Just saying hello to all!

[Hofajoab]

I've been flicking through most of the posts on this site (and others) and i just thought i'd introduce myself some-what. I'm from Scotland, my name is Kevin, i'm 23 and i've just recently been quite genuinely interested in hypnotism.

I've read a wealth of information on Hypnotism on the Internet over the past week or so, mainly Self-Hypnosis. One of the main sources, not only the most interesting, but most informative sources has to be this one, and links from it. There seems to be some great minds on this site so i feel rather humble to be amongst the community. :)

Initially my intention is merely to use self-hypnosis as a relaxation method and be able to put myself into a hypnotic state fairly quickly and easily. I've tried various MP3's that i've downloaded but as i expected they weren't really effective, but they did give a good insight into inductions etc. I've found that self-talk seems to be more effective in clearing my mind and relaxing myself. I have tried the MP3's for a few days but to no success so last night i tried using self-talk only. It took a while to get myself into what i think was a hypnotic state but i'm not entirely 100% sure that i was. I didn't realise too much on how i felt but i did feel deeply relaxed and almost weightless (it's difficult to explain) and after i had come out and opened my eyes they felt really really heavy, then a few seconds afterwards i felt really awake and energetic. I also experienced what i believe was R.E.M. so that would also suggest i was in a trance?... Whilst 'under' i tried to tell myself that my arm was getting lighter, and lighter and that it was beginning to rise but i'm not sure that it did.. i did however feel my muscles twinge and tense slightly but that's about it.

Anyway, was i in a trance do you think? (i know it's difficult for anyone to say as yous didn't experience it). I know it takes some people several weeks or months to successfully use self-hypnosis and that's why i'm not so sure.. could i have managed it within a few days?

I've got another question for yous. I plan to book a session with one of my local hypnotherapists, not for therapy but just to have 'proper' experience of being in a hypnotic state. I was wondering if one session would be sufficient to easily allow me to use self-hypnosis? And if they could suggest some sort of trigger to allow me to enter such a state?

Sorry about the length of the post, especially for my first one. :rolleyes:

[EC]

Hi Kevin,

One of the most prominent signs of self hypnosis is that you find your mind wandering and find it difficult to "hold on" to a thought.

And yes, one session is generally adequate for learning deeper self hypnosis.

What many hypnotist do is make sure they have you to a deeper level, such as somnambulism, then give you a "que" to return there instantly anytime you wish. They will generally also teach you to "set a time limit" so you come out at a specified time, like 5 minutes or whatever. They will/should test that self-entry a number of times in their office to make sure you got it and get it. You are then all set to go.

To get the most then from self suggestion is a learning process that you will get better at over time. Remember that anything you do that requires "conscious intervention" interfers with the depth. If you want to give yourself a suggestion, write a one-liner on paper and read it 5 or 6 times before you induce the trance. Now just forget about it and enjoy a few minutes of the state. The unconscious will eventually "get it".

EC

[Hofajoab]

Thanks for your reply EC,

I tried again tonight an definitely experienced a deep level of hypnosis. Again i just used self-talk, progressive relaxation (the jacobson method i believe, tensing various muscles and relaxing), and the staircase method. Again i experienced REM and i knew that i was definitely 'under' this time.

I tried various tests if you like. Firstly i kept telling myself "the more i try to open my eyes the more they stay closed" and i couldn't open them.. i then told myself to open them and i could!. Secondly i tried to get my arm to rise which i successfully managed to do on several occassions. I also tried something else which i'm not too sure i can post on the forum but let's just say it provided the ultimate proof - during this my body started shaking a lot and i was obviously aware of it.

I found myself thinking thoughts like "oh no i'm coming back out" but i quickly brushed them aside and started deepening again. Any estimates on how deep i could have been based on this information?

I came out feeling very awake and energised, not to mention very pleased that i managed to achieve self-hypnosis in only 3 or 4 days without the help of a professional hypnotist.

[Hofajoab]

i should also mention that the deeper i got my neck stiffened more and more. I take it this is catalepsy?

[EC]

Hi Kevin,

It's difficult to say how deep you might have been, however from the things you described you went deeper than most find possible with self hypnosis. I applaude your accomplishment. You are ready to do some work on yourself if you so choose.

Remember, the more you involve your conscious mind while trying to go deeper, the more you inhibit the very depth you are after. (Although, sounds like you have a natural affinity).

You might try this: First, determine what you would like to say to yourself while you are "under". Now, record the induction (words you use to get yourself relaxed) and then record the suggestions you want to give yourself. Don't forget to also include a wake up procedure, something like " Ok, its time to wake up now, I'm going to count to 5 and on the count of five you will be wide awake, refreshed etc". It seems to help some people (even though you know you are talking to yourself) to record in the third person, ie: say "you" instead of "I".

Lastly, it is important to remember that effecting change in our waking world is a repetitious process. If you keep hammering away at the unconscious it will finally give you what you want. It seems to help many people to learn to "negotiate" for the change they want. It is simply a matter of asking the unconscious to give you a reason for why you do what you do, and then record another session to address the change you want.

As far as the stiff neck, I don't think it would be a catalepsy, however we all do things internally a little differently. I suggest you do a session and ask your unconscious to let you know what the deal is. Now just relax and wait for the thought to "bubble up". You can then figure out how to negotiate with the mighty unconscious to let you relax without the tension.

I have very much simplified this whole process so expect some work on your own part to get where you want to be, and then again, Go for it !

EC

[Hofajoab]

Hi EC,

Thanks again for your help. I know what you're saying about the concious inhibiting the depth of the trance and i do plan to make a recording some time soon, although i'll need to find the time first.

After that experience i have a new found respect for the subconcious mind and hope to harnace it's power as much as i can. Being totally new to hypnosis and it's related subjects i have a lot of reading/theory to learn and hopefully take up a course of some-sort eventually, too.

Thanks again,

Kev.