Does the Brain Filter out a Wider Awareness?

February 21, 2022 by Hālau ʻĀha Hūi Lanakila in Energywork, Gnosticism, Hermetic Alchemy, House of RA, Kaballah, Newsletter | Leave a comment

By Marjorie Woollacott, contributor, neuroscientist, professor and author

The human brain has amazing capacities. It contains billions of neurons, allowing it to process vast quantities of information so that we can function effectively. But can we have too much information? Yes, and, in fact, filtering information is one of the brain’s most important functions. Brain filtering is an adaptive strategy and ensures that only the information relevant to our goals is allowed into our consciousness. This keeps us from being flooded with irrelevancies that might distract us.

To introduce brain filtering to my neuroscience students, I show them a video of two teams throwing a ball back and forth, and instruct them to track how many times each team gets the ball. After the students give their answers, I ask if they noticed anything unusual during the video. Typically, they say no. I then tell them a man in a gorilla costume walked across the court during the play. When they watch the video again, they see the gorilla. This is a classical case of the brain filtering out information (the gorilla) irrelevant to the task (counting).

Filtering of information through the attentional pathways of our brain was brought to wide acceptance in the 1950s through the work of psychologist Donald Broadbent. There is still debate regarding where in the brain this filtering takes place, but it is known that the two sides of the brain filter information differently. The left controls information important for language abilities and goal-directed actions. The right controls a broader visual-spatial attention that allows us to take in new experiences on the boundaries of our awareness.

In her book, My Stroke of Insight, neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor describes changes in her attention following a stroke to the left side of her brain. Immediately after the stroke, she found it exhausting to focus on what someone was saying. Once she allowed herself to rest in the experience of her right brain, however, she was only aware of the present moment. She says:

In this altered state of being, my mind was no longer preoccupied with the billions of details that my brain routinely used to define and conduct my life …. As my consciousness slipped into a state of peaceful grace, I felt ethereal.

Taylor says that the greatest benefit she received from the experience was an understanding that a “deep internal peace is accessible to anyone at any time.” Taylor’s experience is similar to that reported by many meditators and suggests that reducing the activity of attentional areas in the left side of the brain diminishes one filter on our awareness–and, thus, allows us to experience an expanded consciousness.

Many people’s experiences of this wider awareness have been published over the years. During near-death experiences, for instance, subjects have described perceiving their awareness leave their body and observe details of the attempts being made to resuscitate them. People also report moments when they are aware of something happening to someone many miles away. When they come back to their normal consciousness, these people sometimes ask, “Was it real? Or was it a hallucination?” Is it possible that in these moments the normal filtering mechanisms of the brain are reduced and this reduction allows the experience of expanded consciousness? Perhaps the brain’s filtering mechanisms screen out more than just sensory information.

Current research offers additional information on attentional processing and supports Taylor’s experience that the left side of the brain may selectively filter and, thus, limit access to this broader awareness. Research also shows that training can expand the way we perceive the world. Long-term meditation training, for instance, increases right hemisphere activity, and opens our awareness to a vaster field. Another brain area that is highly activated in meditators and that actually grows larger with meditative practice, is the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The ACC is also active during such practices as hypnosis and energy healing, allowing a more expanded consciousness to modulate the activity of the brain and body.

Is it possible that reducing the dominance of the left hemisphere and modulating the activity in the ACC might minimize the brain’s filter? Could minimizing the filter explain the mystical experiences of meditators and the “paranormal” phenomena reported during near-death experiences? This might indicate that there actually is an expanded level of consciousness that is accessible to our awareness. Is it also possible that, in addition to filtering out certain sensory information, the brain also blocks our awareness of this expanded level of consciousness?

William James, considered the father of psychology, made a bold proposal about this function of the brain at the turn of the 19th century, saying that the brain filters our access to a vast consciousness, which extends beyond the limits of neural activity. James proposed that the brain acts as a partial barrier and gives us only the surface of what is possible for us to perceive. The process James described so many years ago is, of course, the filter theory, and he said that what the brain filters out is consciousness itself — a supremely expanded consciousness. Not surprisingly, scientists during James’ time were polarized in their views about the proposal that a vast consciousness is filtered from our awareness by our own brain.

This skepticism persists, despite growing evidence that there are certain circumstances that allow us to experience this expanded consciousness. Research studies indicate that these experiences occur when the brain is inactive or minimally active, as occurs in near-death experiences, energy healing, or deep meditative states. At such times, the filter becomes thinner, and we can experience the expanded consciousness that is usually blocked. If these studies are valid, and I believe they are, we are faced with the paradoxical effects of the filtering process of the brain. The brain’s amazing capacity to filter sensory information is critical to forming coherent perceptions of the world. However, one consequence of this amazing capacity is to limit our direct access to the vast consciousness of which we are a part.

