What is Hypnosis?
Have you ever become so involved in watching a movie, sports game or listening to music that you forgot or did not care what was going on around you? Perhaps, you have drifted off just sitting on your patio watching the clouds float by. We often experience this doing our everyday tasks, even when driving. Most all of us drift into this relaxed state every day. We simply do not recognize it as “hypnosis”. Hypnosis is said to occur when we purposely bring on this state and deepen it until we become deeply relaxed both mentally and physically. Anyone can be hypnotized, if they want to be. Most people find it to be a deeply pleasant and relaxing experience.
Hypnosis Myths
Some of the most common myths are:
- Hypnosis takes away self control.
- The hypnotist can make you do or say embarrassing things.
- After hypnosis, you do not remember anything that happened.
- When a person is hypnotized, they are in a deep sleep.
- A strong willed person can not be hypnotized.
Myths have been brought about by literature, film and TV movies. These movies can influence how we see or even what we believe about hypnosis.
Hypnosis Facts
If you choose to use hypnosis, you will be in control at all times and can not be induced to say or do something you otherwise would not say or do. Perhaps the best definition of hypnosis is “a heightened state of focused awareness”. When we use hypnosis we are inducing what is called a trance – A naturally occurring phenomenon that many people experience frequently.
Common examples of everyday trances include:
- Allowing one’s mind to become absorbed in thought while driving.
- Feeling so engaged by a movie or conversation that the passing of time go unnoticed.
- Daydreaming and fantasizing.