What Does It Feel Like to be Hypnotized?

The feeling of hypnosis is unique for each person.

One of my volunteers was surrounded by her friends who peppered her with questions.  What did it feel like?  Do you remember anything?  Are you sleepy?

I had just completed a performance of my "Hypnotic Experience" show at the Bradley Farm Haunted House festival and the volunteers continued to be the stars of the evening.  I watched as a few of them relayed to friends their experiences while hypnotized.

It's a frequent question I'm asked as well when people learn I am a hypnotist:  what does it feel like to be hypnotized?

Even having worked with hundreds of people during the past five years, it's a hard question to answer.  That's because hypnosis is very much a personal experience.

Yet, I just came across an article in the San Francisco Chronicle in which a young woman who practices self-hypnosis does an exceptional job of describing how she feels while hypnotized.  Here is a link and an excerpt:


Hypnosis is Akin to Intense Focus 

If you're reading a book and you're really into reading that book and the rest of the world sort of disappears, you don't realize how fast time is passing, someone could call your name and you don't hear - hypnosis is actually similar to that, but instead of focusing on the TV you're watching or the book you're reading or the project you're working on, you're focusing on what's going on inside your head and what's going on inside your body.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Hypnosis-is-akin-to-intense-focus-3975730.php#ixzz2DiUMad6D

If you're reading a book and you're really into reading that book and the rest of the world sort of disappears, you don't realize how fast time is passing, someone could call your name and you don't hear - hypnosis is actually similar to that, but instead of focusing on the TV you're watching or the book you're reading or the project you're working on, you're focusing on what's going on inside your head and what's going on inside your body.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Hypnosis-is-akin-to-intense-focus-3975730.php#ixzz2DiUMad6D

 

If you're reading a book and you're really into reading that book and the rest of the world sort of disappears, you don't realize how fast time is passing, someone could call your name and you don't hear - hypnosis is actually similar to that, but instead of focusing on the TV you're watching or the book you're reading or the project you're working on, you're focusing on what's going on inside your head and what's going on inside your body.

Preparation and Professionalism Define My Performances

I'm taking a volunteer deeper into hypnosis during a performance at Bradley Farm.

During the past three months I've performed "Hypnotic Experience" for quite a diverse set of audiences.

There was the nearly 200 Georgetown University students at the Midnight Carnival that welcomed undergrads back to campus in early September.  That show drew a rave review from the organizer.

That same weekend I demonstrated the stress busting and academic enhancing powers of hypnosis for a dozen high school students.

I was back in front of a larger audience of more than 150 in late October for two performances at the Bradley Farm Haunted House community festival in Herndon, Virginia.  It was perhaps my most entertaining shows of the year as the adults, teenagers and tweens who volunteered demonstrated a wonderful creative spirit.

And just before Thanksgiving I shared the art of self-hypnosis for nearly 25 attendees at an event sponsored by Professionals in the City.  You can find my recap of the event here and a testimonial from one of the participants at this link.

As we roll into December, my attention turns to preparations for two performances I have on the calendar.  The first is a private party on December 8th to be followed by a profile gig on December 31st at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC.  I anticipate several hundred to be in attendance at the New Year's Eve bash where I'll perform.

Regardless of the size and make-up of a performance, a successful outing ultimately comes down to a simple concept:  shared expectations with the event organizer and audience.

Are they looking for fun and entertainment?  Is the interest more educational?  Is it about stress management, and emotional and physical well being?  A combination of these things?

I spend time with the event organizer prior to the show and, if at all possible, conduct a site visit.  I also engage with the audience prior to starting a hypnotic induction as part of my pre-talk.

I'm all about preparation and professionalism when I perform Hypnotic Experience.  The organizer and audience will accept nothing less.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are you hosting an event, community festival, fundraiser, school activity, party or get together with friends?  I encourage you to call me at (301) 538-8100 or Email m.russell.hausman@gmail.com to learn more about "Hypnotic Experience."  
   

Research Reports on Health Through Hypnosis

The initial five minutes of my "Hypnotic Experience" show are perhaps the most important part of the performance. 

