What is Hypnosis?
by: Mark Bancroft, MA/CHT Many misconceptions prevail as to what hypnosis is and how it is experienced. Some common
misunderstandings include:
- Hypnosis is a form of mind control.
- It is the will of one person being exerted over another.
- It can force someone to do something they would not normally do.
- Hypnosis is a strange, mystical force or power.
- It is a state of being unconscious and not in control.
Although well ingrained in our society, such perceptions are not accurate. They are due in large part by the way in which hypnosis, in general, has been portrayed in years of Hollywood films.
The seemingly strange, mystical, magical powers wielded by the stage hypnotist over his/her subjects has also contributed a fair share of false perceptions as well. Essentially, there are two fundamental
characteristics of hypnosis. First of all, it is the experience of focusing your mind steadily upon a particular "object". An object an be inner healing work, focusing inwardly to better understand yourself
and your life, visualizing a desired outcome, and so forth. The second characteristic of hypnosis is the experience of being relaxed and at ease. Your body, mind, and emotions reach a natural,
balanced state which is most often described as relaxing, restful, calm, peaceful, and comforting. With a clear and focused mind you no longer need to attend to the multitude of extraneous thoughts and
associations which normally occupy time. In this sense, the experience is correctly thought of as a return to a natural and balanced state of being. [
EnSpire Press Audio Program Guidebook & Instruction Manual], pp. 16-17, 1999. |
