A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SELF-HYPNOSIS

FOREWORD

All of us like to think that our actions and reactions are a result of
logical thought processes, but the fact is that suggestion influences
our thinking a great deal more than logic. Consciously or unconsciously,
our feelings about almost everything are largely molded by ready-made
opinions and attitudes fostered by our mass methods of communication. We cannot buy a bar of soap or a filtered cigarette without paying tribute
to the impact of suggestion. Right or wrong, most of us place more
confidence in what "they" say than we do in our own powers of reason.
This is the basic reason why psychiatrists are in short supply. We
distrust our own mental processes and want an expert to tell us what to
think and feel.
Despite this tendency to adopt our attitudes from others, man has always
been dimly aware that he can influence his own destiny by directing his
thoughts and actions into constructive channels. He has always, to some
extent, known that his mind exerts a powerful influence on his body, and
that thoughts can have harmful or helpful effects on his emotional and
physical health. The ancient Egyptian sleep temples and the attempts by
early physicians to drive evil spirits out of the body were both
attempts to influence the body through the mind.
The unprecedented sale of _The Power of Positive Thinking_ by Norman
Vincent Peale and other inspirational literature proves that millions of
modern people recognize the efficacy of constructive thoughts. What most of them do not recognize is that they are capable of implanting these beneficial thoughts in their own minds without reference to any outside
agencies. This can be done through self-hypnosis.
In modern society we have many cults, religions and methodologies which have mental discipline as their goal. The best example of a methodology is psychosomatic medicine which deals with the interrelationship of the mind and body in the production of mental or physical illness. The rapid growth of hypnosis in the last few years is another example, and it is gratifying to see that the emphasis in this field is now shifting from hetero-hypnosis to self-hypnosis.
Self-hypnosis is a highly suggestible state wherein the individual can
direct suggestions to himself. It is a powerful tool in any therapeutic
process, and highly motivated subjects can parallel the success of
hetero-hypnosis through their own efforts. Self-hypnosis can be used as
a palliative agent and can even afford lasting results in many areas of
the organism. Self-hypnosis can alleviate distressing symptoms,
substitute strong responses for weak responses, help overcome bad
habits, create good habits and help one's power of concentration. The
total personality is eventually changed to the point where it can
function adequately in an increasingly difficult environment.
In learning self-hypnosis, the subject does not relinquish control of
himself as is commonly believed. Actually, more control is gained.
Self-sufficiency and self-confidence are inevitable results. It is well
to remember, however, that even good things may be overdone, and good
judgment is necessary for favorable results. Neither hypnosis nor
self-hypnosis should ever be used indiscriminately. The effectiveness of
self-hypnosis depends upon many factors. Strong motivation, intelligent
application of suggestions and diligence are prerequisites.
We are not suggesting that self-hypnosis can take the place of all forms
of psychotherapy. We do recommend it as an adjunct to therapy when
indicated. Used judiciously, it can contribute a great deal to the
individual's physical and emotional well-being and happiness.
As a professional hypnotist for many years, I have seen astounding and
apparently miraculous results by individuals using self-hypnosis. Many
of these cases seem unbelievable to those not familiar with hypnotic
phenomena. It should be remembered, though, that many individuals seek hypnosis only when all other forms of therapy have failed. This is so
common that hypnosis has come to be known as a port of last call. Yet,
despite the seeming hopelessness of such cases, medical literature lists
thousands of remarkable recoveries.
There is nothing hit or miss about hypnosis. Used intelligently, the
results are the same for all those who are properly motivated. Nor are
the results singular to modern hypnotists alone. In reviewing the
literature going back more than 100 years, the same gratifying results
were obtained. The reader would do well to scan some out-of-print books
on hypnosis at the library to understand the point further.
This book is written in terms that are comprehensible to the layman. The
step-by-step instructions should afford the reader a means of acquiring
self-hypnosis. The necessary material is here. The reader need only
follow the instructions as they are given.
The author wishes to thank Robert S. Starrett, member of the American
Medical Writers' Association, for his valuable help in the editorial
preparation of this book.
It is the author's hope that you will, through the selective use of
self-hypnosis, arrive at a more rewarding, well-adjusted and fuller
life.

MELVIN POWERS
12015 Sherman Road
No. Hollywood, California 91605