Feb 09 2010

Crystals & The Cosmic Current

Crystals maintain the balance of the electro-magnetic-field: the balance between the electrical energies surrounding the earth and the magnetic energies between the poles. This same spiraling electrical field and magnetic polarity exist within each atom and each sub-atomic particle, within each cell and organ, within each living and non-living thing and within the human aura.

In 1973, three Russians hypothesized a matrix of cosmic energy. They traced a latticework pattern of electromagnetic energy that geometrically subdivided the earth’s face into a combination of two shapes – an icosahedron and a dodecahedron (shapes found naturally in crystal formations). The positioning of these lines explains various natural phenomena such as high and low barometric pressure and magnetic deviations as well as migration routes. When envisioned as a lattice over the earth’s surface, the icosa-dodecahedron grid was found to correspond with the birthplaces of ancient civilization. Some sources liken these power centers to the chakras of the body.

The earth is a living organism. The ancient Chinese articulated an underlying energy they called chi (prana in Sanskrit). There are three different kids of chi. One circulates the atmosphere, one flows through the earth and one is in our bodies. We are a microcosm of the macrocosm.

The cosmic current is the energy force that includes all the scientifically described energies that interact to create magnetism and gravity. This current carries the specific vibrations from each planet and star. The signals are experienced as invisible rays of energy.

We receive or respond to higher or lower rates of energy or light through the extended body. In the nearly non-physical dimension of light, quantity of light is far less important than quality. And quality is dependent upon frequency, which we experience as color.

Color is light that is directed by the rays of a certain planet or star. Light as we know it has a vibrational rate, or wavelength. The range of this visible light is what we call the spectrum. Wavelengths of color longer than our range of vision are referred to as radio waves or infrared. Those shorter than our visual range are ultraviolet, x-ray or cosmic. We obtain information about the world around us through the sensory interpretation of light.

By understanding that the chakras, within the extended energy body, respond to the energy of the color rays directed by the energy currents of the universe, we can then understand how crystals and colored gemstones can be used to affect the energy in a specific chakra, thereby aiding health and well-being.

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Feb 09 2010

Prana…the “absolute energy” that fills the spaces between atoms

Quantum physics shows that what we perceive as solid matter is actually 99.9999% empty space filled with energy.  (If one atom of the physical body were the size of an apple, the closest atom next to it would be 2000 miles away.)

This brings us to the concept of prana, the energy that fills the spaces between atoms.

In Sanskrit, prana means “absolute energy”. It is the force that pervades all being, connecting all living things and all energy matter. In the Hindu concept, prana is made from sunlight and air. As it is drawn into the etheric body, the seven atoms that compose prana separate and each travels to the chakra it nourishes. The chakras draw prana or vitality into the extended body through the solar plexus chakra, which is the hub of a 10-spoked wheel, distributing the prana color rays.

As a hypnotherapist, I use the practice of pranayama by aiding my clients in the practice of focus on the breath. By taking deep, full breaths, the amount of air that enters and flows is increased. This very action stimulates the power of healing, balance and well-being by directing maximum prana to all the chakras, resulting in healing throughout the extended body.

When there is an excess or deficiency in prana flowing through a given chakra or throughout all energy centers, an imbalance occurs. It manifests in emotional discomfort or physical disease in an area and a form reflective of the chakra which is out of harmony. Healing takes place on all levels of the extended energy body before physical well-being manifests. Remember all matter is energy.

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Feb 05 2010

Patience

Category: Creativity, Health & Well-Being, Quotesadmin @ 6:11 pm
"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, 
or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience
and greed, but lack of faith. 
Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. 
Patience and faith.                   
One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach
--waiting for a gift from the sea."   ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh
                              

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Feb 03 2010

Hypnosis Reduces Pain

Many research studies, as well as anecdotal evidence, points to the effectiveness of hypnosis and imagery for pain reduction and chronic pain management. The subconscious mind has the ability to change the perception of pain, thereby changing the experience.

Hypnosis Reduces Pain and Speeds up Recovery from Surgery

Since 1992, we have used hypnosis routinely in more than 1400 patients undergoing surgery. We found that hypnosis used with patients as an adjunct to conscious sedation and local anesthesia was associated with improved intraoperative patient comfort, and with reduced anxiety, pain, intraoperative requirements for anxiolytic and analgesic drugs, optimal surgical conditions and a faster recovery of the patient. We reported our clinical experience and our fundamental research.

