Many health care and counseling professionals have begun to learn hypnosis. The benefits of learning hypnosis have become increasingly apparent as more studies are done. Recent research has shown not only the physical benefits but emotional and spiritual benefits have been documented as well.
There are several ways to learn hypnosis that range from professional training to self-teaching.
Many licensed schools teach hypnosis and hypnotherapy. Students are educated about the human mind and how the subconscious differs from our conscious mind.
Before a hypnotist can be successful, they must understand how the mind affects a persons perceptions and behavior. The art of relaxation and the ability to tune out the worries and everyday problems are learned. This may sound easy, but it takes education and years of practice to completely learn hypnosis.
Some students begin to learn hypnosis out of curiosity. They quickly discover that it is more involved than they thought. Learning hypnosis involves understanding the human muscle structure and how it can be relaxed. Relaxation is a very important part of hypnosis. If your subject can't relax they will not be susceptible to hypnosis.
Hypnosis students must also learn how to build rapport with their subjects. The feelings of safety and security must be present before a positive session can take place.
Many who try hypnosis are skeptical in the beginning, so a good rapport and a feeling of security are a must for a successful hypnosis session.
For those that are looking to learn hypnotism for use on themselves or those close to them here is a simple step-by-step process you can use.
1. Choose a safe, quite place where you will not be disturbed and get comfortable.
2. Repeat a series of relaxing statements in your mind for a few minutes. Focus on this series of words or mantra. It doesn't really matter what these words are so long as they relax you.
3. Relax your whole body. Begin at the top of your head and move to the tip of your toes relaxing each muscle group in turn. Allow your eyes to close naturally as you become more deeply relaxed.
4. Begin breathing slowly and deeply allowing each breath to deepen your relaxation.
5. Imagine a relaxing, peaceful place. Begin imagining a staircase with ten stairs, as you climb the stairs you come closer and closer to your peaceful place.
6. Climb the stair slowly on the count of your breathing. When you arrive take a moment to vividly visualize the place in every detail. Become familiar with the smells, sounds and how beautiful the place truly is.
7. Once you are completely relaxed and at peace, you will begin your positive self talk. Repeat to yourself the positive thoughts that you are working on. Be optimistic and positive as you implant your suggestions and use a tone that conveys belief in a good outcome.
8. To end the hypnosis count up to five, open your eyes and take a deep breath. Enjoy the relaxation and positive feeling of refreshment that you feel after hypnosis.
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How to Learn Self-Hypnosis Quickly and Easily
Meditation: The Pause That Refreshes
Do you find yourself overworked, full of worry, or just plain stressed out? Then, it's time to relax. Give your mind a break and your immune system a boost. Learn to meditate.
For many people, meditation is something quite mysterious. After all, meditation is a practice most often associated with ancient spiritual traditions. But, the fact the matter is, meditation is simply a way of relaxing your mind and your body which, in turn, helps to separate you from your everyday problems and worries. It is a process that can be learned and practiced by even the busiest person in today's modern world.
There are many forms of meditation. However, experts often say that the various forms of meditation fall into two broad categories: concentrative meditation and mindfulness meditation.
In concentrative meditation, the person sits quietly and focuses attention on a physical object, a particular sound, an image, or on the most fundamental bodily process, breathing. Most people have heard of using a mantra to meditate. Here the person repeats a special word over and over. Repetition of the word provides the focus needed for meditation. No matter what the person uses, the purpose of the object of meditation is to give the mind an anchor to the here and now. As the mind becomes absorbed in its focus on the object of meditation, external distractions are reduced. The jumble of thoughts and anxiety so common to daily life disappear.
In mindfulness meditation, there is no specific object of meditation. Instead, the person sits quietly and simply witnesses or notices whatever happens to present itself mentally. It could be a thought, a mental image, a sound, or a bodily sensation. The goal of the person meditating is to observe whatever passes through the mind and let it go without reacting to it or elaborating on it. By practicing a kind of detached awareness of immediate experience, the person is encouraging the development of a calmer, clearer state of mind.
