Hypnosis vs. meditation

Think of hypnosis as meditation with intention. The word meditation comes from two Latin words: meditari, which means to exercise the mind or to think or dwell upon, and mederi, which means to heal. Meditation is the process of focusing within, becoming free of outer thoughts, creating a serene moment of inner stillness. Routine meditative/hypnosis practice establishes a lasting peaceful afterglow which positively enhances the overall quality of life.

We all carry around repressed issues and emotions of our day-to-day lives. Over time, this accumulation leads to chronic emotional and physical problems which we either do nothing about, or like so many, pursue relief in the form of drugs, food or alcohol.

One of the first questions I ask clients is if they have ever practiced any form of meditation or relaxation techniques. If they have, I explain the similarity between what they already know and hypnosis, which helps them more easily jump into the flow of hypnosis.

Clients often express frustration with meditation because they either weren’t given an adequate explanation of how to do it, or weren’t able to achieve the level of peacefulness they desired. Through the course of our work together, clients learn how to do self-hypnosis, which helps them become more proficient with their own meditative process.

My goal is for all of my clients to become self-practitioners. By learning how to independently create the feel-good comfort of hypnosis, they enhance the effectiveness of the formal sessions, which results in more lasting success. We are all hardwired with the ability to focus within. With a little instruction and practice this thoughtful journey can be a life changing experience. (more)

By: Paul Gustafson RN CH

Goal-oriented meditation

For decades hypnosis has taken a bad rap due to endless myths and misconceptions like the accusations of mind control and the chicken clucking antics of stage hypnosis.  The truth is that hypnosis was researched, validated and accepted by the AMA over 50 years ago as a legitimate healthful modality.

I normalize the process to my clients by explaining hypnosis as simply goal oriented meditation. We visit the same peaceful inner stillness one experiences when meditating, but rather than simply enjoying the cathartic healthy bliss of the moment we have work to do. With the subconscious open and active we get to the business of pulling out the unwanted patterns and rooting preferred alternatives. I hope this helps you better understand hypnosis.

By: Paul Gustafson RN CH