Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Learn about EFT
Here is a great video from Gary Craig's website, www.emofree.com. Check out this video and his website for more information on this incredible life-altering process.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Perception and Hypnosis
Once upon a time, when I was a child, I was having a disagreement with my mother. I think I was about 4 or 5 yrs old. I don't remember what the fight was about, but most likely it was about my doing something I didn't want to do because she told me to. I was really the independent one when I was little. About the only thing I remember about this incident is my mother saying to me in a very forceful, loud way, "you can't win. I'm the only one who is going to win in this family."
Now if you were to ask my mother about this, she wouldn't remember it. She was not trying to do anything except get a recalcitrant child to behave. But what I heard went deep into my subconscious and there it stayed. Periodically it would replay when it looked like I was on the verge of winning or becoming successful. It would rise up in further "discussions" with my mother and I would simply give up and not argue. Instead of speaking my truth to her, I shut her out and shut my truth down. After all, what difference did it make if I was just a loser.
Did I hear what my mother said? I heard that I was a loser, that I couldn't win. I heard that the one person whom I looked to as my refuge considered me a loser. I heard that it was hopeless, regardless of the situation, I couldn't win. There was nothing I could do because I didn't deserve to win. I wasn't good enough. And on and on... over the years my subconscious embellished it as I went about proving this belief, unwittingly written on my wall, as true.
Now I was an extremely bright, very talented child. I was musically oriented and artistically inclined. I was excellent with math and science, and fascinated by genetics, psychology, literature... I painted and danced, I played the violin, the cello, and the piano. I designed faux stained glass windows. I was extremely creative. But it only went so far. Once I began to feel successful I would quit. And when I finished high school, I went to work, not to college, not into the arts, not into further studies. I went to work. Why? Because my subconscious heard something once upon a time that became a solid belief that functioned at a deep inner level to designate what was safe for me to do. And being a winner was not safe. So I self-sabotaged.
Why am I telling you about this? Certainly not because my experience was unique. Quite the opposite. My experience IS the norm. This is how our internal, subconscious beliefs are formed. And these beliefs then inform our lives. Was my mother at fault? Only in so far as her comment was not well thought through. Do all parents make comments like this? Probably. I have never met anyone who claimed to have a perfect childhood. There are always some issues, whether mild or severe, that are brought into adulthood and lie underneath all of our experiences. Sometimes these beliefs hinder us, sometimes they seem to goad us into trying harder and harder.
We all have these beliefs. Gary Craig, the founder of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), uses the metaphor of a blank wall. The child comes into this life a blank slate and parents, society, friends, culture, movies, games, teachers, everyone the child comes into contact with, has the power to write on those walls. Of course, the people who are closest to us and with us the most, our parents, teachers, families and friends, have the most impact. And as these beliefs become embedded, we lose any awareness that they are there. But even if we don't know about them, that doesn't mean that they have no impact on us. Quite the opposite. Some of those beliefs are so deeply engrained on our walls that it becomes difficult for us to even be aware that the writing is there, let alone to try to erase it. I think of it like a fish trying to understand its life in the fish bowl. Without any experience of "outside" the bowl, he has nothing to compare it with, and so we might imagine that the fish thinks everything he sees is part of his fishbowl. We'll come back to this metaphor again.
So one day I'm working away and the words flash across my mind, "why are trying to do this? You know you can't win." And for the first time I really "hear" this thought. I might then ask myself, "where did this come from?" and I may hear the answer, "mom said so". Ah, now I know that something isn't right in my psyche. At this point I have a choice: I can forget it and refuse to deal with this particular inner dialogue, or I can choose to take it out and start asking questions. And it is this choice that almost always is the trigger for self-development and self-exploration. Psychologically, this is considered cognitive dissonance. I know that I'm intelligent, I know that I have many talents and aptitudes, and I know that I "should" be successful. But I'm not. I can't win. What's up with that?
Well, now that I've allowed this awareness into my conscious mind, I have more choices to make. I can choose to rationalize and justify my situation, ie, my mom should know. She knows me better than I know myself. Whatever she says must be right. After all, I've never won before, why do I think this time is any different? As I justify and blame, I dig my rut even deeper, because now my consciousness is cooperating with my subconscious beliefs.
Another choice I might make would be to start asking some questions about this belief, questions like why is this so? is this true? I could choose to ask my mother about it and see if my perceptions are indeed correct. Did she mean that I couldn't win anything? or just that particular argument?
Another choice I might have would be to simply acknowledge the thought and say to myself, "but I know that isn't true" and get on with life. Not too many people can manage this one.
There are many ways, probably as many ways as there are people, to handle this type of internal dialogue. But the truth is that usually these dialogues become self-fulfilling prophecies. Because I believe it to be true, I create those situations in my life that will confirm that it is true. Each experience justifies the belief. For most people, the self-fulfilling prophecy just keeps on going and going and going and.... they can't find a way out of it by themselves.
Supposing that I am now aware of this dissonance, and supposing that this dissonance makes me uncomfortable enough to want to bring about a change in my life, I have a number of different approaches I can take to this problem.
- I can go see my MD and talk with him about how I can't make sense of anything. His choices are fairly simple - he can refer me to a psychiatrist who will most likely put me on some kind of meds to take the edge off, and will then proceed to have weekly meetings with me so we can discuss the problem and work it through;
- I may choose to see a psychologist who will have weekly meetings so we can discuss the problem and work it through;
- I can find some psychological self-help books that may or may not provide good answers for me;
- I can find a certified, experienced hypnotherapist, who can guide me through the process of locating the issue, resolving the issue and forgiving those involved.
