Back to Bradley Farm - Recap of this Weekend's Hypnotic Experience

This year I have had the good fortune to perform my "Hypnotic Experience" show at more than 20 community festivals, street fairs and charitable fundraisers.  Each is incredibly rewarding because of the exceptional people I meet and the contribution I make to a worthy group or cause.

My participation this past weekend at the Bradley Farm Haunted House in Herndon, Virginia was no exception.  This was my second year performing at this family-friendly event and I was given the privilege of going on-stage on both Friday and Saturday night.

Plus, I learned the community of Bradley Farm was honored a few months back for the contributions they've made to a Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc., an organization that provides assistance to Northern Virginia families in need.  The proceeds from the Haunted House are donated to this worthy charitable group.

The Hypnotic Experience shows this weekend did present an interesting set of challenges.  Here are a few thoughts:

1.  Last year's audience was a mix of ages from adults to high school students and tweens.  The range of ages allowed me to incorporate a broader set of visualizations into the show.

This year, more than 90 percent of the audience on each night were primarily kids aged 8 to 12.  I'm still able to put on an entertaining performance, yet had to cut down on the pre-talk and funny anecdotes.  It's imperative to respect the maturity level of the audience and their lack of interest in any discussion of the health and wellness benefits of hypnosis.

It's a nice reminder that when performing the focus must always be on catering to the needs of the audience, rather than staying true to how I scripted out the show.

2.  The event organizers from Bradley Farm are incredibly warm, friendly and gracious, except for the person tasked with running the stage and sound system.  I'm not sure if he does not like me, my show or comedy hypnosis shows in general.  We just didn't click and it made for a few awkward moments.

For instance, on Saturday evening I had intended to begin setting up the stage about 10 minutes prior to the start of the show to create interest and excitement.  This would have also given me the full hour to perform, rather than having to cut the content of the show back by 10 to 15 minutes.

The early set up was a "no go," even though the entertainment at the time was merely an informal set from the DJ.

As my wife likes to say, "it is what it is" and I did not let any uncomfortable interactions steal away my enthusiasm for being part of the Haunted House event.

So...forward we go.  I'm presenting tomorrow to a class at Whitman High School about the applications of hypnosis to enhance athletic performance.  Look for an update on the blog later this week.

Even the food vendors were part of the Halloween scare.

    

Rock on!  The bands that played at Bradley Farm were awesome.

New Research Reinforces Importance of Sleep

As the evolutionary beat goes mammals should not require much in the way of sleep.  The compromised state of rest raises the prospects of becoming a meal for a predator.

Yet, here we are – from mice, to cats, to elephants, to humans – all requiring significant amounts of sleep during a 24 hour period to remain mentally and physically healthy.  Why?

The benefits of rest obviously outweigh the elevated risks.  Yet, until now, scientists were challenged to pinpoint the exact requirements that demand we slumber each day.

The Washington Post recently reported that a new study has found that while mice sleep their brains flush out toxic waste products cells produce with daily use.  The cells in a mouse’s brain even shrink in size during sleep to make for easier cleaning.

Plus, part of what is cleared from the brain in this soupy waste is beta-amyloid protein, clumps of which form plaques found in Alzheimer’s patients.

Although much research still needs to be done in this area, it’s obvious there is a strong connection between health, well-being, longevity and sleep.

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Read about how self-hypnosis can be a tool to facilitate healthy and restful sleep:

More on Sleeping Well with Hypnosis

Sleeping Well with Hypnosis

 

Halloween Hypnosis for a Wonderful Community and Charitable Cause

Next weekend you'll find me at the Bradley Farm Haunted House in Herndon, Virginia for two performances of my "Hypnotic Experience" show.  I'm featured on the main stage at 9 PM on both Friday, October 25th and Saturday the 26th.

Bradley Farm is one of my favorite communities in the Washington, DC area.  Their Haunted House is exceptionally produced and appropriately scary for visitors of all ages -- adults, teens and younger kids.