My pre-talk is both entertaining and informative as I define hypnosis and set expectations of what's to come during the show -- for both the volunteers and the audience.  I also overview the the emotional and physical benefits derived from the practice of self-hypnosis.  (Yes...I teach self-hypnosis in a small group setting or one-on-one.)

It's at this time I typically share with the audience that with the exception of modest bout of stomach flu earlier this year I have not been sick in three years.  No colds.  No infections.  Nothing.

I practice smart health and hygiene by eating right, sleeping well at night, frequently washing my hands and visiting doctor.  Yet, I'm also convinced my good fortune is the result of mitigating the impact of stress through hypnosis.

Now there is legitimate research from Ohio State University that supports this notion.  A new study recently published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that "hypnosis and related relaxation techniques can actually prevent the weakening of the immune response that often follows periods of acute stress."

There's a nice overview of the research and its findings in this article entitled "Hypnosis May Prevent Weakened Immune System, Improve Health." 

I encourage you to keep eating an apple a day, take your vitamin C and drink plenty of water.  Plus, you may want to explore incorporating self-hypnosis into your wellness routine.  You'll be healthier and happier this winter.   

 

Image Source:  Definition of Wellness

Impressions from the "Hypnosis for Exceptional Living" Event

It was quite an eclectic group that gathered this evening in Washington, DC for my "Hypnosis for Exceptional Living" demonstration, hosted in partnership with Professionals in the City.

There were several college-aged students seeking how to balance the pressures of social and academic responsibilities.  Interestingly, each was joined by a parent who I suspect encouraged their attendance.

Also in the room were a half dozen guys in the 25 to 40 age range who were challenged with either ongoing minor physical distress (i.e. back or neck pain) and/or difficulty sleeping at night.

And finally, a group of women who varied in age, yet were intrigued by a new approach for stress management and overall emotional and physical well-being.

Two of the attendees had prior experience with hypnosis.  A woman had spent time with a hypnotherapist and came away with a positive view of how it influenced her life.  One of the gentlemen had volunteered for a stage hypnosis show, acknowledging he merely played along with the suggestions.  

Here is a recap of my observations and impressions of the evening:

1)  It was a nervous group at the start.  Most of the attendees came after work and didn't know each other.  Adding to the tension was the fact that the hypnotic process is a somewhat personal one in which a participant can feel exposed.

I went to great length to build rapport with each attendee and lighten the mood through a series of  entertaining anecdotes from my stage hypnosis shows and stand-up comedy performance.  The results were so-so.  (I may not be as funny as I'd like to think.)

Additionally, I extended my introductory talk about hypnosis from its usual 15 minutes in length to nearly half an hour.  My goal was to educate about the power of positive visualization while building credibility and authority for my role as the hypnotist.

2)  I took the attendees through an extended hypnotic induction that lasted about 20 minutes.  I also used several deepeners through visualization and physical touch (i.e. dropping 20 times deeper with a slight touch on the shoulder).

Hypnosis for stress mitigation.

Unlike a stage hypnosis show in which the induction is merely a gateway to the entertainment, the purpose of this event was to inform about hypnosis as a tool.  I wanted each attendee to enjoy the process.

3)  Did it work?  Well...kind of.  The majority of participants did achieve a baseline level of hypnosis.  Simple suggestions related to "sleep" and "heavy eyes" worked well and presented a foundation for me to move to post-hypnotic instructions for stress relief and a positive view of life.

I then worked with the group to introduce their own voice into the process through a mental countdown from the number of 20.  This was a bridge for a discussion about self-hypnosis.

4)  The feedback from the group during the post hypnosis Q&A was generally positive.  A couple of participants expressed disappointment the session could not be tailored to a specific need (i.e. weight management),  Yet, each understood the purpose was more of a general introduction to hypnosis.

5)  A handful of attendees then stuck around for a few minutes for a second hypnotic induction which also went OK...not great.  Again, most responded well to simple suggestions like "heavy hands," however everyone failed to act on a more complex suggestion.

At this point, we had been together for nearly two hours and, admittedly, it's a challenge for a person to maintain focus and concentration for such an extended period of time.

We concluded with a visualization called "Wash the Pain Away" that encourages physical well being.

