Hypnosis

What do you think about hypnosis?

Does it work?  Is it just a party trick?  Is it safe?  Is it good or evil?  What should I use it for?

These are questions some of my subscribers have put to me when I have mentioned hypnosis.

There are, of course, many forms of hypnosis.  Some techniques you can use to hypnotize yourself.  Others are to hypnotize others.  Many can be used both on yourself and on others.  The answers to most of those questions depends on which forms of hypnosis you are using and particularly how you are using them.

Does it work?

"Does it work" is perhaps the easiest to answer.  In a word, YES!

The sub question "will it work for me?" is also quite easy to answer.  Yes, it will, as long as it is done properly.

Of course, whether it will achieve the results you intend is yet another question.  There is absolutely no doubt that hypnosis works.  But if you go into hypnosis in the expectation there will be instant dramatic results you may be disappointed.  There are certainly many documented cases of instant dramatic results, but you cannot rely on this being the case.  It is better to view hypnosis as a tool you can use in order to improve your own personal development, or that of others.  A tool you should use regularly, and which will gradually bring you closer to your objective.  If you DO get an immediate, dramatic result then that is a bonus.

Is it just a party trick?

A party trick?  Yes, some people use hypnosis that way.  Personally I do not like this use of what should be a very effective improvement technique.  But yes, there are some people who use it to manipulate other people on stage, getting them to do silly things, getting them to forget immediately something that has just been said to them, etc.  But this is not the form of hypnosis I am talking about here.

Is it safe?

Is hypnosis safe?  To be honest, that depends.

As I have already said many times, hypnosis is a tool.  A very useful and powerful tool.  Are tools safe?  If they are properly made and then used properly, yes they are.  But if you have a faulty tool, or use it inappropriately it can cause a lot of damage.

Before undergoing any form of hypnosis, whether it is self-hypnosis or conducted by a qualified hypnotherapist, you should be fully aware of the end goal and ideally should also be aware of the steps that will be used to reach that goal.  You should also be able to trust the person who is going to use it on you, or the person who has taught you to use it on yourself.  Follow these rules and hypnosis is safe.

Is it good or evil?

Is hypnosis good or evil?  Let me be clear about something right away.  Hypnosis is not a dark art practised by devil worshippers or some other evil cult.  Or perhaps I should rephrase that - it doesn't have to be a dark art.  As I said previously, it is simply a tool.  A tool is not, of itself, good or evil.  What is good or evil is the way in which it is used.

If you are particularly religious you should not worry about the practice of hypnosis in some way conflicting with or being against the precepts of your religion.  Does your religion tell you that it is evil to use a screwdriver?  I hope not!  But it probably does tell you that you should not use it to poke someone's eyes out!  Likewise, there is no reason why it should tell you that using hypnosis is wrong per se.  What is really key here is HOW you use it, what you are using it FOR.

How should hypnosis be used?

Which brings us to the final question.  What SHOULD you use hypnosis for?

Hypnosis can be used for many good purposes.  You can cure many different maladies with it, especially but not exclusively those that are concerned with your mental state.  For example many people use hypnosis to remove irrational phobias.  You can use it to strengthen positive aspects of your personality.  You can use it to remove mental and emotional blocks which are preventing you achieve what you want to achieve in life - and all of us have such blocks, so hypnosis can be useful for all of us!

The number 1 rule is that the purpose itself should be the right purpose.  Never, under any circumstances or for any reason, use hypnosis to make someone do something they do not want to do.  This applies whether or not you believe that purpose is a good purpose.  For example, if your partner smokes and you want them to stop smoking because it is bad for their health, do not start using hypnotic techniques to wean them off their cigarettes without their knowledge and permission.  To do so would be an evil act even if it is done with a good motive.  The same applies when using hypnosis on yourself.  Do not try to use hypnosis to achieve a certain result unless you are sure that is a result you really want to achieve.  I believe before you use self hypnosis you should meditate, focussing on whatever it is you want to achieve with the hypnotic techniques.  Use your intuition to determine whether or not this is the right thing for you.  Only proceed if it really is.

