Hypnosis and Auto-Suggestion

It remains somewhat a mysterious subject - that ofthe hands of experienced professionals.
hypnosis. We face a natural reluctance to learn moreIn the past many well intentioned individuals have
about the techniques used in the science, perhapsexplored techniques of hypnosis and some have
because of the general tendency to consider thedegraded its use by exploiting it as a means of public
possible negative repercussions from allowing anotherentertainment. This proved a negative factor. The
person to 'control' our mind. If letting another personserious potential and application of hypnosis is only
take over another's mind is indeed the case, thennow being fully considered as we begin to know
some caution would certainly be warranted. But inmore about the brain and the functions of the mind.
regard to its main application in healing andWe now can employ this knowledge in extending our
psychotherapy, this is certainly not true.understanding; in therapy; in redirection of skills and
There are great advances in the understanding oftalent; and even in sporting achievement. Regrettably
the human mind and recognition of the need toit is also and less attractively, being applied in political
bridge the gap between the subconscious and theand even criminal mind games.
conscious mind. There exists a need to educateThe elementary and powerful tool used to access
people to know the difference between these twothe mind of another person is that of suggestion. In
levels of consciousness and, here, elementaryhypnosis, we allow a doctor or therapist to formulate
psychology fulfills the function.and repeat certain suggestions in order to re-direct
Every science related to the human being hasour thinking processes.
developed slowly, from physiological understandingIn auto hypnosis, we learn to undertake this
which permits successful surgery, to thetechnique for ourselves, using the same clear
understanding and correction of the psyche with itsthought, the magic of repetition and the additional
complexities of emotion and thought. Psychology alsofactor of our willing imagination that can create our
moves slowly but it is of increasing importance asideal picture of our personal goal. We learn to use our
physical disease is overcome and a shift occursown mental 'muscles' and yet apply the same
towards more subtle disturbances of the brain andprinciples used by hypnotherapists, but as some
the mind that manifest in the mental diseases we arewould argue, in a more sophisticated and comfortable
witnessing today.manner which increases our sense of confidence and
However, psychology is a new science. Psychologistsindependence. It is admirable to take full responsibility
were a rarity just fifty years ago.for your own mind, which is the only real protection
So it will take time even with the most ferventwe have from negative influences around us.
investigators and scientists to be confident aboutAuto suggestion can be used for a wide range of
such a complex issue and daunting task ofpurposes - to overcome physical health problems,
understanding complex personalities and troubledemotional attitudes, mental habits, behavioral
human psyches. This work is made more difficult byproblems, but most important, it helps us each to
the existence of yet another component in humanintegrate the conscious and subconscious levels of
nature, the soul, which is becoming a more familiarour mind, which together create an inner climate for
added dimension and a reality to those who practiceour own integrity to flourish.
meditation.Begin with learning all about Self Hypnosis, or Auto
There are many valid techniques used bySuggestion. These are techniques already employed
psychologists to encourage people to get to knowand well known to students of Raja Yoga as the
themselves and make adjustments where there is apractice of japa. Information found through a further
need. There are many fundamental problems thatstudy of Yoga philosophy and psychology will
can easily be corrected under professional tutoringcomplement that of modern psychology to help you
and supervision. Some of the most commonbetter understand yourself.
examples involve getting a patient to stop smoking,Study of general psychology, the principles of
over-eating or other negative health habits. Hypnosisauto-suggestion and successful application of the
is a tool used to correct many irregularities. Thesimple techniques will encourage you to learn more
practice is entirely with the agreement orabout methods of self- help before considering any
acquiescence of the patient who attends a medicallarger issues that may require professional
hypnotherapy clinic and agrees to put themselves inhypnotherapy.