Thanks for the 1,000+ Hypnotic Experiences

Hello?  Hello?  Why is this senior's shoe ringing like a phone?

Last night…or…more accurately written…early this morning I finished entertaining at my final high school event of the 2016 school year.

What a blast!

Performing at after prom and all night graduation parties is fun and rewarding.  The kids are interested in and open to hypnosis and the parents are so appreciative for the help to provide a safe environment.

When combined, I had more than 1,000 kids try hypnosis.  Yes, you read that number correctly -- 1,000.

I want to express my thanks to the Parent Teach Student Association (PTSA) at the schools listed below for allowing me to be part of their event.

Montgomery County, Maryland (After Prom)

Academy of the Holy Cross

Blake High School

Einstein High School

Magruder High School (Read blog post/see photos at this link)

Northwood High School

Poolesville High School

Quince Orchard High School (Read blog post/watch video at this link)

Sandy Springs Friends School (Read blog post at this link)

Seneca Valley High School

Springbrook High School

Fairfax County, Virginia (All Night Graduation Party)

Chantilly High School

Fairfax High School

Marshall High School

Work Related Stress Costs Business $300B Annually

Yes...you read that headline correctly.  It's a "B" for billion.

The results of a survey conducted by Eastern Kentucky University on the impact of work related stress on employee health and productivity are staggering.  Here are the primary culprits:

-Workload:  46 percent
-Personnel Issues:  28 percent
-Juggling Work/Life Balance:  20 percent
-Job Security:  6 percent

I initially wrote about the issue of stress in the workplace in April 2013 when discussing how CEOs are improving performance via meditation, hypnosis and other tools and tactics.  When you consider the results of this new survey, it's apparent the positive impact from a corporate stress reduction initiative would extend well beyond the executive suite.

Image Source:  EHS Today

Comedy Hypnosis TV Show to Debut in US

Next month the US version of the hit British reality comedy show You’re Back in the Room will begin production.   

Set to air on Fox with actor Taye Diggs serving as the host, the show’s premise is intriguing.  A group of contestants are teamed up to perform relatively simple tasks such as frosting a cake or blowing up balloons.  Significant cash prices are the reward when a task or challenge is achieved.

The wrinkle, of course, is that the contestants are first put into a state of hypnosis by mentalist and hypnotist Keith Barry.  The suggestions provided are designed to make the completion of the tasks more challenging and entertaining.

The UK version of You’re Back in the Room has been a hit and the folks at Fox are hoping for similar success here in the States.

Is this comedic take on hypnosis good for the practice of visualization?  Or does it reinforce misconceptions that hypnosis is akin in mind control or magic?

While many hypnotherapists cast a frown on these entertainment-oriented demonstrations of hypnosis (including shows like my Hypnotic Experience), I find raised awareness motivates some people to explore the practice for health, wellness and exceptional living.

So…while You’re Back in the Room may indeed be a bit over the top and dramatic, the show will hopefully spur more interest in how a person can direct their mind in positive and meaningful ways. 

 

Hypnotized...Right on Q

It is 2:45 AM on a Sunday morning and I’m whipping down a quiet road in Gaithersburg, Maryland on my way to Quince Orchard High School’s post prom.   

I’ve just left Poolesville High School’s event when the phone rings.  It’s my long-standing relationship with the QO Booster Club.

“Are you close,” she asks.  “There is a whole group of kids looking forward to your show.”

A few minutes later I hustle into Quince Orchard and am warmly greeted by a wonderful group of students who are interested in giving the “Hypnotic Experience” a try.  I’m on-site until nearly 5 AM and probably could have stayed longer.  The parents hosting the event finally give me the word that it’s time to wrap things up and send the last remaining kids home.

After prom and all night graduation party season is my most active time of the year.  From mid-April until the end of June, I’ll help entertain at nearly 20 events hosted by Public Student Teacher Associations (PTSA) and Booster Clubs.

Admittedly, the early morning hours and sleep deprivation can be tough to bounce back from.  This is especially true when I’m up early the next day to shuttle my own children to different athletic events and activities.