Plus, the event organizers recruit an interesting mix of entertainers (bands, DJ, dancers, etc.), as well as offer food options from a number of local restaurants and vendors.

The event benefits Herndon-Reston FISH, a charitable organization that provides support services for local residents in need.

You can learn more about the Bradley Farm Haunted House in this recently published article that appeared in the Herndon Patch.  And you can find a recap of last year's Hypnotic Experience show along with a couple of photos at this link.

I hope to see you next weekend for a scary good time and an entertaining show about the power of positive visualization.

How Mental Health Professionals De-Stress

Here is a great read from the Huffington Post about how mental health professionals reduce the stress in their lives, allowing them to be happier, healthier, successful in their career and more balanced in their personal relationships.

Whether it is high impact activities like running, basketball, kick boxing or martial arts, or more spiritual pursuits such as yoga or meditation, it's absolutely important that you find your thing.  You may even want to give self-hypnosis a try.  Email me at m.russell.hausman@gmail.com.  I'll be happy to talk you through the process.


Fun Ways Mental Health Professionals De-Stress
Huffington Post (10.12.13)

"Lying on the beach" is a relaxing visualization I include in a hypnotic induction.

5 Step Approach to Boost Self-Confidence

A basketball player stands at the free throw line.  The game is close.  The gym is packed.  Her teammates encourage her.  Yet, she is swept up by the feelings of loneliness.

A student has prepared months for the SAT.  The next phase of his life depends on its outcome.  The pressure rises as he sits in a crowded classroom.  He too is alone.

Success in life is very much about performing in the moment.  It’s true in career, academics and athletics.   However, this need to excel at a specific time creates stress and anxiety which can adversely impact a person’s self-confidence.

 

It’s ironic that our own subconscious (i.e. that little voice inside each of us) can often torpedo in an instant months of preparation undertaken by our conscious mind. 

Can hypnosis help?

Absolutely!  In fact, after performing my Hypnotic Experience show I’m often asked by guests if they can use self-hypnosis as a tool to mitigate stress and achieve a more confident and positive view on life.

I have included below a relatively simple and straight-forward approach I encourage people to try as part of their mental preparation for an upcoming task or challenge.

1. Take three deep breaths and focus on pushing out stress and tension with each exhale.

2. Close your eyes and count back slowly from 10 allowing yourself to relax with each number.

3. Replay in your mind a moment in your life when you achieved something exceptional (in athletic competition, in the classroom, or in an interaction with a family member or friend).

4. Visualize this positive energy flow through your veins and swirl around your body.

5. Take a deep breath and open your eyes.

Hypnosis: Empowered for Success

I served as a strolling entertainer at the South Riding Fall Fest.

This weekend I had the pleasure of performing as a strolling entertainer at the South Riding Fall Fest in Northern Virginia.

It’s during these informal demonstrations of hypnosis and the power of positive visualization that I have the opportunity to chat with volunteers in a more personal, one-on-one setting.  Over the course of two hours at the event, I had 20 volunteers and held meaningful conversations with nearly a dozen.

Here are a few take-aways:

1. There is almost always a need to de-mystify hypnosis and clear up misconceptions.  Most people have been exposed to the concept of hypnosis through film, television and Las Vegas-style comedy shows.  I achieve a high level of volunteer interest by talking through what hypnosis is, applications for a healthier and happier life, and the ability to learn self-hypnosis.

2. The requirement in school, work and athletics to perform in the moment is an outcome with great appeal.  One woman was anxious about a major client presentation.  A young man was preparing to take the GRE exam.  Another guy was just back on the soccer field after an ankle injury and cautious in his play.  Simple visualizations to inspire self-confidence and reduce stress delivered a near-immediate benefit.

3. Ultimately, hypnosis is about empowerment.  Each of us has the inherent skills, drive and focus to achieve our life goals.  By setting an expectation for success our natural talent is allowed to shine.