Hopefully I have put your mind at ease if you had any doubts about the value or morality of hypnosis, but also given you pointers to avoid using it in the wrong way.  Add hypnosis to your toolkit for self-improvement and I believe you will be amazed by the progress you can make.

Suggestion

What is suggestion?  And is it by definition immoral and evil?

Tackling the second question first, of itself suggestion is not wrong.  Is electricity wrong?  Of course not!  But can it be used for evil purposes?  Yes, of course it can.  And just like electricity, suggestion is a natural force which can be used for good or evil.

Suggestion can be anything that bypasses the "censor" most of us have to stop us being unduly influenced.  It then affects our emotional side, often resurfacing as an original idea we have just had.

It can be deliberate or accidental.  And it need not even be caused directly by a person.  A piece of music, a hint of perfume, a flash of colour - all these and many more can have suggestive influence.

It can also be directed inwardly, as in auto-suggestion or self-hypnosis.

Everything around us is capable of suggestive influence.  When you listen to a piece of beautiful music you can find your mood changes and you may become more capable of achieving your goals.  You can also create suggestion around you in your own environment.  For example, when I had to study and work at home I designated one room as my study and office.  I never did my study or work outside of that room and once in the room I never did anything except study and work.  It did not take too long for the room itself to become a very powerful suggestion.  The moment I entered it I was immediately in the right mood for work.  Also, the moment I stepped outside I could feel I had left my work behind and was able to relax completely even if there was unfinished work to be done.  Once you are aware of this it is much easier to guard yourself against undesirable suggestive influence, and also to create the right suggestive influences to help you achieve whatever it is you want to achieve.

Suggestion works much better if it is very repetitive.  The first time we sense a suggestion our censor will often block it completely, recognizing it as an outside influence which may be undesirable.  The second time it may still be blocked, but our censor is slightly more relaxed about it, now recognizing it as something a little familiar.  By the third time it is likely our censor will relax completely, believing that this completely familiar suggestion is something from within.

It also needs to be clear, not giving mixed messages.  For example, if you are using music to get you in the right mood to achieve something you might want to pay careful attention to the lyrics if there are any.  If those lyrics are not aligned with that mood you want, then maybe you had better choose something else!  If you are using auto-suggestion to achieve a goal, again make sure it cannot be misunderstood when it bypasses your internal censor.  For example, if you are trying to become better at remembering people's names, you should not try using an auto-suggestion such as "I will not forget people's names", as the suggestion that gets through is talking about forgetting names - the very thing you want to counter!  Instead, it is much better to say "I always remember people's names" - that is a much more powerful suggestion which is clear and is properly aligned to what you want to achieve!

So much for auto-suggestion, but what about influencing others through suggestion?  Is this the right thing to do or is it immoral as so many people seem to believe?  Well, I come back to my point that everything is capable of suggestive influence.  So whether or not you wish to do so you are actually influencing those around you all the time.  Even those who believe it is wrong to influence others are still doing so all the time.  You should use this knowledge to improve the way you are influencing people - to ensure you are a positive influence rather than a negative one.  Make sure the messages you give encourage others to be better people.  And NEVER send out messages like "you will never amount to anything!" or "you are such a bad child!" - if these are the messages you send they will easily become self-fulfilling prophecies.

Reprogramming Your Subconscious Mind

by

Timothy Connolly

In this very important article on the human condition, we briefly discuss the subconscious mind and how its inner workings influence our lives in significant ways both positively and negatively. As well as this, we discuss and layout some practical steps to employ for reprogramming it, as to profoundly improve our lives and that of those around us. Through examining the role this mysterious part of our mind plays in shaping our very makeup, we can better understand why we respond in certain ways at any given moment.

