"Hypnosis is a Lot of Bunk", He Says

Monday I went to the book store in search of a change of scenery and perhaps a little bit of fun. When I arrived there were a handful of people there that I had chatted with in the past. After catching up on all the recent happenings in everyone's lives, we began chatting about the books we were considering purchasing that day.

When someone asked me, I casually remarked that I was planning on perusing the hypnosis books. One of the fellows sitting across from me, a retired gentleman who is quite intelligent, remarked that hypnosis was a lot of bunk. I almost smiled whenever he said this, because when he did, he leaned forward, his eyes on my face. Usually when someone leans in, it indicates interest and it was pretty obvious that in spite of his naysaying - he was interested. The others indicated varying levels of interest and a variety of opinions on the subject, but none as interested or as outwardly negative as him.

We began discussing what hypnosis was and wasn't. Throughout most of the discussion I leaned in towards him just a bit and frequently made eye contact. Yes, I confess, I lowered the volume of my voice so he had to focus on what I was saying and was amused to see him lean in a bit more. I explained how simple being hypnotized really was and described a few techniques. When I began describing the techniques, I slowed the pace of my speech and kept my eyes almost exclusively on him. I could see him relaxing and it was obvious he was very focused on what I was saying. Finally, I mentioned that I would be glad to demonstrate if there was anyone interested. He nodded and said quietly that he would be willing.

It was pretty clear that he was already a little bit under so taking him the rest of the way was pretty easy using a simple relaxation induction. I gave him a few suggestions about being able to relax when he wanted by remembering that feeling, and brought him up. Afterward he remarked several times about how rested and relaxed he felt and how he couldn't believe how easy it was to listen and to focus on what I was saying.

I had considered giving him a playful suggestion or two, but I didn't want to embarrass him in front of his friends. I told him that next time, however, he was fair game ;)

A little while ago I received a call from one of my female friends who had been there that day. She'd seen this gentleman yesterday and he'd wanted to know if she would contact me and asked if I would be willing to meet with he and a number of his friends to talk more about the subject. She gave me his number and secured a promise that I would call him. It's been awhile since I've had the opportunity to get out and do something with a new group of people so maybe it will be fun.

Not too exciting, I know, but I did promise to blog the story. You were expecting an evil cowgirl story, weren't you? You never know - perhaps soon ;)