Here, we reward both broad Alpha (8-12) and narrow-band Alpha1 (8-10).
Alpha (8-12 Hz)
Alpha Rule
Posterior (TP9 and TP10) Alpha is rewarded to block sensory processing of the outside world (Aftanas & Golocheikine 2001, Brandmeyer & Delorme 2016, Braboszcz et al. 2017). Alpha is a top-down control frequency and increases to inhibit processing in a given brain region. When visual processing of the outside world (which is done in the back of the brain) is inhibited, it is easier to maintain focus with fewer distractions.
Alpha Weights
Level 1, 2, and 3 meditators are given a rule weight of +2, while Level 4 meditators are given a rule weight of +1. Advanced meditators do not require as much top-down control as less experienced meditators.
Alpha 1 (8-10 Hz)
Alpha 1 Rule
We reward frontal (AF7 & AF8) Alpha 1 to promote a relaxed, internalized attention (Aftanas & Golocheikine 2001, Brandmeyer & Delorme 2016, Nair et al. 2017, Sharma et al. 2018). In Focus meditations, we want to disengage from distracting thoughts and outside stimuli and keep a single-pointed focus on the object of attention. Rewarding frontal Alpha 1 supports Focus by enhancing mental silence and suppressing distractions.
Alpha 1 Weights
Bringing Alpha 1 up is one of the first steps towards meditative mastery. We apply a +1 weight to Level 1 and 2 meditators only, as these levels struggle the most with distractions and maintaining attention. Level 3 and above meditators do not require as much top-down control to maintain their focus.