Any theories for this mystery?

[bjf]

How do we know when someone is watching us? This happened to me the other day where I instinctively turned to look at someone who was staring at me.

I used to think that it had something to do with pheromones, but I am not so sure.

I've conducted experiments where I would have someone behind me look away and then I would indicate when I believed they turned to focus on me. I got it every time, fairly immediately.

This is obviously some sort of human survival skill or something, I'd like to know what are the mechanisms involved in it.

[Mungojerry]

How many times did you replicate this finding and under how many different circumstances?

As far as I am aware, nothing like this has ever withstood rigourous scientific anaylsis. Your (probably) small number of experiences could have been due to chance or something specific to that circumstance.

However... there is an evolutionary incentive for developing such a mechanism. It would be good to know when you are being watched because being watched may mean you are about to be attacked. Whether this would be redundant if there was a network of social warning in place, or if the human ear was tuned finely enough to detect something was coming up behind you is anyone's guess.

However I can think of a few possible theoretical means to detecting whether someone is looking at you that I could not rule out unless I had far more knowledge.

Reflected light- It is possible the small amount of light reflected from surfaces around you, although almost imperceptible do bias your decision one way or another.

Your friend could have changed physiologically when he was looking at you as opposed to looking away. For example, he could have been more tense when looking at you.... or perhaps looking at someone causes a distinct neurophysiological reaction. This could lead to a different breathing rate, or different hormones being produced leading different pheromone emissions etc. These things you could detect perhaps without being fully conscious of... Even if you didn't know what reaction was what when you started, your brain could learn.

Anyway, there are a few explanations before you go into anything "Wooo Wooo"!

However even anything "paranormal" must ultimately be understood in terms of science and logic. Those who disagree don't understand what science and logic are!

[bjf]

Your friend could have changed physiologically when he was looking at you as opposed to looking away. For example, he could have been more tense when looking at you.... or perhaps looking at someone causes a distinct neurophysiological reaction. This could lead to a different breathing rate, or different hormones being produced leading different pheromone emissions etc. These things you could detect perhaps without being fully conscious of... Even if you didn't know what reaction was what when you started, your brain could learn.




This is what originally was thinking when I discovered pheromones. It would be pretty amazing accomplishment of our species. Not sure our olfactory system is that poweful or our body transmits signals that quickly. But obviously it is transmitting something.

Mods, can you put this back in pheromone discussion, I think it belongs there.

[Holmes]

This is what originally was thinking when I discovered pheromones. It would be pretty amazing accomplishment of our species. Not sure our olfactory system is that poweful or our body transmits signals that quickly. But obviously it is transmitting something.

Energy in the form of focused intent. When someone is staring at you (from behind, at a distance, or wherever), this is what you're picking up.

The pheromone idea is interesting, though.

[bjf]

Yea......so what forms of energy could it be, and how are we detecting this?

[belgareth]

This is what originally was thinking when I discovered pheromones. It would be pretty amazing accomplishment of our species. Not sure our olfactory system is that poweful or our body transmits signals that quickly. But obviously it is transmitting something.

Mods, can you put this back in pheromone discussion, I think it belongs there.
BJF,

So far, I see nothing in it that is in any way related to the science of attraction or pheromones. You make one vague reference to pheromones, that's it. That's why I moved it here in the first place.

Belgareth

[bjf]

I was posting in the pheromone discussion because I hypothesized that it might be as a result of pheromones. I wanted others to chime in with their thoughts about that possibility or bring up others.

[belgareth]

I am willing to reconsider later but for now it is clearly not a pheromone or science of attraction thread.

[Surreal]

definate not related to the sense of smell... as in knowing when you are being looked at.

Those of us with sensitive nerves know very well when someone is is focusing their attention/energy on you.

Sometimes I know what someone thought a few rooms away and when they enter my location I hand them exactly what they came in for. THis does not happen often but when it does it is pretty neat.

[Mungojerry]

As I have pointed out there explanations that exist that don't have to invoke some strange "energy" hypothesis that currently we can neither adequately define nor measure.

Sometimes I know what someone thought a few rooms away and when they enter my location I hand them exactly what they came in for. THis does not happen often but when it does it is pretty neat.
This could be due to chance or likely a "best guess" scenerio. There are only a certain number of possibilities that could be brought to you and it would not be hard to to guess and get it right every so often. You may also be influenced by very low levels of sound reaching you without neccessarily being conscious of them. Perhaps people were talking about it in the next room, or perhaps when you walked through the office in the morning you over heard a conversation about the item in question but forgot about it or were paying attention else where.