Along with the basics of examining many powerful influences our subconscious mind exerts on our individual worldviews and actions, we will also offer some valuable systematic steps and process to begin modifying the subconscious in order to improve any areas of our lives. With better knowledge of the inner workings of our subconscious, and through tweaking its influence, we will be better equipped to rise above mediocrity and into a life filled with more awe and splendor. Let us be clear- awareness always coincides with an awakening event that catapults the individual into new, uncharted realities of perception. And it is no different when attempting alter ingrained, subconscious responses to life which can limit that which we ultimately perceive at any given moment. Truly, awareness is the starting mechanism that drives the proverbial "wake-up call".

I am of the persuasion that a great conscious awakening that is virtually void of the ego's influence is the essence of our current world paradigm shift occurring now. One could say the ongoing planetary zeitgeist we are now playing out is a coalescing of the human psyche' multiple facets that have been generated by our collective responses to life as a whole. We now appear to be blending divided minds, the soul, and ego along with our spiritual selves into a more "complete" and unhindered, fully expressed human. If we can agree on that basic premise, then we must also consider our subconscious mind's influential role that drives our thought process and actions that can provide fuel to another influential aspect of self- the ego.

While we are fragile humans indeed, we need not demonize the ego's role and importance in our lives; rather, recognize the subconscious is a primary fuel source helping in part by breathing life into the ego. In the context of psychology, an understanding exists that our personal identities are intimately linked with our egos and thus, without knowledge of this subconscious interdependency connection, life is often automatically in many ways driven solely by our ego and not primarily by our eternal, higher selves or true spiritual nature. Within this paradox, a disconnection from a more expansive interconnectedness view of all life can be rather easy to unknowingly fall prey to. This is one fair explanation of the false appearance of separation and or disconnection from others.

Life can sometimes be a confusing matrix of influential energies and thought forms- conscious/subconscious, egoic, higher/lower selves etc. which appear to merge in a chaotic dance, some leading and some following each other while the music of life plays on. Fortunately, now the music is becoming clearer, more synchronistic, and harmonious with each passing day making the choice for personal improvements more easily recognizable and individually adaptable.

Just what is the Subconscious Mind?

Simply stated, the mind is divided or segregated into two distinct regions- conscious and subconscious. Your mind's conscious portion is now active in its primary operation as you read these very words helping you to assimilate their meaning. On the other hand, in a simultaneous fashion and "below the radar", another portion of your mind, your subconscious is likewise absorbing and collecting this same information and forming its own conclusions based on historical references stored within a personalized, perception or awareness repository.

While going about its pre-programmed business working tireless behind the scenes under your conscious awareness, this amazing and immensely powerful part of our makeup is responsible in many ways for how we respond to all aspects of life. Each life event is continuously and automatically logged categorically into the subconscious without fail just as a dry sponge can absorb liquid. It rejects nothing. An amazing fact is, all this information collection begins at the earliest time in our lives- at infancy and never ceases. For example- ever wonder why children are so impressionable? Guess no more. A child's subconscious mind is nearly empty due to limited life experiences from which to gain a point of reference and ultimately influence the decision-making conscious mind.

The same can be true about individuals that for whatever reason have minimal experiences with life altering events or exposure to thought provoking intellectual concepts. One of the main reasons for this unique attribute is because it operates much like a cruise control or an autopilot hidden deep within the mind. Because of this collection and assimilation process, the subconscious mind quickly and continuously fills a repository gaining strength and influence by offering responses to current activity generated by the conscious or awakened portion of the mind. This cross collaboration of mental activity between the two minds is a completely natural activity and in normal mental conditions, is indicative of a healthy mind.

The subconscious portion of the mind appears at first to be an elusive part of our personal makeup. Moreover, as we have just read, the reason it seems elusive and inaccessible is in part, derived primarily through its method of operation. As life experience builds, so does the influential power of the subconscious mind in directing our lives without us fully able to comprehend its existence or influential role in life. Many do not recognize any of its actions and as a result, have difficulty acknowledging the importance or the value our subconscious mind offers because we generally have an inability to access this special place within our mind. Alternatively, with the lack of awareness, we do not possess the tools or knowledge required that could generate any desired changes to its contents.

