Understanding Hypnosis
What it is, and what it's NOT!
Now for you to understand how hypnosis works, it is very important for you to understand how your mind works. I am sure you never think about or question just how your mind works, you simply say to yourselves I think so I exist and let it go at that. However, we really have three very separate and very distinct minds that do different things and have a hard time inter-relating and communicating with each other.
First you have the conscious mind, it analyzes, figures a way to solve problems makes everyday decisions like answering the telephone opening a door and all the other daily tasks or functions you perform. Next is the rational part of the conscious mind. It is the part of you selecting the kind of fashion you're attracted to, and gives you the reason behind why you do the things you do. It is responsible when you become anxious, nervous, even frustrated. Willpower and memories are also apart of the conscious mind.
Haven't you ever said I'm going to do this or that "such as quit smoking or lose weight or exercise? Even with all the determination you have, you hear the little voice of sabotage telling you to have a cookie because you're feeling anxious. This is the reason for failed diet's. How about you're just too tired to exercise today…relax. Have a cigarette you'll feel calm or less stressed. This little voice lives in the sub-conscious, and if it's in conflict with what you are trying to accomplish it will breakdown your willpower.
Now the REAL you, and everyone else lives in the level below the conscious called the subconscious mind. To understand how the subconscious mind works, you need to understand that it is very much like a computer and it operates in a similar way. Now a computer can only operate based on the programming that is placed in it, and it must operate on that programming… it has no choice, but if you change the programming it will operate on the new programming. Your subconscious mind works very effectively on the programming you've received from the moment you are born.
For example, if that computer of yours based on its programming says you're fat you're going to be fat. If it says you're stupid then you'll feel stupid. The programming determines and makes decisions as well as the judgments you have about yourself, and the type of person that you are. This programming has been placed in there from many sources and your sub-conscious must operate on this programming.
The way you function is like this computer. It has stored all of your memories from the moment of our birth. Think of the subconscious mind like a video recording. Everything that has ever happened to you, whether it is something you've seen or heard, smelled or tasted or even felt, is locked permanently into the memory banks of your subconscious mind. You never forget anything.
The second programming you have in the inner mind, the subconscious mind, are habits. Now you have three kinds of habits. Some good habits, and some bad ones too. However most of them are utilitarian habits. You automatically respond in a certain manner when something else happens, like when the telephone rings you automatically pick it up…your mood will determine the way you answer the call.
The next thing in the subconscious mind is the emotions. Of course, you wouldn't want to be without your emotions, loving caring, compassion all of those good emotions. However, sometimes your emotions can get you into trouble. Haven't you ever thought to yourself, "why did I say that?" "Why did I do that, it was so stupid." And the inner subconscious mind laughed and said, "yeah, but it was so much fun."
The next ingredient in the subconscious mind, and probably the most important part of you is, it is your protective mind. It protects you against danger real OR imagined. You see something imagined by the subconscious mind, is just as if it was actually happening. It can't tell the difference, and must protect you from danger. This is why your fears are so strong.
The last part of the subconscious mind is the negative parts of you and that part is so powerful, it is also very lazy. It gives you the message that you don't have to change or improve yourself because it loves you just the way you are.
Let's explain how it works. You make a decision to stop smoking. You make your mind up on a conscious level and nothing in the world is going to stop you from ending the smoking habit. Your conscious mind says that wonderful you won't get emphysema, or heart disease. However, to have change effectively happen, you have to get it down into your computer (subconscious mind) in order to change that programming. You start to send down that idea to the subconscious mind, only to run into a problem. For several years now your subconscious has believed that smoking is enjoyable and now you want to take that enjoyment away. This has raised a conflict between the conscious and the subconscious minds, and if there is any conflict between the minds, the subconscious always wins. Now, in order to change the habit communication with the subconscious mind is essential, and with hypnosis change can be a gentle, empowering, as well as a natural process to neutralize any internal conflicts.
Now let's explain what hypnosis is not.
Hollywood has long portrayed hypnosis as mind control… that couldn't be farther from the truth. Hypnosis is not something that is done to you, but rather a process you allow.
