Series: Transformation Thru Sound
Transformation Thru Sound
Jul 17, 2022
Sound and Brainwaves
Location : Chiang Mai, Thailand
In Search of...
In my search for new knowledge to supplement my yoga practice, I stumbled upon a treasure trove that's reminiscent of a distant past when I first came upon these ethereal teachings that used sound to access the deeper sanctum of our subconscious and bring about altered states of consciousness. I'm talking about sound, frequency response, binaural beats, and brainwave vibrations from the research and work done by Robert Monroe and Jose Silva.
Not Knowing When to Stop
It's been 2 weeks since I got 'sick'. As a general rule, I never get sick - prana is moving all throughout me that getting sick is inconceivable. I suspect that I was pushing my body too hard with yoga so my body found a way to stop me. In all the cases I had been 'sick' in the last so many decades, it was more because I didn't know when to stop. But this is not simply a matter of work-stoppage. I have to step back, look at the big picture again, and find my bearing.
Looking for Inspiration
It was during this 'down time' that I started pondering about my yoga practice. I'm doing everything I know to deepen my practice but I seem to be stuck in a rut. I no longer feel the human enhancements, let alone the activation of my siddhis. I'm hitting my head on the ceiling but I'm not forging through. I started looking in other directions - not to abandon yoga, but to find ways in supplementing it and injecting new vigor.
Sound, Vibration and Frequency
Like an unseen hand persuading me into the realm of sound, vibration and frequency, I came upon a few modalities harnessing the power of sound through binaural beats, brain entrainment and brainwave frequencies.
Brainwave Frequencies
It should be noted that depending on the website, the frequency ranges of the brainwaves differ. I cannot seem to find a reliable or official one.
- Delta Waves
Frequency range: 0.5 TO 4 Hz
Condition: deep sleep
Slowest brainwaves (low frequency and deeply penetrating, like a drum beat). They are found most often in infants as well as young children. As we age, we tend to produce less delta even during deep sleep. They are generated during deep meditation and dreamless sleep. When activated, they produce the deepest levels of relaxation and restorative, healing sleep. Adequate production of delta waves helps us feel completely rejuvenated after we wake up from a good night’s sleep.
In yogic parlance, this seems to be the same state achieved during Yoga Nidra (putting the body in deep controlled sleep as the mind remains alert and awake to explore within). - Theta waves
Frequency range: 4 Hz to 8 Hz
Condition: daydreaming and regular sleeping
Connecting the dots from other sources, this seems to be the same state when you go into REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement, also the ideal state to induce Lucid Dreaming).
The Robert Monroe's Hemi-Sync Method syncs left and right hemispheres of the brain to reach altered states of consciousness in the Theta brainwave (as suggested in the Gateway Process, but other sites seem to suggest Beta brainwave, which is somehow contradicted by other modalities). - Alpha Waves
Frequency range: 8 Hz to 12 Hz
Condition: that very thin line between the waking state and the sleep state.
This frequency range bridges the gap between our conscious thinking and subconscious mind (frequency range between theta and beta). In other words, alpha is that fleeting stage when we are about to fall asleep...but not yet. This is the state where we gain access to our subconscious. But again, this is very difficult to sustain, because it only lasts a few seconds and we're not even aware that we are already in it, until we fall asleep - and now, we are in Theta.
In the Siva Method, access to alpha brainwaves is essential to induce altered states of consciousness. In many modalities of transformation, this seems to be the ideal state to pass on suggestions to the subconscious mind without the filters (as a metaphor, let's call it the guard dogs). The filters (guard dogs) are responsible for stopping thoughts and suggestions to reach the subconscious (which is also a good thing because this creates a steadiness in our thinking and perception). This is also the reason why stopping to smoke by sheer willpower and verbal affirmations don't usually work. But in alpha mode, the guard dogs are 'put to sleep' so the suggestions are carried through. - Beta Waves
Frequency range: 12 Hz to 40 Hz
Condition: the normal waking state where we function in day-to-day life
They are involved in conscious thought and logical thinking. Having the right amount of beta waves allows us to be functional members of society. Think of these as being very fast brain waves that most people exhibit throughout the day to complete conscious tasks - critical thinking, writing, reading, and socialization. - Gamma Waves
Frequency range: 40 Hz to 100 Hz
Condition: high performance in the waking state, demanding focused concentration, being in trance-like state where time passes by unnoticed (e.g. mountain bike race, doing art, playing music). This is also called the channeling state.
