Having always had a fascination both with the mystical and the technological, I’ve always been wondering how the two interact.
A few years ago, I was running shy of sleep, but still wanted to develop myself. I came across the topic of binaural beats.
I got a copy of bwgen (which I still have to this day) and started using it.
Initially, I was using it as a power nap inducer and regulator. I also used it to facilitate image-streaming sessions based on the work of Win Wenger.
I was initially successful in both cases. I was able to get into a good state for image-streaming, and was able to basically do a “soft reset” of my brain in order to be more alert and productive (incedentally, the same thing can be done with a coffee nap without headphones or electronics…but I digress).
However, before I knew it I ran into the limitations. My brain developed tolerance to the binaural sound. I lost my power-nap tool.
About the same time as that, I also came to realize that although I could use binaural beats to get me to the states for hypnosis/meditation (as long as you don’t use one pattern too much), once I was in the desired state I felt like asking “now what?”.
Eventually, I wound up putting the binaural beats on the shelf for a while. I don’t use them as a stand-alone anymore. I still use them, often mixed in with meditation music, or as part of a coaching session to clear mental blocks or expand my awareness.
My advice if you’re using binaural tones: Use them to do something, not just for their own sake. Also remember that they can help calm the brain, but that’s only a piece of what you’re trying to do. Eventually, you’ll have to move beyond the mechanics of the brain and explore the non-physical aspects of the mind.