Learning to meditate is not a complex matter. However, as with any skill of value, learning to meditate does take some effort. Fortunately, there are many books and e-books on the market that can provide the beginner with simple "how to" instructions and helpful meditation exercises. Meditation also requires practice. But, the practice can be as little as ten minutes a day.
One key to successful meditation is consistency of effort. The person needs to find a time in the day to meditate regularly. The payoff for doing so may be enormous, both physically and psychologically. Modern research has shown that the regular use of meditation enhances immunity, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, and speeds recovery. Psychologically, meditation seems to reduce anxiety and depression, while increasing creativity and feelings of happiness and joy. Given its power and simplicity, the practice of meditation should be included in any serious, holistic approach to health and wellness.
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Learn About Yoga Accessories
Yoga Accessories have started to enhance the yoga expedition only since the past two decades even though the origins of Yoga are very ancient. They are about as eclectic and range from the essential to the frivolous and fun. In the beginning it can be a mystery as to what you need by way of accessories. So we lay out some of the most essential yoga accessories together with bits of whimsy driven necessity that may be fancied once in a while.
Certain styles of yoga emphasize some accessories more than others. There is no hard and fast rule; if it helps with your practice use it. Since yoga is about making it as accessible as possible to adopt postures and bring the body into a state of poise and equilibrium for dynamics into meditation, then whatever helps the process is good.
Here are some of the most important Yoga accessories you will need in your regular practices.
1. Yoga mats
A Yoga mat is an essential accessory for Yoga practice, whether it is a standard non slip mat, ultra sticky or even an Indian Yoga rug mat. This is because it is essential to have a good surface that supports postures and is safe to work on. By far the most popular style is the sticky-mat. It is so called because it grips the floor and does not slide.
The beauty about having one's own mat is that that just by laying down on it, you get immersed and attuned to your yoga space. It sharpens the focus and awareness to what you are about to do and helps create just the right mental state for a session. Yoga Mats are really one of the more useful yoga accessories though not considered absolutely essential by some.
2. Yoga blocks
Yoga blocks are simple tools that help you ease into difficult poses by strengthening, stretching, and aligning your body without strain. They open up the possibilities of letting your body stretch and enter more deeply into your practices with safety and confidence.
A Yoga block shortens the distance between you and the floor, providing a stable anchor point thereby reducing strain. You can use it to ground your lower hand in a standing pose, to space the hands in the peacock pose, or to support your hips in the bridge pose. Check out the Yoga blocks and their different uses.
3. Yoga straps
Yoga straps help you grasp your limbs that are normally out of reach. They also help you hold poses longer, greatly increasing flexibility. Yoga Straps normally come in three lengths, 6', 8' and 10'. They also come in different buckle styles on sturdy 1-1/2 inch cotton webbing that adjust easily and hold securely. Check out for comfort and fit before you buy.
4. Yoga blankets and rugs
Yoga rugs provide a bit more cushion than sticky mats. They are perfect for absorbing perspiration for the hot styles of Yoga. In order to avoid slipping on hardwood floors, it is advisable to place a sticky mat beneath your rug. Yoga blankets are a versatile accessory that functions as a prop.
5. Yoga bags and totes
The unique shape of a Yoga bag provides an interesting challenge when it comes to transporting your gear. Fortunately, you have mat bags, carriers and totes to solve this problem, from the practical to the luxurious. Nowadays, Yoga bags are available in all sizes, styles and colors. These are among the most practical of Yoga accessories.
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Learn Some Techniques of Lucid Dreaming
Have you ever experienced a dream whose results you could determine, and where you could do anything at will? Then perhaps you were able to have a "lucid dream," which occurs when you know that you are dreaming, and can thus manipulate your dream to suit your needs
Lucid dreaming is a common phenomenon which has been used as the theme of movies and books, and which is the focus of interest of psychologists, New Age groups, and artists alike. Because they often feel real, lucid dreams can often be more memorable than any other kind of dream. Even the pain of nightmares can be offset by lucid dreaming, which is why some psychologists recommend that their patients intentionally have lucid dreams, so that the patients can rid themselves of any torment or inner strife that may impair them in the daytime.
