Zen Meditation, Self-Hypnosis and Healing

“Not thinking about anything is Zen. Once you know this, walking, sitting, or lying down, everything you do is Zen.”

– Bodhidharma

by Michael Corthell

Self-hypnosis occurs quite naturally in a relaxed state of mind. It takes place when a person purposefully and repeatedly thinks positive (or negative) thoughts and at the same time mixes these repetitious thoughts with strong, passionate emotions. In this way the thoughts and ideas become imprinted on the subconscious mind. 

Your subconscious mind is very gullible, but is like a child; it needs to be told a thing multiple times so that it can be remembered. The self-induced hypnotic state can be clearly and simply defined as a heightened state of focused concentration.

With auto or self-suggestion, you can change your thinking, reduce or quit bad habits, and take control of the person you are, as well as just relaxing and de-stressing from the worry and tension of everyday life. In short you can change your life for the better. This form of hypnosis is very similar to Zen meditation and can result in a healthier you over-all.

Let's see how:

Get comfy. Put on some comfortable clothes. It's always good to prepare and although self-hypnosis/auto-suggestion can be practiced anywhere, it's best to set the setting and get in the mood to relax. So, throw on some sweats. You will want absolutely nothing to distracting you when you use this very focused form of auto-suggestion. Have the room temperature set at a comfortable level also.

Assume the position. Sit, do not lie down. Use a comfortable chair, or sit on a couch, or bed. Although some do like to lie down, you are more likely to fall asleep than when you're sitting up. You need to be relaxed but awake. Do not cross your legs. You will be in this position for a while and this would be distractingly uncomfortable.

Do put out the 'do not disturb' sign. Auto-suggestive hypnosis requires isolation in order to be most effective, that means no distractions of any kind. No cell phone, pets, or kids. Lock the door. This 15 or 20 minutes is all about YOU.

Define your immediate goal(s). Just for relaxation? To improve yourself and your life in general? Brain training? Nixing bad habits? Whatever you would like to do, auto-suggestion is a great tool. Prepare a list of positive affirmations. For example; "I choose not smoke. Cigarettes mean nothing to me." 'I am healing my body, every minute.''  "I am eating healthy. I am losing my excess weight. My clothes feel better and I feel better." or "I am capable of whatever I set my mind to. I am in control and I am valuable." Remember that REPITITION,  mixed with passion and emotionally charged desire is the secret KEY.

Entering the state of self-hypnotic trance:

Close your eyes. Clear your mind of any negative emotions, such as fear, hate, pride or envy.

Breath deeply. Take slow, deep breaths.

Recognize the tension in your body and release it. Focus on an area of you body and let it relax. Move to another part and do the same.

Appreciate the fact that you are now very relaxed.

Now feel the floating sensation. Visualize yourself levitating.

Start repeating your chosen positive affirmations. Repeat them with relaxed but charged emotion.  Continue until it's time to exit the trance.

Get ready to exit your self-hypnotic trance. Feel yourself gradually become heavier. Visualize yourself floating slowly back in your seat. Tell yourself, '' I feel relaxed, I am healthy.'' ''I am now AWAKE!''

Auto-suggestion and self-hypnosis are great meditative tools, but they can be even better when used for a grand purpose like the elimination of negative habits, as well as, self-improvement in general. Many people find that they emerge from this auto-suggestive trace state with a more positive mindset and with a greater sense of purpose.

One of the best things about these techniques is that there is no wrong way to go about them. Whether it's quitting a negative habit, gaining better focus at work, or just changing your over-all mindset, self-hypnosis can help.

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Healing illness with the subconscious mind

by Danna Pycher

Surviving an accident was the easy part; coping with the chronic pain would prove more difficult. Danna Pycher shares her story about trauma and the transformative insight she gained that allowed her to harness the healing power of the subconscious mind.

Danna Pycher is a certified Neuro-Linguistic Hypnotherapist specializing in chronic illness and trauma. She is also a motivational speaker and coach. Her first book 3rd Generation and Beyond is a beautiful, powerful book of life philosophies according to a third generation Holocaust descendant. " A must read for the young and old who are trying to find an identity or just need a reminder on how to appreciate the little things in life." She enjoyed many years in broadcasting as an on-camera host, reporter, and producer working in the fields of health reporting and corporate productions. Her curiosity about the nature of human beings is what guides her professional pursuits.