[Hypnosis and its application in surgery] Faymonville ME, Defechereux T, Joris J, Adant JP, Hamoir E, Meurisse M, Service d’Anesthesie-Reanimation, Universite de Liege, Rev Med Liege. 1998 Jul;53(7):414-8.

Hypnosis Reduces Pain Intensity

Analysis of the simple-simple main effects, holding both group and condition constant, revealed that application of hypnotic analgesia reduced report of pain intensity significantly more than report of pain unpleasantness.

Dahlgren LA, Kurtz RM, Strube MJ, Malone MD, Differential effects of hypnotic suggestion on multiple dimensions of pain. Journal of Pain & Symptom Management. 1995; 10(6): 464-70.

Hypnosis Reduces Pain of Headaches and Anxiety

The improvement was confirmed by the subjective evaluation data gathered with the use of a questionnaire and by a significant reduction in anxiety scores.

Melis PM, Rooimans W, Spierings EL, Hoogduin CA, Treatment of chronic tension-type headache with hypnotherapy: a single-blind time controlled study. Headache 1991; 31(10): 686-9.

Hypnosis Lowered Post-treatment Pain in Burn Injuries

Patients in the hypnosis group reported less post treatment pain than did patients in the control group. The findings are used to replicate earlier studies of burn pain hypnoanalgesia, explain discrepancies in the literature, and highlight the potential importance of motivation with this population.

Patterson DR, Ptacek JT, Baseline pain as a moderator of hypnotic analgesia for burn injury treatment. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology 1997; 65(1): 60-7.

Hypnosis Lowered Phantom Limb Pain

Hypnotic procedures appear to be a useful adjunct to established strategies for the treatment of phantom limb pain and would repay further, more systematic, investigation. Suggestions are provided as to the factors which should be considered for a more systematic research program.

Treatment of phantom limb pain using hypnotic imagery. Oakley DA, Whitman LG, Halligan PW, Department of Psychology, University College, London, UK.

Hypnosis Has a Reliable and Significant Impact on Acute and Chronic Pain

Hypnosis has been demonstrated to reduce analogue pain, and studies on the mechanisms of laboratory pain reduction have provided useful applications to clinical populations. Studies showing central nervous system activity during hypnotic procedures offer preliminary information concerning possible physiological mechanisms of hypnotic analgesia. Randomized controlled studies with clinical populations indicate that hypnosis has a reliable and significant impact on acute procedural pain and chronic pain conditions. Methodological issues of this body of research are discussed, as are methods to better integrate hypnosis into comprehensive pain treatment.

Hypnosis and clinical pain. Patterson DR, Jensen MP, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA 98104 Psychol Bull. 2003 Jul;129(4):495-521.

Hypnosis Useful in Hospital Emergency Rooms

Hypnosis can be a useful adjunct in the emergency department setting. Its efficacy in various clinical applications has been replicated in controlled studies. Application to burns, pain, pediatric procedures, surgery, psychiatric presentations (e.g., coma, somatoform disorder, anxiety, and post traumatic stress), and obstetric situations (e.g., hyperemesis, labor, and delivery) are described.

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2000 May;18(2):327-38, x. The use of hypnosis in emergency medicine. Peebles-Kleiger MJ, Menninger School of Psychiatry and Mental Health Sciences, Menninger Clinic, Topeka, KS, USA. peeblemj@menninger.edu

Self-Hypnosis Alleviates Tension Headaches

In 169 patients, self-hypnosis was largely successful in alleviating chronic tension headaches. (International Journal of Clinical Experimental Hypnosis, 2000)

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Feb 02 2010

Hypnotherapy Effective for Pregnancy and Childbirth

The Journal of Family Practice (May, 2001) published Effects of Hypnosis on the Labor Processes and Birth Outcomes of Pregnant Adolescents  which states “Hypnotherapy has been found to be effective in providing pain relief, reducing the need for chemical anesthesia, and reducing anxiety, fear, and pain related to childbirth. Hypnosis has also been helpful in both managing various complications of pregnancy (such as premature labors), and reducing the likelihood of premature labor and birth in high-risk patients.”

