Mind/Body/Spirit V: Mind Energy flow- hypnosis

Hypnosis and self-hypnosis are another way to induce meditative states and their characteristic beneficial brainwave patterns. The popularized “stage hypnosis” wherein the subject is hypnotized to manifest bizarre, and seemingly impossible behaviors illustrates the process: First a meditation-like state is induced, next a belief-altering suggestion is given, and finally the outrageous behavior that was suggested is manifested. So the subject is Guided (by suggestion) during Meditation (hypnotized state.) This turns out to be another form of Guided Meditation, our friend in the previous post!

Self-hypnosis (when seen simply as guided meditation) is an easy concept to understand, and much more appealing than the vaudeville variety. The elements of inducing the hypnotic trance are:
1. Get into a comfortable position (sitting is fine.)
2. Close your eyes and relax.
3. Observe yourself breathing (deep, “belly” breathing is most beneficial.)
4. Clear your thoughts of all but one “focusing” thought, sound or image, etc.
The above are the ingredients for inducing the meditation brainwave patterns. In and of itself this is a beneficial, de-stressing condition. Other beneficial results, depending on the individual’s needs may also be obtained.

There are many hypnosis-assisting audios and videos available on the web. You can simply Google “free hypnosis YouTube” which will lead you to a wide variety of selections for simple relaxation, smoking cessation, weight loss, confidence etc. Also available for free is a hi-tech video “Rejuvenate” that combines hypnosis, meditation and binaural aspects: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49XIlz5lCT0&feature=related .

Harry Carpenter has written a great book about how to access the power of your subconscious mind through self-hypnosis, with simple instructions on how to do this. It is available as a book, or on Kindle, for $4.99: http://www.amazon.com/The-Genie-Within-Subconcious-Mind-How/dp/1438276826/ref=pd_sim_b_5#reader_1438276826 . You can get a FREE Kindle Ap for your laptop or handheld device so you do not need a Kindle device to get this book for $4.99.

Mind/Body/Spirit V: Maximizing Body Energy flow

Physical Body Energy flow is related to your habits of Nutrition, Hydration, Exercise, Sleep and Breathing. These are activities you are already (of necessity) engaged in, and in most cases the optimizing adjustments are few, simple and pleasurable.

Nutrition: most of us fall short of what we know is a good diet. We probably should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and less fried and fast foods. Anything we do to improve our diet improves positive energy flow. For greater detail, check out: http://www.pulsemed.org/back-to-basics-diet.htm

Hydration: most of us in the Western world, it is safe to say, are at least somewhat dehydrated. It is estimated that the average 150 – 200 lb person should consume 3 – 4 quarts of water daily for optimum flow. For details see: http://www.ilsi.org/northamerica/publications/hyd%20-%20hydration%20-%20fluids%20for%20life.pdf

Exercise: this activity needs no explanatory website; suffice it to say that more exercise is better, even a little more is better. For exercises specific to improving qi, see: http://www.qigongexercise.com/

Sleep: “In general, you can strengthen your qi by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep… [and this will] also help reverse the aging process.” This quote, as well as more information about restoring qi, may be found o0 the site: http://www.pacificcollege.edu/acupuncture-massage-news/articles/433-restoring-and-enhancing-your-qi.html

Breathing: the benefits of breathing are obvious. Not so well known is that deep breathing from the diaphragm (belly breathing) relieves stress, while shallow chest breathing is actually stressful. For breathing thought to be especially beneficial to qi energy flow, see http://www.qi-energy.info/qi-breathing.htm