TRANCE TUESDAY IV -- SELF-HYPNOSIS

Trance is a normal state of mind many of us experience spontaneously a few times everyday. It's possible to achieve a trance-state intentionally, aka self-hypnosis, and then work from that place to achieve behavioral changes.

The following is a basic form of induction incorporating progressive relaxation and representational systems.

1. I recommend beginning with diaphragmatic breathing—in through your nose, out slowly and completely through your mouth. Repeat continuously.

2. Give your unconscious the following instruction: "I would like you, my unconscious, to arouse me in twenty minutes, allowing me to feel refreshed and renewed by this experience."

3. Then give your unconscious an appropriate, goal-oriented instruction (suggestion) before going into trance, for example: "My back will be feeling much better."  And ask your unconscious to "Have this new feeling naturally and spontaneously begin to occur more frequently in the appropriate context."

4. Now flex the muscles in your jaw briefly ~ then relax them ~ feel the warmth spread ~ as you relax ~ move on to the muscles around your eyes ~ flexing then relaxing ~ continue with your neck ~ then your shoulders ~ and repeat the pattern ~ all the while ~ breathing ~ flexing then relaxing ~ every group of muscles ~ including your toes ~ take your time ~ be thorough ~ feel the tension drain down from your body ~ and release through the soles of your feet ~

5. Now review ~ with sounds ~ images ~ and feelings ~ the improved condition you're striving for ~ picture yourself ~ in various appropriate circumstances ~ comfortably sitting ~ walking ~ skiing ~ golfing ~ gardening ~ and continue to breathe ~ in through your nose ~ out through your mouth ~ see the images ~ with great detail ~ watch yourself swinging the club ~ or deftly negotiating the mogul ~ feel the satisfaction of accomplishment ~ listen to the sharp report of the club striking the ball ~ watch it fly straight and true ~ feel the wind as you descend the mountain ~ hear the swish of your skis on the snow ~ see the white spray ~ glistening in the sunlight ~ relax ~ and revel ~ in your achievement ~ and continue to breath ~ in through your nose ~ out through your mouth ~ In twenty minutes ~ your internal alarm clock ~ will ring ~ as per your instruction ~ and very likely ~ you will feel refreshed and renewed ~ and your back ~ will feel much better.

Trust your unconscious responses. It's more efficient to go from unconscious change ~ to behavior ~ and then to a conscious recognition of it, than it is to begin with a conscious understanding, which you then attempt to apply to behavior.

               

With practice you can alter your consciousness quickly. Some people can program themselves to enter an altered state immediately following a "Trigger" word or phrase without deliberately going through the whole sequence. That is the point at which self-hypnosis becomes a really effective tool for your own self-evolution.

Suggestibility correlates with intelligence.

Until next Tuesday, then, may you have the fortitude to endure the rants and raves of my alter ego, who manages to commandeer this blog on all other days.

The photo is of my daughter's orchid, named Lola, which bloomed suddenly and miraculously (mirroring the magic of hypnosis) in spite of neglect.