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Feb 02 2010

Hypnosis Significantly Reduces Healing Time

Healed 41% faster from fracture

Healed significantly faster from surgery

Two studies from Harvard Medical School show hypnosis significantly reduces the time it takes to heal.

Study One: Six weeks after an ankle fracture, those in the hypnosis group showed the equivalent of eight and a half weeks of healing.

Study Two: Three groups of people studied after breast reduction surgery. Hypnosis group healed “significantly faster” than supportive attention group and control group.

Harvard Medical School, Carol Ginandes and Union Institute in Cincinnati, Patricia Brooks, Harvard University Gazette Online at http://www.hno.harvard.edu/gazette/2003/05.08/01-hypnosis.html.

Surgery

Hypnosis given during surgical radiology not only diminishes patients’ pain and anxiety, but also shortens surgical time and reduces complications from the procedure. (Lancet, 2000)

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Feb 02 2010

50% to 70% report Healing Faster with Hypnosis

Category: Health & Well-Being, Hypnotherapy, Modalities, Quotesadmin @ 7:00 pm

Benedict Carey in a Los Angeles Times article dated January 5, 2004, reports “50% to 70% of people who have tried it say hypnosis has helped them to feel better or heal faster.”

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Feb 02 2010

Physiologic Effects of Imagery

In a June 2003 Nursing magazine article, nurses are encouraged to use imagery with their patients, stating: “people with strong imaginations, those who can literally “worry themselves sick” are excellent candidates for using imagery to improve their health.” The article further states that “imagery has documented physiologic effects: It can lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and affect brain wave activity, oxygen supply to the tissues, vascular constriction, skin temperature, cochlear and pupillary reflexes, skin response, salivation, and gastrointestinal activity.”

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Feb 02 2010

Hypnosis Helps Substance Abuse & Addiction

The subconscious mind is a powerful goal-achieving machine. The mind matters. When one has the desire to let go of destructive habits and addictions, hypnotic suggestions to reinforce the motivation to achieve the goal are very effective. Subconscious programming is the basis for conscious action. Research studies show significant long term success rates.

Significantly More Methadone Addicts Quit with Hypnosis. 94% Remained Narcotic Free

Significant differences were found on all measures. The experimental group had significantly less discomfort and illicit drug use, and a significantly greater amount of cessation. At six month follow up, 94% of the subjects in the experimental group who had achieved cessation remained narcotic free.

A comparative study of hypnotherapy and psychotherapy in the treatment of methadone addicts. Manganiello AJ, American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 1984; 26(4): 273-9.

Hypnosis Shows 77 Percent Success Rate for Drug Addiction

Treatment has been used with 18 clients over the last 7 years and has shown a 77 percent success rate for at least a 1-year follow-up. 15 were being seen for alcoholism or alcohol abuse, 2 clients were being seen for cocaine addiction, and 1 client had a marijuana addiction

Intensive Therapy: Utilizing Hypnosis in the Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders. Potter, Greg, American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, Jul 2004.

Raised Self-esteem & Serenity. Lowered Impulsivity and Anger

In a research study on self-hypnosis for relapse prevention training with chronic drug/alcohol users. Participants were 261 veterans admitted to Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (SARRTPs). individuals who used repeated self-hypnosis “at least 3 to 5 times a week,” at 7-week follow-up, reported the highest levels of self-esteem and serenity, and the least anger/impulsivity, in comparison to the minimal-practice and control groups.

American Journal of Clinical Hypnotherapy (a publication of the American Psychological Association)
2004 Apr;46(4):281-97)

Hypnosis For Cocaine Addiction Documented Case Study

Hypnosis was successfully used to overcome a $500 (five grams) per day cocaine addiction. The subject was a female in her twenties. After approximately 8 months of addiction, she decided to use hypnosis in an attempt to overcome the addiction itself. Over the next 4 months, she used hypnosis three times a day and at the end of this period, her addiction was broken, and she has been drug free for the past 9 years. Hypnosis was the only intervention, and no support network of any kind was available.

The use of hypnosis in cocaine addiction. Page RA, Handley GW, Ohio State University, Lima, OH USA 45804. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 1993 Oct;36(2):120-3.

