An alpha mind is a brighter mind. But, what exactly does an alpha mind mean? How to teach a child to attain it? And what are the benefits of obtaining it? This article will take you through these three important questions step-by-step.

What is an alpha mind?

Technically speaking, when our mind is calm and mindful, our brain wave operates in an ideal frequency, that is classified as an alpha state. Alpha state is conducive for activities like reading, memorizing, and reproducing what is learned. It is also the best state to perform well in arts and music.

Alpha state also unleashes the creative genius inside us. Many great human inventions are moments of inspiration rather than logical deductions. Alpha state has the potential to kindle such creative and intuitive powers. Simply put, it is a state of high receptiveness, awareness, and creative potential

Today’s stressful life fills our minds with anxiety. It pulls our consciousness in different directions. It is very difficult to remain focused and calm during such times. Enduring such mental states consistently leads to a cognitive and emotional decline in children and adults alike.  Training the mind to constantly operate in an alpha state despite the grind of modern lifestyle, helps us improve holistic physical and psychological health.

How to attain an alpha state of mind?

The mind operates naturally in alpha frequencies at certain times of the day. When we wake up in the morning, our mind operates in an alpha state for about fifteen minutes or so. But it doesn't stay there for long. As we move into the rigour of the day, it moves to higher frequencies.

Meditation was used for ages to develop an alpha mind. But plain meditation demands controlling thoughts for long periods. This takes a lot of willpower to achieve, which children may lack. So it may not produce the desired benefits.

Kids can engage in other activities to develop alpha states. Specific breathing techniques, meridian tapping techniques, brain gym exercises, visual imagery, yoga nidra and creative visualization activities are such time-tested methods. A systematic approach that incorporates all these techniques can give tremendous benefits to a child’s developing mind.

What are the benefits of obtaining an alpha mind?

Inculcating values: Parents get frustrated with kids disobeying them. The conscious mind of a child is not mature enough to find the good behind the harsh statements that parents make. But if the subconscious of children can be directly accessed, we can program their minds with good value systems. Alpha state of mind silences the conscious and gives access to their subconscious mind which we as parents can influence through positive affirmations

Emotional Intelligence: An agitated mind is an unproductive mind. When we are angry, we cant think logically. When we are overly nervous we cannot perform well. When we are depressed we cannot work productively. During all these situations, the mind operates in undesirable frequencies. Such situations cannot be avoided in our daily lives. If children’s minds can be trained to maintain alpha frequencies even during stressful daily routines, they can separate people from problems, develop empathy and think from a bigger perspective.

Improved cognitive functioning: When the mind is disturbed due to constant chatters from inside and outside, it becomes difficult to concentrate. This makes it difficult to focus on the tasks at hand. Concentration is required for good memory power. An alpha mind accomplishes just that. It is capable of unwavering focus and deep memory. Such a mind is capable of shining academically as well as in arts and music.

Critical thinking and decision making: Many people think impulsively and jump to conclusions. This is a sign of unstable minds. Children should be able to overcome mental biases. Future generations should be able to think rationally, contemplate deeply and make the right decisions in the interest of humanity. Alpha minds have this ability.

Increase intuitive powers: Many of life’s problems do not have straightforward answers. In such situations, complicated thinking only makes the problem worse. Here, creative, inspirational, and intuitive solutions can help. Such abilities require a superior trained mind to access boundless knowledge from the collective unconscious. An alpha mind is a gateway to higher knowledge.

As discussed earlier in the article, a systematic approach that incorporates proper techniques can give tremendous benefits to a child’s developing mind.