A good hypnotist can help find a way through the maze of core beliefs that have been written on our walls. We can go in and erase those walls, turn the fire hose on them and wipe them clean.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Meditation for Healthy Cells
Here is a meditation that I put together to help folks focus on developing a healthy body. We cannot keep giving our bodies negative thought energy and expect it to be healthy and wonderful. If you want to be healthy, you must be aware of your conscious thoughts and change them. This may seem like a never ending process, as when we change one negative thought, another one emerges from our subconscious. And that's OK. That's Wonderful. It tells us that we are indeed having an impact on our bodies and minds. So give this a try, become aware of what you tell yourself, and change that negative thought for a positive one of love and gratitude. Our bodies and cells do so much for us each day and we need to be aware and loving in return. Happy trancing, folks...
Meditation for Healthy Cells
Lie back in a comfortable chair (not the bed, you'll just go to sleep) and let the stress and tension leave your body. There are several ways to do this.
**You can tighten each muscle group, hold it for a few seconds and really feel the constrictions, then release the muscles and allow deep relaxation to move through the muscles.
**You can breathe deeply, all the way into your abdomen. Deep breaths that resonate throughout your whole torso. As you breathe in, visualize ease and peace entering your body; as you exhale, visualize all the stress and tension leaving. You might use colors here - your favorite, most relaxing color on the inbreath, and perhaps a dark gray, or murky color on the outbreath. You can also imagine smells or sounds. Whatever is easiest for you. Breathe slowly, counting to 4 as you breathe in, 4 as you hold the breath, and 4 as you exhale, 4 as you hold the emptiness, and then repeat. As you begin this process you will probably count fairly quickly, but as you practice you will find that you can go more slowly, and this will help you relax more deeply (the more stressed you are, the more difficult it is to get control of the breath. But keep working at it, it will come).
As your body relaxes, begin to thank your cells for everything they do each day. Thank them for their willingness to seek absolute health. Then begin to thank all the different systems, the lymphatic system, the musculature system, the endocrine system, the hormonal system, the digestive and eliminating systems (extremely important systems), and don't forget the circulatory system with special focus on heart and blood, and all the other systems that are essential to maintaining a healthy body. Focus on the ability of each cell to communicate with the others in its own community.
When you are done, again thank your body for being the vibrant, healthy being that it is. Let your gratitude for the wonderous experience of this body and this life fill you up until you feel as if you will burst with it. Then release it into the World, that deep gratitude expanding to everything around you, your personal energies, your wealth, your home, your family, then on out, into your community, and so on.
The object of this meditation is to let your body know that each individual cell is valued and loved. I've spent most of my life taking my body for granted, but this does not create health. Loving yourself, loving each cell of your body, is extremely important. You cannot go through life telling yourself your ugly or fat or too short or too tall, not acceptable in any way, and expect your body to stay healthy and happy. So try this meditation in conjunction with the cleansing process and you will be amazed at the difference you will find in your sense of health and wellbeing.
If you are ill or have physical issues to contend with, do not allow these to get in the way. DO NOT PUT ANY ENERGY AT ALL INTO WHAT YOU DON'T WANT. I dare say that there is already enough energy going to these issues throughout each day. Just focus on the beauty and joy of being in your body AS IF IT WERE IN PERFECT HEALTH AND ALIGNMENT. If you do this every day for at least 5-10 minutes, and preferably 2x a day, you will begin to feel a distinct difference in just a few weeks. Another easy tip to change your health: say a prayer over your water and energize it for the health and wellbeing of your body. After all, your body is about 70-80% water. If you are unaware of the wonderful properties of water, please check out Dr. Emoto's website -
http://www.masaru-emoto.net/english/e_ome_home.html .
You can do this for your food by saying grace, not just before eating, but also while preparing the food, asking that it be energized for optimum health and wellbeing of your body, mind and spirit.
Ok, I'd better stop here. I can just keep going on and on and on and on.....
Here is a video on cleansing...
www.cleansedforlife.com
If you are interested in learning more, please check out my website:
www.sroutledge.isagenix.com
And feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Here is a meditation that I put together to help folks focus on developing a healthy body. We cannot keep giving our bodies negative thought energy and expect it to be healthy and wonderful. If you want to be healthy, you must be aware of your conscious thoughts and change them. This may seem like a never ending process, as when we change one negative thought, another one emerges from our subconscious. And that's OK. That's Wonderful. It tells us that we are indeed having an impact on our bodies and minds. So give this a try, become aware of what you tell yourself, and change that negative thought for a positive one of love and gratitude. Our bodies and cells do so much for us each day and we need to be aware and loving in return. Happy trancing, folks...
Meditation for Healthy Cells
Lie back in a comfortable chair (not the bed, you'll just go to sleep) and let the stress and tension leave your body. There are several ways to do this.
**You can tighten each muscle group, hold it for a few seconds and really feel the constrictions, then release the muscles and allow deep relaxation to move through the muscles.
**You can breathe deeply, all the way into your abdomen. Deep breaths that resonate throughout your whole torso. As you breathe in, visualize ease and peace entering your body; as you exhale, visualize all the stress and tension leaving. You might use colors here - your favorite, most relaxing color on the inbreath, and perhaps a dark gray, or murky color on the outbreath. You can also imagine smells or sounds. Whatever is easiest for you. Breathe slowly, counting to 4 as you breathe in, 4 as you hold the breath, and 4 as you exhale, 4 as you hold the emptiness, and then repeat. As you begin this process you will probably count fairly quickly, but as you practice you will find that you can go more slowly, and this will help you relax more deeply (the more stressed you are, the more difficult it is to get control of the breath. But keep working at it, it will come).
As your body relaxes, begin to thank your cells for everything they do each day. Thank them for their willingness to seek absolute health. Then begin to thank all the different systems, the lymphatic system, the musculature system, the endocrine system, the hormonal system, the digestive and eliminating systems (extremely important systems), and don't forget the circulatory system with special focus on heart and blood, and all the other systems that are essential to maintaining a healthy body. Focus on the ability of each cell to communicate with the others in its own community.