Anyway, I'm not saying there is nothing more to it than this, but before we start speculating about "weird" theories, just recognise that current scientifically knowledge can explain a lot of them, and that in the end you can't know that there is an effect at all without some rigourous statistically sound testing.

[bjf]

Well I wonder if we do have some detection system for some aura or energy that we haven't yet scientifically discovered. Maybe it has to do with the thing that still exists when "we shed out mortal coils." When you look at the science of space and time, it does appear to be a construction, a manipulation of sorts of this world. You might be able to reduce this all down to a simpler world where space and time don't exist, only some energy or some other system. Those things probably still are apart of this world, but we don't realize them too much because of physical space and our lives being geared towards that.

At the same time this could be apart of our biological system. And I wonder if animals have it too?

I know Jerry you are sayng though this might not exist. From my own experiences, I feel like it does, although maybe there are plenty of times that people are staring at me that I never noticed or knew about.

[Mungojerry]

Well I wonder if we do have some detection system for some aura or energy that we haven't yet scientifically discovered.
All I can say is that this is entirely possible. However, I think it would be useful to discount potential mechanisms we do currently know about before venturing into the deep unknown!

However, I agree that current science is certainly a long way from being complete. Take a look at consciousness. There is no adequate scientific theory that explains how we can be consciously aware of anything! WE can say what some the correlates of conscious are, we can even, to an extent show what parts of the brain are required for consciousness. However, how any of this this leads to consciousness is utterly beyond anyone! I can say this with some degree of certaintly seeing as i've just graduated from Oxford, with a degree in experimental psychology, with a specilisation into subliminal processing and conscious awareness!

[bjf]

True. Maybe conciousness is what our "soul" is. I think a lot of people believe that.

As far as discounting mechanisms, this is difficult. We don't know all there is to know about anything really, including pheromones and smells. Actually we know people can smell immunotype, so there is obviously a lot going on with the olfactory system.

[Holmes]

Anyway, I'm not saying there is nothing more to it than this, but before we start speculating about "weird" theories, just recognise that current scientifically knowledge can explain a lot of them, and that in the end you can't know that there is an effect at all without some rigourous statistically sound testing.

Apparently, laboratory tests have been conducted with regard to confirming or dispelling the possible causes of this phenomenon. Conclusion (from what I've read and heard): "Brainwaves."

I thought all of that "subtle energy" (i.e. aura-related) stuff had been scientifically proven, too. But then, I ain't no Bill Nye.

[metroman]

Apparently, laboratory tests have been conducted with regard to confirming or dispelling the possible causes of this phenomenon. Conclusion (from what I've read and heard): "Brainwaves."

I thought all of that "subtle energy" (i.e. aura-related) stuff had been scientifically proven, too. But then, I ain't no Bill Nye.

Holmes is right...it's just energy...we can pick it up just like a radio or TV...It's just that we've been conditioned to pay attention to only what comes through our 5 senses. Essentially everything is composed of energy, even solid objects although they have a much slower vibratory rate. But we all pick up on "vibes" or "atmosphere" it's all background energy that were picking up on. Somebody thats focusing on you, you're suprised when you turn around and notice they're intently starting at you, but you're just picking up on the projection of their mental energy. Our bodies are composed of energy as are our mental thoughts...so we all have the ability to send & receive mental energy. It's just a latent ability in humans because of our societal conditioning. But it's an ability that can be developed like anything else.
And yes all of this is in agreement with the laws of physics. It's not just new age mumbo jumbo...just ask any string theorist...

[bjf]

Holmes is right...it's just energy...we can pick it up just like a radio or TV...It's just that we've been conditioned to pay attention to only what comes through our 5 senses. Essentially everything is composed of energy, even solid objects although they have a much slower vibratory rate. But we all pick up on "vibes" or "atmosphere" it's all background energy that were picking up on. Somebody thats focusing on you, you're suprised when you turn around and notice they're intently starting at you, but you're just picking up on the projection of their mental energy. Our bodies are composed of energy as are our mental thoughts...so we all have the ability to send & receive mental energy. It's just a latent ability in humans because of our societal conditioning. But it's an ability that can be developed like anything else.
And yes all of this is in agreement with the laws of physics. It's not just new age mumbo jumbo...just ask any string theorist...