Sound Meditation | Beautiful Awaken/Open Your Third Eye (Goddess Song)

February 17, 2022 by Hālau ʻĀha Hūi Lanakila in Energywork, Healing, Meditation, Newsletter | Leave a comment

I personally love this music/video. “Goddess Song” (Awaken/Open Your Third Eye/Ajna/Brow Chakra 1 hour Stimulation/Meditation). In its softness, there is subtle yet extreme power. Stimulate the feminine energy, the divine female in you. Primarily for women, but it does work for men as well.

Great visual and audio meditation. See deeper into the world you live in and walk upon. The Third Eye closes over time if not used. Everything from the day-to-day stress of life, pressure from others that do not walk the same path, distractions such as media, developmental stages and the traps and basically data overload from all of the information we are barraged with on a daily basis. Billboards, cars passing us or us passing them, colors, sound, smells, they all are recorded in the vast database we call our brain.

The Third Eye allows us to see deeper into everything and gives us a deeper understanding of what we are seeing. It is a conduit to “the source,” or “the universe.” The ancient being that you are is accessible only through this portal. We lose connection to this ancient self, that is us, as we grow into young children and start mimicking what we see and hear, and over time, the years of our youth and sometimes beyond, we close that eye that allows us to look deep inward, and without even noticing, we begin to only see outwards.

But, there are those of us who seek to see clearly, and have understanding for the self and the world. Opening the third eye once again, and allowing once again the magic and curiosity that once was part of our lives and is vital to us all.

The “third eye,” or pineal gland, is located at the center of our mind, and can be activated by certain frequencies, and that is the foundation of this music/soundscape; that particular frequency. I have studied the effects of different frequencies on our bodies and minds for over thirty years and have found that sound waves of certain frequencies can alter the frequency patterns in our brains. Patterns caused mostly by external stimuli, can shift into “not so healthy” frequencies and cause depression, lethargy, etc.. Opening/stimulating the “third eye” can allow us to see much deeper into the world around us, and give us far more understanding of it. It can enhance empathy, compassion and understanding. With no one else around, relax, dim the lights, and listen to and watch this video (preferably with headphones). Watch it more than once, watch it daily over a period of a week and you will start to see different patterns in the visuals. The patterns are along the same lines as “The Rorschach test” (inkblot test) which is a psychological test in which subjects’ perceptions of inkblots are recorded and then analyzed. You can understand a lot about an individual, or yourself, based on the perception you have of the inkblot imagery. Same with the imagery in this video; what do you see, what images dominate, stand out? This can give you an understanding of your perception of the world you live in. Perception creates attitude, attitude becomes character. Who you are is based firmly in how you perceive the world around you. By opening/stimulating the third eye, you can look deeper into yourself and your world.

(excerpt from Wiki) | The third eye (the inner eye) is a mystical and esoteric concept referring to eye which provides perception beyond ordinary sight. In certain dharmic spiritual traditions such as Hinduism, the third eye refers to the ajna, or brow, chakra. In Theosophy it is related to the pineal gland. The third eye refers to the gate that leads to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness. In New Age spirituality, the third eye often symbolizes a state of enlightenment or the evocation of mental images having deeply personal spiritual or psychological significance. The third eye is often associated with religious visions, clairvoyance, the ability to observe chakras and auras, precognition, and out-of-body experiences. People who are claimed to have the capacity to utilize their third eyes are sometimes known as seers.

Daily Meditation Technique: Open Your Third Eye in 1 hour.

Today’s Meditation …

August 2, 2021 by Hālau ʻĀha Hūi Lanakila in Energywork, Gnosticism, Hermetic Alchemy, House of RA, Meditation | Leave a comment

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“Why do you chase the darkness when the light is available to you? … Wisdom calls you and yet you wish for foolishness … A foolish man … goes on the path of the desire of every passion … it is like a ship that the wind blows from one side to the other, and like a horse that has no rider … before anything else … know yourself.”

– The Teachings of Silvanos, Nag Hammadi Papayri

1=10 | Tarot Contemplation, Part 2: Minor Arcana

July 23, 2021 by Hālau ʻĀha Hūi Lanakila in Energywork, House of RA, Lessons, Newsletter, Rituals, Tarot | Leave a comment

Wands – Work, sex and life purpose prompts:

Ace of Wands – When were you last really horny and what triggered it. Don’t be shy this is an ideal exercise for shedding any inhibitions.