When you are done, again thank your body for being the vibrant, healthy being that it is. Let your gratitude for the wonderous experience of this body and this life fill you up until you feel as if you will burst with it. Then release it into the World, that deep gratitude expanding to everything around you, your personal energies, your wealth, your home, your family, then on out, into your community, and so on.
The object of this meditation is to let your body know that each individual cell is valued and loved. I've spent most of my life taking my body for granted, but this does not create health. Loving yourself, loving each cell of your body, is extremely important. You cannot go through life telling yourself your ugly or fat or too short or too tall, not acceptable in any way, and expect your body to stay healthy and happy. So try this meditation in conjunction with the cleansing process and you will be amazed at the difference you will find in your sense of health and wellbeing.
If you are ill or have physical issues to contend with, do not allow these to get in the way. DO NOT PUT ANY ENERGY AT ALL INTO WHAT YOU DON'T WANT. I dare say that there is already enough energy going to these issues throughout each day. Just focus on the beauty and joy of being in your body AS IF IT WERE IN PERFECT HEALTH AND ALIGNMENT. If you do this every day for at least 5-10 minutes, and preferably 2x a day, you will begin to feel a distinct difference in just a few weeks. Another easy tip to change your health: say a prayer over your water and energize it for the health and wellbeing of your body. After all, your body is about 70-80% water. If you are unaware of the wonderful properties of water, please check out Dr. Emoto's website -
http://www.masaru-emoto.net/english/e_ome_home.html .
You can do this for your food by saying grace, not just before eating, but also while preparing the food, asking that it be energized for optimum health and wellbeing of your body, mind and spirit.
Ok, I'd better stop here. I can just keep going on and on and on and on.....
Here is a video on cleansing...
www.cleansedforlife.com
If you are interested in learning more, please check out my website:
www.sroutledge.isagenix.com
And feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Anything Can Be!
While taking a shower this morning, I found Shel Silverstein's poem running through my head. This poem is my favorite of all time. I believe it's from his book, WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS, but it could be from another. I don't remember anymore. I just remember this poem. I used to read it to my kids all the time. Anyway, I wanted to share it with everyone. So here it is:
Listen to the musn'ts child,
Listen to the don'ts.
Listen to the shouldn'ts,
the impossibles, the won'ts.
Listen to the never haves
then listen close to me.
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN, CHILD
ANYTHING CAN BE.
On that note, I hope everyone has a wonderful year. And remember, Anything Can Be!
While taking a shower this morning, I found Shel Silverstein's poem running through my head. This poem is my favorite of all time. I believe it's from his book, WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS, but it could be from another. I don't remember anymore. I just remember this poem. I used to read it to my kids all the time. Anyway, I wanted to share it with everyone. So here it is:
Listen to the musn'ts child,
Listen to the don'ts.
Listen to the shouldn'ts,
the impossibles, the won'ts.
Listen to the never haves
then listen close to me.
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN, CHILD
ANYTHING CAN BE.
On that note, I hope everyone has a wonderful year. And remember, Anything Can Be!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?
Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state that everyone experiences every day. It is simply a state of being very focused on something.
When you are watching a great movie and you really get into it, you are in a heightened state of focus. When you read a good book and lose yourself in the plot, you are in a heightened state of focus When your kids play a video game and they are so engrossed they don't hear you tell them to come for dinner, they are in a heightened state of focus.
In other words, when you focus so intently on something that the "real" world fades into the background and you're not aware of it anymore, you could be said to be in a trance or hypnosis. This is a state of high suggestibility. Whatever you focus on goes directly into your subconscious.
This is a naturally occurring mental state similar to hypnosis that we all move in and out of at various times during the day. Some of these times might include:
*meditation and prayer
*reading a good book
*watching a good movie
*playing video games
*exercising intently/in the Zone
*participating in sports
*highway driving
*listening to a good speaker
*getting lost in thoughts
*laughing with our friends
*and many more.
We easily and comfortably shift in and out of the hypnotic-like state whenever we do something we truly enjoy, we focus closely on a task, or we move into "the zone". A good tennis player, it can be said, is in a state of self-hypnosis when she focuses closely on her game, her opponent, and the ball. The same can be said for the basketball player standing at the free throw line. He needs to narrow his focus to the ball and the basket. And when he does this, he is in a state of self-hypnosis.
In fact, some people say that "all hypnosis is self-hypnosis".
Can I be hypnotized? Everyone is born with a natural talent for hypnosis. The process of focusing is an innate ability. It is one of the traits of being human. Watch young children as they are learning and playing. They focus so clearly on what they are doing that often times the rest of the world disappears. They can go into their own minds and imagine the world exactly as they want it to be, and be completely unaware of their surroundings. Ever wonder why they can't hear you when you call?
There are some things, however, that block our natural ability. As we grow up, we develop certain ideas and beliefs from our parents, teachers, friends, culture... These beliefs may or may not be true, but if we believe them, they are true for us. Before the 1400's, people believed the world was flat. They made decisions based on that belief. Because they feared that they would sail off the ends of the earth, they didn't explore the world as they might have until someone was ready to challenge that belief.
We have personal beliefs that function the same way. One belief might be that you cannot be hypnotized, and if you believed that, you are right. It would be very difficult to hypnotize you until we worked through the fears and erroneous thoughts about what hypnosis is. But that doesn't change the fact that the potential for hypnosis and all the wonderful benefits of being in the hypnotic state lies still within you. It is simply a matter of tapping into your talents.
You may also have tried hypnosis before and been told by the person trying to hypnotize you, that you can't be hypnotized. When someone tells you this, it indicates that they are not very competent as a hypnotist, not that you can't be hypnotized. Everyone has the potential for hypnosis; there may be unconscious blocks or an unwillingness to allow the relaxation. Some people are so used to being stressed and tense that when they begin to relax they feel threatened and uncomfortable. This can successfully block the process.