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Feb 02 2010

Smoking Cessation with Hypnosis

Many studies show hypnosis to be an effective form of treatment for smoking cessation. Smoking is more than a physical addiction. It is a habit. It is behavior based on “triggers” which increase desire for the habitual action. Habits are a result of sub-conscious programming and repetitive thought patterns. As such, treatment on a subconscious level is effective and long-lasting. The following research reflects such success.

90.6% Success Rate for Smoking Cessation Using Hypnosis

Of 43 consecutive patients undergoing this treatment protocol, 39 reported remaining abstinent from tobacco use at follow-up (6 months to 3 years post-treatment). This represents a 90.6% success rate using hypnosis.

University of Washington School of Medicine, Depts. of Anesthesiology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2001 Jul;49(3):257-66. Barber J.

87% Reported Abstinence From Tobacco Use With Hypnosis

A field study of 93 male and 93 female CMHC outpatients examined the facilitation of smoking cessation by using hypnosis. At 3-month follow-up, 86% of the men and 87% of the women reported continued abstinence from the use of tobacco using hypnosis.

Performance by gender in a stop-smoking program combining hypnosis and aversion. Johnson DL, Karkut RT. Adkar Associates, Inc., Bloomington, Indiana. Psychol Rep. 1994 Oct;75(2):851-7.
PMID: 7862796 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

81% Reported They Had Stopped Smoking After Hypnosis

Thirty smokers enrolled in an HMO were referred by their primary physician for treatment. Twenty-one patients returned after an initial consultation and received hypnosis for smoking cessation. At the end of treatment, 81% of those patients reported that they had stopped smoking, and 48% reported abstinence at 12 months post-treatment.

Texas A&M University, System Health Science Center, College of Medicine, College Station, TX USA. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2004 Jan;52(1):73-81. Clinical hypnosis for smoking cessation: preliminary results of a three-session intervention. Elkins GR, Rajab MH.

Hypnosis Patients Twice As Likely To Remain Smoke-Free After Two Years

Study of 71 smokers showed that after a two-year follow up, patients that quit with hypnosis were twice as likely to remain smoke-free than those who quit on their own.

Guided health imagery for smoking cessation and long-term abstinence. Wynd, CA. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2005; 37:3, pages 245-250.

Hypnosis More Effective Than Drug Interventions For Smoking Cessation

Group hypnosis sessions, evaluated at a less effective success rate (22% success) than individualized hypnosis sessions. However, group hypnosis sessions were still demonstrated here as being more effective than drug interventions.

Ohio State University, College of Nursing, Columbus, OH 43210, USA Descriptive outcomes of the American Lung Association of Ohio hypnotherapy smoking cessation program. Ahijevych K, Yerardi R, Nedilsky N.

Hypnosis Most Effective Says Largest Study Ever: 3 Times as Effective as Patch and 15 Times as Effective as Willpower.

Hypnosis is the most effective way of giving up smoking, according to the largest ever scientific comparison of ways of breaking the habit. A meta-analysis, statistically combining results of more than 600 studies of 72,000 people from America and Europe to compare various methods of quitting. On average, hypnosis was over three times as effective as nicotine replacement methods and 15 times as effective as trying to quit alone.

University of Iowa, Journal of Applied Psychology, How One in Five Give Up Smoking. October 1992.  (Also New Scientist, October 10, 1992.)

22% Report Kicking the Habit

 Of almost 3,000 smokers who participated in one group hypnotherapy session, sponsored by the American Lung Association, to kick the habit, 22% reported not smoking for a month afterward. (The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 2000)

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Feb 02 2010

Focused Breathing Lowers Blood Pressure

Category: Fitness, Health & Well-Being, Spiritual Explorationadmin @ 1:08 pm

Recent studies continue to show the benefits of focused breathing and meditation for physical and spiritual health. In Dr. Herbert Benson’s 1975 book The Relaxation Response, he stated that breathing “may be used as a new approach to aid in the treatment and perhaps prevention of diseases such as hypertension.” One of the most recent studies was conducted by Dr. Vernon A. Barnes, a physiologist at the Medical College of Georgia. It showed that teenagers at risk for having high blood pressure were able to lower their daytime blood pressures. This was done by simply practicing 15 minutes of transcendental meditation (focused and concentrated breathing) twice daily, over a period of four months.

