Hypnosis can be defined as a process which relies on communication and making desired behavioral changes using the subconscious mind. When we are under hypnosis, a state of relaxation and receptivity is achieved which facilitates a direct access to our subconscious mind for the desired reprogramming and change works to be carried out, either by ourselves (self-hypnosis) or by a qualified practitioner (hypnotherapy).

The Myth
Like many of us, I have been always a bit skeptical (and scared too!), about the power and the effect of hypnosis on human beings. Probably it was the perception and the influence gained through watching, reading and listening stories being told about the stage hypnosis acts performed by those mesmerizing magicians. It was only when I did a professional development course, Master NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming and the Hypnosis-Hypnotherapy certificate, ITS – London, 2002), that I’ve managed to free myself from these wrong perceptions, and the limiting beliefs, which I’ve been holding with me all my life, about the natural hypnosis phenomenon.

The truth is that stage (entertainment-type) hypnosis has got nothing to do with the main purpose and the objectives of hypnosis-hypnotherapy practiced by the neuro sciences trained practitioners, and as it is practiced in the medical profession. Under a hypnosis-trance, we cannot induce new behaviors into a person which are against the grain of their core belief systems. For example, one cannot plant suggestion to a person under hypnosis, say, to rob a bank, to run completely naked down the Oxford Street-London, to steal their neighbors' car, or to steal their cat!

The Truth
Through hypnosis we can control a physical pain, perform better in our works, in sport and change our attitudes to exams, tests and job interviews. We can eliminate fears, worries, anxieties, stress, cope better with an illness, setbacks, negative emotions, limiting beliefs, habits, negative memories, experiences, and become a much more confident and successful person.

How Hypnosis Works
When hypnosis is induced we enter into an altered state of consciousness, where our cognitive conscious process is temporarily suspended. This enables us to have direct access to our subconscious mind - to the real driver of our bus! Having gained access to our most powerful, and infinitely capable subconscious mind (which is responsible for running all of our past, present and future learning, memories, experiences, behaviors, thoughts and the smooth running of our magnificent brain, the bio-computer, and our most complex mindbody system), we can make the new learning to be faster, permanent and carry out the necessary behavioral changes-i.e., reprogramming of our minds; so that we can act, behave, perform, achieve and live our lives more fulfilling, resourceful and in a much more healthier way.

Focus
Through self-hypnosis one learns to focus all the relevant mind-body faculties on the accomplishment and achievement of a single goal. Perhaps the simplest way to describe the focusing aspect of hypnosis is, to compare it to a magnifying glass that can concentrate ordinary, harmless sun rays so strongly into a narrow focal point that they burn a hole through a piece of paper.

A Natural Phenomenon
Hypnosis-trance is a naturally occurring phenomenon. We can see this in children and adults; when they are totally absorbed and lost in watching an emotionally captivating movie, listening to stories about legends and heroes, when we are in the presence of a natural wonder (the grand canyon, the pyramids), a magnificent animal or bird (a lion, a dolphin, a condor), star gazing, admiring a master piece of art work, soaking in a breath-taking musical or dance performance, reliving our happy childhood memories, or when we are just day dreaming.

There are four stages to the self-hypnosis process. These steps can be learned easily with the help of a trained and qualified practitioner.

1. Fixation
2. Relaxation
3. Receptivity
4. Repetitive Suggestion (followed up with regular autosuggestion)

The Benefits of Hypnosis
Who could benefit from self-hypnosis? Individuals, sport-athletes, art-performers - anyone wanting to improve their lives. Use this powerful focusing skill to draw out and develop your mental and physical capabilities. Self-Hypnosis is a priceless life skill, and is more effective than group hypnosis in preparing individuals for a better performance, a healthier existence and a more successful working life.

About the author: Coach Shev Gul (BSc, ASCA, Fellow Fistc(cc) GB ASA, Mp NLP, AL, Sportsmind Consultant) has undertaken the mission to "To teach and promote swimming technique excellence in a natural and holistic way, compatible with the way the human brain is designed and equipped to process information and learn new skills. To help swimmers / athletes achieve their full mental and physical potential." He can be reached through his website, California Swimming Clinics - London.