Linda Herrick, contributor
Hypnosis
People often think hypnosis is dramatic or strange… but it’s a very natural, everyday state. You experience hypnosis between 10 and 12 times a day. Think of when you’re lost in a book or movie, or driving – getting to your destination and not remembering the last few miles. You go through the state of hypnosis while drifting off to sleep. The difference is that in a hypnosis session, we use that natural state intentionally.
Here’s why hypnosis is beneficial:
• It quiets the inner critic
• It lowers resistance
• It melts the fight between “I want this” and “I can’t do this”
• It speaks directly to the part of you that runs your habits, emotions, cravings, and confidence
• It helps the change stick because it’s aligned with your identity, not your willpower
You are always aware. You are always in control. And you always emerge feeling clearer, calmer, and more aligned. Hypnosis is one of the most powerful tools we have for healing, transformation, and creating a life that matches our intention.
Self-Hypnosis
Self-hypnosis is a tool that is conveniently in your mind. With attentive practice, you can reduce stress in just a few moments of concentrated solitude with the intention of calming your mind and body. This method is usually used to regain calm in chaotic or stressful situations. Or it can be a longer, deeper spiritual experience in the quiet of your home with scented candles and soft background music. You decide the experience you want or need.
Self-hypnosis is a gentle way of turning inward, quieting the noise, and giving your subconscious mind clear instructions about what you want more of in your life, i.e. calm and/or peace, or it’s the space where willpower steps aside and your inner wisdom steps forward.
When you’re in self-hypnosis, the busy, critical part of the mind takes a break. The deeper part — the part that runs your habits, your emotions, your self-talk, your automatic patterns — becomes open and receptive. That’s where change happens. That’s where you rewrite the old programming and plant new, supportive beliefs.
Self-hypnosis works because your subconscious mind listens differently when you are relaxed. It doesn’t argue. It doesn’t resist. It simply absorbs the message you’re giving it — messages like “I choose peace,” “Healthy choices feel easy for me,” or “I am in control of how I respond to stress.” You are always in charge. You are never “under.” You are awake, aware, and guiding your experience the whole time.
Self-Hypnosis is Self-Care.
Breathing slowly and deeply is an effective way to begin relaxation in tight situations. When you breathe slowly, narrow your focus and step into relaxation – your subconscious can finally hear you. And in that space, you can shift anything– habits, emotions, beliefs, identity — one gentle suggestion at a time.
Self-care is always important in any season of life or occupation you choose.
Call 815-342-3624 to make a Zoom appointment to learn self-hypnosis.
Many Blessings and have a Happy, Peaceful New Year!
Mary Beth Hobson
Certified Hypnotist