Since the subconscious mind influences our thoughts and actions automatically, by the programming instructions or language from which it operates provided through our repository of collected beliefs, life experiences, and perceptions of the world around us, we can through specialized practice, consciously re-write our subconscious thoughts gaining more control over our lives.

Why Re-Program the Subconscious?

In consideration and appreciation of this vast, influential, and powerful component of our mind, most of us would prefer a life that continuously expands in a positive way, benefiting us individually and as a natural by-product, the well being of others. Once realizing this noble desire in a practical sense, the implications for enhancing all of life will eventually be profound, as we will become less unconsciously relational to one another.

By connecting the two minds cohesively in a meaningful way and acknowledging their interactions, we can begin the process to re-program portions of our subconscious mind that are responsible for self-sabotaging our best, highest intentions and desires. In the normal, daily course of life we occasionally encounter repetitive yet seemingly hidden symptoms stored in our subconscious that hinder experiencing our highest purpose usually displayed as more joy, productivity, success and balanced living. It is at this point when awareness arises and we begin to recognize something is affecting our actions and with the best intentions determine to resolve these conflicts within us.

This is the turning point filled with great opportunity! The best examples of these deeply hidden symptoms generated by the subconscious are those having a "memory signature" of significant emotional power. One such stored example is feeling rejection from someone you care for or love. At the next situation involving a perceived potential for rejection, our conscious mind will quickly receive an embedded conclusion from the subconscious to justify why rejection will happen. Even though this is a false assumption, you may unknowingly be the one rejecting in advance, any possibility to experience full acceptance that another person or situation may offer. The same goes for high, emotionally charged low self-esteem conflicts that where created every time you experienced the feelings of inadequacy, assumed failure or when someone implied or called you ignorant, worthless, lazy or worse!

All these negative connotations exude very powerful imagery that unless countered or removed entirely from your subconscious makeup, will lead to a lifelong cycle of struggle in many areas of your life. Reprogramming your subconscious to counteract the negatively charged embedded responses is not that difficult if you are willing to apply a few simple procedures that over time, will greatly improve your mental balance and outward response to life as a whole.

The How To

Fortunately for those who wish to venture into changing themselves for the better, a few established approaches are available to successfully re-program your subconscious mind. These methods overwrite unwanted responses by replacing them with a different or more positive oriented influences within the mental construct deep in the mind.

Your subconscious programming did not evolve overnight- it was solidified and strengthened each time a matching response was warranted and offered up in response to a conscious thought created in waking life. In consideration of this fact, a fundamental key to remember is these methods exponentially become more effective and produce rapid results through their consistent application. Below are five effective (and advanced) methods to begin the reprogramming process.

• Visualization

The subconscious responds very well to visual stimuli. Viewing images that create pleasing and emotionally uplifting thoughts of appreciation, joy, and gratitude will plant positive imagery within the subconscious exactly as if you physically experienced them. The subconscious cannot differentiate real from the imaginary being as it is influenced by emotions only. Collect together pleasing imagery from any sources that you view to induce positive feelings. Repetition of viewing these images provide for an eventuality whereby the physical images are not necessary and at will, can be recalled anywhere anytime within the mind's eye.

• Affirmations

There is no simpler way to inject positive messages into the subconscious. Create simple statements crafted in the present tense NOT future sense. For example- "I am" rather than "I will". There is no future sense only the present moment for the subconscious. This is a very important distinction. Match the words with corresponding feelings and images associated with the affirmative statement. Repetitive replay is the key to success using well-crafted affirmations so you can verbally or internally express them anytime, anywhere. These are very powerful when done correctly.

• Environmental Influence

Some say we are a reflection of the company or environment we keep. It's true- everyone lives the reality they expect. External interactions with people, places, or events have the potential to exert mental impressions into the subconscious mind equally positive or negative. Your best guidance is to balance with the conscious mind and heart, an appropriate emotional response given the external influence regardless of the initial emotional response you feel. For example, when confronted with potentially unwanted experiences, filter your response by seeking out something about the event that is positive. Remain focused on any positive aspects to neutralize a negative response or unwanted influence from being placed into the subconscious.

