Self Hypnosis / Meditation
Self-hypnosis - This is the production of a self-induced hypnotic trance without the facilitation of another person. As mentioned in the section on hypnotherapy we are all in a ‘hypnotic trance’ at times during the day. Self-hypnosis is producing this state of relaxation for specific purposes. All hypnosis is really self-hypnosis as we have to ‘give permission’ to ourselves to relax. In the self-hypnotic relaxed state one can reinforce beneficial and positive suggestions (eg I always do my best) or one can visualise a desired outcome (eg interview, presentation, golf match) or one can drift into a state of perfect calmness and just be (akin to the meditative state, see below), which promotes the mindset for a calm, relaxed and confident approach to life.
Habitual use of self-hypnosis can assist in abating attacks of asthma, help in pain management, promote general body balance and harmony and relief stress.
As part of my therapy I always teach the art of self-hypnosis as it is a very powerful tool for keeping in the present and focus on the realistic and positive.
In addition I can make personalised hypnotic relaxation CDs or MP3 files which can be a very beneficial alternative.
Meditation (see write up on the 'articles' page')
It is an easy step to proceed from the ability to undertake self-hypnosis to the ability to undertake the practise of meditation. Meditation can be simply stated as being the ability to focus on one thing to the exclusion of all else. For instance the ability to focus on the breath. to the exclusion of all else, will produce a feeling of total calmness, a feeling of being in a tranquil void. where no thoughts are present. Accessing this state somehow enables us to handle the busyness of life and challenging situations in a more calm, relaxed and confident manner.