Some of us often get stuck in our heads, wrapped up in endless thinking that leads us nowhere but more confused than when we started. Or it may lead down a path of sadness, fear, anger, or another negative emotion.  Most of us know that thinking over and over about an unsolvable problem is useless and a drain on our energy. Then why do we do it, and how can we stop?  As human beings, we are wired to want to figure things out.  When there is something that is unexplainable, our brains sometimes don’t know how to handle it.  That’s how our thinking can work against us. The way through this is to learn to let go of useless thinking patterns.  There are various methods to do this. One very effective way is through meditation. Meditation is the process of focusing the conscious mind (the part of us that thinks and analyzes), on one point of focus. This is similar to giving a kitten something to play with so she doesn’t climb up the curtains.  With our minds, this keeps the thinking part on one object so that we can become a silent observer of our thoughts. Over time we can see more clearly our thinking patterns, and be in a positive to change them. Another effective method is hypnosis. In hypnosis, the conscious, thinking part of our minds is on the backburner, and our subconscious is at the forefront. In this state we can teach ourselves to literally let go of thoughts we don’t want to keep thinking about.  Then, when in a conscious state, we can re-access the hypnotic experience and let go of unhelpful thinking patterns.  Our minds are powerful, and we can learn to use them to make positive changes in our lives.

What is Hypnosis?

There are many misconceptions about hypnosis.  We wanted to shed some light on this to eliminate confusion. Hypnosis is a natural state. It’s similar to when you are driving and you miss your exit, when watching a movie that you are engrossed in, or listening to music that captures a mood or engrosses you.  You are not ‘thinking’  during these times. You are in a deeply focused, relaxed state, and it feels good. 

You have a conscious mind and a subconscious mind. Your conscious mind has a part that is rational, that rationalizes.  Your subconscious mind is where your emotions, beliefs, and conditioning are stored.  When you are in a state of hypnosis, your conscious, rational mind is on the backburner and your subconscious mind is at the forefront.  In this state you are very receptive to suggestions because you have direct access to your subconcious mind and your inner workings.

You are hypnotized everyday by advertisements and TV commercials.  Advertisers are brilliant at getting their audience into a focused state (i.e. hypnosis), then hitting them with suggestions such as ‘give a donation’, ‘buy our product’, or they show images of their product so that when you go to the store that very same product makes you feel the same way you felt when you watched their commercial.  This happens without you knowing why.  Notice this the next time you watch TV.

Can hypnosis make you do things against your will, or reveal your deep dark secrets? Absolutely not.  In no way is the hypnotist in control of you.  The hypnotist is simply facilitating the hypnotic state. During hypnosis you would instantly get up and leave the room if it caught on fire, even if had previously felt like your arms and leg were too heavy to move. You would never do anything, or accept any suggestion that violates your morals or values. Stage hypnotists appear to make people do strange things while hypnotized. The truth is that these people are doing these things because they have a desire to be outrageous. If the stage hypnotist chooses their subjects carefully they will have willing participants.

What can you expect during your hypnosis session? Being in a hypnotic state is nothing strange or unusual.  There is a specific state that the brain enters into when it is receptive to suggestion. It may feel like you are not in a trance, or in hypnosis. For most people they simply feel relaxed. An experienced hypnotist will take time to get to know you, and ask questions to make the session most effective.

Perhaps now you can understand how hypnosis is a powerful tool for making lasting life changes. Your mind is very powerful, and you can learn to harness its power for your betterment.  Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.