<p>Alpha is a relaxed and focused space, responsible for the state of flow, being in the zone, and creating. Alpha is the most obvious waveform in the raw EEG, typically showing itself as large amplitude, synchronous waveforms, usually emanating from the occipital regions of the head, regions known as O1, Oz, and O2. Alpha reflects perceptual anticipation of forthcoming stimuli (DeRidder, 2014). High amplitude alpha indicates an internally oriented state (i.e., more difficult to perceive an external trigger), and low amplitude alpha indicates an externally oriented state (i.e., easy to perceive external stimulus) (DeRidder, 2014). Typically, when an individual closes their eyes, the body is signaled to relax and alpha appears in the EEG; when one opens one’s eyes, alpha attenuates. If alpha remains in the EEG for a while after the eyes open, there is a likelihood the individual suffers from brain fog, inability to stay focused, difficulty sequencing thoughts, and difficulty planning; if alpha is imperceptible with closed eyes, the individual typically suffers from a trauma, such as PTSD (Swingle, 2010).&nbsp;</p><p>Alpha has been noted as the brainwave that is responsible for daydreaming, fantasizing, visualization (relaxed, detached awareness), seen heavily in pot smokers, dreamers, poets, and individuals who work in flow states (such as energy healers).Alpha peak frequency is synonymous with posterior dominant rhythm (PDR) and is the subject’s “idling rate”; everyone has their own dominant alpha frequency, which typically falls between 9 Hz and 11 Hz. Average alpha peak frequency is 10 to 10.5 Hz. An 11Hz alpha peak frequency indicates a mind that is capable of processing data quickly, or quicker than most. Put simply, the brain has the capability to crunch 11 packets of data per second (the thalamus is gating at 11hz),an apt analogy is that of a camera with a fast shutter speed. The speed indicates the capability of the photographer to get a clear, high quality shot. A fast alpha peak frequency is a sign of a facile mind that has the capability to process data quickly. In the case of ruminations or obsessions, this asset can work towards unwanted focus or preoccupation, although it is not the cause of the symptoms, but rather a facilitator of fast processing.</p>