When You Are In Hypnosis And When You Are Not In Hypnosis

Many people are curious about what it feels like to be hypnotized. When a person is hypnotized they are in a relaxed, trance like state. Under hypnosis a person might have enhanced concentration, mindfulness and suggestibility. Hollywood would like you to believe that you are not in control while under hypnosis, although that is simply not true.

There are many instances throughout the day when a person is naturally in a hypnotic state.

There are two times everyday. Right as you wake up in the morning, and right before you go to bed.  During those moments you are in the in-between state of not quite awake and not quite asleep. While you are in this trance state in the morning you can still recall your dreams. Although, once you fully wake up you will find you have a harder time remembering them.  

Have you ever been on autopilot driving on the freeway and zone out? Then you realize you have missed your exit? This is a hypnotic state called “Highway Hypnosis.”

Now let’s take a look at the roles the conscious mind and subconscious mind play in differing states.

While you are sleeping, your conscious mind goes to sleep and your subconscious mind takes control and is awake. Your subconscious mind is in charge of your dreams and all associated images, emotions and thoughts.        

While you are awake your conscious mind is awake and in charge, and your subconscious mind is awake and running in the background. It would be unhelpful for your subconscious mind to be in control when you are awake as it is unnecessary to be aware of your automatic bodily processes and long term memories all of the time. Although, when awake the subconscious is still playing a significant role in the background.

When in a hypnotic state the conscious mind is awake, but the subconscious mind is awake and in control. While under hypnosis we are able to access the “operating system” of the subconscious mind.

It’s important to point out that sometimes people don’t even realize that they have been hypnotized. Some people feel very relaxed. Other people feel very alert under hypnosis and hear everything going on around them. People realize they can dismiss a suggestion if they choose to, and are able to remember everything. These factors lead people to believe that they were not hypnotized, when in fact, they were.