Yep, it does jive with modern physics, including string theory (although that is obviously not accepted by everyone). One thing very interesting about string theory is its inclusion of extra dimensions - perhaps as many as seven extra spatial dimensions.

So does alpha or beta brain waves have anythng to do with this?
Does the limbic brain use a particular kind of brain wave, and can be enduce that type of brain wave or brain functioning to try to speak to that part of the brain?

Is someone using their limbic brain during a Phermonal DIHL? I wonder if we can use this brain wave stuff to our advantage in seduction.

A number of machine have been brought up on this forum before which induce alpha or beta brain waves (can't remember which). I know International Playboy has one.

I saw something on TV about a visual program which taught people to switch from alpha or beta brain waves to the other because it was supposedly more beneficial for a certain purpose.

[Holmes]

A number of machine have been brought up on this forum before which induce alpha or beta brain waves (can't remember which). I know International Playboy has one.

Brainwave machines. Those are designed to get you into an altered state (i.e. alpha or deeper), not to assist you in projecting energy--although an altered state always helps in that process.

Binaural beats accomplish the same thing (brainwave entrainment) and are very effective.

[bjf]

Binaural beats accomplish the same thing (brainwave entrainment) and are very effective.



How It Works On The Brain
When signals of two different frequencies are presented, one to each ear, the brain detects phase differences between these signals. "Under natural circumstances a detected phase difference would provide directional information. The brain processes this anomalous information differently when these phase differences are heard with stereo headphones or speakers. A perceptual integration of the two signals takes place, producing the sensation of a third "beat" frequency. The difference between the signals waxes and wanes as the two different input frequencies mesh in and out of phase. As a result of these constantly increasing and decreasing differences, an amplitude-modulated standing wave -the binaural beat- is heard. The binaural beat is perceived as a fluctuating rhythm at the frequency of the difference between the two auditory inputs. Evidence suggests that the binaural beats are generated in the brainstem’s superior olivary nucleus, the first site of contralateral integration in the auditory system (Oster, 1973). Studies also suggest that the frequency-following response originates from the inferior colliculus (Smith, Marsh, & Brown, 1975)" (Owens & Atwater, 1995). This activity is conducted to the cortex where it can be recorded by scalp electrodes.

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Altered States
Binaural beats can easily be heard at the low frequencies (< 30 Hz) that are characteristic of the EEG spectrum (Oster, 1973). This perceptual phenomenon of binaural beating and the objective measurement of the frequency-following response (Hink, Kodera, Yamada, Kaga, & Suzuki, 1980) suggest conditions which facilitate entrainment of brain waves and altered states of consciousness. There have been numerous anecdotal reports and a growing number of research efforts reporting changes in consciousness associated with binaural-beats. "The subjective effect of listening to binaural beats may be relaxing or stimulating, depending on the frequency of the binaural-beat stimulation" (Owens & Atwater, 1995). Binaural beats in the delta (1 to 4 Hz) and theta (4 to 8 Hz) ranges have been associated with reports of relaxed, meditative, and creative states (Hiew, 1995), and used as an aid to falling asleep. Binaural beats in the alpha frequencies (8 to 12 Hz) have increased alpha brain waves (Foster, 1990) and binaural beats in the beta frequencies (typically 16 to 24 Hz) have been associated with reports of increased concentration or alertness (Monroe, 1985) and improved memory (Kennerly, 1994).

Passively listening to binaural beats may not spontaneously propel you into an altered state of consciousness. One’s subjective experience in response to binaural-beat stimulation may also be influenced by a number of mediating factors. For example, the willingness and ability of the listener to relax and focus attention may contribute to binaural-beat effectiveness in inducing state changes. "Ultradian rhythms in the nervous system are characterized by periodic changes in arousal and states of consciousness (Rossi, 1986;

Shannahoff-Khalsa, 1991; Webb & Dube, 1981). These naturally occurring shifts may underlie the anecdotal reports of fluctuations in the effectiveness of binaural beats. External factors are also thought to play roles in mediating the effects of binaural beats" (Owens & Atwater, 1995). The perception of a binaural beat is, for example, said to be heightened by the addition of white noise to the carrier signal (Oster, 1973), so white noise is often used as background. "Music, relaxation exercises, guided imagery, and verbal suggestion have all been used to enhance the state-changing effects of the binaural beat" (Owens & Atwater, 1995). Other practices such as humming, toning, breathing exercises, autogenic training, and/or biofeedback can also be used to interrupt the homeostasis of resistant subjects (Tart, 1975).