Once again, hypnosis-like states are natural to everyone, and each person can choose to allow hypnosis to happen or not. If someone is resistant to hypnosis, it usually indicates that they do not have a clear understanding of hypnosis, or they don't trust the hypnotist, or they are uncomfortable with the situation... there are as many reasons as there are people. We've all had experiences that make us reluctant to try something as different as hypnosis. But that doesn't matter because we can always learn and change. That's what hypnosis is all about, after all... the ability to change and grow.
What does Hypnosis feel like? Have you ever meditated? Been deeply relaxed? Of course you have. And this is exactly what it feels like. It is very similar to that deep feeling of relaxation you get as you are drifting off to sleep. When your body relaxes deeply, it can feel like you are floating on a cloud. You might get a pleasant tingle sensation in your body which is simply a result of the relaxation as your muscles release their stress. Your blood pressure drops and you feel like you are just drifting along. It is the same feeling you get when you are slowly waking in the morning, and your mind is drifting on pleasant images, and your body is so calm and relaxed.
Many people get the same benefits through prayer. When we are focused on love and appreciation, when we allow the love from our Creator to flow through us, we can experience tranquility and healing.
In our modern world, it can be very challenging to find tranquility and peace. Hypnosis, and eventually self-hypnosis, is an excellent way to take yourself out of the hustle and stress. And it has an added benefit: you can make changes in the problem areas in your life while you relax and release the stress. It is life enhancing and for some it can be life saving.
TRY THIS EXERCISE: Take a deep breath, a really deep breath, all the way down into your abdominal cavity. Breath slowly in to a count of 4, then hold the breath for another count of 4, then slowly release the breath to a count 4. Count as slowly as you are comfortable with your breath. Visualize the stress leaving your body as you exhale, and imagine tranquility entering your body with each breath you take in. Do this for 5 breaths, allowing yourself to relax more deeply with each breath. You have taken the first step towards self-hypnosis. And doesn't it feel GREAT?
The hypnotist made me do it! We are all aware of the fun and merriment evoked by stage hypnotists. It's all good fun, but it seems like they are able to "make" people do things that they wouldn't normally do. Nobody wants to be made a fool of in front of a huge audience, Right? Well, not really. Many people really enjoy having a good excuse to act "the fool" and entertain others. It's fun, and they like being the center of attention.
The stage hypnotist is an expert at spotting those people who are highly suggestible (easily hypnotized) and want to be the center of attention. Being able to pretend that they are not in control, they can do silly things and entertain others without being held responsible, and this makes some folks very happy.
An example might be a post hypnotic suggestion. While in hypnosis, the hypnotist tells the volunteer that when he hears the word, "yesterday", he will have an irresistible urge to waddle across the stage and quack like a duck. After bringing everyone out of hypnosis, the word "yesterday" is worked into the stage patter and all of sudden our volunteer jumps up and starts waddling like a duck, quacking over and over, while he struts around the stage. Our volunteer is having a great time.
However, the volunteer will not continue to do this when he is no longer on the stage, as it would not be appropriate. The post hypnotic suggestion is NOT stronger than the volunteer's good sense.
There is a down side to stage hypnosis. Many people come away thinking that all hypnosis is stage hypnosis. This couldn't be further from the truth.
When you go to see a reputable hypnotist, you will discover that she wants the best for you, not to make a fool of you. The well-trained hypnotist will be looking for ways to help you help yourself. Properly used in a therapeutic setting, the post hypnotic suggestion can carry a big impact on the process. Instead of grabbing a cigarette, for example, the client may find herself grabbing a tooth pick, or taking a walk. What an awesome change!
Will I give up my self control? Some folks have a concern that when they are "asleep" the hypnotist can make them do things they wouldn't want to do. They are concerned about being taken advantage of.
First of all, let's get rid of the notion that being in hypnosis is like "being asleep". Nothing is further from the truth. Just as if you were focused on a great book or movie, you are awake and alert.
Even though the hypnotist has contact with your deep subconscious, your conscious mind always remains awake and vigilant, like an overseer of your experience. You are always in control of what you say or do. All hypnosis is really self hypnosis, with the trained hypnotist acting as the guide to help you resolve your issues. The client is ALWAYS IN CHARGE, the hypnotist simply guides and shows the way to the issue's resolution.
An example might be someone who wants to quit smoking. At least that's what they say to family and friends. But if they truly enjoy smoking and are not ready to give it up, no amount of coercion will make them stop. A hypnotist can make suggestions and work on the deep seated reasons for smoking, but if the smoker wants to smoke, she will.
What about secrets, you ask. Will I be forced while hypnotized to tell my deepest, darkest secrets? Of course not. Hypnosis is not a truth serum, it can't make you say or do anything you don't want to do regardless of the bad movies out of Hollywood. Most of the time, the client will simply not respond to the hypnotist if she doesn't want to share.
However, what I've found is that most people truly desire to cooperate and release the issue that brought them in. So as long as the client understands why the hypnotist is asking certain questions, she is usually more than happy to cooperate. But if signals get crossed, the client can and will become unresponsive. Hypnosis is a cooperative venture, after all, not something that someone "does" to someone else. To work together as a team requires trust and cooperation from both participants.
How does hypnosis work? When you are relaxed and in a focused state, a trained hypnotist can bypass the conscious mind and talk directly to the subconscious. This is where deep, lasting work can be achieved, for the unconscious is where almost all of our thoughts, actions and beliefs originate. So, for example, if you want to quit smoking, the hypnotist will make suggestions directly to the subconscious, letting the subconscious know what is needed and why. This information comes from the pre-hypnotic discussions between the client and the hypnotist. The client will have agreed on the goals and the language used will be a reflection of the client's words.