Involved in high-concentration tasks as well as cognitive functioning. 40 Hz gamma wave is important for learning new material.
In an independent experiment, Dr. Lee Bartel, discovered that 40 Hz vibration (Gamma brainwave) gives rise to cell repair and recovery.
Green Pastures
I stumbled upon 3 alternatives - powerful ones whose effectiveness has been tested through time.
- Siva Method by Jose Silva - using mental techniques to enhance ESP. Granted, these 3 can be overwhelming. I chose to start with The Silva Mind Control Method.
- Hemi-Sync by Robert Monroe - using binaural beats to sync the left and right hemispheres of the brain to increase psychic abilities
- 40 Hz vibration by Dr. Lee Bartel - sounds at 40 Hz and brain waves at 40 Hz prove beneficial to healing Alzheimer's, Fibromyalgia and other diseases
Ending Thoughts
Honestly? I'm a little confused. While these experts are saying brainwaves and sound help in reaching altered states of consciousness and enhance healing, it is conflicting on exactly what brainwave it's happening at. Some say alpha, some say gamma, etc. Which is which? If I step back and be more critical, how do we even know at what brainwave we are currently functioning at despite the binaural beats and specific frequency vibrations we listen to? One thing they all agree on is that the body needs to be completely relaxed to access the inner sanctum of the mind.
My conclusion? I no longer care in what brainwave range I'm currently at. All I need to do is sit in padmasana (full lotus) with my mudra of choice (gyana, anjali, akash, etc.), and put the body, mind and spirit in a very relaxed mode by chanting a mantra of my choice (Om, Lam, Yam, Ham, Ram, etc.). With my daily meditation practice, this is the easy part. Once relaxed, I'll simply play the brainwave sound and visualize the realization of my intentions...with gratitude and humility. I am confident that this is the optimized way of using soundscape to expand consciousness.
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
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Chiang Mai INFORMATION
Chiang Mai Map
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Bus Station
Train Station
Chiang Mai International Airport
Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily
Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families
La Pizza Chiang Mai - Italian pizza, pasta, wine, dessert, coffee
Natural Bird Nest by Burapa - authentic bird's nest soup
ITM - International Training Massage School - Chiang Mai's most prestigious massage school
Float Chiang Mai - sensory deprivation float pod
Zira Spa - upscale authentic Thai massage and spa treatment
Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Chiang Mai FYI / Tips
- crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
- hot season begins March and lasts until June
- wet season begins July and lasts until September
- best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
- you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
- the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
- to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
- get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
- shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
- for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km2 with lots to discover
- FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.
Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai
- North Gate Jazz Coop - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays at 11pm by the Chiang Mai Blues band
- Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
- My Secret Cafe - near Wat Phra Singh. Tuesdays at 7:30pm for the changing front-act and 9:00pm for the Panic Band
- Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
Chiang Mai Cost Index
- B60 Chiang beer
- B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
- B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage (highly recommended)
- B50 noodle soup with meat
- B50 coffee
- B40 pad thai
- B30/kilo wash-only laundry
- B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
- B100-150 dorm bed/night
- B250 fan room/night
- B30 internet cafe/hour
- B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
- B130-150 Movies weekdays
- B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
- B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
- B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
- B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
- B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva (highly recommended)
- B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
- B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
- B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
- B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
- B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
- B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
- B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
- B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
- B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- B638 #7 a/c train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- B50 red taxi fare from point to point
- B100 red taxi fare from train terminal to city
- B2000 full day elephant sanctuary
- B750 Chiang Rai one-day tour
- B1500 mountain biking scenic ride
Chiang Mai Trains by Train36.com
- Chiang Mai trains for Bangkok - 2 day trains, 3 night trains, daily schedule
- Train 14 to Bangkok - departs 5pm daily, arrives BKK 6:15am, 1st class and 2nd class sleeping accomodation, Special Express
- Chiang Mai trains to other destinations -
Chiang Mai to Bangkok Trains
source: railway.co.th- Check Train Schedule & Fares
- Book Online - direct booking with State Railway of Thailand. Best to register first. If going to BKK from CNX, click "Northern Line".
