Getting me started

[Shuriken]

Hi. I have some questions, but let me detail my position, so they make more sense.

I am 16 years old, and in two years I am joining the US Marines. I have been blessed with a fair body, and am in fairly good shape, and I have no real health problems prohibiting me from doing anything. However, I am not pleased with what my body seems to be capable of. I simply cannot stand my reflexes, they feel slow as molasses even though I supposedly have above average reaction time. I am very disappointed in myself when I run a mile in five and a half minutes, and become annoyed when I can't reach my arm all the way around my neck, or do 50 more reps with a weight. And the last thing I can't tolerate, is my short attention span, which no matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to change, unless there is something extrememly important (for the most part, it has to be life threatening) at which time I am like a machine.

I want to fix this, I want to become extraordinary, because I can't stand the fact of having someone else get hurt or killed because I wasn't just a little better.

So I was wondering if someone could point me to books, articles, and the like that could help me research overcoming these 'problems', if they are possible to fix. I apologize if I am being too pushy or agressive, and I thank you in advance for any information you may have to share. I also apologize if I am making completely ludicrous suggestions, these are things I think would be reasonable for the human mind to be able to do, but it's just me. I have read the FAQs, I would just like more information on the things I read were possible.

So, to sum it all up and list what I would like to do...

I would like to be able to make suggestions to myself at more or less any time. I want to reduce any 'warmup' period as much as possible, so that I can make suggestions to myself when I have only a few minutes.

I would like to be able to 'slow down time' as it were, at least mentally, without any mental impairment, so I can have time to think.

I would like to induce a 'mental anasthesia' of sorts. I expect to get hurt, I want to be able to still think and at least operate a weapon with minimal distraction. Of course, I would need to do this while in pain, in adverse conditions. I read that this was done, in surgery, but I can'thelp but wonder if it would be as effective.

If possible, I would absolutely love to be able to control the release of adrenaline in my body. In prolonged 'combat' (if you can call fights at school combat) I have found that after a short amount of time, I lose all my fine muscle control, and my arms turn into flailing clubs. I want to retain dexterity in tense situations.

In the past, I have had lucid dreams, and most often would play my guitar in them, for hours and hours. Afterwards, I would find that I had effectively gotten in hours and hours of practice. Is it possible to induce a state where I can practice things, and perhaps develop muscle memory, or even perhaps strength?

Another mental time distortion skill I would like, is to be simply able to percieve things at a slower speed on command. This has happened to me on occasion, and I have had the same mental capacity as usual, but percieved events much slower than usual, allowing me to plan my movements. I know it's possible, I'd just like to be able to go in and out of this state at will.

Falling asleep very quickly. I need sleep, and I need it whenever I can get it, as fast as I can. If I can get into a deeper sleep as well, and perhaps set a mental timer so I don't oversleep, I would be overjoyed.

I would like to improve my memory recall. I need to be able to remember things I only get a glimpse of, and memorize weapons statistics, ballistics charts, and trajectory formulas.

Eyesight. I have heard that it is possible to improve eyesight to some degree. I have glasses, but only wear them when driving. Improved night vision would be great if possible. I don't see why I couldn't suggest the reshaping of my eye though...

I have hayfever. It hasn't been hardly as bad as when I was young the lasy few years, but I don't want that to change.

I have excema. This is a chronic skin rash. I can keep it under control with medication cream, but that isn't an option in the field. It isn't really inhibiting, just annoying, a distraction, and if left for too long, a risk for infection.

Of course, an increased capacity for dexterity, flexibility, strength, and endurance.

A tall order I know, but I see very little reason why any of this would be impossible. However, I have neither the time, money, or transportation to get a therapist, I need to figure this all out on my own, in two years, while passing high school.

Thank you, very much. -Shuriken

[Terry (existing)]

You mean you want us to give you the complete Marine training, online, and in advance of you joining? Wow, you must think us wonderful considering it takes several years as a marine to reach all those goals. Terry

[Don]

Hi, Shuriken.

I know that when you go to a doctor you don't tell the doctor what to do and how to do it. I know the same is true for a dentist. Instead, you tell them what the problem is and because of their years of training and experience, they treat you appropriately.

The same would even be true if the pipes at your home were blocked. I don't think you would tell a plumber to use a particular machine to open them if the plumber tells you that there is a better machine for the job.

Respectfully, you are recognizing a set of behaviors you want changed, but rather than ask what might be best, you are literally demanding that we provide you with specific ways of dealing with your problems.

