What is hypnosis, actually?

I'm writing this hub on the whim of a question posed about "hypnotizing someone" and the answer had the eyeess, little graphic there, and the rhythmic phrases being uttered in a semi-delirious voice, it's just that... that's the stuff from the movies! 

As far as the field of hypnosis is concerned, I consider myself a dyletant -- an observing bystander. So please don't consider me anything else, either! I've come across many a literature on the subject yet that of NLP seems most tangible for my perceptions.

I believe very much in giving credit where credit is dew. What is to follow is from Wendy Friesen, and even though the particuar paper had erotic inentions when describing the process of hypnosis, I dare say that the insight which she offers is invaluable. I hope I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Persuasion is an art. The best communicators have masteredpersuasion and employ the power of words. Expertpersuaders use hypnosis and suggestion in an awake state.

We are often in trance during waking hours. We are verysuggestible while in waking trance and our mind can becomeopen and receptive to suggestion based on the words that are used. 

If you craft your words to create a state in thesubconscious mind, and that state creates willingness to move toward a desired outcome, you are a master persuader. (Much more about this later)

Waking trance

We live much of our lives in trance. We slip in and out oftrance many times during the day, while driving, reading,and daydreaming. And during that time, the subconsciousbecomes more open and receptive. 

A person who is lookingto create a state in another person will watch for signs that the person is going into trance during conversation.

Breathing slows, eyes dilate, the gaze becomes slightlyunfocused, shoulders may drop and the face muscles becomerelaxed.

During this time of trance, we are suggestible. This is the most valuable learning that you may get from this book.

Identify a waking trance in someone and use your power ofpersuasion with well crafted words, to create a desiredoutcome. If you have done your homework, and know whatthe other person wants, you can tap into their dreams anddesires. Sad to say... con men are masters at this. They have the ability to find out what we really want, and fulfill our needs with a vision that matches our internal order. 

When a con man can identify our most basic needs and appeal to us from the language of our desire, we may see him with eyes of trust. This is not to say that master persuaders are conmen. The best persuader comes from integrity and good intention. 

There is a common value in the con man, and the sincere and integrous man. They both understand your desires and dreams. They know how to find your values and speak to you from there.

Conditioned responses

A conditioned response is a command that states you will do, feel, hear or see something when the trigger is there. For instance, every time you feel my hand touch your skin you will relax deeper. Every time my hand touches your body, that part of your body will begin to tingle and get warm.

That is an example of a conditioned response. During the training in this book, you will create many conditioned responses, some of them post-hypnotic. A post hypnotic suggestion is aconditioned response that affects you after the trance. 

For instance:

Every time you see the color red, you will feel warm. Ifyou see it consciously or subconsciously, your body willbegin to get warmer, and you will feel a deep sensation ofdesire building within you.

This creates a response that is conditioned upon you feeling a specific way when the condition is there.