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Hypnosis:
Revolutionize Your Mind
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There are many myths about hypnosis.
The truth is, the negative ones are
really nonsense.
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Hypnosis is one of the most under-utilized methods of achieving
real, positive, significant and long lasting changes in
our lives...quickly and easily.
| Hypnosis is a natural state that we all enter at various times during the normal process of living. There are numerous misconceptions about hypnosis, many of them negative. This is a pity because hypnotherapy helps you harness the most powerful force you have available - your own mind! |
| It is useful to understand what hypnosis is: |
| But first, let's look at how we operate every day of our lives. During our normal alert day-to-day state of mind, our conscious mind is at the forefront, making all the conscious, logical decisions necessary for us to function as we always do. |
| During this time, our subconscious/unconscious mind is making many more decisions automatically which we are not even aware of - things like blinking our eyes regularly to keep them hydrated, and managing the operation of our immune system every second of our lives. |
| With hypnosis, through a process of relaxation, the conscious mind slips into the background - still following what is happening - but allowing for more direct communication with the subconscious mind. When this happens, the subconscious mind can more easily accept positive suggestions to improve our lives - like giving up smoking, for example. |
| This is also an extremely useful state of mind because the subconscious mind holds the key to the filing system of our mind - making it possible to examine past memories and re-interpret them in the light of more mature, up-to-date knowledge or understanding. |
It should be remembered, when considering this, that the part of the mind that maintains our morals, principles and spiritual or religious beliefs is not the conscious mind. It is the subconscious - so it is actually more closely involved in what is going on whilst hypnotised. Because of thisyou will not start doing things or allowing things that go against your personal moral code. This is a major concern for many people. For further insight, see the section about stage hypnosis here.
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And that is hypnosis in a nutshell. If the description does not make sense, or if you feel more detail would be helpful for clarity, please let us know so we can modify this page accordingly.
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| Also see the Questions and Answers below for some of the most common questions and concerns. |
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Below, are some questions and answers based on some of the more common uncertainties and concerns we have heard.
The answers are gleaned from practicing hypnosis and literature on the subject: |
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| Q: |
Is hypnosis safe? |
| A: |
Yes, for most people - particularly when guided by a properly trained hypnotist. Hypnosis has been around for about 200 years and has been used by members of the medical profession for about 50 years, however there are conditions which call for caution - diabetes, epilepy and mental disease for example.
If you know of any cases of harm by hypnosis, please let us know. To safeguard yourself though, wisdom dictates that you should observe the same caution that you would to ensure your health and well being. |
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| Q: |
What if I am one of those people who cannot be hypnotized? |
| A: |
You are only one of those people if you choose to be. Anyone with an average can be hypnotized; But nobody can be hypnotized against their will - so if you believe you cannot be hypnotized, then you will be right, but this is only because you believe it to be true. On the other hand, if you believe you can - and want to be - then you can. You have to allow it. |
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| Q: |
Can I be made to do things against my will in hypnosis? |
| A: |
No, you cannot be forced to say or do do anything against you will. Our mind's self preservation instinct cannot be over-ruled in normal hypnosis. |
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| Q: |
Will I lose control? |
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No. You remain in control at all times and cannot be made to do anything that goes against your principles, beliefs or moral code. |
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| Q: |
Will I remember what happened afterwards? |
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Yes, usually you willl. Hypnosis is not sleep. You are aware of everything that is going on. You will only forget if you agree to forget - and even then you have not really forgotten! |
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| Q: |
What if I get "stuck" and cannot come out of hypnosis? |
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There is really nowhere to get stuck. Hypnosis is a completely natural state which you will often experience several times a day. If the hypniotist were to drop down dead, your mind woyuld gradually bring you back to your full day-to-day level of awareness. You would be nicely relaxed ... until you see the dead body on the floor next to you, but that is another story! |
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| Q: |
Is hypnosis like sleeping? |
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No, although some people may feel as though they slept. The most common "side-effect" of hypnosis is relaxation, so in this sense they are similar - but during hypnosis you will usually be aware of everything that is going on. You only forget if you want/agree to do so. |
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| Q: |
What does it feel like to be hypnotized? |
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It differs from person to person. Some may feel that all they did is close their eyes for a while. Others may feel that they are floating comfortably above the chair or couch, whilst others feel comfortably heavy, sinking into the chair. Some folks see colours. Whatever your experience, it may seem strange, but I have never known it to be unpleasant. |
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| Q: |
You say that hypnosis is a natural state we all experience regularly. Can you give any examples? |
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One of the most common for drivers, is "highway hypnosis". Have you ever been on a familiar journey (like to work, or home), and suddenly realized that you are there? You don't remember what happened along the way, or whether the traffic lights on the way were red or green, but you arrived in one piece without having an accident. This is highway hypnosis. |
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Where does stage hypnosis fit into all this?
What we observe on the stage seems to contradict some of the
explanations
given above.
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Here is a view of stage hypnosis
in relation to "serious" hypnosis.
Having never been interested in doing hypnosis for entertainment,
this is based upon reading and attending a couple of stage shows.
| Some people believe that stage hypnosis is all an act, that the "participants" are seeded through the audience. This is not so, it is real hypnosis, and the people are normal, albeit highly suceptible, hypnosis subjects. |
| The first thing to realize, is that everyone who volunteers to be a participant is agreeing to be hypnotized. They are also aware of the kind of things that go on at hypnosis shows and by volunteering, agree to be exhibitionists for the duration of the show. |
| Before accepting (or selecting) anyone to take part, the hypnotist has them perform at least one suggestibility test to weed out those who are not highly hypnotizable. Then they are induced (hypnosis-speak for "put under") using an instant induction. These are spectacular and highly effective, using surprise to reach a fairly deep level of hypnosis in the blink of an eye. |
| Bearing in mind that they have tacitly agreed to do all the silly stuff the hypnotist suggests, the subjects are free to act in ways they would never normally do; with no responsibility for their actions: "The hypnotist made me do it!" ... and one of the myths is reinforced. |
| During the show, you may notice that sometimes one or more of the subjects do not do as directed. The hypnotist surreptitiously guides them out of the spotlight and carries on with the next person. This is often because for this person, being asked to do that (whatever it is) goes against the grain - illustrating that we can, and do, reject suggestions and instructions we dislike. |
| ... so things are not always what they seem in showbiz! |
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