Quite frankly, without having an in-depth consultation, I really can't advise you on what you need. Going only from what you state are the "problems," along with the reality of the situation which you also describe (for example, you feel like you have slow reflexes even though you are told they are "above average), I see the possibility that there might be issues and concerns you have not even considered, and dealing with those are far more likely to quickly resolve everything rather than by doing a step-by-step, issue-by-issue solution that you have presented.

As you wrote, you are 16--is it possible that the people on this board, many of whom have more experience, practice, and training than your entire life, just might have a better knowledge of what to do than you? Do you think that when you enter the Marines that you will know better how to be a soldier than those officers and superiors who have spent years training people such as yourself? I don't think so--you're far too intelligent for that.

I am not belittling your desire for improvement and change. In fact, I compliment you on your desires and drive to be better than you are. Will "books, articles, and the like" help you with these issues? Respectfully, as a result of my training, I don't think so--at least not initially. From your description (and without doing an interview), there may be issues involved that you have not even considered. While books you can find at the library on sports psychology and physiology certainly won't harm you, I don't think they will give you the feeling that you are at your best. Instead, I would suggest finding an experienced, qualified hypnotherapist. After a few sessions with him and her, and after you have a better understanding of the true nature of your "problems" and how to change them, books and articles will definitely be able to add to your self-knowledge.

Good luck!

[Shuriken]

You mean you want us to give you the complete Marine training, online, and in advance of you joining? Wow, you must think us wonderful considering it takes several years as a marine to reach all those goals. Terry
I'm afraid I don't understand what you're getting at. Reading back on my post, I can't see anything that I would learn in the Marines. Even if I had all of these capabilities, they would still have to teach me to soldier like any other recruit. The point I'm making is, you are expected to be somewhat in shape when joining. There is a program to help with this, called the Delayed Entry Program, that I'll be able to join in a few months, but again, none of the things are part of the Marine Corps training.

Respectfully, you are recognizing a set of behaviors you want changed, but rather than ask what might be best, you are literally demanding that we provide you with specific ways of dealing with your problems.
I apologize again if I have been unreasonable, but I never demanded any specific solutions. I was hoping that you might have information I could read up on. Perhaps different techniques I could try while 'meditating' or whatever you wish to call it, but I never expected anyone to work with me personally as a therapist.

Quite frankly, without having an in-depth consultation, I really can't advise you on what you need.
Thank you. This is one thing I was wondering, if it was even possible to get anywhere without someone working with me.

Going only from what you state are the "problems," along with the reality of the situation which you also describe (for example, you feel like you have slow reflexes even though you are told they are "above average), I see the possibility that there might be issues and concerns you have not even considered, and dealing with those are far more likely to quickly resolve everything rather than by doing a step-by-step, issue-by-issue solution that you have presented.[/quotes]

Problems such as? I've previously had problems with depression and some sorts of addiction, but they do not so much as occur to me, much less bother me.

[quote]As you wrote, you are 16--is it possible that the people on this board, many of whom have more experience, practice, and training than your entire life, just might have a better knowledge of what to do than you?
That is why I'm here.

Do you think that when you enter the Marines that you will know better how to be a soldier than those officers and superiors who have spent years training people such as yourself? I don't think so--you're far too intelligent for that.
No, I don't think that. I do, however, know for a fact, that the Marines are not going to spend a day in Basic on any of these topics. They are going to increase my strength, but not neccesarily my capacity for strength.

I am not belittling your desire for improvement and change. In fact, I compliment you on your desires and drive to be better than you are.
Thank you.

Will "books, articles, and the like" help you with these issues? Respectfully, as a result of my training, I don't think so--at least not initially. From your description (and without doing an interview), there may be issues involved that you have not even considered. While books you can find at the library on sports psychology and physiology certainly won't harm you, I don't think they will give you the feeling that you are at your best.
And the books I have read haven't helped. I was hoping that perhaps there were books I was missing.

Instead, I would suggest finding an experienced, qualified hypnotherapist.
And searched I have. But the area where I live (Salt Lake City, Utah) seems to be completely saturated by hypnotherapists specializing with past life regression, connection with alternate dimensions, and the activation of other quite supernatural elements, things I do not believe in. Not to mention that I suspect they are not lisenced in any form. If you know of a way to find an experienced, qualified hypnotherapist, I would be very grateful.

After a few sessions with him and her, and after you have a better understanding of the true nature of your "problems" and how to change them, books and articles will definitely be able to add to your self-knowledge.

