Creating a Favorable Environment

What type of environment is best for learning self-hypnosis. Is there a preferred chair? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Dana ... Washington, D.C.

Dana: While self-hypnosis can be practiced ANYWHERE and in ANY MOMENT, it is best to practice and learn the fundamentals in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted. Competitive athletes are good examples of role models for practicing interactive self-hypnosis or hypnosis in motion. So are people who make speeches before large audiences and others who learn to manage their emotions, or accomplish their goals through all kinds of adversity. Personally, I couldn't imagine living my life in any other way.

Here are some helpful hints about creating a favorable environment:

1. Be sure it is quiet and will remain so. Try to find a place with little background noise. Although you can work through this with the power of suggestion, it is best to avoid this extra detail in the beginning weeks of your practice. Sometimes I leave for work early and park my car on a street that I find attractive or if possible, in an area with a view that I appreciate.

2. Take all phones off the hook and turn off your cell phone. Take this time for you, your personal growth, development and health.

3. Dim the lights. While it is not necessary to be in total darkness, a dimly lit room is beneficial and summons easy relaxation.

4. Have a comfortable chair or place to lie down. If you are reclining, place two pillows under your head, as your brain waves will be slowing down. You might want to have a throw cover available should you become cooler than before.

5. You can certainly sit up with both feet flat on the floor, or if you like to sit in a particular fashion, that is just fine.

6. Remove any tight or constricting clothing, including your belt, hair constraints such as pony tail clips, rubber bands, etc., so your head can relax back in a comfortable fashion. You might like to notice how tightly or uncomfortably you tend to dress yourself. Many times we are not aware of how difficult we make our lives, even in small ways.

7. Remove eyeglasses and contact lenses if possible. If this is just a short session, it is fine to leave them in place.

8. If you fall asleep, either make arrangements for someone to wake you gently at the appropriate time, or set an alarm clock outside your door. Deep hypnosis is often much deeper than sleep and it is not a good idea to come out of trance with a big noise or a jarring experience.

9. For regular practice, choose a time when you don't need to hurry to another place or activity. Sometimes we have a bad habit of doing this, even when we don't have to do so. Decide to pay attention to your habits in this regard. Are you a hummingbird? Examine your behaviors and subtle patterns carefully. Give yourself the pleasure of being still.

10. Go forward with positive expectation. Plan to enjoy your self-hypnosis practice and plan to have a very successful experience. Certainly do not entertain failure in any way...