nature and others mainly concerned with stress-reduction
>and gaining a little peace of mind. As always, the important thing is
>finding what works for you.
>
>Monks, Shamans, Drum Beats, Primitive Cultures, Rhythmic Sound & The Brain
>
>Studies have shown that vibrations from rhythmic sounds have a profound
>effect on brain activity. In shamanic traditions, drums were used in
>periodic rhythm to transport the shaman into other realms of reality. The
>vibrations from this constant rhythm affected the brain in a very specific
>manner, allowing the shaman to achieve an altered state of mind and
>journey out of his or her body .
>Brain pattern studies conducted by researcher Melinda Maxfield into the
>(SSC) Shamanic State of Consciousness found that the steady rhythmic beat
>of the drum struck four and one half times per second was the key to
>transporting a shaman into the deepest part of his shamanic state of
>consciousness. It is no coincidence that 4.5 beats, or cycles per second
>corresponds to the trance like state of theta brain wave activity. In
>direct correlation, we see similar effects brought on by the constant and
>rhythmic drone of Tibetan Buddhist chants, which transport the monks and
>even other listeners into realms of blissful meditation.
>The gentle pulsating rhythms (binaural beat) of our light and sound tools
>and brain synchronization tapes act in a similar fashion, yet because the
>frequencies are electronically generated, they are precise, consistent and
>can be targeted to induce highly specific and desired brain states. Much
>like tuning a radio to get a particular station, our brain synchronization
>tapes can induce a variety of brain states. Effecting Alertness,
>Concentration, Focus & Cognition Relaxation, Visualization, & Creativity
>Intuition, Memory, Meditation Vivid Visual Imagery Deep Sleep, Detached
>Awareness
>There are frequencies/rhythms which when dominant in the brain correlate
>with a specific state of mind. There are generally 4 groupings of brain
>waves:
>
>1. Beta waves range between 13-40 HZ. The beta state is associated with
>peak concentration, heightened alertness and visual acuity. Nobel Prize
>Winner, Sir Francis Crick and other scientists believe that the 40HZ beta
>frequency used by using light and sound tools and many Brain Sync tapes
>may be key to the act of cognition.
>
>2. Alpha waves range between 7-12 HZ. This is a place of deep relaxation,
>but not quite meditation. In Alpha, we begin to access the wealth of
>creativity that lies just below our conscious awareness - it is the
>gateway, the entry point that leads into deeper states of consciousness.
>Alpha is also the home of the window frequency known as the Schuman
>Resonance, which is the resonant frequency of the earth's electromagnetic
>field.
>
>3. Theta waves range between 4-7 HZ. Theta is one of the more elusive and
>extraordinary realms we can explore. It is also known as the twilight
>state which we normally only experience fleetingly as we rise up out of
>the depths of delta upon waking, or drifting off to sleep. In theta we are
>in a waking dream, vivid imagery flashes before the mind's eye and we are
>receptive to information beyond our normal conscious awareness. During the
>Theta state many find they are capable of comprehending advanced concepts
>and relationships that become incomprehensible when returning to Alpha or
>Beta states. Theta has also been identified as the gateway to learning and
>memory. Theta meditation increases creativity, enhances learning, reduces
>stress and awakens intuition and other extrasensory perception skills.
>When the brain is in Theta it appears to balance sodium/potassium ratios
>which are responsible for the transport of chemicals through brain cell
>membranes. This appears to play a role in rejuvenating the fatigued brain.
>
>4. Delta waves range between 0-4 HZ. Delta is associated with deep sleep.
>In addition, certain frequencies in the delta range trigger the release of
>Growth Hormone beneficial for healing and regeneration. This is why sleep,
>deep restorative sleep is so essential to the healing process.
>
>SYNCHRONIZE BOTH HEMISPHERES OF THE BRAIN
>Invoke vivid spontaneous mental imagery and imaginative creative thinking
>Reduce pain, promote euphoria, and stimulate endorphine release enjoy deep
>States of meditative bliss
>
>Light and sound machines
>David Paradise  http://www.altered-states.net/mind/david.htm
>Navo Pro 100     http://www.altered-state.com/mind/np10098.htm
>Nova Pro            http://www.altered-states.net/mind/photoson.htm
>Muse Sharp       http://www.altered-states.net/mind/museshar.htm
>Audio Strobe     http://www.altered-state.com/astrobe/welcome.htm
>
>Hemi Sync Binaural Beats
>Meditation      http://www.altered-state.com/hemi2/index3.htm
>Spiritual growth    http://www.altered-state.com/hemi2/index3.htm
>Expanded awareness    http://www.altered-state.com/hemi2/index3.htm
>Profound relaxation   http://www.altered-state.com/hemi2/index3.htm
>Stress reduction   http://www.altered-state.com/hemi2/index3.htm
>Heightened creativity   http://www.altered-state.com/hemi2/index3.htm
>Sleep enhancement    http://www.altered-state.com/hemi2/index3.htm
>Pain control physical wellness   http://www.altered-state.com/hemi2/index3.htm
>
>Four great news letters you can receive
>
>1/AntiagingÖ
>for up to the minute natural antiaging developments and products
>to join just mailto:
>Antiaging@tantra.co.nz?subject=pleasesubscribe
>
>2/Sexual enhancementÖ
>for the latest information on natural enhancement, for sexual problems and
>tips and supplements for enhancing sexual performance..
