Lesson 2: Resources For Establishing Your Writing Goals.
As noted in section one and as with everything else we do in life, in order to enhance the writing we perform we must establish our writing goals. This doesn't require a proclivity toward a certain genre, style, or format and whether to publish or not to publish. The enhancement of your writing performance is a general thrust that is necessary in developing as an author. This lesson series taps into subconscious reservoirs of literary essence. What you do with these tools it is up to you!
Questions you need to answer in developing the goals of your literary career that will be most helpful for your guided imagery are:
- What form of ephemeral information crosses your thoughts that you fail to land on your paper or keyboard?
- When does this typically occur for you?
- What methods do you employ (if you do at all) to retrieve these information losses?
- What methods do you utilize to tap into your inner voice?
- What, to you, does your inner vource consist of?
- What would you like to capture from your subconscious mind?
- Once captured, how would you like to present your subconscious material?
- What do you feel this will do for your writing career?
- What are your goals for your subconscious and conscious author?
Section 2-1: Introduction to Meditative Theories, Self-Hypnosis, and Autosuggestion.
The meditative and self-hypnotic areas being covered in this lesson series are as follows:
- Self-hypnosis.
- Qi Energy.
- Taoist Tradition of Meditation.
- Transcendental Meditation.
- Vipassana Meditation.
- Zen Training.
- Siddha Yoga Meditation
I. Introduction of Self-Hypnotic Therapy:
With a little practice, most people can be hypnotized and use self-hypnosis. Hypnosis allows us to experience thoughts, fantasies, and images as almost real (Soskis, 1986). The hypnotized person knows the experience is not real. He or she does not act as if it is real. Under hypnosis, we vividly imagine being at the beach, but we don't take off our clothes and try to jump into the water. By experiencing a situation differently, (e.g. seeing public speaking as a way of influencing minds) we may act and feel differently (more positive and less scared).
Anxious to write, but you don't know where to begin-this book teaches you to beat writer block and it is packaged in the shape of a block as a 3" x 3" x 3" cube consisting of 672 pages and more than 200 photographs throughout. When you feel stuck The Writer's Block will offer an idea, and/or exercise to jump-start your imagination.
Mental scenes can seem very real to us under hypnosis, but we know they are just being lived in our minds. It's an experience similar to watching a film and feeling we are there. We really get "into it," become afraid, inspired, sexually aroused, sad, and so on. This imagery is something we do. It is not something done to us. It used to be thought that the hypnotist gained power over their subject through "animal magnetism." Actually, there can be no hypnotic experience without the subject's agreement and participation. Thus, all hypnosis is in a sense self-hypnosis. Could anyone force you against your will to get deeply emotionally involved in a good book or movie? No, but you can do it by yourself...and feel wonderful.
No one knows who discovered hypnosis. No doubt a storyteller thousands of years ago. We do know that hypnosis was used to treat illness long before Christ's life on earth. During the Middle Ages, priests used self-hypnosis to make God more real to them, and to intensify their relationship with God. Physicians and faith healers used hypnosis to cure people. In the early part of this century, a Frenchman, Emile Coue' (1922), popularized the idea of autosuggestion. His most famous self-instruction was, "every day in every way I'm getting better and better."
It is not necessary to be hypnotized in order to have vivid imaginary experiences. Daydreams are vivid. The basic idea of hypnosis and mental imagery is this: if you want to do something, imagine yourself doing it over and over. This is also called goal rehearsal. The idea is father to the act.At first, you are likely to believe that an experienced hypnotist could perform impressive feats but you couldn't possibly do much. That is a reflection of the stories you have read and movies you have seen. Research has shown (Fromm, 1975) that some people reach deeper trance states in self-hypnosis than with a hypnotist. They have more vivid and richer imagery independently. Self-hypnosis costs nothing, is easy to produce, and allows you to make changes in the hypnotic procedures so that they work best for you. So, an old therapy technique may become even more effective in the hands of an informed self-helper (Fisher, 1991).
II. Purposes:
By using hypnosis, mental imagery without the hypnosis, or a combination of the two a person can produce impressive results. The most astonishing seems to be the control of pain. Many people (not everyone) have had dental work, surgery, and babies without pain. One of the easiest experiences to have is relaxation that can counteract fears and stress. If your behavior or someone else's is hard to understand, the key is likely to be in uncovering thoughts and images occurring between perceiving the situation and responding to it (i.e.: one paraplegic sees only misery, another plans on going to graduate school).