2 of Wands – Describe the most irritating colleague you have ever had the displeasure of working with.

3 of Wands – Write about the last time someone flirted shamelessly with you (or your ideal flirting scenario).

4 of Wands – What sort of bed would you prefer to make love in? Have you ever made love in a really noisy/creaky bed? What happened?

5 of Wands – Talk about the last time you were forced to resist a temptation due to outside influences or the environment.

6 of Wands – Describe a time when you got promoted or recognised for an achievement at work/school.

7 of Wands – When was the last time you felt that you had to defend yourself?

8 of Wands – Write about the last time your received surprising/shocking news regarding someone’s sexual conduct.

9 of Wands – Write about someone at work who broke your trust and how you dealt with it.

10 of Wands – How are you at delegating work. Give an example of a time when you delegated work? How happy were people to help?

Page of Wands – When was the last time you did something really impulsive in terms of sex? What happened?

Knight of Wands – What’s your seduction style?

Queen of Wands – If you had your own business, what would you sell and who would you employ?

King of Wands – You are the boss of one of the largest corporations in the world – describe your office.

Cups – Relationships, emotions and psychic development prompts:

Ace of Cups – Describe your first kiss.

2 of Cups – Who was the first person to ask you out?

3 of Cups – Who was your first love rival.

4 of Cups – Write about the last time you cried.

5 of Cups – Describe the last time you experienced a deep sense of loss (does not have to be a person).

6 of Cups – What are your thoughts on soul mate love?

7 of Cups – When was the last time you were really confused?

8 of Cups – Talk about a time when you dumped someone or ended a friendship.

9 of Cups – The last time you laughed so hard your stomach hurt. Who has this effect on you?

10 of Cups – How psychotic is your family?

Page of Cups – Describe your happiest dream – a dream that made you so happy that you tried to repeat it the following night.

Knight of Cups – How romantic are you? Talk about how you express romance in your life.

Queen of Cups – Are you psychic? Talk about how you discovered it and/or how you would like to develop psychically.

King of Cups – Who is the most caring person you know? Write about the connection you have.

Swords – Problem solving, intellectual pursuits and communication prompts:

Ace of Swords – Describe your best and shiniest idea at the moment.

2 of Swords – Discuss your (in)ability to fence-sit and postpone important decisions as if you were defending your tactic.

3 of Swords – Write about a time when you tried to reach out and communicate and got totally stonewalled.

4 of Swords – Explore how meditation has helped/could help you gain greater mental clarity.

5 of Swords – Talk about a time when cutting your losses was the only way to resolve a dilemma.

6 of Swords – Have you ever gone away to distance yourself from a problem/situation? Where did you go? Where could you go to gain clarity?

7 of Swords – That time you got away with it.

8 of Swords – A problem you never managed to solve and still puzzle over from time to time.

9 of Swords – A problem that kept you up at night and/or gave you nightmares.

10 of Swords – Have you been stabbed in the back? How did you deal with this problem? What did you learn from it?

Page of Swords – When was the last time you felt like asking lots of questions about a topic that piqued your curiousity?

Knight of Swords – What truth are you willing to die for or at least fight for?

Queen of Swords – How do you use your communication to nurture those you love?

King of Swords – Describe your problem-solving strengths.

Pentacles – Body consciousness and wellbeing prompts:

Ace of Pentacles – What gift are you giving your body this year?

2 of Pentacles – If your feet could talk, what would they tell you?

3 of Pentacles – Your right knee has a message from your father and your left knee has a message from your mother… What are they saying?

4 of Pentacles – Describe your favourite method for grounding and centering.

5 of Pentacles – What does your body need right now?

6 of Pentacles – Name six resources that you could start using regularly to feel better.

7 of Pentacles – Write about a health habit that you implemented in the past and how that worked out for you. What did you learn from this experience?

8 of Pentacles – Do you have any OCD tendencies when it comes to your body and health?

9 of Pentacles – Describe your ideal body and how it would feel.

10 of Pentacles – Talk about how your family has influenced your health habits and what you have done to break away from the dysfunctional aspects of them.

Page of Pentacles – What new aspect of wellbeing are you curious about exploring?

Knight of Pentacles – Write about the good stuff you already do on a daily basis and give yourself a pat on the back!

Queen of Pentacles – How do you nurture wellbeing in others?

King of Pentacles – In what area are you wellbeing expert and how can you share more of your expertise?

0=0 | TAROT STUDY AND JOURNALING

July 23, 2021 by Hālau ʻĀha Hūi Lanakila in Energywork, House of RA, Rituals, Tarot | Leave a comment

Are you keeping a journal? Here are some ideas you will appreciate if you enjoy both writing and the Tarot … or even if you are completely new to the Tarot but open to using a new tool for triggering new thoughts and ideas.

