Until recently, my images of hypnosis consisted of shticky performers softly and melodically chanting, “You’re getting sleepier and sleepier,” while swinging a chained watch back and forth in front of willing participants' eyes putting them instantly into trances. Once under these spells, the individuals were instructed to respond to various suggestions. Then, when given a cue, they proceeded to behave in bizarre manners such as barking like a dog or strutting around like a chicken. When instructed, the group spontaneously went back into a deep sleep. Upon awakening, they didn’t recall anything that had previously transpired.
While these shows were entertaining to watch, I decided that hypnosis was something I would stay as far away from as possible. There was no way I wanted anyone playing with my mind and making me act in a fashion I had no control over. Worse than that, I didn’t want to do things that others were enjoying yet I would have no recollection of!
However, after I read The TurboCharged Mind: Eliminating Bad Habits With Hypnosis, I learned that hypnosis is nothing like the Hollywood theatrics I was amused by in the past. According to the authors, Dian Griesel, Ph.D, and her brother Tom Griesel, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis and we put ourselves into this condition at least once a day. Explaining that this is simply a deeply-relaxed state where our minds can focus on specific positive goals we want to achieve, the Griesel siblings detail how this practice is the best way to eliminate negative habits and replace them with positive ones. The books’ pages are filled with worthwhile and powerful information on how to achieve a healthier and happier life by altering subconscious thoughts. Losing weight, improving self-esteem, reducing stress, stopping smoking and enhancing creativity are among the several areas the authors claim can be successfully altered through hypnosis. Whether one chooses to follow this practice or not, The TurboCharged Mind provides excellent advice and well-researched material on how to obtain greater balance, happiness and fulfillment in life.
For those interested in pursuing the hypnotic practice, a section at the end of the book supplies information on how to obtain additional support and resources through a variety of means. Whether one is simply curious and wants to gain a greater understanding about hypnosis or is seriously considering trying this approach as a method toward self-improvement, The TurboCharged Mind is a thought-provoking read.
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