Excerpt from Finding Your True Self (out of print)
Aligning with your True Self involves change, and change includes learning on many levels. Whether in an academic setting or not, learning is improved by altered states of consciousness.
There are four levels of the mind: Beta, alpha, theta and delta, Alpha and theta are states normally associated with peace, tranquility, happiness and contentedness. They are usually found in nature or while listening to relaxing music. As young children, we function much of the time in the alpha and theta states. We absorb information very easily in those states so it is no wonder that we learn so easily when we are very young.
Alpha and theta states exist only with a relaxed mind and body. The most effective way to study and to retain information is in an alpha state. In this chapter, there are examples of self hypnosis and EFT to relax and improve learning. In addition, there are three visualizations, two of which work well anytime it serves you to be more relaxed. Two physiological balancing techniques, which open and balance the mind, have also been included.
Self Hypnosis to Create a Relaxed State for Learning
Self hypnosis is very effective to improve learning. In the years that I have been teaching self hypnosis, I have had many college students in my classes. Here is the report from one graduate student following our class:
During the academic quarter I was using self hypnosis regularly. I felt more relaxed than any previous quarter and wrote the best term paper of my graduate career. I was even able to turn in the paper two days early, which is quite an accomplishment for someone who chronically asks for extensions of project due dates. I attribute these improvements directly to allowing my untapped inner strengths to blossom through the practice of self hypnosis.
Before working as a hypnotherapist full-time, I worked at the University of California, Davis. I often went to the Coffee House for break, where there would be students studying everywhere. I wondered how they could concentrate in the middle of such noise and confusion. The answer really is clear. Those who were accomplishing something had narrowed their focus sufficiently to create an altered state of consciousness, i.e., self hypnosis.
I identified with those students because I had inadvertently created an altered state for myself while working at the Port Hueneme Naval Base many years ago. I worked in an office with thirty men. Their jobs involved purchasing supplies and equipment, so they were on the phone all day. Their voices were a major distraction to getting my job done. Without any awareness on my part, I created an island of silence for myself. I would become so engrossed in my work that I blocked out all outside sounds. I was so successful that I lost all awareness of those thirty men! It was good for my productivity but bad when my supervisor wanted my attention. When he spoke my name, I was so startled that I would scream. He then tried tapping me on the shoulder to get my attention. Different approach–same result. I was the joke of the office. At the time I did not understand what a great hypnotic subject I was.
Even if you are not that good at achieving a hypnotic state, our minds absorb information best when we are relaxed. You can benefit from either hypnosis or some sort of relaxation prior to a study session. Yet, how many of us take a few minutes to relax before we study? The same rule applies to taking tests. Almost everyone can relate to suddenly remembering an answer as soon as they have turned in their test. When the test is over the information you needed for the test is right there because you have relaxed. When you relax before you study, you will absorb more information. When you relax before an exam, you will more easily recall the information that you have studied.
Learn more about using self hypnosis, relaxation, EFT and working with beliefs in Part 2, coming Oct. 1st
Be joyful, be grateful, live in peace,
Katherine Zimmerman
Clinical Hypnotherapist