The Visualization Process
and Relaxation
Nature sounds by themselves can be soothing
to the ear and really can help you in relaxing and falling asleep. The
problem I found with them (i.e. ocean waves, storm sounds) was
the lack of context. That is, I wanted nature sounds to reflect
the environment they were in or, better yet, the environment I
wanted to be in.
By putting the content of naturally
relaxing sounds into a specific context the
listener can visualize a particularly relaxing scenario. This
visualization helps the transition into the Theta brainwave
state. The Theta brainwave state is very deep relaxation much
like one could achieve through meditation or hypnosis. The
scientifically accepted transition into sleep is relaxation
(Alpha waves) transitioning into a trance-like meditative Theta
brainwave state (much like when you drive an automobile from
here to there but don't remember how you got there). The mind
then goes into a Delta (sleep) brainwave state. As the delta
brainwave state initiates we have other transitory things
happening like REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and dreaming.
It
is interesting to note that both dreaming and visualizing appear
active in the secondary visual cortex; a section of our big
brains whose main function is to process images filtered thru
the primary visual cortex (i.e. things we see with our eyes
open). When our eyes are closed and we think visually the
secondary visual cortex behaves in much the same manner as it
would if you were actually dreaming. This simple and
natural phenomena also works in meditation. One of Virtual Dreaming's
secrets is that if one visualizes to our recordings
one can achieve many of the benefits of meditation.
One other note: The more times you listen to
our Virtual Dreams, the more potent they become. This is simply
because, as the listener becomes aware of the sequence of
events, visualizations can be anticipated.
Lastly, patrons of our recordings do not have
to visualize to achieve a deep sense of relaxation. They can just enjoy the ocean waves, thunder, wind
chimes or other relaxing sounds just like any other relaxing nature sound
recording. But I think that you will find visualizing to
be an easy and effective way to transition to deep sleep.
Brad McBride
Return
to Sleep
Thoughts