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Brain Waves and Consciousness
Controversies concerning the brain, mind, and consciousness have existed since the early Greek philosophers argued about the nature of the mind-body relationship, and none of these disputes has been resolved. Modern neurologists have located the mind in the brain and have said that consciousness is the result of electrochemical neurological activity. There are, however, growing observations to the contrary. There is no neurophysiological research which conclusively shows that the higher levels of mind (intuition, insight, creativity, imagination, understanding, thought, reasoning, intent, decision, knowing, will, spirit, or soul) are located in brain tissue (Hunt, 1995). A resolution to the controversies surrounding the higher mind and consciousness and the mind-body problem in general may need to involve an epistemological shift to include extra-rational ways of knowing (de Quincey, 1994) and cannot be comprehended by neurochemical brain studies alone. We are in the midst of a revolution focusing on the study of consciousness (Owens, 1995). Penfield, an eminent contemporary neurophysiologist, found that the human mind continued to work in spite of the brain’s reduced activity under anesthesia. Brain waves were nearly absent while the mind was just as active as in the waking state. The only difference was in the content of the conscious experience. Following Penfield’s work, other researchers have reported awareness in comatose patients (Hunt, 1995) and there is a growing body of evidence which suggests that reduced cortical arousal while maintaining conscious awareness is possible (Fischer, 1971;West 1980; Delmonte, 1984; Goleman 1988; Jevning, Wallace, & Beidenbach, 1992; Wallace, 1986; Mavromatis, 1991). These states are variously referred to as meditative, trance, altered, hypnogogic, hypnotic, and twilight-learning states (Budzynski, 1986). Broadly defined, the various forms of altered states rest on the maintenance of conscious awareness in a physiologically reduced state of arousal marked by parasympathetic dominance (Mavromatis, 1991). Recent physiological studies of highly hypnotizable subjects and adept meditators indicate that maintaining awareness with reduced cortical arousal is indeed possible in selected individuals as a natural ability or as an acquired skill (Sabourin, Cutcomb, Crawford, & Pribram, 1993). More and more scientists are expressing doubts about the neurologists’ brain-mind model because it fails to answer so many questions about our ordinary experiences, as well as evading our mystical and spiritual ones. The scientific evidence supporting the phenomenon of remote viewing alone is sufficient to show that mind-consciousness is not a local phenomenon (McMoneagle, 1993).

If mind-consciousness is not the brain, why then does science relate states of consciousness and mental functioning to brain-wave frequencies? And how is it that audio with embedded binaural beats alters brain waves? The first question can be answered in terms of instrumentation. There is no objective way to measure mind or consciousness with an instrument. Mind-consciousness appears to be a field phenomenon which interfaces with the body and the neurological structures of the brain (Hunt, 1995). One cannot measure this field directly with current instrumentation. On the other hand, the electrical potentials of brain waves can be measured and easily quantified. Contemporary science likes things that can be measured and quantified. The problem here lies in oversimplification of the observations. EEG patterns measured on the cortex are the result of electroneurological activity of the brain. But the brain’s electroneurological activity is not mind-consciousness. EEG measurements then are only an indirect means of assessing the mind-consciousness interface with the neurological structures of the brain. As crude as this may seem, the EEG has been a reliable way for researchers to estimate states of consciousness based on the relative proportions of EEG frequencies. Stated another way, certain EEG patterns have been historically associated with specific states of consciousness. It is reasonable to assume, given the current EEG literature, that if a specific EEG pattern emerges it is probably accompanied by a particular state of consciousness.