All in all, I am pleased with the event.  A group session certainly presents a unique set of challenges, however I had an opportunity to meet exceptional individuals who were open to and engaged in a discussion about hypnosis.

Plus, I continue to learn about how people perceive hypnosis and their expectations for its use as a tool to impact quality of life.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you attended the Professionals in the City event and are interested in continuing to explore hypnosis, please Email me at m.russell.hausman@gmail.com or call me at (301) 538-8100.  Perhaps we can arrange a follow-on meeting which I will happily do at no charge.

I'm also interested in demonstrations and performances to small gatherings of friends, groups, parties and clubs. 

A Great Read on Hypnosis

Each week I typically come across interesting articles that accurately capture how hypnosis can be used as a tool for emotional and physical well being.  I share them on Twitter, so I encourage you to follow me here.

The story below is one of the best I've read in a long while.  Why?

It accurately defines hypnosis and a hypnotic induction (i.e. no swinging watch), and then illustrates the most important factor when it comes to a positive experience -- the person has to be open and interested in achieving a meaningful change.

At the start of every session or performance of my "Hypnotic Experience" show, I explain that all of hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  There's no magic to it.  Hypnosis is simply conditioning the mind to anticipate and accept positive outcomes.   


How Hypnosis Helped Me Sleep
By Linda Yellin
More Magazine

A few hypnosis sessions helped one writer finally remedy her insomnia.

Pathway to Success, Achieving Confidence Through Hypnosis

A successful business presentation requires confidence.  Can hypnosis help a person achieve this mind-set?  Photo Source:  123rf.com.

Success in academic pursuits, athletic competition and career advancement is very much determined by confidence.  

Confidence is merely a state of mind defined by the honest, raw and all consuming belief that you are talented, skilled, focused and well prepared.  I will ace this test.  I'm going to be sharp during my presentation at work.  The game is at a critical point...I will make this free throw.

Of course, it's easier to aspire to then actually achieve this mindset.  That's because our conscious mind -- where rational thought and critical decision-making exists -- spends much of its time telling us why we cannot achieve things.

Can hypnosis help instill confidence, thereby inspiring a person to be more successful in life?

A few weeks back I met with a woman in her mid-20s who is pursuing a career in sales.  She has a world of natural ability and talent -- attractive, likeable, intelligent and strategic.

Yet, a lack of confidence had hindered her success when it came time to make a presentation to a prospective customer.  Her fall back was to typically bring a more experienced colleague to the pitch meeting and then shrink away by failing to interject her thoughts into the discussion.

After rapidly achieving a state of hypnosis, I asked her to visualize herself leading a new business presentation.  She pictured the audience responding well to her pitch, and respecting her knowledge about the product and the industry.  She imagined addressing questions (even the tough ones) in a calm and poised manner.

As we concluded the hypnotic experience, I encouraged her to think about how a successful business presentation had made her feel positive and comfortable.  And that this feeling of confidence will define all aspects of her life -- professional and personal.

Did this help her?  We'll see...I anticipate meeting with her again in December. 

Hypnosis is not magic as a person must have the talent, ability and discipline to prepare.  Yet, by conditioning the mind to accept success as the outcome, a sense of confidence can absolutely be realized.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you live in the Washington, DC area, please check out the event I'm hosting in partnership with Professionals in the City on Monday, November 19th in Georgetown.  It is entitled "Hypnosis: a Positive Approach for Exceptional Living."  You can find a 1/2 off registration deal at this link.

Hypnosis Skeptic Finds It "Amazing"

This past Friday was a much needed day of relaxation at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.  I had arrived at the hotel on Tuesday for a conference and my wife joined me on Thursday to celebrate our 13^th anniversary.

We spent Friday lounging at the pool where I struck up a conversation with a group of three women who were nurses visiting from Syracuse, New York.  We got to talking about the issue of pain management and they mentioned the medical practice they work for encourages certain patients to seek holistic alternatives to medication.

The nurses mentioned acupuncture, yoga and meditation as options.  I inquired about hypnosis to which one of the nurses quickly dismissed the practice as merely a bunch of mind tricks.  “I’m way skeptical about it even being real,” she said.

She agreed to try a hypnotic induction and within 10 minutes I got her to a point of deep concentration, relaxation and focus.  I then took her through a couple of simple suggestions, including heavy hands and forgotten first name.

