It is amazingly simple to use my Muse brain sensing headband when practicing my alpha state of mind techniques and know when I'm in the zone. I use the Muse app (with ocean sounds option) and my own headphones. When in alpha I hear the ocean gently lapping as if I was at my local beach and the sound of sea birds. I can tell you it is very realistic because I live near the ocean, and I walk on a secluded beach often. The birds sound exactly the same on my headband as they do when I actually walk past them at the beach! If my mind wanders out of the alpha state of mind the weather sounds in the headband become stormy and there are no birds. That is my cue to bring my attention back to my meditation and focus on my breath. The app keeps records so I can review my results and track my progress.