As to the second question raised in the above paragraph, audio with embedded binaural beats alters the electrochemical environment of the brain. This allows mind-consciousness to have different experiences. When the brain is entrained to lower frequencies and awareness is maintained, a unique state of consciousness emerges. This state is often referred to as hypnogogia "mind awake/body asleep." Slightly higher-frequency entrainment can lead to hyper suggestive states of consciousness. Still higher-frequency EEG states are associated with alert and focused mental activity needed for the optimal performance of many tasks. Perceived reality changes depending on the state of consciousness of the perceiver (Tart, 1975). Some states of consciousness provide limited views of reality, while others provide an expanded awareness of reality. For the most part, states of consciousness change in response to the ever-changing internal environment and surrounding stimulation. For example, states of consciousness are subject to influences like drugs and circadian and ultradian rhythms (Rossi, 1986; Shannahoff-Khalsa, 1991; Webb & Dube, 1981). Specific states of consciousness can also be learned as adaptive behaviors to demanding circumstances (Green and Green, 1986).

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Synchronized brain waves
Synchronized brain waves have long been associated with meditative and hypnogogic states, and audio with embedded binaural beats has the ability to induce and improve such states of consciousness. The reason for this is physiological. Each ear is "hardwired" (so to speak) to both hemispheres of the brain (Rosenzweig, 1961). Each hemisphere has its own olivary nucleus (sound-processing center) which receives signals from each ear. In keeping with this physiological structure, when a binaural beat is perceived there are actually two standing waves of equal amplitude and frequency present, one in each hemisphere. So, there are two separate standing waves entraining portions of each hemisphere to the same frequency. The binaural beats appear to contribute to the hemispheric synchronization evidenced in meditative and hypnogogic states of consciousness. Brain function is also enhanced through the increase of cross-collosal communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

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Resetting Your Brains Sodium/Potassium Ratio In Theta
Your brain cells reset their sodium & potassium ratios when the brain is in Theta state. The sodium & potassium levels are involved in osmosis which is the chemical process that transports chemicals into and out of your brain cells. After an extended period in the Beta state the ratio between potassium and sodium is out of balance. This the main cause of what is known as "mental fatigue". A brief period in Theta (about 5 - 15min) can restore the ratio to normal resulting in mental refreshment.

[Fatal]

A year ago I read up on something called "cloudbusting". I watched my cousin do it, and it worked. I can't remember the exact site but here's one for soemthing else on the same subject, kinda.

http://www.neilslade.com/

I would suggest HEAVILY reading up on that. I plan on buying a book soon. Tell me what your opinions are.

[bjf]

Power of Prayer, does it heal?:

http://webcenter.health.webmd.netscape.com/content/Article/11/1674_51527.htm?pagenumber=1


This relates to this energy brain activity stuff.........


Regarding DIHLing and alpha and beta brain waves, and brain activity, what occurs in these prayer/meditative focused states seem to be similar to what someone dihling might go through from the pheromones.

For the past 30 years, Harvard scientist Herbert Benson, MD, has conducted his own studies on prayer. He focuses specifically on meditation, the Buddhist form of prayer, to understand how mind affects body.

Benson has documented on MRI brain scans the physical changes that take place in the body when someone meditates. When combined with recent research from the University of Pennsylvania, what emerges is a picture of complex brain activity:

As an individual goes deeper and deeper into concentration, intense activity begins taking place in the brain's parietal lobe circuits -- those that control a person's orientation in space and establish distinctions between self and the world. Benson has documented a "quietude" that then envelops the entire brain.

At the same time, frontal and temporal lobe circuits -- which track time and create self-awareness -- become disengaged. The mind-body connection dissolves, Benson says.

And the limbic system, which is responsible for putting "emotional tags" on that which we consider special, also becomes activated. The limbic system also regulates relaxation, ultimately controlling the autonomic nervous system, heart rate, blood pressure, metabolism, etc., says Benson.

The result: Everything registers as emotionally significant, perhaps responsible for the sense of awe and quiet that many feel. The body becomes more relaxed and physiological activity becomes more evenly regulated.

[CollegeStudent]

A year ago I read up on something called "cloudbusting". I watched my cousin do it, and it worked.

What is that? Couldnt find anything interesting from Google on cloudbusting.

[Fatal]

To make into lameman's terms, it's basicly absorbing cloud energy with your eyes and making them dissapear. Extensive cloudbusting is used for weather changes and such. It's kind of exciting to watch it happen.

[Mungojerry]

I'm very, very sceptical, but i'm open to all possibilities.

If you give me a link i'll check it out.

[Fatal]

This is one for now, I don't remember the first one i saw that said how to do it with your eyes, but there stuff soemwhere. I'll post a new topic on it.