Be Mindful of “Mindfulness”

As a reader of this blog, you get that I am a big-time believer in the power of positive thinking to improve health and wellness, while creating an environment conducive to exceptional living.  That is an important message of my “Hypnotic Experience” show, which I perform at school-sponsored events, community festivals, and charitable fundraisers.

Hypnosis, guided meditation and mindfulness are all tools to help a person focus on the positive.  Yet, a group of medical professionals have expressed concern that “lots of people and organizations — many of which are well-meaning — have gotten overzealous as they make lots of money off of mindfulness therapies.”

Here is a link to an article that explains why it’s important to be diligent when evaluating the practice of mindfulness:

Psychologists Express Growing Concern with Mindfulness Meditation

Stressed at Work? You're Not Alone.

A recent survey from payroll company Paychex validated something most of us have long suspected – work stresses us out.

Deadlines, weekend requirements, missed family time, dysfunctional relationships with co-workers…it all adds up to 80 percent of respondents feeling overwhelmed.  And that’s not good for our physical and mental health, and overall wellness.

How do we combat stress?

This article published in Forbes magazine offers up some excellent suggestions.  Of most interest to me is the recommendation to “find your inner Buddha.”

Guided meditation, visualization and…yes…self hypnosis…are all wonderful ways to more effectively manage job-related stress. 

Read more about stress management on this blog at the following links:

Research Finds Job Stress Can be a Killer

Self Hypnosis for Stress Mitigation and Empowerment

Why Millennials are Part of the Stress Generation

My Call for Stress Busting

Hypnosis vs Meditation: Does It Feel the Same?

It's no secret that I love the spotlight.  In fact, my wife often jokes one of her jobs is to make sure I remember that I am not the center of the universe.

When I first introduced my Hypnotic Experience show I assumed my gratification would be the opportunity to perform in front of an enthusiastic audience.  And it has been great.  During the past 12 months, I've been fortunate to be in front of groups organized by Georgetown University, Professionals in the City, DC Global Adventurers, 20s and 30s Going Out Group, Northern Virginia Welcome Club, among others.

You can see photos from a few of my shows at this link.

Yet, I've also found tremendous fulfillment from the quality of people I have met through my performances.  My message in Hypnotic Experience is that meaningful life changes can be achieved through positive visualization.

That message often inspires a select set of audience members to seek me out to learn about the practice of self-hypnosis in a one-on-one session.  They want to know how they can be empowered through hypnosis to enhance certain aspects of their personal and professional lives.

Most recently, I met with a woman who has practiced meditation as a tool for wellness and stress management.  How would hypnosis compare?

After she achieved a deep hypnotic trance, we focused on visualizations that would mimic the state of peace from meditation.  Plus, I shared with her how to return to a hypnotic state in as little as 10 seconds, rather than the more extensive time required for meditation.

Here are her thoughts in an Email she sent do me a few days after our time together:      

Thanks again for the one on one session. I think you're right on focusing on this instead of meditation for awhile at least. Although I think the difference between the two is grey. The self-hypnosis seems more accessible and so much easier and faster. I feel a little lighter.

Hypnotic Intersection: Focus on Positive Outcomes

In the six years that I have practiced and shared hypnosis I have come to focus my "Hypnotic Experience" performance and demonstration on four core applications that I have found to have the broadest appeal:

1.  Stress management for relaxation and emotional balance

2.  Academic achievement and test taking enhancement

3.  Athletic performance and physical recovery

4.  General entertainment and comedy

My performances this past weekend were an example of the intersection of hypnosis for entertainment, while focusing on a positive outcome -- success in the classroom.

Yesterday, I went through a basic hypnotic induction process with a woman who has practiced guided meditation since the 8th grade.  Her focus has been on establishing a healthy sleep pattern (which she has), along with general stress mitigation.

She has also shared her approach to meditation with her daughter who has also embraced its positive influence on general well being.  However, they had yet to explore how positive visualization could influence performance in school, in competitive athletics, physical health, etc.

I gave her a couple of things to consider and I suspect she'll dive into this further in private with her daughter. 

More than stress management...hypnosis for achievement.  Image:  Chapman Medical