The basic definition of hypnosis is being open to suggestion. This means that you spend the majority of your life in hypnotizable state. Daily you are bombarded by many forms of suggestion from media, government, work, even grocery stores. The example of it are food demonstrations at your local grocery store. You are shopping for what you want to have for dinner and here you are offered a free sample of already cooked food. Everything is conveniently packed and ready. If you purchase something in such situation, you’ve been hypnotized, because the state of hypnosis is simply being open to suggestion.
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Positive affirmations also fall under definition. This kind of hypnosis is used by many organizations, weight loss and self-esteem programs. Music is also very hypnotic. Depending on what you are listening it can either enhance your mood or drag you down. The affect is still there even if you don’t listen to words, because your subconscious mind absorbs everything all the time.
So, what is hypnosis? It is difficult to give an exact answer to this question because of many differences in opinion between the scientists about what actually takes place during hypnosis. There are several common theories about it.
One of them is that hypnosis is a trancelike state where the person is extremely open to suggestion. Sometimes the person under hypnosis relaxes to the point of sleep.
Another way to define hypnosis is to say that it is a deep relaxation. But this is not a complete definition, because although relaxation is a part of hypnosis, this is not exactly how it works. You can be hypnotized while walking, reading or even when you are in pain. When you are in pain, you are obviously not relaxed, but you still can be hypnotized.
One of the key elements in hypnosis is use of imagination and focused attention. The better you can focus your imagination and concentration, the better results you will get. Interestingly, the subconscious mind gives the same value to real and imagined events. This is why when you can imagine your goal you are likely to attain it. Clear vision of goals is one of the key traits of successful people.
Another definition is altered state of mind, because hypnosis is associated with altered brain waves states.
Hypnosis is present everywhere in your life. When you are daydreaming about something, this is also a form of hypnosis. It is very useful to know that you can give yourself positive suggestions while daydreaming.
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Moreover, hypnosis is heavily used in TV commercials. They are trying to convince you how popular you will be if you purchase their product, or how necessary it is for you. Some of them prey on your fears. This is not always a good idea, because negative suggestions may enter your subconscious mind, and as we said earlier, subconscious mind doesn’t differentiate between real and imagined things.
The bottom line is that hypnosis is defined by suggestion of any form and can be found virtually in every walk of your life. By learning about hypnosis you can control the suggestions – what to accept and what to reject. You can also intentionally give yourself positive suggestions while daydreaming. Having a clear vision of the result is crucial for achieving your goals.