The Parallels Between Meditation and Hypnosis
When we think of hypnosis, we often think of an altered state where someone is less aware than when in their regular waking consciousness. However, this is not necessarily true because most people in hypnosis describe a state of expanded awareness where they are internally focused, yet are more aware rather than less aware.
Therefore, we can ask what is the difference between hypnosis and meditation? Are there parallels between the two states? Are the two states different from each other or are they the same thing?
At the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy, we offer advanced meditation certification training along with our state-licensed hypnotherapy training programs. Click here to read more about hypnosis and meditation to better enhance your understanding of these states and how we can use them to facilitate positive change in ourselves and in our clients.
What is Hypnosis?
We define hypnosis as a natural yet altered state of mind where there is responsiveness and communication with the subconscious mind. Here we speak of a natural state of mind which is not drug-induced (narco-hypnosis) and which is not outside of the range of regular brain activity.
In our regular waking (or beta) consciousness, we are in our conscious mind which is usually associated more with our logical, analytical, and reasoning mind. However, in hypnosis, we gain access to a deeper level of our psyche, called the subconscious mind. This is the seat of our emotions, imagination, and memories.
In this state, we can take suggestions more readily because the critical factor of the conscious mind is bypassed, and we can tap into the power that motivates our behaviors and that which directs our “life-force energy”.
In this state, we can make powerful and positive change, discover more about who we really are, and open doors to undreamt possibilities through activating our mind power.
What is Meditation?
We define meditation as the simple act of placing your attention upon any given object of consciousness repeatedly. For instance, we can place our attention on a candle, on our breath, on a mantra, or even upon our very own consciousness itself.
Unlike hypnosis, we are not necessarily bypassing the critical factor of the conscious mind and we are not necessarily working to change deep-seated subconscious programming.
In meditation, we practice staying in the present moment by releasing the mind from the past and from the future. In the present moment, we find peace, clarity, and our own inner strength.
There are many different types of meditation practice, yet they all generally end up placing the attention on the object of meditation – usually with a specific goal in mind.
Are Hypnosis and Meditation the same?
Yes and no.
Both words imply an altered state, yet there are usually many differences in what is occurring with the body and the mind. In meditation, we generally sit up with a straight spine. In hypnosis, we are often reclining back or lying down.
In deep meditation, we work to clear the mind of imagery so that our own consciousness can shine forth in a state of peace and love. In hypnosis, we tend to use a lot of guided imagery, positive programming, and/or working with subconscious content.
We find that the two terms are best kept separate so that we can better describe what we are working to achieve using these states of mind.
To learn more about meditation through the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy’s Online Monastery, check out https://www.onlinemonastery.com/.
To learn more about state-licensed hypnosis training and our hypnotherapy certification programs, check out www.InstituteofHypnotherapy.com or call 800-551-9247.
