In this myth or truth series, I’ll be providing factual information about what happens while you are hypnotized. I hope you enjoy these posts. I also hope they will calm any fears you have about being in trance.
Hypnosis myth number 1: Not everyone can be hypnotized.
Truth: Hypnosis is a state we all enter into every day.
Trance is a natural state we all enter into everyday. It is the brainwave state we all enter into when we daydream, when we lose track of time while driving or reading and when we fall asleep and wake up (not an aff link). You often drop into the trance state accidentally and are not fully aware of it.
What is a brainwave state?
Hypnosis is a brainwave state (aff link). But what exactly is a brainwave? It is a pattern of electricity that is emitted from the nerves in your brain. Every time a neuron fires, it sends out a very small charge. How fast and how regularly the neurons emit their signals directly corresponds with how awake and aware the person is.
When you are consciously focused on a task, your neurons fire at one rate (or state). When you are relaxed, a different rate occurs. When you are in trance, another state is occurring.
Not every brainwave state has been identified. What is known is that hypnosis is characterized by the firing of your neurons in a specific pattern. We all experience this pattern every day. It is a normal, natural part of falling asleep.
Why do I need a hypnotist if I go into trance every day?
Most people aren’t able to go into a very deep hypnotic state on their own. Even when you’re going to sleep at night, you don’t enter a very deep trance state. A professional can get you deeper than you can get yourself.
The other advantage to being hypnotized by someone else (also known as being induced) is that it is easier to be given post hypnotic suggestions by someone else. You can give yourself a message while in trance (aff link). It is much easier for someone who is still conscious to give you an effective post hypnotic suggestion.
What exactly IS a post hypnotic suggestion? You’ll find out next month.
Got a question about the special brainwave state that is hypnosis? Ask me in the comments!
malindalou
This is VERY interesting. I’ve always been interested in hypnotizing and such. Cannot wait for more.
Thanks! God’s blessings on your day.
[...] If you missed the first post in this series on whether or not you can be hypnotized, click here! [...]
Interesting! That cleared up a few things I had wrong about hypnotism. Thank you!
Hi Ellie! Thanks! I’m glad my words helped you. Hypnotism is often misunderstood and feared which is why I’m writing this series. I want to share the basic truths.