Is Self Hypnotism The Answer To Your Troubles

Is it really possible to reprogram your thinking without calling Bryan Weiss?

When you’re looking at ways to learn to think more positively and improve your outlook on life, self hypnotism can be a valuable tool. When many people think of hypnosis, they think of Las Vegas stage magicians and people barking like dogs or clucking like chickens.

In reality, hypnosis refers to a deeply relaxed state of consciousness, just this side of the line between waking and sleeping. When you are hypnotized, you are somewhat dissociated, that is, you may have a feeling of being “out of touch” or of watching yourself from a distance. People who are hypnotized are highly open to suggestion. That is why so many self help experts use hypnosis as part of their formula for positive change. However, it is important to remember that even under hypnosis, you are still in control of your faculties. You won’t do anything or adopt any beliefs that you find repugnant.

Self hypnotism is not particularly uncommon. We’ve probably all hypnotized ourselves at one time or another. One example is driving down a long, boring stretch of road and suddenly realizing you’re almost at your destination. How did you get there? What happened to that hour of driving time you were anticipating? Chances are you lulled yourself into a hypnotic state during the drive.

Learning self hypnotism isn’t difficult. There are several CDs commercially available that teach self hypnosis or deep relaxation. You can also hypnotize yourself without a CD.

Lie or sit comfortably on a bed or chair. Take a few deep breaths. Become very aware of the breath entering your lungs and leaving them. Now, starting with your feet, focus on each muscle group and make a conscious effort to relax it completely. This is known as progressive relaxation. Many of us don’t know what it feels like to be completely relaxed, so when you’re starting out, you may have to tense your muscles. Then release them, so you can feel the difference.

Once your muscles are relaxed, you can deepen your trance in several ways. One way is to imagine yourself in a safe place, surrounded by everything that you love. This may be a place in nature, like a beach or a mountain, or it may be a room or a house that feels comforting to you. Another way to deepen your trance is to imagine yourself slowly descending a flight of stairs to a comfortable, safe place.

Voluntarily entering a hypnotic trance can take some practice. Don’t be discouraged if you fall asleep the first few times you try it. At least you’ll know you’ve mastered the relaxation part of the exercise!

Once you’re in a hypnotic trance, there are several things you can do. One of the most important is to make suggestions to yourself. If you’re trying to give up a bad habit, for instance, suggest to yourself that the bad habit is gone and that you’re happy without it. “I am a relaxed, confident non-smoker.” “I am enjoying a new wardrobe at my fighting weight of 135 pounds.”

You can also repeat general positive affirmations to yourself. “I am a loving, beautiful child of the universe.” “I am a confident, capable man (or woman).”

Finally, if a specific situation is troubling you, you might suggest to yourself that when you awaken, you will know the solution to your problem.

When you’re ready to come out of your trance, suggest to yourself that you will be refreshed and energized when you awake. Then allow yourself to come out of your trance slowly, perhaps by imagining yourself ascending a staircase back to full consciousness. That’s all there is to it!

Self hypnotism isn’t nearly as tricky as it sounds, and it can be a valuable weapon in your self-improvement arsenal.