Upon bringing her out of a trance, I left her with two post-hypnotic suggestions: 1) feeling incredibly relaxed and stress free; and 2) having a positive view of her experience in hypnosis and always referring to it as “amazing.”

When she re-joined her friends by the pool they both asked if it worked.  I nodded my head as she responded, “It is amazing…and definitely real.”

The hypnotist celebrating a 13th anniversary with his beautiful wife.

Hypnosis for Well-Being Performance Set for November 19

The Washington, DC area escaped Hurricane Sandy's wrath.  There was a lot of rain and a bit of wind, yet the damage was minimal.

We were lucky when you consider the plight of New York, New Jersey and other coastal communities on the east coast.

It turned out to be more of a precautionary move for local groups and social organizations to cancel their activities on October 29th and 30th.  One of those cancellations was my "Hypnotic Experience" performance in partnership with Professionals in the City.

Good news!  The performance is back on the calendar for Monday, November 19th at MOCA Gallery in Washington, DC.  Here is a link to the promotional page with a description of the event.

I'll introduce hypnosis, talk through its use as a tool for emotional and physical well-being, take volunteers through a hypnotic induction, and then share a couple of suggestions that will encourage good health.  For those interested, I will then do a brief session to teach self-hypnosis.

If you have ever had an interest in hypnosis, I encourage you to sign up and attend this event.  In fact, you can use the promotional code Hypnosis 11353 when registering and receive a $5 discount. 

These volunteers at my "Hypnotic Experience" performance demonstrate the wonderful feeling of relaxation achieved through hypnosis.

No Zen in Boozing Away Stress

The economy, politics, parenting and personal issues have left a myriad of Washingtonians in search of Zen-ful peace. 

Some have found balance by participating in a free, community meditation session run by Tara Brach, a Buddhist meditation teacher and pyschologist.  Others have turned to an over-abundance of alcohol and other more destructive behaviors.

The Washington Post reported on both this weekend in an article entitled Capital Strains.  It's an excellent read.

In this blog I've shared my view on the importance of stress management for emotional and physical well being.  Stress is negative energy that the body will shed.  It's up to each of us to take ownership of the removal process. 

Whether it's yoga, acupuncture, meditation, running, swimming or (as I promote) hypnosis, I encourage people to explore a natural, healthy approach to stress mitigation.  It is so much more effective and beneficial than finding relief in a bottle of booze.

The Zen-ful Tara Brach runs a community meditation session to help Washingtonians de-stress.

Photos from Bradley Farm Hypnosis Show

Thanks to the folks at Bradley Farm Haunted House festival, I am able to share a wonderful set of photos from the performance of my "Hypnotic Experience" show this past Saturday night.

I've included a caption with each photo to explain the image and how it fits into the show.

The introductory talk prior to a hypnotic induction sets expectations for what is to come.  It also gives me a chance to share a few entertaining stories to create a fun atmosphere.

I encourage audience members who chose not to volunteer to experience a hypnotic induction as well.  It's incredibly relaxing and can help shed stress.  The three women to my left went into hypnosis, although when asked did not express an interest in joining the show.

My visual focus is typically on the volunteers on stage.  I am constantly looking for signs of hypnosis to determine which volunteers will remain for the show.  However, I direct suggestions to the audience as well.

Two of the on-stage volunteers.  The young lady on the left went deep into hypnosis and was a wonderful participant in the show.  Her reaction to the "American Idol" skit was a highlight.

Once in hypnosis a simple touch on the shoulder coupled with a suggestion helps a volunteer go deeper.

This volunteer slipped in and out of hypnosis during the show.  At times, even a slight distraction can impact how someone reacts to a suggestion.

Nearly 30 volunteers on stage made for a crowded environment.  I always take as many volunteers as possible.  However, I have to move quickly to excuse people who have trouble reaching hypnosis during the induction to allow for more space.

Young adults and teenagers typically make for excellent volunteers.  They are able to focus, they're use to following direction and they are creative with strong imaginations.

With parental approval, I encourage younger kids to give hypnosis a try.  However, I rarely take them on stage because the inability to focus can be an issue.