• Hypnosis

Here is a scientifically proven method which has withstood the test of time, and within a proper setting has immense potential to offer help. Under a trained practitioner, hypnosis can jumpstart subconscious reprogramming by effectively bypassing the conscious, filtering portion of our mind. This time saving, short-cut method is very effective for many since it quickly alters behavior through implantation of specific modification or belief statements into the subconscious. Typically one seeks out a well qualified expert in the field of hypnosis to facilitate personalized sessions to effect results.

• Brain Entrainment

Another very popular method with similar effects to hypnosis without the need of a hypnotist is entrainment of the mind. Think- self-hypnosis. Modern science has revealed unique, variable frequencies our minds exhibit while in various mental states. If one were to induce via virtually inaudible influential statements or positive affirmations while you are in one of these specific brain frequencies states such as those present while in deep meditation, alterations to the subconscious can be quickly realized. Again, repetition of use is very important while employing this method. Many good sources of brain entrainment audios are widely available with most designed to target a focused, specific change within the subconscious. Equally important, some entrainment audios are well designed in that they are co-mingled with pleasing soundtracks.

Reprogramming Checkup List

Here are 17 points of light to remember, contemplate and apply habitually while inducing desired changes to your subconscious. Really, this is a lifestyle and noble undertaking which produces rich rewards both personally and in the greater world around you. So, below are some well know and lesser known, easily applied thoughts and actions to help you along facilitating a new, improved you! Find what resonates with you and notice what those feeling are (no matter positive or negative) when reviewing the list. This feeling-based response will provide you with valuable emotionally directed insights of those items which will improve your life the quickest when applied. Your higher-self is always your best guidance. That still, small voice never misleads you. Acknowledge this higher, unbiased guidance and reap phenomenal improvements in all areas of your life. Like they say- It's good to take a checkup from the neck up regularly.

• First and foremost, believe in yourself.
• Understand what is holding you back so you can overcome it.
• Spend time in quiet self-reflection, prayer, or meditation at least once a day.
• Guard everything that enters and leaves your mind.
• Know what you want in very specific terms.
• Remove all sources of negativity from your life.
• Surround yourself with positive, success-minded people.
• Create a realistic plan to attain your deepest desires.
• Take positive steps each day toward what you want to attract.
• Focus on the present - as if you have already attracted the things you want.
• Create visual reminders of your goals and intentions.
• Make a recording of your favorite affirmations or buy a self-hypnosis CD.
• Avoid conflicting messages by matching your feelings with your desires.
• Write a newspaper report about your success as if it has already happened.
• Be an advocate for yourself, allowing praise and compliments.
• Choose to carry a positive attitude at all times. œ Have an attitude of gratitude.

The Conscious Mind's Role

In closing, let us not vanquish the conscious mind in all this. It too has a valuable role in reshaping our sometimes-illusive subconscious mind. One of the best and note-worthy attributes of an awakened state is that of becoming aware of both our own thoughts and reactions to daily life with all its apparent distractions. We could easily imagine the conscious portion of our mind as the proverbial gatekeeper.

While as simplistic as this may seem, really for those of us who desire more joy in life, simplicity has great value and is not to be discarded in this valiant endeavor. Utilize and enlist the help of the left, analytical portion of your brain while at the same time, not ignoring the right brain's intuitive influence. By doing so, you have a powerful, to-the-point vigilant ally readily available to monitor and assist as you progress along.

Allow the conscious mind's gentle reminders of your thoughts and responses even actions you take among daily activities. By deliberately fine tuning your thoughts as the happen, is an important key that ultimately delivers the type of results you are looking for. Through just a few practical, conscious applications of what you have learned here will in very little time, become second nature and open doors of higher-consciousness that flood the subconscious with a more positive, redirection of thoughts. In short order, actual improvements and related changes will be visually observable to both you and those around you.

First and foremost acknowledge and thank yourself for reading this far as this is a testament of willpower and a desire to be a more awake human. We are all on this journey together so be easy with all of this and be easy on yourself. Avoid a mental self-beating that sometimes accompanies any threat to unwanted predisposed responses generated by the subconscious through the ego.

