This particular correspondent is an avid writer and a proponent of many conservative religious arguments, including the proposition that there is a powerful dark influence attempting to take over control of society. She states that many of the close encounter phenomenon and related anomalies are actually manifestations of this effort at control. She has written several excellent, thought-provoking articles on this topic.
I sent this e-mail in response to her concern that hypnotherapy might open her friend's mind/soul to dark influences. Read on, discern the truth and draw your own conclusions....
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Dear [correspondent name],
You indicated you were not comfortable with hypnosis and that you thought it might open your friend to "dark side" influences. I often hear this from people until they understand that hypnosis is a completely natural state. We each spend a fraction of our time each day in that very state. In fact, all hypnosis is really self-hypnosis and like you, we all enter that state for several minutes in each 90-minute ultradian cycle of consciousness. Any time you daydream, use creative thought, focus/concentrate, or do any other mental activity that takes you into your own mental work, you are in hypnosis. Hypnotherapy merely applies that natural state to facilitate healing.
You are creative and are very focused. Witness the insights you show in your writing. In one sense, that means you have been in spontaneous self-hypnosis many, many times. You probably don't use that term for it, but neurologically it's the same thing.
While in hypnosis, each person has control of their own thoughts, feelings and beliefs at all times. While in the hypnotic state, a person's discernment is just as powerful - or even more so - than in the rational problem-solving beta or "waking" state. People report that they are actually MORE aware of their surroundings, and have CLEARER memories during hypnosis than at other times. That's because the powers of concentration are invoked and strengthened in the hypnotic state, enabling people to discern much more.
In addition, no beliefs will occur that are not already present within one's own personal paradigm. Furthermore, no introduction of negative or darkside material will occur if it is not already present in a person's mind. What hypnotherapy DOES do is help people to strengthen their own mental abilities and discern the truth for themselves. Rather than opening someone to negative beliefs, it helps to "unhypnotize" people, enabling them to discern and understand past beliefs.
I often hear statements about hypnosis such as you have described, and have noted that they tend to be based upon a misunderstanding of what hypnosis really is. Furthermore, discernment and healing enhanced through hypnotherapy may be threatening to those who want to maintain spiritual/mental control over others. So frequently, misconceptions can be propogated by those who are threatened by this powerful healing tool.
Hope this clarifies the process for you a little more. Let me know if you still have questions about this
Thanx,
-Craig
