Yoga-nidra and Hypnosis: Similar Process, Similar Experience

I have been on a comparison kick exploring the relaxation and stress management benefits of hypnosis with other popular and proven techniques. 

A few weeks back I spent time with a yogi and, after hypnotizing her, asked her to assess her experience in relation to Bikram.  Here's a link to that post.

Today, I worked with a successful, intelligent and professionally driven woman who has practiced Yoga-nidra, also referred to as "yogi sleep."  The hypnotic experience was an exceptional and powerful one for her which I believe can be partly attributed to some work stress she has been under during the past few weeks.

She came away from our time together relaxed, refreshed and energized, and interested in trying self-hypnosis.  I spent a few extra minutes with her to share a proven technique to quickly return to a state of hypnotic focus and relaxation.

So...how does the feeling of Yoga-nidra compare to hypnosis?  I was not surprised to hear that it is somewhat similar because of the visualization and breathing that define each activity.

She explained that hypnosis is a more social experience though because of the interaction with the hypnotist, who guides the process.  Plus, there's a physical component to hypnosis which involves me slightly touching the person's hand or shoulder as part of the deepening process.

This type of feedback is incredibly valuable for me as I further refine my approach to sharing hypnosis in a group setting (i.e. parties, gathering of friends, fundraisers, etc.).  By relating the hypnotic experience with other stress management techniques, it can establish a level of comfort with the audience.

Yoga-nidra also referred to as "yogi sleep."  Source:  Studoserenity.com

  

Hypnosis, Positive Outcomes and a Book Called 'The Secret'

I spent time this evening with a wonderful couple who were interested in exploring hypnosis together.  Their life journey has included a focus on creating a positive environment for success, emotional well-being and happiness -- both personally and professionally.

I didn't get the impression that either of them were deeply spiritual.  Rather, it was more of an intellectual interest in how a focus on positive outcomes could allow them to each be a better person, partner and parent.

Consistent with what I have learned during the past six years, each had a unique experience with hypnosis.  For him, it was more of a physical process that produced a feeling of focus and clarity akin to meditation.  In fact, his response was quite similar to my own when practicing self-hypnosis.

I wonder if there's a gender influence when it comes to the hypnotic experience?  Perhaps a topic to explore in a future blog post.

She was enthusiastic to experience hypnosis which, ironically, made it a bit more challenging for her to get to a point of deep trance.  She went effortlessly through the hypnotic induction, relaxed and reacted favorably to set of basic suggestions.  It was a good experience so far.

However, my sense was she was trying too hard and this was creating a slight, unintentional block.  

I decided to break up the session to chat for a few minutes so we could get to know each other and build trust.  When I then re-inducted with the suggestion that she focus solely on my words, she let go and very quickly got to a point of deep relaxation.  Her creativity and warm spirit really shined.

The Secret promotes value of positive outcomes

Afterwards, she shared with me her interest in a movie and book entitled The Secret.  Admittedly, I wasn't familiar with this work, yet she explained its philosophy to focus on positive outcomes to get the most benefit out of life was right in step with my beliefs.

I'm going to spend time with the book this week with the hope that I can visit with this couple further.  It would be great to learn more about how positive thinking is helping shape their lives.

Hypnosis for Hoops: How I've Stayed on the Court

It has been more than 20 years since I dislocated my knee cap playing soccer.  A traumatic injury, it left me with stretched ligaments and a set of partial tears to the cartilage.

I was young so I declined surgery and allowed my body to heal naturally.  In time, my knee improved and I resumed a steady diet of intensive athletic participation.

In my early 30s my knee re-emerged as an irritant.  I'd play basketball or tennis, and on occasion the knee would be sore and swell.

When I reached my late 30s the irritant became my new reality.  In fact, there eventually came a time when I was dependent upon three or four Advil before hitting the courts.  Post competition found me hobbling around the office the next day.

I needed to take action if I wanted to continue my chosen athletic pursuits which, for me, serves as a healthy outlet for some competitive issues.

My approach involves three core activities:

1.  Strengthen my leg muscles.  They absorb much of the energy released during physical exercise, rather than having the knee bear the brunt of that exertion.

2.  Ice after the game.  Always...it helps control any swelling.

3.  Manage my mental and emotional well being using self-hypnosis before and after athletic participation.  That's right...self hypnosis.  I realized I had developed an expectation that my knee would hurt.  Of course, that expectation became reality.  I've shaped my state of mind by visualizing a healthy knee and "washing the pain away."

So...where am I today? 

Yes, I am cognizant of my knee and it still flares up.  Yet, I am no longer sucking down painkillers and I continue to play and compete, often against guys 10 to 15 years younger.

Now I just need to work on my jumpshot.          

    

The "Sleep" Suggestion Explained

If you've attended a hypnosis show you are most likely familiar with the "sleep" suggestion.  The hypnotist utters that magical word and everyone on stage instantly drops into a deep, relaxed trance.

Are they really asleep?

Absolutely not!  In fact, they are more focused and tuned in to their surroundings then when they first arrived on stage and prior to the hypnotic induction. 

Their senses are keen.  They can hear everything around them.  They can respond to questions.  They can move their body.  They are fully functional, and open and prepared to accept new guidance or visual imagery from the hypnotist. 

"Sleep" in a post-hypnotic suggestion used to quickly return a willing person to a relaxed trance.  As the participant understands the physical state of sleep, they mimic that state when given the suggestion.

