I’ve been using Centerpointe Holosync for some years now and have reached their Purification level 2, which means I’m about half way through their program. Most people who know me say that I’ve improved for the better over the years I’ve been listening to it.
It’s a good system – I wouldn’t have been using it for so long if it wasn’t – but I’m always open to new ideas.
Recently, I came across the Meditation Program (look at that link but don’t buy it from there. I’ll explain why later). It makes some pretty bold claims. So let’s examine some of them:
They say that Centerpointe is mind-numbing, dis-engaging and outdated. Mind-numbing and dis-engaging I’d agree with. The first CD track is 30 minutes of rainfall with occasional chimes, the second CD track is 30 minutes of rainfall. But then you’re supposed to be dropping down to lower and lower levels of brain activity, so I’m not sure if that’s a bad thing. After all, the aim of Centerpointe is to drop you down to deeper brain levels. It’s not aimed at the top 30 charts. Besides, I’ve been listening to these CDs for years now and find them kind of relaxing. So I guess that’s a kind of “horses for courses” criticism.
Moving on to the outdated claim. As a layman, I’m not particularly qualified to decide on that. But Holosync is, by Centerpointe‘s own admission, a 20 year old technology. So when it was “born” the CD had only recently been invented, cell (or mobile) phones were just about “luggable”, the iPod wasn’t even a twinkle in Apple’s eye and your average PC came with a 5.25″ floppy disk and, if you were rich, a hard disk that might hold one low resolution picture taken by a modern digital camera. So the odds are that, yes, Meditation Program‘s claim that Holosync is outdated is quite likely. Of course, outdated doesn’t mean “doesn’t work”, just that there could be something newer and better available.
Certainly the Meditation Program is quicker than Centerpointe. The Purification level CD I’ve got says that it will take a year or more for me to complete just the current level I’m on. I’d agree and, from past experience, it would probably take me personally nearer to 18 months to get through the level.
Meditation Program only has 8 levels. Each one can be completed in around a week, maybe stretching to 10 days per level if you want to take it easy. I’m currently on my third week and listening to level 3, so I’d agree with that timescale.
The backing sounds are more varied. There’s music swirling around. And the music changes after levels 1 and 2 to something different on 3 and 4. So you won’t get bored.
The binaural beats are a lot more obvious on Meditation Program. A lot more obvious. With Centerpointe, they’re barely noticeable. With Meditation Program they’re very obvious. I don’t know whether this is good or bad. My guess is that it makes no difference – your brain will notice them whichever way they are presented.
Centerpointe allows subliminal messages to be encoded on the CDs once you get past the initial level. Meditation Program doesn’t offer this. Whether this matters to you depends on your view on subliminal messages. But it could be fairly irrelevant when you look at the next point.
The full Centerpointe program will take years to complete and at a shade under $200 for the first level and then a dozen more levels to go through over the years, it’s going to set you back quite a lot of cash.
The Meditation Program costs $125 on CD or $85 to download. The downloadable version is cheaper when you buy it through the discounted links later on in this review. It will take you around 8 weeks to complete if you fast track it, up to about 8 months if you want to be more relaxed in your progress. Either way, there will be plenty of cash left over to buy subliminal CDs to your heart’s content.
So, what’s my overall verdict?
Well, although I really like Centerpointe and have done for years, I’ve moved across to the Meditation Program for my daily listening routine. Partly because I’m impatient and want to reach the deepest level sooner than 2014, which is the absolute earliest I’d reach it with Centerpointe. Rather than some time late February or early March this year, which is when I’ll reach it with Meditation Program.
One other thing to mention. Centerpointe is CD only, so it arrives through the post. Meditation Program has the option of being sent on CD (you’ll get all 8 levels when you order) or you can download it. If you opt to download, make sure you’re on a fast connection. If you’re on dialup or slow broadband, it will be quicker to order by post. The files are b-i-g. About 800Mb.
But if you’re on a good internet connection, save yourself some extra cash by using one of these two discounted order links:
Meditation program, discounted download, credit card
Meditation program, discounted download, PayPal
Those links will take you straight through to a specially discounted price of $67 (a bit like some sites offer a place to put in a coupon code).
Whichever method you choose, I think you’ll notice a positive difference in yourself.
I like your program but all youngest ors Think about its all for old age ones but I feel your work will get fare great for all ages.
I should say true for me. I first used the Centerpointe Holosync system. I’m slowly progressing through the multitude of levels that they produce, each subtly stronger than the previous one. I even miss listening to the tracks last thing at night if I skip a session.
I haven’t had any of the side effects that some friends have had – some of them find their mind too excited to sleep after listening to a session. But I’ve definitely noticed a positive difference in my outlook on life.
Thanks for the article – it’s very interesting indeed!
