Hypnosis is actually a type of focused concentration while someone is relaxed—which is something we all experience, every single day. For example, when you’re so absorbed in a book or movie that you don’t get distracted by the everyday noises around you—be it traffic or people talking or coughing—you’re in a light hypnotic trance.

But thanks to what we’ve seen on TV or in the movies, there are many myths about hypnosis. In reality, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The hypnotist is merely a facilitator who helps the person reach a level of moderate to deep relaxation. Stage hypnotists, however, have taken relaxed attention or concentration (which is a natural ability) and transformed it into entertainment. And so, because of the many erroneous associations with the word hypnosis, the term relaxed focused concentration may instead be preferable, but they both mean the same thing. In this state, the memory is enhanced and people are able to recall events and incidents that may have been long forgotten. Sometimes, due to their expanded understanding of life, people have spiritual or intuitive experiences that they greatly benefit from.

Since this state of relaxed concentration is entirely normal, there is no danger. You can return to full waking consciousness whenever you choose. It’s very important to keep the following things in mind:

1. You can never get “stuck” in the hypnotic state, because it’s only a form of focused concentration—you can open your eyes and end the process at any time.
2. You are always in control.
3. You can never do anything against your will or values.
4. You won’t do or say something in an unaware state, for hypnosis isn’t sleep—the person is always aware of their thoughts and their subconscious mind remains active and alert; The process is like a daydream—not anesthesia.
5. Just try to keep an open mind. There’s nothing to fear or to lose—and what you gain may greatly improve the quality of your life.