What is Hypnosis?

What is Hypnosis?

Although you may not have realized it, you are already familiar with hypnosis. People go through various states of consciousness, or brain wave levels, a minimum of 2-5 times per day; when you are entering sleep and when you are awakening. Hypnosis is in between being awake and being asleep. If you fall asleep, you are leaving the state of hypnosis and are entering into the delta level of sleep.

For most people, hypnosis is a mid-alpha range activity and although you are in hypnosis, you are deeply relaxed, yet fully conscious of everything going on around you. Don’t expect to be ‘’put out” or oblivious to what is going on. You will be aware of being present in the room, relaxing in the chair. You will also be aware of me speaking to you. You may also have your own thoughts come and go and even think of what you are going to do later in the day. Hypnosis is a way of accessing the subconscious mind, even though the conscious mind may also be listening. If you were to fall asleep, your subconscious mind can still take in the positive suggestions given.

Can Anyone be Hypnotized?

You can be hypnotized if you choose to be. Hypnosis is a normal, natural state of mind where the brain levels can range from a light alpha to a deeper theta. It is in between being awake and asleep. Hypnosis occurs anytime you shift your conscious mind to another time and/or another place, as in storytelling, daydreaming or guided imagery.

Have You Experienced Hypnosis Before?

Of course, you have. Especially when you’ve experienced one or more of the following scenarios:

• Have you ever awakened before your alarm clock went off? You could get up if you had to, but you’re feeling so comfortable and warm, you just want to stay in bed for a while. You’re in that in-between state of being awake and asleep. You’re aware of everything going on around you, yet you’re still comfortable and relaxed at the same time.
• Have you ever driven your car from point A to point B and didn’t remember the bits in the middle? The subconscious mind was driving while the conscious mind was thinking about where you were going or perhaps what you were going to do when you got there. You aren’t asleep, your eyes aren’t closed, you aren’t unaware of your surroundings. You might even be having a conversation with a friend and are able to respond to things even though your conscious mind may be somewhere else.
• Have you ever enjoyed a massage? You’re relaxing in the room, yet you’re aware of where you are and what is going on. You are aware and relaxed at the same time.

I encourage you to experience some wonderful changes while enjoying the process of hypnosis.