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Feb 02 2010

Research on the Effectiveness of Hypnosis for Weight Loss

Hypnosis Over 30 Times as Effective for Weight Loss

Investigated the effects of hypnosis in weight loss for 60 females, at least 20% overweight. Treatment included group hypnosis with metaphors for ego-strengthening, decision making and motivation, ideomotor exploration in individual hypnosis, and group hypnosis with maintenance suggestions. Hypnosis was more effective than a control group: an average of 17 lbs lost by the hypnosis group vs. an average of 0.5 lbs lost by the control group, on follow-up.

Cochrane, Gordon; Friesen, J. (1986). Hypnotherapy in weight loss treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 489-492.

Two Years Later: Hypnosis Subjects Continued To Lose Significant Weight

109 people completed a behavioral treatment for weight management either with or without the addition of hypnosis. At the end of the 9-week program, both interventions resulted in significant weight reduction. At 8-month and 2-year follow-ups, the hypnosis subjects were found to have continued to lose significant weight, while those in the behavioral-treatment-only group showed little further change.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1985)

Hypnosis Subjects Lost More Weight Than 90% of Others and Kept it Off

Researchers analyzed 18 studies comparing a cognitive behavioral therapy such as relaxation training, guided imagery, self monitoring, or goal setting with the same therapy supplemented by hypnosis.

Those who received the hypnosis lost more weight than 90 percent of those not receiving hypnosis and maintained the weight loss two years after treatment ended.

University of Connecticut, Storrs Allison DB, Faith MS. Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy for obesity: a meta-analytic reappraisal. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1996;64(3):513-516.

Hypnosis More Than Doubled Average Weight Loss

Study of the effect of adding hypnosis to cognitive-behavioral treatments for weight reduction, additional data were obtained from authors of two studies. Analyses indicated that the benefits of hypnosis increased substantially over time.

Kirsch, Irving (1996). Hypnotic enhancement of cognitive-behavioral weight loss treatments–Another meta-reanalysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64 (3), 517-519.

Hypnosis Showed Significantly Lower Post-Treatment Weights

Two studies compared overweight smoking and non-smoking adult women in an hypnosis-based, weight-loss program. Both achieved significant weight losses and decreases in Body Mass Index. Follow-up study replicated significant weight losses and declines in Body Mass Index. The overt aversion and hypnosis program yielded significantly lower post-treatment weights and a greater average number of pounds lost.

Weight loss for women: studies of smokers and nonsmokers using hypnosis and multi-component treatments with and without overt aversion. Johnson DL, Psychology Reprints. 1997 Jun;80(3 Pt 1):931-3.

Hypnotherapy group with stress reduction achieved significantly more weight loss than the other two treatments.

Randomised, controlled, parallel study of two forms of hypnotherapy (directed at stress reduction or energy intake reduction), vs dietary advice alone in 60 obese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea on nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment.

J Stradling, D Roberts, A Wilson and F Lovelock, Chest Unit, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LJ, UK

Hypnosis can more than double the effects of traditional weight loss approaches

An analysis of five weight loss studies reported in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 1996 showed that the “… weight loss reported in the five studies indicates that hypnosis can more than double the effects” of traditional weight loss approaches.

University of Connecticut, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 1996 (Vol. 64, No. 3, pgs 517-519).

Weight loss is greater where hypnosis is utilized

Research into cognitive-behavioral weight loss treatments established that weight loss is greater where hypnosis is utilized. It was also established that the benefits of hypnosis increase over time.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1996)

Showed Hypnosis As “An Effective Way To Lose Weight”

A study of 60 females who were at least 20% overweight and not involved in other treatment showed hypnosis is an effective way to lose weight.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1986)

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Nov 23 2009

Use Your Imagination

Category: Health & Well-Being, Modalities, Therapeutic Imageryadmin @ 4:16 pm

In a June 2003 Nursing magazine article, nurses are encouraged to use imagery with their patients, stating: “people with strong imaginations, those who can literally “worry themselves sick” are excellent candidates for using imagery to improve their health.”

The article further states that “imagery has documented physiologic effects: It can lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and affect brain wave activity, oxygen supply to the tissues, vascular constriction, skin temperature, cochlear and pupillary reflexes, skin response, salivation, and gastrointestinal activity.