Remind yourself this whole process is not that complicated and some stubborn personal attributes you wish to modify will take time to permeate and alter your subconscious for the better. Just decide to willingly participate and begin the process. And not to be forgotten- that too is good as we have eternity to gain perfection!

About the Author:

Tim's writing expertise and intuition for understanding arcane, non-mainstream subject matter including esoteric topics begun at the age of 14. It is through his expansive career in finance which affords Tim a unique ability to apply a professional, down-to-earth approach when writing about the science of spirituality.

Please visit- http://www.shiftoftheage.com for additional articles complete with accompanying pictures and any embedded video offering you more wisdom during these chaotic, transitional times we face.

© Copyright 2010- Timothy Connolly, All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Change Naturally With Hypnosis Audio MP3s

Hypnosis has never been more popular.

Everyone is trying hypnosis and spreading the word, and it is becoming widely known as a simple and natural method for deep and lasting change.

Hypnosis is now well established.  It is a way to gain access to your mind and reprogram your limiting and negative beliefs, a tool you can use to eliminate these negativities and change for the better.

Hypnosis is often way over mystified, but really it is a simple tool. All it does is put you into a focused state of heightened awareness, where suggestions can easily be made to you which you will naturally accept.

It is because of this that you can make changes more naturally - as your logical, conscious, and often negative mind is turned off, and so you can make changes on a deeper level.

This used to be quite an expensive way to implement a self-improvement program.  You had to arrange a number of one to one sessions with a professional.  Nowadays, though, it is possible to download inexpensive MP3s to achieve the same result.

There are two main ways in which all hypnosis downloads work:

Firstly hypnotherapy will help to alter your patterns of thinking. This may differ depending on the area you're pursuing, whether it be weight loss or confidence for example.  Hypnotherapy would examine exactly how you think about healthy eating, going on a diet exercising, or meeting new people, socialising and so forth.  It would tap into exactly how you think when you think about working out, or consuming healthy food, or how you feel when you think about having to meet a new group of people. 

It would identify where you have negative patterns of thinking, and begin to replace these bad patterns for optimistic versions - for example, it would identify your negative patterns of thinking concerning healthy eating and exercise and replace these with positive patterns so that you start to enjoy healthy food and begin to look forward to exercising. Or if you worry about social situations, then it would instil inside you beneficial patterns of thinking in this area, so that you start looking forward to socializing, and make use of a way of thinking where you love meeting and learning new things about completely new people.

It is in this way that your behavior starts to alter.

However, a second element is necessary for greater, and genuine, lasting change:

The 2nd element is that hypnotherapy changes your beliefs on a deep level

For example, it will identify the subconscious beliefs which you will find are stopping you moving forward towards real change.  It will make you more positive, more confident, and make sure that you truly feel like you can achieve change, like you can improve yourself and that you DESERVE change.

Once you have these main self beliefs, this natural self assurance, and belief in yourself, then you will be able to change for the better. 

You can try the power of hypnosis for yourself with these 3 free hypnosis downloads from Natural Hypnosis.

Using these FREE hypnosis downloads you will see if hypnosis is right for you!

Using Metaphors to Influence and Persuade

by

Linda Cattelan

Did you know that we use about six metaphors per minute in the English language? Are you aware that our unconscious mind thinks and responds best to symbolic language i.e. metaphors? Did you know that all learning and change occurs at the unconscious level?

A metaphor is a story told with a purpose which allows us to bypass conscious resistance in order to make connections at a deeper level. By telling stories you engage the other person's curiosity and thereby create the opportunity for direct dialogue with their unconscious mind.

Milton Erickson, a Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist who specialized in medical hypnosis and family therapy for over 60 years, was famous for his metaphorical approach through storytelling. He was renowned not only for his approach to the unconscious mind as creative and solution generating but also for making a large impact on the developers of NLP.

Milton was a master at using abstract and ambiguous language patterns to match his client's experience by assisting his client in accessing unconscious resources in order to pace and lead his client's behavior through a story.