The two hours of sleep is absolutely worth it because of how warmly I’m typically received by everyone.  Providing a fun (and safe) environment for kids to enjoy their prom or graduation is an incredibly worthwhile cause.

Check out the brief video clip below of a group of Quince Orchard students trying hypnosis.  My Hypnotic Experience isn’t your typical comedy hypnosis show.  Rather, I focus on a fun and entertaining discussion and demonstration of the power of positive visualization.

5 Stories of Hypnosis for Superior Athletic Performance

Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby practices self-hypnosis.  (Photo credit: NovaCapFans.com)

During the past month I have spent most of my early morning weekend hours with high school students at after prom parties.  This coming weekend I’ll be part of the entertainment at events hosted by the Parent Student Teacher Associations (PTSA) at Poolesville HS, Quince Orchard HS and Northwood HS.

While I enjoy entertaining and supporting public schools, equally fulfilling is the opportunity to speak with young people about the importance of positive visualization.  This is especially true when it comes to athletes.

Most of the kids are surprised to learn a myriad of college and professional sports teams invest resources to ensure their athletes are mentally prepared to perform at the highest possible level.  With that in mind, I thought I’d share links to a few of my favorite articles published on this blog about hypnosis for exceptional athletic performance.

Hypnosis Helps Mary Lou Retton Vault to Olympic Gold

Hypnosis Sharpens an Athlete’s Mindset for Recovery

How the Lady Terps Achieve Zen

Hypnosis for Athletic Success, Capitals Style

Hypnosis Helps a Newly Minted College Athlete

Magruder High School Post Prom - Back for a Third

To measure the success of a performance entertainers often use the two "Rs" -- referrals and repeats (bookings).  This evaluation criteria is particularly relevant in niche communities, such as Parent Teacher Student Associations (PTSA) in a specific county.

Four years ago, I made it a priority to initiate and build relationships with PTSAs in Montgomery County, Maryland.  I'm a graduate of the county's public school system and my children are currently enrolled in County schools.  The schools are exceptional in academics, athletics and community.

Each prom season, the PTSA at most County high schools host an after prom party designed to provide the kids with a fun and safe environment.  The event runs from late night until the early morning hours of the next day.

There is even a not-for-profit organization called Montgomery County Project Prom/Graduation that exists to coordinate activities of the PTSAs and share best practices.

In 2013, I entertained at a single Montgomery County high school.  This year I'm fortunate to be a part of eight County high school after proms, including a few relationships that are now multi-year.

This past weekend I returned to Magruder High School in Rockville, Maryland for the third year in a row.  The parents who organized the event were wonderful to work with the kids were fabulous -- interested in hypnosis and open to giving it a try.

Rather than a stage show, I was on-site through the duration of the event to perform a series of mini-demonstrations.  This approach is flexible, fits in well with the flow of other planned activities and gives more kids an opportunity to experience hypnosis. 

I've included below a couple of photographs I thought you'd enjoy!

When I say the word "cheese," rather than smile you will have the urge to make a strange and funny face.

That's strange...why is there music coming from my shoe.

Same volunteer is puzzled that she cannot seem to remember her first name.

Thanks for a Hypnotic Show Well Done

The "wrong face disease" suggestion.  Hypnotist Marc Savard uses this skit as part of his show in Las Vegas.

Seven years ago when I made the leap into entertainment I learned how important it is to focus on two things: 1) guests must have a unique and fun experience; and 2) the event organizer has to look good.

My "Hypnotic Experience" show yesterday at the Northern Virginia Community College's Manassas Campus hit the mark on both.

Many thanks to Professor Dyrud and the Psychology Club for hosting me.  Here's a kind note I received from the organizer after the show. 



Hi Marc,

Thanks again so much for giving your time to our students - last night's show was another big success and our students will talk about it for a long time :)  I know I said this already but it was the *perfect* ending to our Mental Health Awareness Week - you did such a good job of making the show relevant to our students and to the week's message.  

Best, 

Mocha

**********

Dr. Mocha Dyrud

Professor of Psychology

NOVA - Manassas