Self hypnosis

About Hypnosis

If your only impression of hypnosis is based on one of those hokey TV shows where a group of audience members are put into the hypnotic state and convinced to perform embarrassing acts, perish the thought.

Hypnosis, and by extension self-hypnosis, is a completely natural state of being where the body reaches a sublime level of relaxation that allows the mind to totally focus on whatever issue is brought to its attention. It is not a state of unconsciousness in which a subject loses control of his or her own free will. No one can make you do anything you would normally be unwilling to do.

The hypnotic state allows your subconscious mind to shut out daily distractions, and give deep consideration to any suggestions made to it. These suggestions must be positive in nature in order for them to have any effect on the conscious mind; suggestions that would cause you to behave out of character will be ignored.

Both hypnosis and self-hypnosis can be used to boost self-confidence, overcome or lessen fears and stress, and even provide a certain level of pain relief.

Inducing Self-Hypnosis

Although many people choose to undergo hypnosis with the aid of a certified hypnotherapist, it is possible to induce self-hypnosis all on your own. In fact, some people actually find it easier to relax when they are alone.

Imagery can also be extremely helpful in reaching a self-hypnotic state, and we'll explain how to use it as we go.

Step One: Total Relaxation

Where the body goes, the mind will follow. In order to reach the hypnotic state, you must first allow your body to completely relax.

1. Lower the lights and find a comfy place to sit or recline.
2. To become more aware of each and every muscle, momentarily tense your entire body.
3. Now, beginning with your extremities, start to methodically relax each body part until you are able to allow your whole body to go limp.
4. Allow your breathing to become deep and even. This will enhance your relaxation.

Step Two: Achieving a Hypnotic State

Once you are perfectly relaxed, close your eyes and let your mind begin to drift. Don't try to make a concerted effort to let your mind go blank, let it happen gradually until you are no longer focusing on individual thoughts.

Now we are going to use some imagery to help the mind descend into the hypnotic state. You can use whatever mind images you find work best for you, but thinking about things like slowly descending a long staircase, or gently drifting down a mountain stream can both help you reach the desired state of subconsciousness.

Step Three: Self-Suggestion

By now, both mind and body should be totally relaxed, and ready for a bit of self-suggestion. Let's use pain relief as our example.

Remember, your suggestions should be positive, not negative, since you are trying to assure yourself on the deepest levels that you are safe and well.

Begin silently repeating to yourself as a sort of mantra: "I feel good, and there is no pain". Do this over and over until you're not so much voicing the thought, but experiencing it. At this point, your concentration will become nearly trance-like.

You can easily compare this self-hypnosis technique to the La Maze technique used by women in labor to lessen their focus on pain in order to manage it better.

Step Four: Emerging from the Hypnotic State

Once you feel you have assimilated your suggestion, and this can take as long as necessary, from a few minutes to as much as half an hour, you can begin your ascension from the subconscious, hypnotic state.

Using imagery again, visualize yourself gradually climbing back up those stairs, or paddling a canoe back up the stream until you are more aware of your surroundings. Give yourself plenty of time, and end the session with a deep cleansing breath.

Conclusion

Now that you have a basic understanding of what hypnosis is all about, you can give self-hypnosis a try. The process of hypnotizing yourself takes a while to master, but with practice you should find it easier and easier to access your subconscious mind.

Who knows? Maybe you will even be able to use self-hypnosis to help you get through your next tattoo or other body modification.