Back to our smoker: if the reason for desiring to quit is because she is pregnant and she is thinking of the health and wellbeing of her baby, this is a very powerful motivation. The hypnotist will include this in discussions with the subconscious and will endeavor to change the motivations arising from this part of the client's consciousness. Often, after these types of experiences, the subconscious will totally shut down any desire or need for a smoke, since the reasons for quitting far outweigh the reasons for continuing.
But why doesn't this happen without hypnosis? It does. However some people need a bit more help than others. Some people have a strong will, but even they may find that they are always struggling with the issue. Whereas someone who has sought help through hypnosis, may not have any lasting issues to struggle with. Their concerns and desires have been eliminated. With a well-trained hypnotist, the client can deal with these issues once and be done with them.
So how does this work? The hypnotist relaxes the client into a deep state of hypnosis or trance, and with the help of the client's conscious mind, suggestions are planted deep into the subconscious. The subconscious evaluates the worth of these suggestions and the reasons they are made, and accepts them. The behavior that flows from the subconscious to the conscious mind is now altered, and the behavior can be easily changed. Our smoker no longer feels the need or desire to smoke. This may take several sessions to reinforce the changes in the subconscious, but once accomplished, it is done.
What can hypnosis help me with? Hypnosis can help with just about anything you need help with, depending on the training of the hypnotist. Hypnosis is excellent at changing limiting beliefs such as fears. These might include fear of flying; fear of spiders, snakes, etc.; fear of public speaking; fear of heights; fear of water; and many more fears that can be crippling for an individual.
Life requires that we face our fears everyday, and for most of us it isn't a problem. But for that businessman who has to fly for his company, a fear of flying can be catastrophic. And the woman who is afraid to leave her house, will not be able to live a normal life. If a promotion depends on public speaking, it could be tragic for the executive who is afraid to be on a stage. Too many of us live with fear every day and we keep silent about it for fear of ridicule. Why should we live this way, when there is relief in just a few sessions?
So what else besides fears can hypnosis help with?
As we have already mentioned, behavioral issues such as smoking. It c an also be used for:
**Weight Loss
**Study Habits
**Test Anxiety
**Sport Enhancement
**Bed Wetting
**Nail Biting
**Reading Anxiety
**Stress Relief
**Headache Relief
**Dental Phobias
Some hypnotists work with doctors to provide their clients with relief for chronic pain. Others focus on natural birthing without pain or drugs, and dental phobias. These providers have received special training in these areas, so be sure to ask your doctor about pain free dentistry, childbirth, chronic pain relief or other medical concerns.
And finally, hypnosis can be used for help with anger and rage issues.
Can hypnosis help my golf game? Anything that requires focused attention can benefit from hypnosis training. Just imagine how much better you could be if you learned how to focus in on a task, and then allowed yourself to follow through. In any sport, once you have trained your body to do the work, the next step is letting go. By that I mean allowing your conscious mind to get out of the way. This is wonderful for the student who has studied and now must pass a test, and for the athlete who has trained her body and now must get out of her way and allow it to do the job right.
When the golfer is preparing for the putt, when the basketball player prepares for the free throw, when the soccer goalie sees the game coming to him, these are the times when we need to be able to turn off the self-sabotaging talk in our minds and just let our instincts and training take over.
Is this difficult to do? For some, most definitely. Have you ever done something and just have it flow? ...like "being in the zone"? Another time you might try to do the exact same thing, but it gets fumbled. No zone there.
Through hypnosis you can learn to shut off the inner chatter and get with the NOW moment. This makes all the difference when it comes to success, whether in the sports arena, academic fields or the business world. Often we are our own worst enemies.
For the individual in sales, or running a business, being able to get your inner chatter out of the way will allow you to do what instinctively you know is needed. This is a boon beyond imagining.
Hypnosis can give you the edge over the competition. When its one on one, and the outcome is entirely up to you, you need to be able to focus on the task at hand and see it through. Whether a free throw or a run down the soccer field, a tough sales call or a meeting with the banker, preparing for the SAT or taking a history test, it is important to be on target and focused. Through hypnosis and other techniques, you can learn to quiet the chattering mind and allow your physical and mental training to shine. THE STAR WITHIN YOU CAN SHINE AT IT'S BRIGHTEST.
What are some of the benefits of Hypnosis? Every day we face stress, in our jobs, with road rage, finances... Stress doesn't just disappear because we ignore it. Stress tends to build up in our bodies and create more stress with physical and emotional ailments.
One of the greatest gifts that hypnosis offers is the ability to take mini vacations. By learning and using self-hypnosis every day, you can learn to relax and release the stresses that we experience. 15 minutes set aside once or twice a day just for some deep relaxation, can do more for your health and well-being than just about anything else you can do. Just like petting your dog or cat, taking a few minutes to yourself and letting go of the stress in your muscles and mind can be very healthy.
For the budding young genius who is stressed with those exams several times a year, learning to relax while studying and before the test can be a huge boon both for success in school as well as personal and emotional well-being.
Self hypnosis allows you to take charge of your life in a new way. Sleep better, retain what you learn, feel more comfortable with yourself, take the edge off the stress of living in our modern world. There are many benefits to hypnosis, but perhaps none so powerful as for our young people who can learn to take control of stress BEFORE it becomes established in their bodies. School issues can carry over into the future and keep our children from being all they can be. Our children deserve the BEST, so give them the tools they need to build a more successful, powerful life for themselves and their future families. HELP THEM BE THE BEST OF THE BEST FOR ALL OUR TOMORROWS!
What should I look for in a hypnotist? One of the first things to look for is a hypnotherapist who is certified. This means that they have completed a training program that has been certified by one or more of the major hypnosis organizations, such as the National Guild of Hypnotists, American Board of Hypnotherapy, International Association of Counselors and Therapists, among others.
It is important to make sure that the person you choose to see has appropriate credentials and has been appropriately trained. Don't be afraid to ask where she was trained and what organizations she belongs to. You can look these organizations up on the internet and verify the requirements to join.
