by gregi696 » May 14th, 2006, 10:14 pm
I had picked up some books about hypnosis prior to finding this website, and this is what I found. Hypnosis, they believe(as I have read) is similar to sleep walking. (somnabulism(sp?)) Essentially, hypnosis bypasses the conscious mind and speaks into the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind does not analyze input like the conscious mind does so it readily accepts suggestions.
The way hypnosis bypasses the conscious mind is basically by keeping it preoccupied. A classic example is driving to school/work and your thoughts are actively on something else like a meeting or project, then you realize you are at your location and don't really remember the drive. Your conscious mind was thinking about something else, but your subconscious was making sure you got to work. In a similar manner, your conscious mind "goes to sleep" during hypnosis, but your subconscious actively listens to what it is being told.
To dispell a few myths about it, it is not about will power at all. Hypnosis does not work more effectively because someone is "weak willed" or submissive. Typcially, hypnosis actually works better on intelligent people. No insult intended to those of you out there who have problems with hypnosis. :)
The key thing is to take small steps. Many people have been using these files for a long time, in some cases years. Don't expect instant results, it is not realistic, especially with any physical change or hallucinatory file. Some helpful tips are to play some background noise, such as Brainwave Generater; use the deepening and other beginner files to get used to going into trance; make sure you have comfortable spot picked out(I find it helps to use the same spot repeatedly); and one thing I do that really helped to deepen my trances is to mentally "echo" the file. I repeat it in my mind as the speaker is talking, some people mouth the words as well. The idea behind echoing the words is that it completely occupies your consciouness to do it, especially during the induction phase.
Hypno101...over and out :D if you have any questions, just let me know.
P.S: For anyone who is curious, the first book I can remember is "Fun with Hypnosis." and I know you can get it on amazon.