Most of the time, an effective metaphor will result in the other person totally associating or connecting to the character or event in the story. In this sense, metaphors are effective for inducing and creating a trance-like state. When you induce trance, you are communicating directly to the unconscious mind.

Through the use of metaphors we have a huge opportunity to creatively affect change within others. Therefore becoming artistic in the use of metaphors can really make a difference in helping others to move forward. You are already using metaphors in your language and therefore unconsciously impacting others in ways you may not even be aware of. As previously stated, we use several metaphors per minute in our general language already. Becoming self-aware of the language we use and its impact on others is not only useful but important. NLP teaches us how to intentionally use metaphors and language patterns to create desired change and insights in others.

Language is the middle name in NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming). So in that sense, NLP is a linguistic way of communicating with others on a regular basis.

I have several metaphors I use with my coaching clients when I am trying to make a point. For example; I like to use the analogy of a hockey game in progress as a metaphor for perspectives work. The hockey player is in total fovial vision focused only on what is before him/her. The view is narrow and at this level, the game is fast moving, decisions are made quickly with no time to fully anticipate the impact. From a Coach's view from the bench, the Coach is able to see a much broader perspective of the game. The game actually appears slower from this standpoint. The Coach is able to anticipate not only the player's probable action but also the chain of reaction the play will cause. Now, imagine moving further out to high in the stands of the hockey arena. From this vantage you can really see what is going on in the bigger picture. The game really slows down and you can be much more objective than when you are right in the middle of the play as the player. Whenever I use this metaphor, clients can really remove themselves from a perspective they are holding when I ask them to become an observer in the stands.

In addition to having a toolkit of metaphors at the ready, designing a specific metaphor to address someone's specific problem or issue is ideal.

Here are 4 steps to consider when designing a metaphor to use with others:

1. Define the person's problem or issue 
2. Determine the person's desired outcome 
3. Ask yourself: "What is this an example of?" You are looking for a story or metaphor that will get the other person from where they are now to their desired outcome without their conscious connection or awareness 
4. Tell your metaphor

Milton Erickson was notorious for telling stories about his vegetable garden when working with weight loss clients. He would speak about how beautiful his tomatoes were and how the tomatoes knew exactly how to take in just the right amount of water, sun and nutrients from the soil in order to grow to just the right size and shape. His clients would hear these stories and sometimes become upset that Milton was using their therapy time to talk about his vegetable garden. However, over time the clients would start to lose weight and reach their goals.

If you are interested in learning more about the unconscious mind and the many ways you can successfully attract your goals, dreams and aspirations, you can join Linda's mailing list at http://www.resultscatalyst.ca/?page=newsletter to receive valuable information on these topics and regular updates about upcoming events and workshops.

Self Hypnosis

by

Winston Saga

Hypnosis is not sleep but a heightened state of awareness similar to day dream. In 1775 Franz Mesmer developed healing by animal magnetism which was later renamed hypnosis. Hypnosis is a state of mind which has been experienced by everyone at one time or the other. In fact everyone goes into hypnosis everyday of their lives. The time you are day dreaming you are in a form of hypnosis. The ability to achieve hypnotic state are already within us. It is simply a question of unlocking the secret.

When you are hypnotized your left brain goes to sleep and your right brain opens up to receive helpful and beneficial suggestions. Hypnosis is not mind control or sleep. You cannot control someone's mind with the use of hypnosis. A hypnotized person still thinks logically, he or she can make decisions. The hypnotized person does not loose contact with reality altogether. All hypnosis is self hypnosis. To go into hypnosis you must believe, focus, concentrate and participate fully. You must direct your attention 100% on the process and your' will' to cooperate.

To learn self hypnosis takes only a few minutes. If the technique is taught correctly the learning is quick and easy because everything about hypnosis is fascinating. Any ordinary person can be taught how to hypnotize or to be hypnotized. There is a major difference between hypnosis and meditation. Hypnosis can help resolve unconscious problems which arise from the past. People learn hypnosis in order to achieve relaxation, relief from pain, anger, anxiety, panic, fear and obsessive thoughts whereas Meditation helps you to achieve relaxation and an inner mental tranquility.