While there is a requirement for certification through one of these boards, an excellent therapist may not necessarily have a college degree. A good hypnotherapist does not pretend to be a psychologist or psychiatrist although a psychologist or psychiatrist may also use hypnosis. The hypnotist should understand her limitations and be willing to work with your therapist or medical doctor, if necessary, to achieve the benefits you seek.
Many hypnotists work with medical doctors and dentists on many issues. Chronic pain, childbirth, anesthesia, fear of the dentist, are just a few. Some hypnotists train specifically for the medical arena.
The hypnotist's qualifications for the work you are seeking is the #1 priority when selecting a hypnotist. Some hypnotists have large offices and wellness centers, while others have home offices. Again, this has little bearing on the hypnotist's qualifications. Their training, certification and experience are what tell the story about their qualifications to be of assistance to you. And remember, the work you do with a hypnotist remains absolutely confidential.
Current Research Findings about hypnosis:
According to: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
*As of December 2004, there are more than 5,000 clinical research studies having to do with hypnosis and its benefits currently being conducted worldwide.
*As of December 15, 2004 results from more than 3,000 clinical research studies are available showing positive benefits from hypnosis.
In an ongoing pilot study being done by the University of Florida counseling psychologist, Paul Schauble, preliminary results show hypnotized patients with hypertension are more easily able to make lifestyle improvements that can lower blood pressure.
18 separate studies found that patients who received cognitive behavioral therapy plus hypnosis for disorders such as obesity, insomnia, anxiety and hypertension showed greater improvements than 70 percent of the patients who received psychotherapy alone.
When you are watching a great movie and you really get into it, you are in a heightened state of focus. When you read a good book and lose yourself in the plot, you are in a heightened state of focus When your kids play a video game and they are so engrossed they don't hear you tell them to come for dinner, they are in a heightened state of focus.
In other words, when you focus so intently on something that the "real" world fades into the background and you're not aware of it anymore, you could be said to be in a trance or hypnosis. This is a state of high suggestibility. Whatever you focus on goes directly into your subconscious.
This is a naturally occurring mental state similar to hypnosis that we all move in and out of at various times during the day. Some of these times might include:
*meditation and prayer
*reading a good book
*watching a good movie
*playing video games
*exercising intently/in the Zone
*participating in sports
*highway driving
*listening to a good speaker
*getting lost in thoughts
*laughing with our friends
*and many more.
We easily and comfortably shift in and out of the hypnotic-like state whenever we do something we truly enjoy, we focus closely on a task, or we move into "the zone". A good tennis player, it can be said, is in a state of self-hypnosis when she focuses closely on her game, her opponent, and the ball. The same can be said for the basketball player standing at the free throw line. He needs to narrow his focus to the ball and the basket. And when he does this, he is in a state of self-hypnosis.
In fact, some people say that "all hypnosis is self-hypnosis".
Can I be hypnotized? Everyone is born with a natural talent for hypnosis. The process of focusing is an innate ability. It is one of the traits of being human. Watch young children as they are learning and playing. They focus so clearly on what they are doing that often times the rest of the world disappears. They can go into their own minds and imagine the world exactly as they want it to be, and be completely unaware of their surroundings. Ever wonder why they can't hear you when you call?
There are some things, however, that block our natural ability. As we grow up, we develop certain ideas and beliefs from our parents, teachers, friends, culture... These beliefs may or may not be true, but if we believe them, they are true for us. Before the 1400's, people believed the world was flat. They made decisions based on that belief. Because they feared that they would sail off the ends of the earth, they didn't explore the world as they might have until someone was ready to challenge that belief.
We have personal beliefs that function the same way. One belief might be that you cannot be hypnotized, and if you believed that, you are right. It would be very difficult to hypnotize you until we worked through the fears and erroneous thoughts about what hypnosis is. But that doesn't change the fact that the potential for hypnosis and all the wonderful benefits of being in the hypnotic state lies still within you. It is simply a matter of tapping into your talents.
You may also have tried hypnosis before and been told by the person trying to hypnotize you, that you can't be hypnotized. When someone tells you this, it indicates that they are not very competent as a hypnotist, not that you can't be hypnotized. Everyone has the potential for hypnosis; there may be unconscious blocks or an unwillingness to allow the relaxation. Some people are so used to being stressed and tense that when they begin to relax they feel threatened and uncomfortable. This can successfully block the process.
Once again, hypnosis-like states are natural to everyone, and each person can choose to allow hypnosis to happen or not. If someone is resistant to hypnosis, it usually indicates that they do not have a clear understanding of hypnosis, or they don't trust the hypnotist, or they are uncomfortable with the situation... there are as many reasons as there are people. We've all had experiences that make us reluctant to try something as different as hypnosis. But that doesn't matter because we can always learn and change. That's what hypnosis is all about, after all... the ability to change and grow.
What does Hypnosis feel like? Have you ever meditated? Been deeply relaxed? Of course you have. And this is exactly what it feels like. It is very similar to that deep feeling of relaxation you get as you are drifting off to sleep. When your body relaxes deeply, it can feel like you are floating on a cloud. You might get a pleasant tingle sensation in your body which is simply a result of the relaxation as your muscles release their stress. Your blood pressure drops and you feel like you are just drifting along. It is the same feeling you get when you are slowly waking in the morning, and your mind is drifting on pleasant images, and your body is so calm and relaxed.
Many people get the same benefits through prayer. When we are focused on love and appreciation, when we allow the love from our Creator to flow through us, we can experience tranquility and healing.
In our modern world, it can be very challenging to find tranquility and peace. Hypnosis, and eventually self-hypnosis, is an excellent way to take yourself out of the hustle and stress. And it has an added benefit: you can make changes in the problem areas in your life while you relax and release the stress. It is life enhancing and for some it can be life saving.