Good luck!
Thank you.

[Don]

The topics the hypnotherapists in your area advertise are some of the ones that are popular. They are simply going where the money is. I don't blame them at all.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no licensing of hypnotherapists in the U.S. The sad truth is, anybody--without even one hour of training or experience--can call themselves a hypnotherapist.

There are organizations where people have to show that they are trained and continue their training in order to be certified by that organization. Two of the best in the U.S. are the American Board of Hypnotherapy and the National Guild of Hypnotists. Both will give referrals.

Do a web search for them. Ask for a referral in your area who has dealt with the issues you are concerned with.

One other thing--be sure to ask any hypnotherapist you are thinking of working with what his or her training and experience is. Also ask what their experience is in dealing with your particular issues.

Never give up.

[Merlin]

Wow! That's quite a list!
All of them are possible too.
Put probably not in the way you want.

You see, each will likely take training by someone who knows that skill.
Few of us know them all.
Most hypnotists know one or two at best.

I'd start with specific training in somnambulistic self hypnosis.
Once you learn how to get there it becomes easy.
Then you'd be able to give yourself the suggestions you wish to achieve.

They are all wonderful skills, but I think there are 2 you should develop even more to enhance survivability.
1-Pay attention- be aware of your surroundings
2- pay attention to detail- that's where things go wrong and people die.

The other skills are good, but you'll find those two most important.

Thank you for your choice to serve!!!!!!

[Terry (existing)]

So you really believe that the Marines will not help you achieve all the things you listed eh? Well in that case, I suggest you change your mind about joining, since they will expect you to study hard, and you will if you want to stay.
They will harden your body and shapen your reflexes like it or not. They will train you to be obedient, resourceful a model citizen, and may other improvements I hesitate to suggest. Basically, all these things you will achieve by hard work and hard study, and not just book reading as you suggest. If reflexes are indeed slow, they will sharpen when under fire believe me, everyone's does...
Now I may have misread your post, but it seems to me that I didn't, and what you ask for from us, us exactly what you will get as a Marine, so what is it that you reject in my post? I speak by the way, as a one time member of the Royal Navy, and know from experience what can be achieved in the forces. Terry

[skip]

Shuriken,

With respect.

You have two years to prepare to be the recipiant of one of the most proven mind control projects in history. And I mean that in a good way, not a bad one, as it might sound. You will come out of that process someone completely different than you are now, and your aims, and outlook will be radically different, than they are now.

How do you prepare for goals and ideals, you dont even have yet?

Get in the best physical shape you can be in, and recognize going in, that it wont be enough, because their aim is to push you past your limits, and no matter how good you are, no matter where your limits are, they will push you past them.

They intend to completely break you down, and then reshape you in their image, and they are damn good at it. They will have control of every facet of your life, and they will accomplish their outcome. They are going to take every advantage of traits that adolescent males have, that you dont even realize you exhibit.

What can you do?

Recognize that the process can be survived, even if excelling doesnt seem likely. It wouldnt be worth a damn if it failed everyone, or even a third, despite what they will tell you. Recognize that most, probably 99%, who do go thru the marine training say they are far better off for it. They believe it to be a truly transforming event in their lives for the better and so it is.

Accept and trust the process. Develop the ability to detah from your immediate circumstances, and percieve things from a humorous perspective. Develop the ability to understand that it is all about the process, and not necessarily about you personally, even tho it is in your face, and your life they are screwing with at the time.

If your DI doesnt scare the **** out of you, and become one of your sleeping and waking nightmares ... well he isnt doing his job.

skip

[Simple Guy]

Shuriken,

I couldn't say it any better than what has already been said by others. Just
as a "shuriken" (oriental thowing star) is designed to hit its target, Marine
training is designed to have its troops hit their targets, literally and
metaphorically. Trust that they will and do. If you still have any doubts,
ask a Marine.

[Shuriken]

All right, I'll take your advice to heart, and just keep exercising. Instead, I'll see if I can't use this to improve my guitar playing, singing, and doing both at the same time.


Thank you.

[Shuriken]

Well, I'm reading through the forums a bit when I have time, and I'm getting some books from the library, as well as trying to locate hypnotherapists though the ABH and NGH, but have discovered, as I feared, that I don't have the money right now, since I'm out of a job and I don't want to ask my parents for money, because that would just be, odd.

