At the core of every human being’s experience there is a sense of consciousness that is much more than just memories, intellect and reason, for even when the mind is quiet, there is still an awareness of being that always remains. This center of consciousness is still quite a mystery, and yet it could not be any more obvious to those who are aware that they are aware. Even while reading these words right now, you can become aware that you are aware. Even without thinking, you can simply be conscious that you are conscious. Yet, where are you, and how did you get here, and who is it that is even reading these words right now?
To understand who we are, we can explore our own minds and our own consciousness through natural though altered states. The study of the altered state of mind known as hypnosis is called hypnotism. Within this model, we find what we call a ‘conscious’ and a ‘subconscious’ mind. The conscious mind is the thinking, rational, linear mind that we find as that voice that seems to live inside of our heads. The subconscious mind is generally said to hold the qualities of having emotion, imagination and non-rational thought. It could be said that the conscious mind evolved later in the process of human evolution, and that the subconscious mind is the more primitive mind that deals with survival and basic animal instincts – and yet, underneath it all, there is still a sense of consciousness that is neither of these two minds. This could be said to be the “you” who is aware that you are aware right now.
The conscious mind tends to feed upon the feelings of the subconscious mind, which is to say that whatever the subconscious mind is feeling the conscious mind will talk about. This means that the more disturbed our emotional self, the more disturbed our conscious minds will be. In such a state, we do not experience the deep peace of our own present moment consciousness. The simple answer to where you are is that you are here now, yet the conscious mind is almost always focused on the past or the future. It is trying to figure out how to feel better based upon past subconscious programming, memories, beliefs and emotions. It could therefore be said that you got here as the result of past events, that caused beliefs and emotions, that caused decisions and behaviors that led you to this very present moment.
In the field of Hypnotherapy, we work to empower individuals to make more conscious choices. Contrary to popular opinion, a well-trained Hypnotherapist works to awaken you to who you truly are, not to put you to sleep or to make you less conscious. When we live from subconscious programming, with a disturbed heart and a chaotic conscious mind, then we really do not know who we are or how we got to where we are today. Through the powerful transformational modalities of Hypnotherapy, we can consciously change old-outdated programming and become free to make more conscious decisions based upon our highest intentions. The present moment then becomes a profound launching point for an evermore successful future. It could be said that Hypnotherapy can free you form the past, in the present, to create an ever better future.
Hypnotherapy is also a career. You can become a Certified Clinical and/or Transpersonal Hypnotherapist with State-Licensed Diplomas through a true postsecondary vocational institute that is licensed by the Department of Education. Hypnotherapy training is now much more than just a mere weekend workshop for lay practitioners. The occupational title of “Hypnotherapist” is now federally acknowledged, and the Department of Education allows us to offer you true diplomas in this profession. Most legitimate and reputable trainings are anywhere from 300 to 500 hours and are highly regulated by the State. When working with such powerful modalities, we encourage you to seek only the highest standards in a field that is growing significantly and that is helping to change the lives of many.
When we come into the present moment, clear our minds, relax our hearts, breathe and listen within, then we find a still, quiet, and ever-present consciousness that is aware that we are aware. That inner being simply knows that you are right here now, and perhaps just beginning to experience the profundities of the study of the mind and all of its possibilities.
Matthew Jason Brownstein, CCHt is the Executive Director of the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy, the President of the International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists, and the author of multiple books on the subjects of hypnotherapy and spirituality. He founded Florida’s first state-licensed hypnotherapy school in 2007 and continues to this day to teach hypnotherapy all over the country. You can learn more about the Institute and Matthew’s work to protect the free and open practice of Hypnotherapy by visiting InstituteofHypnotherapy.com or by calling 800-551-9247. The next Tampa, Florida class is now enrolling for January 24th, 2019.
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