note -- big difference between booking direct with the State Railway and booking with an online 3rd party agent. 12GO was charging B1330 for the same trip that only cost me B941 with the State Railway.
note -- Oct 2022, I took the #10 Train from CNX to BKK, upper berth, 2nd class, a/c, sleeper, B941. The train was clean, fast, comfortable and modern. If you have heavy luggage that will cost more money in flight checkin, I would suggest this train. Otherwise, the flight now is so much cheaper it doesn't even make sense to take the bus or train.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station
For more train info: Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains - departing from Hua Lamphong - MRT (Bangkok)
(I'm using Bang Sue as a starting point because I was closer to it, but you may be closer to the Hua Lamphong station)
- take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
- Proceed to Counter 2. You will see an information booth, a train schedule chart and the ticket counter. Choose the train and pay at the ticket counter.
- daily train schedule:
- 8:48am - #7 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:30pm, not sleeper, B638
- 2:06pm - #109 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 4:05am, sleeper
- 6:31pm - #9 Premium Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:15am, sleeper, B938 upper deck, B1038 lower deck
- 7:56pm - #13 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 8:40am, sleeper, B768 upper deck, B838 lower deck
- 10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck
Loei to Chiang Mai by Bus
- From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
- As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
- The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
- Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
- Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).
Chiangmai Blogs by TheLoneRider
- Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019 - Oct 10, 2022
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Oct 10, 2022
- Siamaya Chocolates Oct 2, 2022 [an error occurred while processing this directive]
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- Carrot Cake Sep 12, 2022
- Making Coconut Bread Sep 3, 2022
- August Snapshots Aug 31, 2022
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- Coconut Pancake Aug 11, 2022
- July Snapshots Jul 31, 2022
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Jul 31, 2022
- Jason, Max and Elizabeth Pizza Nite Jul 28, 2022
- Yakiniku Dinner with Max and Jason Jul 25, 2022
- Icebath at Nawa Saraan Jul 6 - Oct 5, 2022
- June Snapshots Jun 30, 2022
- Tom, Chunyah and Simona Pizza Nite Jun 23, 2022
- Yoga Class Pizza Nite Jun 15, 2022
- Pranayama with Nicha Jun 14, 2022
- May Snapshots May 31, 2022
- Lover's Quarrel May 26, 2022
- Getting Lost on a Hike May 25, 2022
- Biohacker Meetup at 'Living with The Spirit' May 22, 2022
- Music and Magic at Paapu House May 5, 2022
- Breathwork + Icebath @ Alt_Chiangmai II Apr 20, 2022
- April Chronicles 2022 Apr 30, 2022
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- Pizza Nite with Jerry, Paolo and Abby Apr 9, 2022
- Tom Maher's Muay Thai Fight Apr 8, 2022
- Breathwork + Icebath @ Alt_Chiangmai Apr 6, 2022
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- March Chronicles 2022 Mar 31, 2022
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- Street Photo Mar 31, 2022
- Yoga and Fitness Mar 26, 2022
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- Pizza Nite with Kevin, Jamie and Kris Mar 10, 2022
- In Search of Genetic Immortality Mar 5, 2022
- February Chronicles 2022 Feb 28, 2022
- Palm-Feeding Wild Birds Feb 26, 2022
- Cuckoo Feb 16, 2022
- Tell John Feb 16, 2022
- Pizza Nite with Kris, Simona and Mary Feb 15, 2022
- Pizza Nite with the Chiang Mai Boyz Feb 6, 2022
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- January Snapshots Jan 31, 2022
- ABS Fitness Challenge Jan 16 - Apr 16, 2022
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- Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
- Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
- Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
- Border Crossing from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Bangkok (Thailand) to Chiang Mai April 9-10, 2016
Travel Tips for Thailand
How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days
This process is BEFORE Covid 19. Not sure what it is now.
- Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
b) flight booking to Thailand
c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
d) filled-in tourist visa form
e) 2 passport pictures
f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
g) passport with at least 6 months validity - After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
- NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.
60-Day Thai Tourist Visa
NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.
- bring the following to the Immigration Office:
a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
b) Baht 1900
c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture - submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
- when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
- when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
- when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes
30-Day Extension
NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.
Book Train Tickets in Thailand
Book Train Tickets in Thailand Online by Train36.com
General Travel Tips
- arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
- put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
- avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
- power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!
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