OK. I just started with the Centerpoint Holosync, and as a result of your blog am thinking in the direction of the meditation program. If you started it the first part of this year, and would have been done by March, I’m guessing you have an opinion on the effectiveness of the meditation program over the centerpointe offering. Care to share it?
Hi Wally
Thanks for the question. I’ve been through all 8 levels of the Meditation Program (whereas I was only on about the 5th level of 12 on Holosync).
I’ve found the Meditation Program to be good – subjectively I go into a deep meditation soon after starting to listen to the track and (as far as I can tell without scary scientific instruments) this is at least as deep as I went with the Centerpointe system.
I’ve not noticed much change – but then I didn’t with Centerpointe, that was for friends to notice more than me and they’ve near enough all said I’m generally calmer and more relaxed.
The tracks are more varied than the rainfall on Centerpointe – there’s music instead.
My verdict is that as far as I can tell, it’s as good as Centerpointe for a fraction of the cost and timescale.
Hope this helps!
Trevor
Do the discount versions come with the year garantee?
Hi Steven
Yes, the discounted version is exactly the same as the regular version, including the guarantee.
Trev
Hi, I’ve only used binaural-beats.com cds – about 4 of them and am considering buying centerpointe’s delta sleep and longevity cds, online though other sellers without going through the whole first course or joining.
I notice the Meditation Program is not binaural so I’m wondering how it works – how does it affect brain waves?
Do you have any experience with any of these and, if so, do you have an opinion?
Thanks. Otter
Hi Otter
Both Centerpointe and Meditation Program use binaural beats.
I used Centerpointe for a number of years – it’s an excellent program. Meditation Program gets you to a similar level of “deepness” but doesn’t take what seems like forever to reach it.
My personal recommendation nowadays is definitely Meditation Program.
Hope this helps,
Trev
I will have to get this type of cd because I have a hard time trying to go to sleep at night time. I for sure wake up at least three times when sleeping so I feel like I don’t get my full sleep hours.
Trev, purchase & downloaded Med. Prog. yesterday, burned all 8 levels & listened to Level 1 yesterday and again today. I have time to listen to the 30 min. Level 1 more than once a day. Would it be either harmful or helpful to do so? If it’s OK, how many times a day max? Really appreciate & enjoy your reviews.
Thanks. Dennis
Hi Dennis
Thanks for your kind words!
If it’s your first time with a binaural beats meditation, I’d be inclined to suggest that you keep to the instructions of half an hour a day. When I first started with Centerpointe and more recently Meditation Program, I found I had many more dreams that I remembered whenever I changed to a new level, which I took to indicate my brain taking in the new things.
That said, check in with Meditation Program’s support to see what they say – I’ve always found their support to be helpful and they normally reply within a day or less.
Trev
Hi Trev,
I came across ‘Brain Evolution System’ which claims much better compared to other products, have you tried that? What do you think? Thanks,
ChinKooi
Hi ChinKooi
Yes, I’ve tried Brain Evolution System – you can check out the comparison here.
It’s quicker than the other two (half an hour a day, not an hour) but personally I didn’t get on as well with it. I’m still using Meditation Program on a regular basis.
Trev
Hi Trev,
Thanks so much for your review! It was really helpful. Based on it, I ordered the entire Med Program download for $67 using your discounted link instead of Holosync, Prelim CD 1, for $185.
I have a couple of questions if you don’t mind.
First, I was curious if you think it’s possible that the Med Prog worked well for you because you had already worked with Holosync and “built up” your brain, so to speak, for 2 years? Have you heard from others who were newbies, like myself, and achieved some type of blissful oneness (Delta level) using only the Med Prog for 8 weeks?
Second, would you mind sharing a breakdown of the costs you paid to buy the Holosync CDs so far? I couldn’t find prices on-line beyond CD #1. I don’t ask just for the sake of curiosity. I ask so if I don’t see noticeable results after 8 weeks, I will consider ordering Holosync, depending, in part, on the overall prices.
Thanks again!
Hi Ken
Glad you found the review helpful (and thanks for the purchase!)
Although I’d been using Centerpointe for some time, I was only about a third the way through their system. So I guess my mind was “used” to it but the deeper levels were still just a distant possibility until I changed.
The recommended time is to spend between one week and one month per “level” of the Meditation Program. Talking to other people who’ve used the system, it depends a bit on you as an individual which end of that spectrum you’ll be at. But the lower levels are still powerful so you should start noticing a difference sooner rather than later (or, if you’re like me, others spot the difference before you do!)
It’s a while on Centerpointe higher levels but over $200 per level sticks in my mind. Once you’re on the Centerpointe mailing list, you get special offers through the post on quite a regular basis and discounts depending on how many levels you buy, although you only get posted the CDs for extra levels when you request them.
