Hypnosis is a state of awareness controlled by the subconscious mind. The mind is divided between the conscious, subconscious and unconscious. In the forefront of thought, the conscious mind is aware and informed of what is happening around us. This is known as the conscious state, and this refers to our immediate awareness that you are experiencing as you currently read this. While in the background, the unconscious is making sure that all of our bodily functions such as breathing are carried out correctly. It keeps us alive and kicking. The next level of consciousness is the subconscious or also referred to as the preconscious. This is the brains filing cabinet of all remembered experiences and impressions.
How amazing the subconscious part of the mind is, every experience you’ve ever had, every thought, lives in this part of the mind. The subconscious mind influences our patterns of thought and behaviors.
The subconscious holds information that is just below the surface. It is not difficult to retrieve such information. This information is displayed as memories.
For example, when meditating we are focusing on something and quieting the chatter of the conscious mind so that the subconscious mind can take over as the dominant force. The conscious mind becomes disengaged and the subconscious mind steps up front and center, and this becomes the altered state of awareness which is when hypnosis can begin.
Now the work begins...
During hypnosis, a trained hypnotist or hypnotherapist induces a state of intense concentration or focused attention. This is a guided process with verbal cues and repetition.
In this state it may appear to be similar to sleep in many ways, but you’re fully aware of what’s going on at all times.
While in this state, your therapist will make guided suggestions based on the goals you have both agreed on prior to the hypnosis.
Being in a heightened state of focus, you should be more open to proposals or advice than, in your normal mental state.
I have been successfully hypnotized and I often use self-hypnosis on myself for many different reasons.
I have used it on such issues as cutting back on eating chocolate bars and dealing with severe pain from a recent full knee replacement surgery. All Hypnosis is self-hypnosis so you must want it, but if you do, you will be amazed with your results. I am!