TRY THIS EXERCISE: Take a deep breath, a really deep breath, all the way down into your abdominal cavity. Breath slowly in to a count of 4, then hold the breath for another count of 4, then slowly release the breath to a count 4. Count as slowly as you are comfortable with your breath. Visualize the stress leaving your body as you exhale, and imagine tranquility entering your body with each breath you take in. Do this for 5 breaths, allowing yourself to relax more deeply with each breath. You have taken the first step towards self-hypnosis. And doesn't it feel GREAT?
The hypnotist made me do it! We are all aware of the fun and merriment evoked by stage hypnotists. It's all good fun, but it seems like they are able to "make" people do things that they wouldn't normally do. Nobody wants to be made a fool of in front of a huge audience, Right? Well, not really. Many people really enjoy having a good excuse to act "the fool" and entertain others. It's fun, and they like being the center of attention.
The stage hypnotist is an expert at spotting those people who are highly suggestible (easily hypnotized) and want to be the center of attention. Being able to pretend that they are not in control, they can do silly things and entertain others without being held responsible, and this makes some folks very happy.
An example might be a post hypnotic suggestion. While in hypnosis, the hypnotist tells the volunteer that when he hears the word, "yesterday", he will have an irresistible urge to waddle across the stage and quack like a duck. After bringing everyone out of hypnosis, the word "yesterday" is worked into the stage patter and all of sudden our volunteer jumps up and starts waddling like a duck, quacking over and over, while he struts around the stage. Our volunteer is having a great time.
However, the volunteer will not continue to do this when he is no longer on the stage, as it would not be appropriate. The post hypnotic suggestion is NOT stronger than the volunteer's good sense.
There is a down side to stage hypnosis. Many people come away thinking that all hypnosis is stage hypnosis. This couldn't be further from the truth.
When you go to see a reputable hypnotist, you will discover that she wants the best for you, not to make a fool of you. The well-trained hypnotist will be looking for ways to help you help yourself. Properly used in a therapeutic setting, the post hypnotic suggestion can carry a big impact on the process. Instead of grabbing a cigarette, for example, the client may find herself grabbing a tooth pick, or taking a walk. What an awesome change!
Will I give up my self control? Some folks have a concern that when they are "asleep" the hypnotist can make them do things they wouldn't want to do. They are concerned about being taken advantage of.
First of all, let's get rid of the notion that being in hypnosis is like "being asleep". Nothing is further from the truth. Just as if you were focused on a great book or movie, you are awake and alert.
Even though the hypnotist has contact with your deep subconscious, your conscious mind always remains awake and vigilant, like an overseer of your experience. You are always in control of what you say or do. All hypnosis is really self hypnosis, with the trained hypnotist acting as the guide to help you resolve your issues. The client is ALWAYS IN CHARGE, the hypnotist simply guides and shows the way to the issue's resolution.
An example might be someone who wants to quit smoking. At least that's what they say to family and friends. But if they truly enjoy smoking and are not ready to give it up, no amount of coercion will make them stop. A hypnotist can make suggestions and work on the deep seated reasons for smoking, but if the smoker wants to smoke, she will.
What about secrets, you ask. Will I be forced while hypnotized to tell my deepest, darkest secrets? Of course not. Hypnosis is not a truth serum, it can't make you say or do anything you don't want to do regardless of the bad movies out of Hollywood. Most of the time, the client will simply not respond to the hypnotist if she doesn't want to share.
However, what I've found is that most people truly desire to cooperate and release the issue that brought them in. So as long as the client understands why the hypnotist is asking certain questions, she is usually more than happy to cooperate. But if signals get crossed, the client can and will become unresponsive. Hypnosis is a cooperative venture, after all, not something that someone "does" to someone else. To work together as a team requires trust and cooperation from both participants.
How does hypnosis work? When you are relaxed and in a focused state, a trained hypnotist can bypass the conscious mind and talk directly to the subconscious. This is where deep, lasting work can be achieved, for the unconscious is where almost all of our thoughts, actions and beliefs originate. So, for example, if you want to quit smoking, the hypnotist will make suggestions directly to the subconscious, letting the subconscious know what is needed and why. This information comes from the pre-hypnotic discussions between the client and the hypnotist. The client will have agreed on the goals and the language used will be a reflection of the client's words.
Back to our smoker: if the reason for desiring to quit is because she is pregnant and she is thinking of the health and wellbeing of her baby, this is a very powerful motivation. The hypnotist will include this in discussions with the subconscious and will endeavor to change the motivations arising from this part of the client's consciousness. Often, after these types of experiences, the subconscious will totally shut down any desire or need for a smoke, since the reasons for quitting far outweigh the reasons for continuing.
But why doesn't this happen without hypnosis? It does. However some people need a bit more help than others. Some people have a strong will, but even they may find that they are always struggling with the issue. Whereas someone who has sought help through hypnosis, may not have any lasting issues to struggle with. Their concerns and desires have been eliminated. With a well-trained hypnotist, the client can deal with these issues once and be done with them.
So how does this work? The hypnotist relaxes the client into a deep state of hypnosis or trance, and with the help of the client's conscious mind, suggestions are planted deep into the subconscious. The subconscious evaluates the worth of these suggestions and the reasons they are made, and accepts them. The behavior that flows from the subconscious to the conscious mind is now altered, and the behavior can be easily changed. Our smoker no longer feels the need or desire to smoke. This may take several sessions to reinforce the changes in the subconscious, but once accomplished, it is done.
What can hypnosis help me with? Hypnosis can help with just about anything you need help with, depending on the training of the hypnotist. Hypnosis is excellent at changing limiting beliefs such as fears. These might include fear of flying; fear of spiders, snakes, etc.; fear of public speaking; fear of heights; fear of water; and many more fears that can be crippling for an individual.
