Lovely Set, Different from Other Thompson CDs
D. A. McKelvey | 05/15/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am a huge Dr. Thompson fan. I use his Brainwave cds regularly with great results! This set differs from his other work with the addition of spoken words along with the music and brainwave content. I enjoyed this set, but I really prefer no talking in my meditation practice. Or perhaps the way the words were muffled and drawn out at times was distracting to me. My mother, to whom I gave a set of these, really loved the addition of language. If you find words distracting in your practice, try his other cds. You can't go wrong with any of Dr. Thompson's work!"
Highs and lows
J.J. | usa | 08/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This set of CDs has really high points, and few low spots. The music is wonderful. The brainwave entrainment is powerful. The added guided meditations are a great idea...
But Owen Morrison misses the proverbial boat too often. In "Journey of the Heart" in particular, the guided meditation moves so fast I have found it difficult to keep up with him. At times, it's hard to understand what he is saying, as his voice often drones and he uses "big" words that seem to inhibit my ability to follow him. When I'm in that relaxed meditative state, my brain just doesn't want to keep flowing when it runs into a word like "effervescent"... especially when the tone of the speaker's voice sounds more like he is talking about a muddy bog than a beautiful mist.
The other journeys are better paced. Much slower, and the instructions are often repeated enough that my mind has time to absorb them, process them, and roll on before being given the next set of instructions. ("Journey of the Spirit" is my favorite, because it uses the Awakened Mind pattern of brainwaves.) Still, I find it difficult to follow him all of the time. I've learned to just sit back and observe. It seems that my mind is capable of following the spoken guidance much better if I just let go and stop hanging on his every word. I find it's easier to meditate when I can move at my own pace, and in my own direction. Although, it may be easier for others to have more specific guidance, I don't know.
What I'm saying is: my "gripes" about these CDs could very well be my own fault.
Overall, the music is splendid, and the results are phenomenal. I always feel much better after listening, just as I do with all of Dr. Thompson's CDs. I haven't tried any of his music that I don't like! I don't regret buying this set, and I still use it on a regular basis.
My advice to anyone would be this: If you only plan to buy one CD set of Dr. Thompson's, this is probably not the best one. And, if you have never listened to his music before, this is probably not the best to start out with. Still, I doubt you will regret the money and time you've invested in it, either way."