Developing new intervening images and self-suggestions can change certain behaviors (e.g., studying and concentration, help control anger and sadness, build self-esteem, reduce bad habits, and so on).
Become familiar with self-hypnosis and mental imagery.
There are several things to learn. First, you need to get a "feel" for what is involved, you need some basic understanding. Second, you need to learn the simple procedures of inducing self-hypnosis or using visualization. Third, you must practice these procedures several times. Fourth, you need to make plans of exactly how to use hypnosis or visualization to change things that concern you. Only after this preparation can you start actually trying to use hypnosis or visualization as a self-help method.
Almost all of us daydream. Our daydreams tend to be helpful through re-living the past or rehearsing the future. Very few of our daydreams are self-aggrandizing or erotic fantasies. Sometimes they relieve boredom, but most of the time they involve some emotion (i.e.: an important event, a threat, a frustration, a hope, etc). Daydreaming is like brainstorming, a chance to mentally test out and practice different solutions. There is evidence that daydreamers concentrate better, are more empathic, less fearful, more lively and alert, may enjoy sex more, and generally are more fun to be around. In most cases, however, a good fantasy life should be of great value, nothing to be ashamed of.From the bestselling author of Wherever You Go, There You Are comes a guide to experiencing life as it unfolds - moment by moment. Jon Kabat-Zinn teaches that meditation is an invitation to wake up, experience the fullness of life, and transform your relationship with problems, fears, pain, an stress.
Most of us know how to daydream because it comes naturally. Perhaps you can encourage more daydreams and guide your fantasies into more constructive, fruitful, and creative areas rather than leaving them entirely to the "whim of the moment." Guided fantasies are used for insight. Perhaps your re-occurring daydreams reveal some frustrated needs that deserve more conscious attention. I'm going to assume you know all you need to know about daydreaming and go further with hypnosis.
Most hypnotists' start by giving their subject some introductory experience, often a demonstration of "suggestion effects," or an illustration of how ideas influence behavior called ideomotor action. You may be asked to clasp your hands together and imagine that your palms are tightly stuck and glued together. Then it is suggested that you try to take your hands apart, many people find it is somewhat difficult to separate their hands after the suggestion is given. Other hypnotists will have you stand with your eyes closed, heels together and imagine swaying backwards. Most people actually sway backward (the hypnotist must be prepared to catch the subject). In other words, thinking of some action tends to produce that action, if your imagination is vivid enough.
You can have similar experiences by yourself. For example, make yourself a pendulum out of a small round object that has some weight to it. A spherical button or glass ornament is ideal, a medallion, or a set of keys, or a heavy ring will also suffice. Make the string about 10" long. Draw a circle on a piece of typing paper and draw two lines intersecting in the middle of the circle. Put the paper on a table in front of you. Put your elbow comfortably on the table and grasp the string at the point where the pendulum is just resting on the center of the circle where the lines cross. Now, lift the object off the paper slightly (1/8-inch). Think of the object moving back and forth along one of the lines. Don't consciously move your hand or fingers, just think of movement back and forth in a certain direction. Guess what? The pendulum will start to move (an inch or so) in the directions you are thinking about. Then think of the object moving in the other directions, then in a circle, and so on. Play with it for a while. Of course, your thoughts aren't moving the object, very tiny imperceptible movements in your hand are. Most people are impressed.
Another hypnotic experience is extending your arms in front of you. Carefully note that the palms are facing each other at the same height and about two inches apart. Then close your eyes and imagine your right arm is getting heavy while your left arm is getting lighter and lighter. Tell yourself over and over that the left arm is feeling very light...the right arm and hand is getting heavier and heavier all the time. Dwell on those images...then add to the images...a helium balloon might be attached to the left arm by a soft ribbon and it is gently lifting that arm higher and higher into the air. On the right arm there is a bookstrap and several heavy books are pulling it down...further and further down. After imagining this for a minute or so, open your eyes and see how far your hands have actually moved. Six inches or more is not unusual, but even an inch or two makes the point that thoughts influence behavior.
Consider some other factors about hypnosis. It should be an interesting experience and it may be helpful. However, if you have had a bad experience with hypnosis, you should not use this method by yourself. If you expect magical, instant, major changes, like a cure for cancer or a new personality, forget it. Yet, pain can be lessened and new attitudes learned. You can get started on a diet or quit smoking, but one hypnotic session isn't all you need.
