Letting Go In Hypnosis

By Debi Livingston, CI, CHT

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind we go into various times throughout the day. Day-dreaming while at work, reading a good book, thinking about different things while driving a car and missing your exit are all simple examples of being in a light hypnotic state.
Deeper levels of hypnosis (also referred to as ‘trance’) can be easily reached when you employ a facilitator, an individual who, through the use of words as suggestions, guides you into your subconscious mind. Amazing things happen when you learn how to let go and go into trance!
The relaxation you experience is beyond anything you could achieve from a conscious level. This is because when you are in trance, your body and your mind are relaxed together, at the same time. This means your muscles are relaxing, and all those nagging thoughts that run through your head are becoming still and quiet. It’s phenomenal.
What happens, is your brain waves begin to slow down, like when you go to sleep at night. Science has proven that people who don’t sleep well at night are not going into the R.E.M. State (Rapid Eye Movement) as much as is needed to ensure quality mental rest. This is why you may often wake up feeling tired and groggy; those mental folders were never filed away from the day’s activities. When you are following the instructions of a facilitator, you are being guided into deep levels of mental relaxation in a completely effortless manor. This is why one hour of being in hypnosis is equivalent to getting eight hours of sleep!
There are countless issues you can let go of through hypnosis, but perhaps the most important issue that can be easily managed and released when you learn the art of letting go - is stress!
I believe stress is the silent killer of today’s society. Everybody has a certain level of stress they deal with on a daily basis, yet many people are not aware of the toll stress has played in their lives, until it’s too late.
Are you stressed out? Take this simple *stress test right now, it will only take a few minutes of your time.
Place a number rating after each symptom according to how much you experience the symptom.

1 = rarely
3 = sometimes
5 = often

Physical symptoms of stress:
Stomachaches
Back pain
Diarrhea/constipation
Skin rashes
High blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Tense muscles
Teeth grinding
Stiff/tight neck
Chest pain
Headaches
Heartburn
Fatigue
Over/under weight
Total Score for
Physical Symptoms_________

Behavioral Symptoms of Stress:
Compulsive
eating/shopping
Smoking
Insomnia
Watching excessive TV
Taking tranquilizers
or other drugs
Drinking alcohol
Forgetfulness
Accidents or injuries
Excessive sleeping
Blaming others
Total Score for
Behavioral Symptoms_________

Emotional Symptoms of Stress:
Anxiety
Depression
Unable to keep still
Difficulty concentrating
Excessive quietness
Worry
Impatience
Crying easily
Irritable
Mood swings
Trembling/shaking
Feeling of hopelessness
Angry outbursts
Low self-esteem
Loss of sexual interest
or pleasure
Total Score for
Emotional Symptoms_________

Count your total score. If your score is 50 or less, you are doing a great job handling stress. If you have a score of 50 - 100, you could benefit from learning the art of letting go with hypnosis and other stress reduction techniques to improve your life. If your score is over 100, you could be approaching distress. (* Harte Associates, Inc.)
Learning how to let go with hypnosis is a simple, safe and effective way in creating a healthy way to release stress and anxiety from your life. You truly can live each day being calm, relaxed and in control, no matter what the outer circumstances are around you. What are you waiting for?
If you’d like to get started in learning how to let go by tapping into the power of your subconscious mind, check out these tapes. Relieving Stress and Eliminating Anxiety, and, Stress Reduction For Personal Enjoyment.
You can order these tapes by calling (800) 642-9355 or visiting us online at: www.healthandwealthinc.com

Debi Livingston is a Certified Hypnotherapist and Advanced Cer-tified Instructor with the National Guild of Hypnotists. If you’d like information about personal sessions with her, or information about upcoming classes and workshops she’ll be offering, call (800) 642-9355.