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Nov 23 2009

Feel Better

Category: Health & Well-Being, Hypnotherapy, Modalities, Quotesadmin @ 4:11 pm

“50% to 70% of people who have tried it, say hypnosis has helped them to feel better or heal faster.” ~ Benedict Carey in a Los Angeles Times article dated January 5, 2004.

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Nov 23 2009

Benefits of Focused Breathing

Category: Health & Well-Beingadmin @ 4:08 pm

Recent studies continue to show the benefits of focused breathing and meditation for physical and spiritual health. In Dr. Herbert Benson’s 1975 book The Relaxation Response, he stated that breathing “may be used as a new approach to aid in the treatment and perhaps prevention of diseases such as hypertension.”

One of the most recent studies was conducted by Dr. Vernon A. Barnes, a physiologist at the Medical College of Georgia. It showed that teenagers at risk for having high blood pressure were able to lower their daytime blood pressures. This was done by simply practicing 15 minutes of transcendental meditation (focused and concentrated breathing) twice daily, over a period of four months.

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Nov 23 2009

Steps to Goal Achievment

Category: Creativity, Health & Well-Being, Motivation, Quotesadmin @ 3:51 pm

Have in your mind that which would constitute a miracle for you. Get the vision. Suspend disbelief and skepticism. Allow yourself to take the journey toward real magic.  ~ Wayne Dyer

The elevator to success is out of order. You'll have to take one step at a time.

The elevator to success is out of order. You'll have to take one step at a time.

What you tell yourself has the greatest of power over your life.What you tell yourself ultimately determines what you are and are not able to do.

What are you telling yourself?

Begin by being specific in defining your personal vision of success. Take a few moments each day to visualize what you want. Daydream. You are clearly defining success, not keeping it some vague, unknown entity. Get in touch with the emotional connection to a particular goal. As you visualize, bring to mind the feeling of success and accomplishment. When you connect with your feelings about your goal, it sets the creative process in motion.

You must believe it is possible. “For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don’t believe, no proof is possible.” John and Lyn St. Clair Thomas.

You must accept that it will happen. When you tell yourself you can and you will, you have taken the first step towards accomplishing what you want to accomplish. And you will find that you can and you will accomplish your goal. Conscious action alone does not create change. Successful change requires planning. By creating changes in your thoughts, you are reinforcing your idea of success. Success also requires self-acceptance; a positive attitude and the ability to concentrate on and develop your strengths.

There is no limitation to mind power and the ability to direct it to make positive things happen. Set your goals high. Create positive images. Project the best of yourself. Your efforts are always important to your success. Think about what you want, not what you don’t want! And remember, anything you set your mind to accomplish is possible.

 

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Nov 23 2009

Take Control

Category: Health & Well-Being, Hypnotherapy, Modalitiesadmin @ 3:16 pm

In the September 27, 2004 issue of Newsweek, Dr. David Spiegel, professor and associate chair of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine, and a leading expert on the practice of hypnosis says “One of the interesting ironies about hypnosis is that old fantasy that it takes away control. It’s actually a way of enhancing people’s control, or teaching them how to control aspects of their body’s function and sensation.”

The article cites recent studies using positron emission tomography (PET) which allows researchers to look at what goes on in the brain during hypnosis. In one study, hypnotized people were shown a black and white pattern and asked to see color. The PET scans showed that “regions of the brain normally activated during color perception were activated.” Spiegel says, “If you think you are seeing color, you actually see it, and your brain acts as though it is seeing it.”

The mind does not know the difference between sensory images in reality and sensory images in our imagination. Hypnosis can help you take control and alter how you perceive and process reality.

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Nov 23 2009

Sweets or Self-Hypnosis?

 

Breaking the Emotional Eating Cycle

Are you reaching for cookies or ice cream when you feel lonely, stressed or upset? There is a biological reason we reach for sweets when we’re feeling low. Elizabeth Somer, R.D., in her book Food & Mood says “The very taste of something sweet on the tongue immediately releases endorphins, our body’s natural morphine-like chemicals that can produce feelings of euphoria and satisfaction.”

In Calm Energy: How People Regulate Mood with Food and Exercise, Robert Thayer, PhD., a psychology professor at CSU Long Beach, says he believes the key to breaking the emotional eating cycle is finding some way to deal with stress.

