Carol-Ann Henritze
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
American philosopher and psychologist William James once said, “The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude.”
Of course, there are myriad ways to alter one’s attitude, but one of the most effective ways I’ve found is through self-hypnosis.
Self-hypnosis is a subconscious state that most of us move in and out of every day, often without even realizing it. Daydreaming, meditating or doing things on auto-pilot are similar to self-hypnosis. When our conscious mind isn’t busy gathering, processing or analyzing data, it may well be in a self-hypnotic state. Tapping into this state can help calm a busy mind, relax the body and cultivate a positive outlook.
Studies done at the Herbert Benson Institute at Harvard University have shown that self-hypnosis also can boost people’s immune systems and help them manage pain. It’s particularly effective at reducing stress. Stress is primarily due to our response to life. Self-hypnosis can open our minds to suggestions that can help reduce stress or alter the way we respond to it.
So sit down, get comfortable, close your eyes, take a few deep belly breaths, begin to relax your entire body and just be. Let go of all negative beliefs and patterns.
Instead, choose a positive, healthy response to life. That’s what self-hypnosis can do for all of us.
Carol-Ann Henritze is a certified clinical hypnotherapist and Tai Chi and Qigong instructor at the Sun Health Center for Health & Wellbeing. Information: 623-832-WELL (9355) and sunhealthwewellbeing.org.