Regards
Trev
Thanks Trev! I’ll post an update and let you know how it went.
Ken
So this method uses binaural beats.looking forward to try it.
certerpoint holysync is a good way.it focuses on mind balance.
Hi Trev,
I haven’ tried Centerpointe, Meditation Program or Brain Evolution System. The best meditation CD I have is Gamma Meditation System by Jeffrey Thomson. Have u tried it? If yes, how does it compare to the other systems?
Hi Reza
Sorry – not come across that one. But if it’s working for you, I’d be inclined to stay with it.
Regards
Trev
Hi Trev,
There is also the Soundmind Meditation system which many claim to be better than Holosync and Hemisync. Can you tell me whether it is similar to the meditation program. Which system do you think is the most effective?
Hi Alan
Not come across that one. From the name, it sounds similar to Centerpointe and Meditation Program (and doubtless lots of others too!)
Personally, I use the Meditation Program system on an almost daily basis and find it works well for me.
Regards
Trev
Hi Trev,
Thank you so much for the feedback. I started off with the Monroe Gateway CDs and graduated to Holosync. Both were alright I guess. Anyway I noticed that these are two pioneers in using modern sound technology for meditation and have become benchmarks for others who are new in the market.
I am now quite interested to check out ‘The Meditation Program’. Is there anywhere I can download a free sample of about 15 minutes to compare with the others. Thank you again for your quick response.
Best Regards,
Alan
Hi Alan
Buried about half way down the main page for the Meditation Program is a link that says “Click here to listen to a montage of samples” (I found it easiest to search for the word “sample” in my browser)
Trev
Trev,
Did you have a link to download The Meditation Program for $67? Please let me know. Thanks!!
Kathy
Hi Kathy
The link to the discounted version is towards the end of the review. Just search for “discounted download” in your browser!
Trev
Could you show me some satisfied customers of the meditation program. Just would like to hear from them before buying.
Hi Mike,
I’m personally using the Meditation Program on a near enough daily basis and have found it useful.
There’s a long guarantee with it so you can try it for yourself at no risk.
Trev
Hi Trev,
I have been using the the holosync awakening level 1 for a few months now and to to tell you the truth I dont really feel any substantial changes.
In fact if it werent for the directions stating that you should move on to the next cd in 6 weeks I honestly wouldnt know if i were ready or not.
Should I finish the 5 cds of awaking level 1 before considering the Meditation Program?
Hi Dina
Pretty much your choice – I moved when I was “mid-level” on Centerpointe.
Everyone experiences these things differently – I listen late at night but know others who find doing that keeps them awake.
Friends noticed the change in me well before I did
Trev
Trev,
What is the time commitment with the meditation program? Is it an hour a day like holosync?
I should probably finish up these cd’s before moving on. Holosync is a large financial commitment.
Thanks again for the quick reply.
cool site.
Dina
Hi Dina
Yes, an hour a day for either of them.
I agree Holosync is a large cost – and I’m probably still in credit with them!
Trev
Trev,
Question! After you finish the 8 cd meditation program… then what?
Do you continue to use???
Hi Dina
Personally, I’ve continued to use it on a regular basis, mainly because it’s become part of my daily routine. I can’t quickly find the user guide but from memory, there’s no need to continue beyond the 8 weeks unless you want to.
Trev
Trev,
Dont you find that rather strange that the program would end after 8 weeks? Maybe its that the entrainment process has been completed?
I came across this site… tell me what you think
http://www.store.unexplainable.net/
Do you use noise reduction headphones or regular?
I think I am going to invest in noise reduction… my dogs bark at everything and its always when I sit down to meditate that they go into a barking frenzy.
I have a few months left on holoysnc but look forward to trying the meditation solution..
Dina
Hi Dina
I know that Centerpointe does (eventually) end but that they say there are benefits to continuing using it, so I kind of assumed the same with Meditation Program.
I use regular on-ear headphones (I’ve used noise cancelling on flights but find them too heavy for regular use). When I’m looking after my friend’s dog she relaxes next to me, so not had the barking issue. Good luck!
I’ve seen Unexplainable store but not tried any of their products so can’t really comment.
Trev
Trev,
Cool, I will keep you posted on my findings.
