A Foray into Self-Hypnosis

I've been reading the book on self-hypnosis I purchased, called The Secrets of Self-Hypnosis. The author, Adam Eason, discusses how to prepare for hypnosis, various methods of induction (creating a hypnotic state), and ways to write effective hypnotic suggestions.

In preparing for a hypnotic session, he recommends that you practice deep breathing, quiet your internal monologue, relax, and "engage in the moment." He draws upon Eastern traditions for these techniques, briefly discussing the method of breathing into the Hara (a region just below and behind the bellybutton), and outlining the benefits of what is known in Buddhism as mindfulness.

After explaining various ways of induction, he instructs the reader to practice entering a hypnotic trance state. This is the point I am at in the book. There is no need to deliver suggestions during these sessions; instead, at this stage, one is supposed to just experiment with the various ways of induction and develop a feel for the hypnotic state.

So I spent the time recording one of the given scripts that is supposed to induce hypnosis. After sitting and listening to it, I realized that I had read the script too quickly and unevenly to achieve the desired effect.

I recorded another, longer script, and read it softly and slowly.

With the new tape prepared, I lit a couple candles in my bedroom to provide a soft source of light, sat down in my comfortable chair, and closed my eyes. I focused on breathing slowly and being in the moment. Once I was physically relaxed, I turned on the tape and listened to my voice taking me through a beautiful garden while instructing me to relax further and further. It was a pleasant, calming experience. My body felt heavy and relaxed, and my internal monologue seemed to quiet down as I focused on my visualizations.

After mentally spending a while in this beautiful garden, the voice on the tape counted to five and I opened my eyes.

I don't know how deeply I was hypnotized, since this was my first time, and I have nothing to compare it to. However, I would say I was in some sort of trance state.

It was enjoyable, and I look forward to trying it again.

I am also becoming excited about the prospect of being able to make changes in my life. I am imagining being able to instruct my subconscious mind to grow in the ways I would like. It would be empowering. I don't want to get ahead of myself and get my hopes up too much, but I believe that positive expectations can only help the outcome of my experiences with hypnosis.