Although lucid dreaming is relatively rare, it can be achieved with different techniques, and this means you are no different. Before lucid dreaming can be done, however, you have to recognize that you are dreaming. You can do this by looking for "dream signs", which can be identified by performing the following "reality tests".
1. If you are confronted with text or a clock in a dream, read the text or the time, look away, and then look at the text or time again. In the real world, text and time will not change; in the dream world, however, text and time will alter drastically.
2. Switch on electronic objects, or look at reflective objects. Electronic switches such as light switches will not usually work in the dream world. Mirrors will be blurred, or will show distorted images.
3. Try to inflict pain on yourself, or keep yourself from breathing. If you feel your chest tighten, or if you feel little or no resistance or pain on your skin, then you may be in a dream state.
4. Observe your environment: do you see talking animals? Are there purple dogs and green horses? Do buildings suddenly get up and dance? You may be dreaming.
Not everyone can have lucid dreams. There are many factors that affect such ability, including meditation and age. If you do wish to have lucid dreams, and you can recognize that you are in the dream state, then you can get started with any of the following techniques.
In Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreaming (MILD), all you need to do is to prepare yourself mentally for lucid dreaming. While you fall asleep, remind yourself, over and over, to watch out for dream signs, and to know that you are dreaming.
The easiest way to start lucid dreaming is the Wake-back-to-bed Induction Technique (WBTB). This exploits the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) cycles, which indicate deep sleep and lucid dreaming, and which get longer in the latter parts of the night. To employ WBTB, go to sleep tired, then wake up in five hours' time. As soon as you are awake, direct all your thoughts on the will to make yourself have lucid dreams while keeping yourself awake for an hour. When you are finished with the hour of focus, go back to sleep. Not only may you have lucid dreams, you will have them longer, and more vivid.
A common technique is called Waking Induction of Lucid Dreaming (WILD). This involves going from the waking state directly to the lucid dream state. To use WILD, you have to recognize that you have reached the border between waking and sleeping, and you have to remain aware of your state. You may be able to enter a dream with complete awareness, and an ability to change events to suit your needs.
Another effective method is the Cycle Adjustment Technique (CAT), which means adjusting your sleep hours so that you are more alert during the later portions of your sleep. To do so, try to wake up about an hour and a half before you normally do, and continue to do so until your cycles are completely adjusted. This heightened awareness of having to wake up; alternating with normal hours of waking at the usual time, actually makes the body more aware of the dreaming state, and can induce lucid dreaming.
Don Juan's Technique is also like MILD, except that it requires focus on your hands. All you have to do is to stare at your hands before going to sleep, then telling yourself (preferably aloud) that when you look at your hands later, you will realize that you are in a dream state. When you do reach the dream state, look at your hands again, repeat the words to yourself, and continue to do so to keep your awareness during the entire dream.
Lucid dreaming experts recommend three basic steps to induce a lucid dream. First, you have to relax as you go to sleep. Second, remain aware of your dream state. Last, enter your dream, and continue to remain aware of the state, all while enjoying what your dream can offer. In lucid dreaming, you can fly, run at impossible speeds, experience activities that you might not normally do while you are awake, get ideas for a novel or work of art, and even rehearse scenarios that you might encounter in real life!
Once you know that you are dreaming, remember every single detail of your dream. Try to manipulate the dream to suit your preferences. If you can, keep a dream journal, along with a pen, on your bedside table. As soon as you wake up from your dream, relax, keep your eyes closed to remember as many details as possible, then open your journal and write everything down.
Lucid dreaming can be done by everyone, and its benefits can be enjoyed by all. If lucid dreaming can rid us of our inner demons, then by all means, let the sleeping begin!
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