Simple Self-Hypnosis

Most people are surprised at how easy it is to learn self-hypnosis - it really is very simple. Self-hypnosis is a tool that can make a lot of things work so much better in life.

We usually associate self-hypnosis as a person listening to an mp3, CD, or other mass-produced media purchased online. They are usually purchased with a specific topic in mind, such as weight loss, smoking cessation, confidence issues etc.

Although often quite beneficial, this kind of self-hypnosis is generally prepared by someone who has never met, nor will ever meet, the person wishing assistance. For example, if you sunburn easily, the last thing you would ever want to hear suggested is a slow walk on a sunny beach. Your immediate reaction may be to inwardly recoil with a "no, I can't do that", and the "spell" is broken. So, in this case the "self" in self-hypnosis simply means that you listen to it by yourself come what may.

The most beneficial form of self-hypnosis would necessarily be designed and created by the very person who will ultimately use and benefit from it. Unlike the mass-produced pre-recorded hypnosis mp3's, this hypnosis is custom made for the exact purpose the user wishes, including the precise words and phrases that mean the most to that particular person. Thus, true self-hypnosis is crafted by the end user to suit his or her own needs precisely, a personal, one-of-a-kind hypnosis script. In this case the "self" in self-hypnosis really does mean what it says - that you are hypnotised by yourself.

Below is a brief outline of the self-hypnosis process. Though lots of variations of this method have been and are being used, these are the basic steps you have to go through in order to hypnotise yourself to accomplish the changes you may desire.

1. Be specific about the change you need to make. don't be flippy-floppy here. If you feel you need more confidence, ask yourself what sort of confidence. You may be very confident at changing a tap washer if you are a plumber, but the confidence you chase may be to speak before a large meeting of fellow plumbers.

2. Formulate and write down a script that suits you perfectly. Spend a little time here, be very personal - this is for your own ears only and no one else will ever see or hear it. Perform re-writes until you are perfectly satisfied.

3. Commit your script to memory or record to mp3 using your computer or similar recording devise. If committing to memory don't get hung up on being too exact - it's the general intentional drift that is important.

4. Make an appointment with yourself - you would make an appointment with your doctor without even thinking about it - so make one with yourself - and stick to it! Diarise, make a note, whatever you need to do, whatever it takes, just do it. You are important. Schedule this appointment with yourself daily or otherwise as suits your situation.

5. Be alone - be very alone. Switch off the phone, close the blinds, lock the door, put the dog or cat outside (they will still love you afterwards). Get rid of all possible distractions.

6. The relaxation phase. Use the first few minutes of your self-hypnosis session to get as relaxed as possible. Get comfortable, close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and try to forget all your worries and problems - this is your time and your time alone. Begin with your feet - feel them in your mind and/or physically tense them and then let them go - feel them letting go and relaxing. Repeat this procedure with your legs, hips, mid-section, chest, arms, neck, face (especially the jaw), and head. Take your time. Don't worry about being perfect the first time. Just have a go and let the perfection come naturally with practice. Finish this part with "my mind is clear and open and I am relaxed".

7. Say to yourself the memorised script you had prepared earlier or press the play button on your device. Stay focused, and if your mind should wander, just gently bring yourself back to focus. A better alternative is to also record your relaxation phase to your device followed by your script. By far the best way, of course, is to make the effort to memorise both. So much simpler.

8. At the end of the script say to yourself "I am awake, refreshed, energised and happy. I love life and life loves me". Stretch your arms wide and take a deep breath and notice how much better you now feel.

9. Measure your progress. Are things improving as you had hoped? If not, be ready to fine tune your script. Live in positive expectation. Expect that your situation has improved and the desired result is now yours. Unless the situation is dangerous, deliberately test the water by putting yourself into the situation that was previously causing angst. At all costs, avoid avoidance.

10. Most important of all - be gentle with yourself.

That's it - simple self-hypnosis.