Haven't you ever been so focused on something you have to do or a problem that needs to be resolved? Don't you do your best thinking while driving your car? Then all of a sudden you realize that you have just driven past your exit, well here's why. Your mind is so hyper- focused on the situation or problem and that focus caused you to miss your exit. Now that focus is a heightened state of awareness, so your driving skills were never compromised in anyway nor were you or anyone else in any sort of danger. This is called driving hypnosis.
Hypnosis is a natural state and feels very much like daydreaming or the feelings you have just as you fall off to sleep. You relax your body and your mind to create the positive step towards changing habits, fears, and nervous/anxious feelings, improve your self- image and more. You see the truth about hypnosis is that all hypnosis is self- hypnosis.
Next is probably the most asked question regarding hypnosis…Can I be hypnotized?
Anyone with at least a 70 IQ can be hypnotized if you stay open to the process.
Hypnosis isn't the cure all it is merely a tool for the individuals highly motivated towards change or self-improvement.
Author: Gerald Kein Trainer for the National Guild of Hypnotists
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INSOMNIA
Q:What is sleep?
A:Sleep is a state of rest.
Sleep allows you to create a barrier between the conscious mind and the outside world.
A delicate timing device at the base of the brain sends a chemical signal throughout our body so that sleep begins. Later as the sun rises, a new signal begins waking your body back to consciousness.
Q:What is Insomnia?
A:Prolonged inability to sleep.
There are so many different types of insomnia attributable to so many different causes it is nearly impossible to make generalizations that will describe all cases of insomnia in a meaningful way.
Insomnia is not a disease it is a symptom. Insomnia is simply some sort of difficulty sleeping.
Q: What are the root causes of Insomnia?
A: The Root Causes of insomnia is stress, worry, anxiety and fears.
Other problems may be factors in sleep disorders, such as medications, hormones, body aches and pains from various conditions (Restless leg syndrome, gastrointestinal disturbances, psychological, emotional, and psychiatric problems.
The major causes of sleep disturbances are stress and anxiety.
Statistics report that women have a greater number of sleep- disorders than men due to hormonal changes.
For menopausal women decreasing levels of estrogen may cause hot flashes, sleep- disordered breathing, increased snoring, muscle aches etc.
Another factor is in today's society the demands on an individuals time have increased through jobs, parenting, caregiver for elderly parents, or working different shifts.
If your lifestyle is leaving you with less time available to accomplish your task, it is more than likely that your normal sleep time will usually suffer. Less sleep equals sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation increases stress and anxiety. This can lead to long-term insomnia becoming your way of life.
Improving sleep and Stimulus Control
Sleep environment is extremely important. Do everything possible to foster good sleep at night. Noises from partners snoring, pets, traffic, plumbing, even neighbors can contribute to insomnia. Sleep is easily disturbed with light and loud noises so make sure your room is cool, comfortable, and as dark as you get it.
Practice Relaxation for the reduction of stress and tension.
(Self Hypnosis)
*Remove sleep inhibitors such as: coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, alcohol. (Read labels for foods that contain caffeine.)
*Eliminate foods that are difficult to digest any other stimulates like alcohol or cigarettes.
*Keeping away from things that get you excited, upset, anxious or angry. For example: late night news, seeing stories about murders, accidents, terror threats, corruption, children being abducted etc.
*Reduce fluid intake before bedtime.
*Avoid telephone conversations that have you over stimulated or worried.
*Exercising in the evening could inhibit your ability to fall asleep.
*Paying bills, doing homework or work related paperwork, even checking e-mails just before bed can interfere with sleep.
Ways To Relax
Leave your work at the office. When you leave the building, start disconnecting before you arrive home. Tomorrow is another day.
Stop worrying or thinking about what you need to do when you wake up the next day.
Tip for worry… set aside about 10 minutes of your day strictly for worry.
Put a timer on and worry about your problem for 10 minutes and only ten minutes. Then focus on relaxation and deep breathing.
Any bad habits learned can be relearned.
Melatonin is a hormone that lets the body know that it is dark and prepares the body for sleep. Melatonin in very low doses can shift the biological clock. For example if you can't get to sleep before 1:00 A.M. melatonin can help.
It is a natural product you are able to purchase from a health food store.
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