Self-hypnosis may be the answer. When you are in the hypnotic state, you experience a sense of calm and well-being. The body naturally produces endorphins. Self-hypnosis can help you to imagine your ideal self, to experience your ideal body, and to create the mind-set which will assist you in achieving that image of yourself. Like meditation, this process involves concentration on your breathing. Focused breathing has a stronger effect on emotional change than any other function of your body.

Like any new skill, the degree of success one achieves with self-hypnosis conditioning is determined by the amount of practice time involved. I have found that once a person is conditioned to the hypnotic state through hetero-hypnosis (induction by another person) it is far easier to achieve the self-hypnotic state.

If you would like to learn self-hypnosis techniques to achieve your ideal body or your ideal life, I can help.

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Nov 23 2009

Hurried Woman Syndrome

It is estimated that about 60 million women suffer from the symptoms of Hurried Woman Syndrome. Dr. Brent Bost of Texas coined the phrase to include women between the ages of 25 and 55, and often with children between the ages of 4 and 16, as being most affected by this syndrome. A stressful career or burdensome responsibilities can all contribute to making the symptoms worse.

These avoidable stresses are those that often come from busy lifestyle choices and a hectic schedule. Chronic stress causes a chemical imbalance which causes fatigue. It also causes an increase in appetite which causes weight gain which causes more fatigue and the cycle continues.

Hypnotherapy can help with the three major symptoms of Hurried Woman (or Man!) Syndrome: Fatigue or Low Mood, Weight Gain and Low Sex Drive (libido).

If you suffer from any or all of these symptoms, give yourself permission to stop the cycle. Slow down. You’re worth it!

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Nov 03 2009

Photography & Life – Capture the Moment

Many years ago, I met a man who was to become a mentor to me, not only as an artist and a photographer, but as a human being. His motto, which hangs above the blackboard in his classroom states simply, “Comfort is your Enemy”. Being “comfortable” is the same as being stagnant. We miss opportunities. If we don’t move out of our comfort zone, there is no forward motion. No creative flow.

barnacles on branch

Life is a lot like photography.

 In order to capture the moment… to get the results we want…     

Sometimes we need to change our point of view – to look at things from different perspectives.    

Sometimes we need to focus in really close on the details…and

Sometimes we need to step back to see the big picture – the whole picture – in order to get a more balanced perception.

                PDR_2348                                         

Sometimes we need to step up to a challenge and take a risk…and Sometimes we need to step out of the way.

Sometimes we need to put our focus on the important things and let the insignificant things blur out in the background…or fade away.

Sometimes we need to become aware of something we’ve missed… and

Sometimes we need to know when to ask for help.

But ALWAYS we need to take ACTION or the opportunity is lost.

And the actions we take create a lasting impression on this experience …this series of moments we call “life”.

When we change our focus or move in a different direction (even just a little bit!!!) we change our experience. We change our habits…our relationships…our health…our prosperity…our life.

We take actions every moment of the day…most of them subconsciously motivated. Are you aware that your behaviors are directed and controlled by your subconscious mind…your past programming?  Your conscious awareness is only effective for about 90 minutes. After that your behavior is dictated by the “knowns” of your subconscious mind… the 88% of your mind that makes the decisions about your actions… as well as your re-actions.

What actions are you taking to create your life… your image of success and happiness?

What opportunities…or lack of opportunities… are you creating by the actions you are taking?

I’d like you to ask yourself this question …

Right now, what is the one thing I could…start doing…stop doing…or do differently…that would most improve the quality of my life?

Take a moment to consider all aspects of your life…your health and level of physical fitness…your mental acuity and ability to focus and concentrate…your financial stability…your sense of emotional well-being…your level of joy and happiness in your relationship with self, others and spirit.

When you have identified that one action that would create a better life…tell yourself that you can do it. And then just do it!

 Now, I’d like you to consider this…

 On a scale of 1 to 10… rate your life satisfaction level. Are you happy with that number? If you are not, perhaps you need to access the “goal-achieving feature” of your subconscious mind.  

In my practice of helping people take action to create a better life, I have implemented synergistic methods which teach how to set goals and provide motivation to achieve those goals.

Whether it is pain management, weight loss or smoking cessation…whether it is finding or healing a relationship or a career…whether it is the simple and priceless gift of achieving a new level of self confidence, I can help you to take action…to create the opportunities and get the results you want.

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