While I am trying to find the books on Merlin's FAQ, I'm still a bit, well, lost. I can't quite figure out what information I should disregard as someone either making stuff up, or not knowing what they are talking about, or both. I have people say that somnumbalism requires relaxation, and then I discover that hypnosis has nothing to do with relaxation. I read a million different kinds of 'inductions' but many of them, well, don't make sense. Not to mention when I try them a few times, 'test' suggestions have no effect (saying if I do something I'll drop into trance quickly, etc) even after several tries. I know it hasn't been long, but I know suggestions don't work, which is to me, failure. I don't expect to realize I'm in hypnosis, so I just do whatever induction for a fairly long while (an hour in one case) and then try some simple suggestions. Nothing.

I'd just like some way to, well, I'd like some sort of direction, if anyone could give me one.

Thanks.

[skip]

Up?

East?

Where do you want to go?

skip

[Shuriken]

Up?

East?

Where do you want to go?

skip
Somewhere better. I've decided that hypnosis is a way I can get there. Unfortunately, I haven't found the ticket office to get a ticket for the train.

[TaffyE]

Unfortunately, I haven't found the ticket office to get a ticket for the train.
Sorry to hijack your serious thread Shuriken, but that reminded me of the guy who rushed into the ticket office and asked for a "Return please"
When the man asked where to. The guy replied "Back here of course". :)

Good luck with your endevours

[skip]

"Somewhere better. I've decided that hypnosis is a way I can get there."

Im not going to ask you "Better than what?"

This is a classic 'away from' strategy. In effect,it is saying that no matter where it is that you 'go', it will,without fail,be 'better' than where you are currently.

Now we both are smart enough to know that this is certainly incorrect. There are plenty of 'places', you could 'be', and be considerably worse off than you are now, and it wouldnt take much imagination at all, now would it?

So if someone just arbitrarily came along and plopped the little ball (you) down on the big roulette wheel of life, you can imagine that there are plenty of slots (places), the ball (you) could end up that you would be very unhappy with, couldnt you?

I mean after all you did say "better" didnt you? So you do imply some direction.

Better how?

In what way(s)?

skip

[Terry (existing)]

Forgive me if I do a little mind reading on this one......
"A better place eh?" Well that couldn't be most other parts of the world, were there is so much starvation, so much unrest, and so much killing going on, could it? Now of course, since we are beginning in America, and looking for better, I could I suppose suggest Canada eh? We don;t carry guns as much, so violence is not as big a factor, but remember, we are only a step behind you guys.....
Food is plentifull if you are willing to work for it, but then, I have a feeling that our friend is sick of work, especially school work, and going to school is just as important here as it is south of the border......
Now I've got it, he doesn't want to go to the effort of excercising, that's it. He wants the easy way out, and I don't blame him in the least. Just one problem though. Even though it is possible to do this using hypnosis, the attitude presented here is not acceptable in a Marine, don't you agree? Better scrub the idea of being a Marine, they expect hard work at all times, both mental and physical, so if you are tired of it already, why prepare to do more in the future?
There you go, problems solved, and all with a little easy mind read.

[Shuriken]

Forgive me if I do a little mind reading on this one......
"A better place eh?" Well that couldn't be most other parts of the world, were there is so much starvation, so much unrest, and so much killing going on, could it? Now of course, since we are beginning in America, and looking for better, I could I suppose suggest Canada eh? We don;t carry guns as much, so violence is not as big a factor, but remember, we are only a step behind you guys.....
Food is plentifull if you are willing to work for it, but then, I have a feeling that our friend is sick of work, especially school work, and going to school is just as important here as it is south of the border......
Now I've got it, he doesn't want to go to the effort of excercising, that's it. He wants the easy way out, and I don't blame him in the least. Just one problem though. Even though it is possible to do this using hypnosis, the attitude presented here is not acceptable in a Marine, don't you agree? Better scrub the idea of being a Marine, they expect hard work at all times, both mental and physical, so if you are tired of it already, why prepare to do more in the future?
There you go, problems solved, and all with a little easy mind read.
Brush up on your 'mind reading' skills. I work hard. I work hard on my schoolwork, I exercise hard. I work hard to be a good, kind person. I'm getting somewhere in all of these areas.

I want to be able to work harder. Sure, it would be nice to have everything work nice and well without any work, but it doesn't, so I won't try that. The things I want to do are ways to help me work harder, or at least it seems that way to me, if you know my intentions better than me (yet you haven't had this in-depth consultation that others have mentioned) go ahead and tell me I'm a slacker, that I'm taking the easy way out, I don't need you to tell me anything-though I would greatly appreciate it-I can find it out well enough on my own. Problem is, I'm having to wade through so much extra information (which is interesting in it's own right, but useless in this particular case, or so it seems) that I'm afraid I'll run out of time to work on it before it becomes time to use the strength I've worked for.

