The Architecture of the Self, Two

The Architecture of the Self, Two

From birth to age three and a half, and as we develop brain frequencies from 0 to 3.5 cycles per second (cps) – or delta, as this span of brain frequencies is called – we begin to make the transition from a purely spirit-being to a physical spirit/human hybrid. We learn the rules of this plane of existence. We learn what is real, in other words. We learn what to believe in. These beliefs range from purely practical considerations, such as gravity and hot and cold, to more obscure things, like what we believe to be good or bad. We further download the beliefs surrounding who we are and what is expected of us. We learn how we should treat each other and how we deserve to be treated. These beliefs lay the foundation for the balance of our lives.

From ages three and a half to seven, and brainwave frequencies 3.5 to 7 cps, called theta frequencies, we learn all about our emotions. Emotions are those things that move us. They make us do things, compelling us to action. A typical theta reaction would be fight or flight. Love and courage, as well as virtually all of what we would consider deadly sins (avarice, avoidance, desire, anger, jealousy, over-indulgence, pride/entitlement) and an understanding of all these programs, are loaded into us during this period. We also write many of the emotional programs that are designed to defend the beliefs we established between birth to age three and a half. For instance, if at age two we come to believe that Daddy loves our sister better than us, then we will most certainly write a few behavioural programs to deal with that belief. Those programs/behaviours could include acting out or perhaps being especially cute and flirtatious; they will be idiosyncratic to the individual person and conform to the framework of other beliefs of what is acceptable within the family unit. Theta is where we hold much of our pain and hurt from the circumstances of our youth, along with our joy and wonder.

From ages seven to fourteen, during developmental of frequencies 7 to 14 cps, or alpha frequencies, we learn all about feelings. Feelings are different from emotions in that feelings are sensations of the mind, while emotions move us to action. Feelings are intuited observations. They are not logical nor do they move us to action. They are sensations only. This is the fundamental distinction between alpha and theta.

Emotions are enormous behavioural programs that dictate what we do. Feelings are smaller programs that dictate what we sense and feel in certain situations.

As an example, there may be alpha sensations that we experience as we enter an old abandoned house: the feeling of creepiness, unease, uncertainty, dislike of the dark, unfamiliar territory; all may contribute to, but are not the same as, the fear that makes us run out of the house screaming. Alpha responses are all the feelings we have, but the theta response is the one that makes us run, and coincidently, validates the feelings we have. Because this distinction between alpha and theta is often difficult for people to immediately grasp, we offer another, more pleasant example. Alpha responses in dating might include enjoying the way your date looks or the way her hair smells. You may experience a thrill when you hear her laugh or listen to her voice on the other end of the phone. You may enjoy your conversations with her or find yourself missing her or longing for her presence when she is not around. These are all alpha responses to your sweetheart. But, none of these things necessarily move you to action.

Theta steps in when you get down on your knee and ask her to marry you. When you pledge to love, honour and cherish her in sickness and in health, and then DO it, you are acting from the theta response of love and honour. So, theta responses are those that make you do, whereas alpha responses are those which cause you only to feel.

During this phase, we feel “vibes,” along with things like friendliness, warmth, fondness, and apprehension. The programs for what we like or don’t like, what we think is creepy or enjoyable, and for what to do with all these mental sensations generally are written during this period. Keep in mind that the programs written in alpha are always in line with the controlling emotional programs, which reflect and defend the beliefs we hold true.

The final stage of development occurs from ages fourteen to twenty-one, during the building of the frequencies 14 to 21 cps, called beta frequencies. This period is designed to deal with logic. Practicality, priority, sequencing, reason – all these things finish loading and are cemented during this period. Beta is the topmost consciousness layer and the one we generally use to interface with the world. It is our day-to-day mind, the one that gets us up in the morning, moves us through our day, and gets us back home at night.

Seeing in then Dark,

Colleen Deatsman and Paul Bowersox