by misjief » Jun 1st, '07, 20:08
Hi all -
I am new here. Actually found this forum looking for some answers myself... And this topic looking for another within it called does "hypnosis exist?" (still looking!)...
(WARNING: this is a long post .... I am excited!)
Anyways-
I read this and looked at the answers and responses. I loved it! I also wanted to put my 2 cents worth in. I finish my board certification as a Hypnotist in 2 weeks. I have had some NLP training over the years - never got certified though. The interesting wrinkle is I have used both skill sets most of my life because I have had some rather severe challenges to overcome ( I am dyslexic and have a dislocated and fused hip from birth). Both NLP and Hypnosis not only enhanced my life... but my early un-tuned skill in hypnosis probably saved my life.
The short story is that I broke my good leg's femur not in one but three different places, alone and far from help, doing something really really stupid. Having done a lot of stupid and painful things, I have to tell you a broken femur is quite an accomplishment! Anyways using hypnosis I managed to pull myself together and get myself to help... I did well enough with it, I actually had a difficult time convincing people I needed help. The ambulance drivers were professional and polite but because I didn't seem to be experiencing pain or shock were doubtful as to my prognosis. I went to sleep while they drilled through my lower leg my leg with a hand crank in preparation of 3 months traction, without drugs because I am highly reactant to all medications. The doc kept waking me up!
I rapidly learned NLP skills, and on a $20 bet doubled my pay every three months for a couple of years. It was pretty wild. To qualify that some, I was very much underpaid during my early career. That said, there seems to be a lot people in that same boat - and they still seem to be there!
Having experienced that you would think that I wouldn't doubt the power of hypnosis. Yet in my class - the thought in the back of all the student's minds, mine included seems to be at one time or another - is this for real?
My only explanation for it is that is part of the magic of our powerful minds! It is a paradox that we have this fantastic ability and yet we are constantly hindered by our very own doubts of it. My favorite description of the phenomenon is goes that if our brains were simple enough for us to easily comprehend it ... Our intellect would be such that, we couldn't.
NLP and Hypnosis are GREAT LIFE SKILLS that will enhance whatever it is you choose to do in life. You will hear arguments depending on what camp you are currently in - which is better... Or that both are complete bunk! Its all about belief... If you don't believe it, how are you going to convince others? Know and be very aware of your personal beliefs.
Ok. My question to you is which camp serves you best? If you think it is bunk you are probably closing the door on some pretty kewl experiences! And that is okay as long as you are aware of it and consciously making that choice. Denial is a valid choice just not a very useful on in my opinion.
One down, two to go! NLP was created largely by studying therapist who used HYPNOSIS as part of their regimen, notably Milton Erickson. As such they are closely related - In reality two different approaches to the same subject. NLP tends to be a more left brain exhaustive approach that explains the methods, and hypnosis a more right brain approach focusing on the intuitive means. The real secret is that both have their strengths and shortcomings - and by using one you can prop up the other. A great example of this is that both sides do have a tendency to do things by rote, without understanding why or how it works. When you ask and draw a blank in one camp, you can often go to the other to get an very satisfactory answer.
Finally - Both skill sets are really nothing more then manipulating thoughts. Primarily yours, AND THEN OTHERS as an further extension of that original thought, what ever it may be. Ok. I haven't reveled anything new there. Or have I? Hmmm... Most people think that the skills are best used for MANIPULATING OTHER PEOPLE! If I a take it a step further and tell you that true hypnosis is in essence all about an ACCEPTED ASSOCIATION be it pain or pleasure... like or dislike... blah blah blah. There is a attraction to it, that makes it easily intregratable into their already established thought patterns, good or bad. If your end goal is to manipulate people solely for your purposes alone - in the long run you are going to fail, because nobody is willingly going to accept that in the long run. If you are using people, know that they are letting you - because they are using you in turn. That is a sad and limited way to go through life.
Scarcity demands "serve me and me alone!".... Abundance asks "how can I be of serve to all?".... All action is equally awarded appropriately!
Thanks for the use of the soapbox. Hope it helped!
PS- I came to this site looking for a boost in confidence. My teachers tell me I am very skillful but timid. Writing this helped me put my thoughts together. Thanks. I want to use magic to have something to "hide behind" while I polish my presentation skills.
any suggestions along those lines, gratefully accepted!
-Misj