Tarot and journaling are the two tools that can help you achieve self-awareness better than any other. Using the Major Arcana Tarot cards (or archetypal keys) as journaling prompts, combines these two tools in a powerful way and helps you access the realm of the subconscious.

TAROT TIP 1: These prompts can also be used together with your daily draw and will inspire a deeper connection with your card of the day, drawing on your own life experience.

TAROT TIP 2: After you have completed the entry, come up with a new prompt/WORD based on the same card … simply by looking at the image. Write it down for next time you pull this card.

TAROT TIP 3: Place your deck inside your pillow case and sleep with it for a minimum of one week to connect and bind your energies to it.

HOW-TO PERFORM TAROT CONTEMPLATION EXERCISE AND CIRCLE SPREAD DIVINATION

1 – Perform your LBRP and Relaxation Ritual. If you’ve already performed your daily banishings ritual, there is no need to repeat your LBRP; just perform the Relaxation Ritual.

2 – Recite the Prayer to HRU. (You should be memorizing it for testing purposes anyway.)

3 – Shuffle only the 22 Major Arcana cards only. If you are 1=10 and higher, go ahead and add-in the Minor Arcana.

4 – Divide the cards into four piles, right to left, while intoning YOD-HEH-VAV-HEH (one syllable, one pile each syllable). Recombine the piles, picking up each pile, again, right to left.

5 – You are now ready to use your cards.

6 – If practicing a Circle Spread divination, pull out a blank worksheet and write down your IF-THEN Karmic query. To wit, WHAT ARE THE KARMIC CONSEQUENCES IF I (perform an action or think specific thoughts), OR NOT? (You need to produce 3 dated, completed worksheets to qualify for advancement into 1=10.)

7 – If performing a tarot contemplation exercise, then randomly pick a card you haven’t drawn before, or work through the Major Arcana in order, i.e., Fool, Magician, High Priestess, Emperor, Hierophant, etc.

8 – Journal your results either in your magical journal, or in a separate tarot journal. You can use poetry or prose as your journal entry … Your journal won’t even object to the occasional haiku, hiccup or squiggle… Be free with yourself (like The Fool!) and enjoy! 🙂

9 – Be sure to keep your tarot deck wrapped in a WHITE CLOTH.

Here are some ideas for prompts to contemplate:

The Fool – Describe the last something you did something so spontaneous or ‘off the cuff’ that someone might label it erratic

The Magician – Which skill have you always been good at? Describe how you discovered your talent.

The High Priestess – Write about a vivid and meaningful dream you have had or would like to have.

The Empress – Write about the most positive traits you have after your mother.

The Emperor – Write about the most positive traits you have after your father.

The Hierophant – Write about the teacher you remember most vividly… what made him/her stand out?

The Lovers – Write about how you imagined married life to be when you were 16.

The Chariot – Write about your definition of success.

Strength – When was the last time you had your mettle tested. What did you learn about your strengths?

The Hermit – Contemplate what lessons the past 12 months have brought you. Try writing about the lessons in detail without judging your performance.

The Wheel of Fortune – Write about a time when you took a really big risk. What happened?

Justice – Have you ever had a run-in with the law? Talk about it (even if it was just a parking ticket).

The Hanged Man – Have you ever had an experience that radically changed how you perceived a person or situation? Write it down.

Death – How do you feel about death? Is there an afterlife? What will it be like?

Temperance – Talk about the portion of your healing journey that made the biggest difference to how you view your own health and wellbeing.

The Devil – Write about the last time you gave into temptation.

The Tower – Write about the most traumatic experience you had in the past five years.

The Star – What is your best, brightest vision of where you will be and what your life will be like five years from now.

The Moon – Write about what being anxious feels like in as much detail as possible.

The Sun – Write about your perfect day, when everything you do is done with the utmost ease, confidence and clarity of mind.

Judgment – What is your calling? Where are you on the path of your life’s purpose?

The World – Write about the last time you had a sense of achievement thanks to completing a complex and time-demanding task.

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(UP NEXT: 1=10 and Higher – Minor Arcana.)

Atziluth	Archetypal World (World of Emanations) or Divine World
Briah	Creative World or World of Thrones
Yetzirah	Formative world
Assiah	Manifest or Material World

Grand Temple of Horus Behdety

"Righteousness is the Owner of Power", said of Horus by the God Shu

Category Archives: Energywork

Today’s Meditation …

0=0 | TAROT STUDY AND JOURNALING

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