[Terry (existing)]

Well, you are not correct, we just did have our in depth consultation, and the facts are revealed, even though it took anger to do it....Now do yourself a favour and copy out your first post, plus the last one, and see what they tell you.
Only you will know if you have been totally truthfull, but to the rest of us you have revealed much about yourself. Your first post was a disguised boasting of your skills and attributes, indicated by the fact that you went to the trouble of making sure we all understood that what you believed about yourself was not shared by others, and that your demands of yourself were high. Too high for a sixteen year old......
In your last post, your anger brought out the fact that you do nothing but work. Not that I believe it, but it is possible you do...If you must be better than anyone else, good for you, but don't blame others for your failure to meet your own goals.
Being angry with me is a waste of energy, as grandfather of ten, I have heard all the excuses that ten teens can give, so yours are no surprise to me. I take them all with a grain of salt, and feed back what I hear so that you can regurgitate it and profit. If you get no benefit, the fault is yours not mine.
"I AM THE CAPTAIN OF MY FATE, I AM THE MASTER OF MY SOUL" Please note the two "I's" and remember, "If it is to be, it's up to me" Now go do what sixteen year olds are supposed to do, damned if I can remember just what that is, but do it anyway.

[Shuriken]

In your last post, your anger brought out the fact that you do nothing but work.
Pardon? I wasn't meaning to be angry, and neither was I suggesting that I do nothing but work, I was only saying that I do work. I apologize if I said anything more.

Not that I believe it, but it is possible you do...If you must be better than anyone else, good for you, but don't blame others for your failure to meet your own goals.
Did I blame anyone?

Being angry with me is a waste of energy,
I'm not angry with you.

Now go do what sixteen year olds are supposed to do, damned if I can remember just what that is, but do it anyway.
I don't know either, honestly.

I apologize if I have come off as angry or boastful, I intended neither.

So, if we've had that in depth consultation, can we start with the hypnosis?

[Terry (existing)]

An aplology from a sixteen year old must be a record, and does indeed show a maturity I didn't expect. Congratulations.....
Now, if we are going to start over and discuss your ability to use hypnosis, there are a few things you must accept... First, nobody on this board knows you, so all we have to go on is what you write. From this, I would say you need an honest apraisal of your abilities to date, followed by a written statement of what you wish to achieve. This should be based on what others observe, and you will need to trust their honesty....
Once you know what you want, then you need to know cost of the help required. Can it be done in two or three sessions, or are many required. We have no way of judging this online, so a local search is needed.....Understand, since you want to set a time limit, deciding to learn self hypnosis will not be an effective means of achieving your goals, and a therapist is costly....
NOW, remember, we all said that Marine training would give you all you asked for, so what I have said amounts to an extra and unnessessary cost, which you feel you want, but which we think is not required, so please don't think that what I have said is a recommendation.....If others can join the marines and succeed without hypnosis, so can you...

[Shuriken]

An aplology from a sixteen year old must be a record, and does indeed show a maturity I didn't expect. Congratulations.....[quote]

Thank you.

[quote]Now, if we are going to start over and discuss your ability to use hypnosis, there are a few things you must accept... First, nobody on this board knows you, so all we have to go on is what you write. From this, I would say you need an honest apraisal of your abilities to date, followed by a written statement of what you wish to achieve. This should be based on what others observe, and you will need to trust their honesty....
Okay, I'll work on this.

Once you know what you want, then you need to know cost of the help required. Can it be done in two or three sessions, or are many required. We have no way of judging this online, so a local search is needed.....Understand, since you want to set a time limit, deciding to learn self hypnosis will not be an effective means of achieving your goals, and a therapist is costly....
Well, is it reasonable to ask a therapist to help me learn self-hypnosis, and the basics to get me making changes on my own, or is it absolutely neccesary that a therapist work with me for each individual topic?

NOW, remember, we all said that Marine training would give you all you asked for, so what I have said amounts to an extra and unnessessary cost, which you feel you want, but which we think is not required, so please don't think that what I have said is a recommendation.....If others can join the marines and succeed without hypnosis, so can you...
But you didn't expect me to be content with what I listed above did you? My main goal is to find an avenue to improve myself throughout my life. This is the reason I really want to learn to 'do things for myself' as it were.

Thank you for your help.