By learning self hypnosis you can increase your self awareness, inner harmony, positive thinking, love and compassion. You can relax and concentrate better. It is the best medicine to heal your inner self.

Exercise:

Sit comfortably in a chair. The light should be dim. Fix your eyes on some point. Stare at the spot until you close your eyes. Say to yourself my eyes are becoming heavier and heavier. Now they become so heavy and they want to close. With every breath I inhale, my eyelids are becoming heavier and heavier. I am becoming very limp and relaxed. As I become limp and relaxed my eyes are getting heavier and heavier and they just want to close. I am becoming more and more relaxed and all I want to do is sleep and relax. Keep repeating this until your eyes are closed. Now start from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head and relax every portion of your body. As you relax say that I am becoming more and more relaxed and I am going into deeper and deeper sleep. Continue for 10 minutes. You can also use classical music in the background.

Once the whole process is over. Say to yourself I am going to count from 10 to 1. As I count from 10 to 1, with each number my sleep will become lighter and lighter and when I reach no 1, I shall be wide awake. And when I awaken I shall feel completely relaxed. Do this for 10 minutes before getting up and for 10 minutes before going to bed.

Author Information:

Winston Saga is one of the world's leading sales legends. He is also the CEO of Sales and Motivation International. Winston has been acknowledged as a unique and distinctive authority in the field of sales and personal development. Last year International Biography Centre selected him ''International Man of the Year'' for his outstanding contribution to sales and Service. He has written 100's of articles to magazine, journals and websites. Visit [http://www.telesalestips.com] to know more about the Author.

What is Hypnosis?

So, what IS hypnosis?

Here is a dictionary definition:

"Hypnosis is the induction of a state of consciousness in which a person loses the power of voluntary action and is tremendously conscious of suggestion or direction."

To go into a little more detail you could say that hypnosis is often over exaggerated. The term "Hypnosis" is used to describe a trance-like state.

However, in point of fact we all go in and out of mild “trances” every day; those moments when our minds wander and we daydream, even when we just shut the planet out and deeply focus on a book we are reading.

These are trance like states, and they are all natural and safe. Hypnosis simply puts you into one of these mild “trance” states purposefully, and over time the hypnotist plants simple, beneficial messages into your subconscious mind.

Although you might not remember everything which is said to you once you enter a trance you are not actually asleep.  Hypnosis is a wakeful state in which you are both deeply relaxed but also have a heightened sense of awareness and are open to suggestion.

Because of this heightened mind-set you can use hypnosis to make changes within your mind which would be much harder with conscious coaching alone.

To sum up very briefly, it might be said that hypnosis gains access the subconscious mind to get rid of the negative beliefs which hinder personal development.

What can hypnosis help?

Well, it’s almost a case of what can’t be done, or what can’t hypnosis be used for...

Hypnosis has a reputation of treating phobic disorders and fears, or at least this is the way it started out. It then began to be used with good results for weight reduction and stopping smoking.

Hypnosis is now used for the elimination of almost any unfavorable belief, it is used to help a wide range of health problems, and is massively effective for bettering self beliefs such as self-esteem and confidence.

It is possible to obtain these benefits by consulting with a hypnotherapist.  This can, however, be a rather expensive way of doing so.

Nowadays it is possible to obtain benefits more economically through mp3 downloads.  One firm pioneering this "self-help" hypnosis method is "Natural Hypnosis".  You can try out their methods initially by downloading 3 albums for free.  If you find them of benefit then you can go back to them and get something more particularly targeted to your own self-development aims.

Click here to claim your 3 free hypnosis downloads

Hypnosis is no miracle cure.  In fact, by itself it is not a cure at all.  If you feel you need a cure for anything then you should, of course, see your doctor.  But if you are looking for a simple tool to help you by giving you a positive attitude and increased mental strength then using hypnosis can be a very effective addition to your armoury of self-help tools.