Beta (13-32 Hz) Power
Beta Up Rule
We reward frontal and posterior Beta in Level 2 and 3 meditators as Beta reflects active states such as focus and sustained attention (Kakumanu et al. 2018). Beta is used by the brain to keep the mind on a single track of focus.
Beta Up Weights
Level 2 meditators are assigned a rule weight of +2, while Level 3 meditators are assigned a rule weight of +1. With the thinking mind relatively tamed, novice to intermediate meditators are exerting the most effort in developing the capacity for focus and sustained attention. Level 1 meditators are not assigned a rule weight as training Beta at this level may worsen distracting thoughts and impede relaxation. Overall, according to Kakumanu and colleagues, increase in Beta frequency tends to correlate inversely with hours of practice (Kakumanu et al. 2018).
Beta Down Rule
We penalize frontal and posterior Beta in beginners, who are focused on relaxation and eliminating distracting thoughts. Since Beta is associated with active states, including thinking and excitement, Beta must first be trained down to eliminate these impediments to the practice. Once decreased Beta becomes a habit, Beta can then be trained up to aid in single-pointed focus.
Beta Down Weights
Only Level 1 meditators are assigned a rule weight of -1 for this rule. Beta is not needed in advanced Anapana practitioners who maintain effortlessness in their focusing capacity.