Life requires that we face our fears everyday, and for most of us it isn't a problem. But for that businessman who has to fly for his company, a fear of flying can be catastrophic. And the woman who is afraid to leave her house, will not be able to live a normal life. If a promotion depends on public speaking, it could be tragic for the executive who is afraid to be on a stage. Too many of us live with fear every day and we keep silent about it for fear of ridicule. Why should we live this way, when there is relief in just a few sessions?
So what else besides fears can hypnosis help with?
As we have already mentioned, behavioral issues such as smoking. It c an also be used for:
**Weight Loss
**Study Habits
**Test Anxiety
**Sport Enhancement
**Bed Wetting
**Nail Biting
**Reading Anxiety
**Stress Relief
**Headache Relief
**Dental Phobias
Some hypnotists work with doctors to provide their clients with relief for chronic pain. Others focus on natural birthing without pain or drugs, and dental phobias. These providers have received special training in these areas, so be sure to ask your doctor about pain free dentistry, childbirth, chronic pain relief or other medical concerns.
And finally, hypnosis can be used for help with anger and rage issues.
Can hypnosis help my golf game? Anything that requires focused attention can benefit from hypnosis training. Just imagine how much better you could be if you learned how to focus in on a task, and then allowed yourself to follow through. In any sport, once you have trained your body to do the work, the next step is letting go. By that I mean allowing your conscious mind to get out of the way. This is wonderful for the student who has studied and now must pass a test, and for the athlete who has trained her body and now must get out of her way and allow it to do the job right.
When the golfer is preparing for the putt, when the basketball player prepares for the free throw, when the soccer goalie sees the game coming to him, these are the times when we need to be able to turn off the self-sabotaging talk in our minds and just let our instincts and training take over.
Is this difficult to do? For some, most definitely. Have you ever done something and just have it flow? ...like "being in the zone"? Another time you might try to do the exact same thing, but it gets fumbled. No zone there.
Through hypnosis you can learn to shut off the inner chatter and get with the NOW moment. This makes all the difference when it comes to success, whether in the sports arena, academic fields or the business world. Often we are our own worst enemies.
For the individual in sales, or running a business, being able to get your inner chatter out of the way will allow you to do what instinctively you know is needed. This is a boon beyond imagining.
Hypnosis can give you the edge over the competition. When its one on one, and the outcome is entirely up to you, you need to be able to focus on the task at hand and see it through. Whether a free throw or a run down the soccer field, a tough sales call or a meeting with the banker, preparing for the SAT or taking a history test, it is important to be on target and focused. Through hypnosis and other techniques, you can learn to quiet the chattering mind and allow your physical and mental training to shine. THE STAR WITHIN YOU CAN SHINE AT IT'S BRIGHTEST.
What are some of the benefits of Hypnosis? Every day we face stress, in our jobs, with road rage, finances... Stress doesn't just disappear because we ignore it. Stress tends to build up in our bodies and create more stress with physical and emotional ailments.
One of the greatest gifts that hypnosis offers is the ability to take mini vacations. By learning and using self-hypnosis every day, you can learn to relax and release the stresses that we experience. 15 minutes set aside once or twice a day just for some deep relaxation, can do more for your health and well-being than just about anything else you can do. Just like petting your dog or cat, taking a few minutes to yourself and letting go of the stress in your muscles and mind can be very healthy.
For the budding young genius who is stressed with those exams several times a year, learning to relax while studying and before the test can be a huge boon both for success in school as well as personal and emotional well-being.
Self hypnosis allows you to take charge of your life in a new way. Sleep better, retain what you learn, feel more comfortable with yourself, take the edge off the stress of living in our modern world. There are many benefits to hypnosis, but perhaps none so powerful as for our young people who can learn to take control of stress BEFORE it becomes established in their bodies. School issues can carry over into the future and keep our children from being all they can be. Our children deserve the BEST, so give them the tools they need to build a more successful, powerful life for themselves and their future families. HELP THEM BE THE BEST OF THE BEST FOR ALL OUR TOMORROWS!
What should I look for in a hypnotist? One of the first things to look for is a hypnotherapist who is certified. This means that they have completed a training program that has been certified by one or more of the major hypnosis organizations, such as the National Guild of Hypnotists, American Board of Hypnotherapy, International Association of Counselors and Therapists, among others.
It is important to make sure that the person you choose to see has appropriate credentials and has been appropriately trained. Don't be afraid to ask where she was trained and what organizations she belongs to. You can look these organizations up on the internet and verify the requirements to join.
While there is a requirement for certification through one of these boards, an excellent therapist may not necessarily have a college degree. A good hypnotherapist does not pretend to be a psychologist or psychiatrist although a psychologist or psychiatrist may also use hypnosis. The hypnotist should understand her limitations and be willing to work with your therapist or medical doctor, if necessary, to achieve the benefits you seek.
Many hypnotists work with medical doctors and dentists on many issues. Chronic pain, childbirth, anesthesia, fear of the dentist, are just a few. Some hypnotists train specifically for the medical arena.
The hypnotist's qualifications for the work you are seeking is the #1 priority when selecting a hypnotist. Some hypnotists have large offices and wellness centers, while others have home offices. Again, this has little bearing on the hypnotist's qualifications. Their training, certification and experience are what tell the story about their qualifications to be of assistance to you. And remember, the work you do with a hypnotist remains absolutely confidential.
Current Research Findings about hypnosis:
According to: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
*As of December 2004, there are more than 5,000 clinical research studies having to do with hypnosis and its benefits currently being conducted worldwide.
*As of December 15, 2004 results from more than 3,000 clinical research studies are available showing positive benefits from hypnosis.
In an ongoing pilot study being done by the University of Florida counseling psychologist, Paul Schauble, preliminary results show hypnotized patients with hypertension are more easily able to make lifestyle improvements that can lower blood pressure.
18 separate studies found that patients who received cognitive behavioral therapy plus hypnosis for disorders such as obesity, insomnia, anxiety and hypertension showed greater improvements than 70 percent of the patients who received psychotherapy alone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)