Have You Been Hypnotized?
Most people upon being asked this question will immediately respond with a resounding no, when, in fact, everyone has been hypnotized before. Most people are being hypnotized on a daily basis and are not even aware of it. Due to the many popular misconceptions, especially those perpetuated by the media, most people do not have a firm or even a slight understanding of what hypnosis actually is. Many think that it is some kind of trance that overtakes them and can make them act like a zombie. Some think it is some mysterious magical power that takes over their self-control and makes them do things against their will.
A common technique used by real estate agents to make a house more enticing to prospective clients is to turn on all the lights throughout the house and have the aroma of apple pie wafting through the kitchen. Upon smelling this aroma, clients will immediately regress to the warm, pleasurable memories of having apple pie with grandma.
If you have ever gone into a grocery store with the purpose of purchasing ten items and ended up leaving the grocery store having bought fifteen to twenty items, you were a victim of hypnosis. Even though you had a list with you of what items you wanted to purchase, due to the attractive and alluring advertising displays, you were enticed into buying other items by being given the suggestion that they would make you happier or satisfied in some manner. You were enticed by them and purchased them on the spot. When you got home and unpacked your groceries, you may have wondered why you purchased so many additional items you didn't even need. You were open to the suggestion of the products' advertising. That is a very strong form of hypnosis.
When you're hungry this is even more evident. Imagine being hungry and walking in front of the bakery with all the smells of the freshly baked products. There is a strong temptation to purchase something, even if you had not planned on it initially. That is why a grocery store places a bakery within the sight or smell range of the public rather than in the back room.
It is important not to go grocery shopping when you are hungry. Create a shopping list of what you intend to purchase and have a snack before leaving the house. When you are hungry you are more open to suggestion, and unhealthy junk foods become much more attractive. Stick to your list as much as you can.
Most grocery stores that utilize food demonstrators will have the demonstrators work during lunch and dinner hours. This technique utilizes the power of suggestion very strongly. During mealtimes you are most likely shopping for what you would like to have for lunch or dinner. You are then confronted by someone who will give you a free sample that is an easy alternative for you and that is already cooked. Upon trying it, especially if you like it, the product is conveniently placed with the cooking instructions right in front of you. If you have ever purchased something in this situation, you have been hypnotized, as the main definition of hypnosis is simply being open to suggestion.
If you have ever driven your car to your destination and then wondered how you got there because you didn't remember driving past some or most of the streets, you were again a victim of hypnosis. This is called road hypnosis. You may have driven that same route hundreds of times to the point where it became a subconscious habit. Since it had become a habit, you did not have to think of the driving directions consciously, and many times you drove subconsciously.
This also happens quite often when you become used to driving to a certain location such as work. You became so used to driving to and from work each and every day that it becomes a habit. Even after changing jobs or moving to another location, many people find themselves subconsciously driving to the old location as a habit.
If you use positive affirmations, then you have been in hypnosis. Positive affirmations are used by many organizations, including many weight loss, smoking cessation, and self-esteem programs. Many of these programs will have you tape affirmations on the walls, mirrors, and other strategic places where you spend most of your time so you can read them throughout the day. Even if you do not read them directly, the affirmations work on you subliminally as they can be seen through your peripheral vision.
Music is also very hypnotic. The music you listen to can greatly enhance your mood. There are very positive, uplifting songs that can raise your vibrations to a very happy positive state, and there are also negative songs with lyrics that can drag you down, create anger, and instill hostility.
Have you ever taken the time to listen to the lyrics of your favorite songs? If not, make a point to do so in the near future. You may be surprised as to what you have been listening to and what messages you have been giving your subconscious mind. Even though you may have simply been listening to the melody and not paying attention to the words, it is important to realize that the subconscious mind absorbs everything all the time. It doesn't miss a trick. It is capable of doing unlimited tasks simultaneously. Take the time to see what messages you are giving yourself.
