14 - Precedent
Evidence that neurofeedback training will be helpful in the Ayahuasca ceremony comes from reports of the use of neurofeedback in other contexts. A neurofeedback protocol known as Alpha-Theta Training [12] is used to induce a sleep-like trance and has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of addition and traumatic disorders. In Alpha-Theta Training the participant is drawn into a hypnogogic or Theta state but, using neurofeedback, is discouraged from sleeping. While one element of the feedback keeps one awake, other elements inhibit tension, over-activity, and the state of "busy mind."
Before
drinking Ayahuasca After
drinking Ayahuasca
Figure III. Brain maps showing strongly increased alpha and theta activity following the intake of Ayahuasca. From Hoffmann, et. al. 3
People who have undergone Alpha-Theta Training report powerful emotional memories without the anxiety these memories usually engender. This is similar to what has been reported through the use of Ayahuasca. Alpha-Theta and Ayahuasca also show similar profiles in the brain's electrical and vascular states. 3, [13]
In their neurofeedback guidelines the Othmers suggest that Alpha-Theta Training be conducted "after achieving physiological flexibility and stability with the awake-state training." While this has become the standard approach for neurofeedback, such awake-state training has not been used in conjunction with the Ayahuasca ceremony. Indeed, few people involved with Ayahuasca have even heard of neurofeedback.
15 - Being Reasonable
By inclination I mean one's conscious attitude, a combination of reason and preference: actions mediated by intellect. This part of our mind uses language to understand the world, and for this reason language is a primary tool for reconstructing our worldview. Meaningful use of language is central to our program, but we take a broad view and don't limit ourselves to being rational, logical, or even verbal. For example dreams are often reasonable, but are rarely rational, logical, or verbal.
Sometimes people confuse reason with rationality, this is a mistake. Using reason only means you string thoughts together in an intelligible manner suitable for the exchange of ideas. Our society teaches limited reasoning skills whose full scope includes magic and other fantastical languages.
"Now, let go of gravity
which is the last component which holds it all together and you will find that
everything rises, raises and lifts and becomes stardust - tiny glittering
existences of light. Call the stardust to you and into the carrier stone you
are holding. Let it stream in until you feel it is fully charged, full up with
stardust."
-- Part of the preparation of a magic potion To Protect The Innocence of a
Child. [14]
In our program we incorporate reason through group interactions, dialog in pairs, and self-dialog in meditation. We do this using partner and group counseling, psychotherapy, ceremony, and dream work. This provides a spectrum of ways to encourage and support participants in their exploration of new insights.
16 - Our Bodies
Maintaining ourselves in Western culture rarely allows us to meet all of our needs. How did we let sleep, diet, physical tone, lack of stress and mental engagement come to be considered luxuries?
Our physical bodies are not ancillary to our spiritual selves. Our lymphatic system, muscles, skeletal, digestive, and cardio-pulmonary systems have major impacts on our cerebral function and total state of being. Not only is it difficult to further one's personal growth when one is sick, it's difficult when one is weak.
In our program we stress diet, exercise, community, relaxation and diversions as means to better prepare ourselves for transformation. These components work to support the processes triggered by the Ayahuasca and neurofeedback.
Diet includes organic meals, vitamins, and super food supplements, along with abstinence from stimulants, depressants, and other drugs.
Exercise includes morning pranic yoga, aerobic exercise, and mid-day hiking.
Community is built through group exercises, shared projects, and dream work.
Relaxation is supported by comfortable lodgings and the assurance of adequate sleep.