So...take a nice, deep breath...focus on my voice...and "sleep."

Deep trance with the "sleep" suggestion.  Photo source: Weather Stone Mortgage

Mystery of the Swinging Watch

When I initially tell people that I practice and share hypnosis I often get perplexed looks soon followed by some interesting questions.

That's about mind control, right?  No...not at all.  In fact, all of hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  It's when a person allows their subconscious mind to interpret how they perceive their surroundings.  The hypnotist merely serves as a guide that enables a person to accomplish this more easily.


You're not going to make me bark like a dog?  To this I ask the person if they would normally bark like a dog.  Of course not.  Which is why the answer is always "no."  In fact, while experiencing hypnosis a person would never do anything that it is uncomfortable or outside of their morale compass.

Photo source:  Plymouthhypnosis.com

Do you use a swinging watch?  This is one of my favorite questions as it captures a lot of what is misunderstood about hypnosis, much of which is attributable to how it is presented in movies, on television and in books.

Ironically, the potential of a swinging watch to induce a hypnotic state is actually quite plausible.  That's because the introductory part of any induction is typically defined by a brief period of focus (i.e. concentrate on a spot on the wall, stare at your clasped hands, close your eyes and visualize an image, etc.).

So...I guess I could use a swinging watch.  I don't though because it's too much of a cliche.

Comparing Bikram and Hypnosis for Stress Management

Stress is an enemy of physical and emotional well being. 

When managed, the body has an amazing ability to self-regulate.  When coupled with regular exercise, healthy eating habits, an appropriate amount of rest, etc., a person can more readily maintain a positive and productive outlook on life and overall good physical health.   

Earlier today I hypnotized a young woman who is a practitioner of Bikram yoga.  We were interested in comparing the empowerment and stress reduction she experiences from Bikram to the sense of calm, focus and peace that comes from hypnosis.

My kids were in the room at the time.  They were reasonably well behaved, yet they did cause a bit of distraction that prevented the woman from going deep into hypnosis.  It worked well enough though for the purpose of a comparison.

Here's a recap of our conversation after a 20 minute hypnotic session:

--Bikram is more physically demanding and athletic.  It's this exertion that contributes to the stress maintenance aspect of the activity, while also providing the benefits that come with exercise.

--Hypnosis is a more Zen-like experience, requiring deep concentration, focus and creativity.  For the woman today, it created a general feeling of calm and relaxation that was more emotional than physical.

--With Bikram, the woman explained that she experiences a shared feeling of energy from the other practitioners in her class.  There's a community oriented aspect to it that she very much enjoys.

--Hypnosis is a personal endeavor.  Even though there were other people in the room, she very much felt the experience was solely hers and, at some level, she was able to focus out the distractions.

Do you practice a form of yoga and, if so, what do you feel at the end of a class?  How about when you run, bike, lift weights or swim? 

It would be interesting to compare how these unique physical (and mental) activities help manage stress.

Bikram yoga, physical and community oriented.  Photo source:  ConsumerInstinct.com.

2 Hypnotic Questions

When sharing the practice of self-hypnosis with an individual, or performing at a party, gathering, group event or fundraiser, I typically give a a five minute pre-talk to establish comfort with the concept of hypnosis.  There are just so many misconceptions about hypnosis -- what it is, how it works and what to expect.

Here are the two most frequently asked questions:

1.  Can anyone be hypnotized?  The answer here is a BIG "yes" as long as a person is open to it.  All of hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  A person could never be hypnotized if they didn't not want to be and they would never do something when hypnotized that was inconsistent with their morals or belief system.

For instance, if you are a Republican you could never be hypnotized to vote Democratic.  You could never be hypnotized to a commit a crime.  Well...you get the picture.

I have found that people who are creative, athletic, intelligent, academic and/or active in the arts and music are often excellent hypnotic subjects.  That's because they tend to be able to quickly achieve a deep level of focus and concentration.


2.  What does it feel like to be hypnotized?  This is a tougher question to answer because the people I've worked with and performed for have shared a mix of rather unique descriptions.  One person described it as "being in a dream and drifting outside their body."  Another individual who is an active runner compared it to the feeling they achieve when they're in a zone, often referred to as a runner's high.

Personally, I feel a strong sense of focus and creativity when practicing self-hypnosis.  This is the reason why I use self-hypnosis prior to an important presentation at work or before sitting down to write a blog post.

You'll have to give hypnosis a try as I am interested in hearing your thoughts on this second question.

The hypnosis experience is different for each individual.  Image source:  TreatmentSolutions.com.

Time for a Hypnosis House Party

Ah...summer is certainly a time for friends - cook outs, pot luck dinners, reading groups, movie nights and informal gatherings.

Although fun, the typical summer fare can get a bit stale after awhile  It's kind of the same old...same old, right?

Have you ever considered hosting a hypnosis house party? 

It's certainly different than firing up the grill again for burgers and hot dogs, and can be a fun and entertaining way to spend an evening with friends.  I have participated in these informal gatherings for groups as large as twenty people, as well as for a small get together of two close friends.

You may enjoy the experience so much that you decide to learn about self-hypnosis for stress management and well-being.

Drop me an Email at m.russell.hausman@gmail.com if you'd like to learn more.  I can walk you through what's involved and make sure you are 100 percent comfortable before we put a date on the calendar.

This classic movie would have been even better if it were a "hypnosis" house party.