Dina
hy all, love to hear other people experimenting with entrainment, i personally would reccomend zygons ultra/basic meditation program (5 cds/5 mnths) with an additional 6 levels, more for experimental purposes. In my view, their first cd is the deepest first track ive tried in entrainment. (ive used mindsync,holosync, monroe and hemisync as well as the neuroprogrammer and various mind machines). The final track is the near death experience. If you go to relax uk ,you can get the first 5 cds for around £50. Even if you just try it for something new. P.S. has anyone tried transparentcorp altered states? i ve read alot of hype about it and was relativly impressed with their neuroprogrammer. P.P.S. check out the shakti helmet , also known as the god helmet , i reckon thats the new way forward. take care all nightshade Bsc(hons) lol
Hi Trev,
Thanks for having this cool site. I had been looking for an alternative to Centerpointe/Holosync, which I had great results with on their first 2 levels, but their cost got too prohibitive. I’m on levels 3 & 4 of The Meditation Program now, and am really positively impressed. I had an amazing experience yesterday doing the meditation, profound and enlightening. The only thing I don’t like about The Med Prog is the big booming voice in between levels telling you about their copyright and not to distribute. But I can deal with that, otherwise SUPER great program.
Happy meditating,
Kathy
Hi Kathy
Glad you’re getting on well with Meditation Program. If the copyright voice gets on your nerves too much (I’ve pretty much tuned out from it) you can always use a program like Audacity to chop out that small section (usual “make a backup first” warnings apply).
Trev
Trev,
Thanks for your very helpful advice about the Meditation Program. I’ve been using it for a month or so and have really enjoyed it for the most part. I’ve noticed though that as I move from one Level to the next I sometimes react to the new Level with mild depression and headaches. This has been particularly true as I have moved into Level 5, the first hour long session–enouogh that I hesitate using it when I have a day of work ahead of me. Any advice? Do I just soldier through? Limit my use to a couple of times a week instead of daily? I’d appreciate any suggestions.
Best,
Brian
Hi Brian
Glad you’re enjoying the program. Sometimes change can be faster than we like and these sound like symptoms of your brain saying it doesn’t like the idea of change.
I’d either limit my use or drop back a level for a while – it sounds to me like your brain has lots of adjustments going on and these are the outward signs.
Trev
Hi Trev,
Thanks for the review. I’m on Awakening Level 4 of Holosync and I had a quick question.
Is eight weeks really enough time for the Meditation System to do anything? Even if it subjectively takes you to a deeper state than Centerpointe, don’t you think that consistency over time would yield greater long-term results?
I would think that despite the cost, meditating over a period of several years rather than several months would yield better long-term benefits, even if the Meditation System subjectively takes you as deep or deeper.
Is your review based on your experience of how deep it takes you or on the long-term benefits the programs offer?
Thanks a lot for the insight,
Brit
The discussion is going on interesting in comments section. Thanks to Dina for her active participation. I found answers to all of my questions here. Thanks Trev!
Hi Brit
Our brain learns fast (think how quickly most people learn to be afraid of spiders) so 8 weeks to get to the deeper levels should be achievable. Personally, I’m still using the tracks almost every day – it’s become a habit.
As far as the long term benefits are concerned, I find it difficult to see the changes day-by-day but the feedback I’ve had from other people who meet me less often that “all day every day” is that it’s showing positive results in my overall attitude to life.
Trev
Hi JD
On the “other people noticing my changes” typically it’s people I haven’t seen for a while – a bit like the aunts and uncles you only saw at Christmas whose first words would be “hasn’t he grown”. Or the friend who visits your town after an absence of a few years who spots all the changes in shop fronts, new houses, etc that you take for granted.
Generally, I’m more confident, more outward going and less stressed.
At the end of the 8 weeks, I just kept on with the final CD and still listen to it most days.
Trev
As a meditation teacher I’ve always been a bit sceptical of meditation CD’s thet cost a bit of money however i was interested and delighted to read that many of you have received benefit in this way. Nice to see a good blog with plenty of reponse and if it works for you then go with it!
i bought the holysync solution over a month ago bcos i was impressed with the subject matter. i’ve yet to use any of it yet, as i prefer to read up on all of this. i’ve read all the holysync papers, and heard much of the 6 discs of a 2003 retreat. the book ‘thresholds of the mind’ is excellent also. next step was exploring alternativ info regarding other meditation programs. oddly, i’m just enjoying all the reading right now, including personal reviews of the various programs. what are your thorts on LifeFlow?
Hi Robert,
Not tried LifeFlow as I’m still happy with the results I’m getting from Meditation Program.
Glad you’ve got Holosync but you really do need to listen to the tracks – they’ll have much more effect than just reading!
Quick analogy: could you learn to drive a car by reading a book? Or would you actually need to get behind the wheel?
Trev
Trev,
Thanks for the blog. I have a couple of questions about the Meditation Program. First, is it easy to buy the downloadable version and then simply burn the various levels on to distinct CD’s? Also, What type of written support material accompanies the download?
Mark
trev,
thanks for posting this. i’ve been using holosync for the last 3 months, and i love it. i’ve never meditated deeper, nor felt calmer. i stopped drinking cold-turkey, and never even have cravings. but of course, i could always be happier…
what specific changes have you seen in this program you didn’t find before? is it just easier to use and stick with?
thanks again, and be happy,
Sean