You may wonder if you will be able to respond to external events (e.g. telephone, doorbell, dog's barking) while hypnotized or if you will remember what happened. The answers to both questions are yes. You can come out of it at any time. Is hypnosis like sleep? No, you know what is going on (although it is easy to fall asleep while so relaxed). If you fall asleep, don't be concerned just take a nap. You won't do anything weird, like with a stage hypnotist, because you are in control. You won't hurt yourself although a warning is in order: very rarely a person trying hypnosis for the first time will have a reaction that alarms or scares them, such as going into a trance state very quicky (within a minute or so) or having some fantasy or sensory experience they didn't expect. My advice to a person having such a reaction is to stop trying to use this method, unless one seeks the services of a professional with hypnotic experience. Much of the effect of self-hypnosis is due to expectations, placebo, or autosuggestion therefore only use hypnosis if you believe it can be helpful and safe.
Decide if you want to use self-hypnosis and what you want to use it for. Before trying self-hypnosis, you may want to do some reading, talk to a friend, or a professional. But in the kind of experiences I will suggest you try, there are no more dangers than in using other self-help methods. As suggested hypnosis is best used with (a) problems that primarily concern only you (i.e., not your spouse or boss or family), (b) recent problems, (c) problems that involve your feelings (e.g. anxiety), and (d) problems that can be helped by new cognition (e.g., thoughts, attitudes, or images, not problems requiring new insights or knowledge).
IV. Transcendental Meditation (TM):
Is a spiritual development technique developed and promoted by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a former Hindu ascetic. A movement that became popular in the West in the 1960s, it is based on specific meditation techniques and is not strictly connected with any religious tradition, though the perspective behind it has roots in Vedanta. Practice entails the mental repetition of a mantra in order to still the activity of thought and experience a deeper level of consciousness. Through this process, the practitioner finds deep relaxation, which can lead to inner joy, vitality, and creativity. This particular form of meditation is best employed through the use of a local organization to teach you the various techniques.
V. Zen Training:
Zen training teaches enlightenment is achieved through intuition and meditation that are stimulated by contemplating beauty and simplicity. Zen encompasses the following:
- Art practice as an extension of Zen practice.
- Body practice as an extension of Zen practice.
- Moral and ethical requirements.
- Study of the sutras related to Zen training, other schools of Buddhism, Buddhist history, psychology, and philosophies.
- Teacher and student interaction.
- Work as an active function of zazen.
- Zazen, a type of meditation described as "sitting Zen"
- Zen rites and rituals.
The Path of Zen is a site that allows you to practice Zen meditation online. It is an interesting and somewhat humorous site. Feel free to progress from screen shot to screen shot at your own pace. There are a few surprises on this site-so have fun with it-I believe it is an enjoyable site to utilize online.one of the most accessible works on Zen Buddhism and Zen meditation techniques I've read (and I've read plenty, by both Eastern and Western writers). The late Suzuki had a gift for making Zen accessible to Westerners, as evidenced by his extensive use of anecdote and analogy to put across some of the more esoteric aspects of the philosophy. Regardless of one's religious background, I believe there is much to be learned about living from this slim book.
VI. Siddha Yoga Meditation:
No matter who we are we have inherent power to meditate. Once this power is reached through shaktipat it deepens drawing us to self-realization.
Meditation is the practice of turning attention inward. Siddha Yoga meditation intensives (i.e.: receipt of shaktipat) offer a unique and heightened environment for deepening our meditation practices.
Now beginners, experts, and teachers alike can make rejuvenating meditations part of daily life with this beautifully illustrated deck of fifty yoga poses and meditations. Each easy-to-use card gives detailed instructions, benefits, and an affirmation. If you're short on time, you can pick just a single card, or for a more guided experience, follow one of the sequences provided. Create an exercise routine that focuses on your specific needs. In the park or at the office, these portable cards are perfect for stress relief, promoting strength and energy, and relaxation -- anytime, anywhere.
Spiritual awakening (i.e.: shaktipat) is the heart of the mystical journey. This energy brings the awakening of the your inherent spiritual power (i.e.: kundalini). Shaktipat is described as an initiation activating an inner unfolding of awareness leading to progressively higher states of consciousness.
A typical Siddha Yoga session includes three disciplines:
- Breathing exercises.
- Body postures.
- Meditation.
Each practice session begins with a set of gentle warm-up exercises. Then you focus on breathing and your may go through several breathing exercises. You will be asked to breathe through your nose evenly with both nostrils. Then you will perform yoga postures (i.e.: a series of poses that must be held for periods of a few seconds to several minutes). Unlike calisthenics or weight training-you will not be asked to repeat postures more than three times.