>to join just mailto:
>sexual@tantra.co.nz?subject=pleasesubscribe
>
>3/ We have been putting out a philosophy/ancient and modern wisdom type
>newsletter for many years, and are  updating our files .
>Would like to receive these gems from time to time
>to join just mailto:
>Philosophy@tantra.co.nz?subject=pleasesubscribe
>
>4/  Alternative Health
>Natural ways to good health
>Alternativehealth@tantra.co.nz?subject=pleasesubscribe
>
>Catalogue on CD Rom
>Our whole website is now available on cd rom
>This Interactive CD rom has every thing on our website from mind tools to
>health products
>Weight loss- sleeping problems, OBE,S - lucid dreaming, over 1500 products
>and articlesÖ
>The whole Altered States catalogue can be viewed on your computer in your
>own time at your own leisureÖ
>The fully interactive CD rom is just $US2.00 just to cover postage thanks..
>This charge is completely Refundable with your first purchaseÖ
>
>You can use this secure order form to order your Altered States cd rom..
>https://kremlin.burst.net/~altered-/orderf.htm
>
>If you have ordered from us before your credit card details should be on
>file just email your name and address and put  cd rom in the subject line Ö
>
>Thank you we appreciate your support,
>We will continue to bring you the best most reliable products availableÖ
>
>Also
>Click here to register as an affiliate
>https://coldfusion.affiliateshop.com/AADMSignup.cfm?wid=000319
>
>warm regards
>Lynne and Barry
>phone  64 9 8155095
>fax       64 9 8155067
>altered@altered-states.co.nz
>To translate our sites into your particular language use the Alta Vista
>Translator
>http://babelfish.altavista.digital.com/cgi-bin/translate?
>Download our complete catalogue: http://www.altered-states.co.nz/catalogf.htm
>Search for a product : http://www.altered-states.net/cgi-bin/search.cgi
>ICQ chat no 2021593
>
>A SITE DEDICATED TO TRUTH, PEACE, JUSTICE, LOVE AND FREEDOM
>
>Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies, for any
>reason. We value each and every one of our subscribers and their privacy!
>This is an opt-in list, and we have a copy of every subscription request
>on file. If you believe someone has subscribed you against your will and
>do not wish to receive this newsletter, let us know and we will look into
>it for you. Or better yet, save yourself some time and just unsubscribe.
>
>This Newsletter is being sent in compliance with Senate bill 1618, Title
>3, section 301.
>http://www.senate.gov/~murkowski/commercialemail/
>Here is a more detailed version of the legal notice above:
>This message is sent in compliance of the new e-mail bill: SECTION 301.
>Per Section 301, Paragraph (a)
>(2)(C) of S. 1618, http://www.senate.gov/~murkowski/commercialemail/
>Further transmissions to you by the sender of this email may be stopped at
>no cost to you by sending a
>reply to this email address with the word "please remove" in the subject
>line. (no other word works)
>mailto:pleaseremove@altered-state.com?subject=pleaseremovenewsletter
>
>Please read the DISCLAIMER. Altered States products are sold for learning,
>self-improvement and simple relaxation. No statement contained in this
>catalogue, and no information provided by any Altered States employee,
>should be construed as a claim or representation that these products are
>intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or
>prevention of disease or any other medical condition. The information
>contained in this catalogue is deemed to be based on reliable and
>authoritative report. However, certain persons considered experts may
>disagree with one or more of the statements contained here. Altered States
>assumes no liability or risk involved in the use of the products described
>here. We make no warranty, expressed or implied, other than that the
>material conforms to applicable standard specifications.
>LET PEACE AND PEACE AND PEACE BE EVERYWHERE
>



--
-=> Discuss the illusions of reality....
-=> Illusions Mailing List - Illusions@beyond-the-illusion.com
-=> http://www.beyond-the-illusion.com/mailman/listinfo/illusions/