Look into my eyes — you are getting sleepy

Look into my eyes — you are getting sleepy

From a young age, our minds have been programmed by our experiences.

by Jackie Marshall  — 

Many of us vow to do things differently; we have a desire for change. We have feelings of hope and anticipation when we think about getting the perfect body, the soulmate we have been dreaming of, a great job or a healthier lifestyle.

While it is beneficial to embrace hope and desire change, these feelings often leave us defeated several months later when our aspirations fail to come to fruition. What happened?

Recently, I read about the surge of gym memberships that occur at the beginning of each new year. As a matter of fact, most gyms eagerly anticipate this increase in membership. Fitness facilities are also aware that most new members fail to attend after the first month. It does not make much sense that people purchase a membership, yet have no intention of actually using it. So what is going on? Are we destined to fail?

The answer lies in the subconscious mind. From a young age, our minds have been programmed by our experiences. Much of this programming occurred at an age when we were unable to choose what we wanted to accept as fact. As such, our subconscious contains many erroneous messages and beliefs based upon the perceptions of a child. We may find ourselves still basing our actions upon these misperceptions.

Consider the mind is like a computer that is programmed based predominantly on our early experiences. Unconsciously we seek out situations that reinforce the program, strengthening it over time and making it our predominant mode of behavior. Have you ever wondered why you make a decision and then fall back into old behaviors? It is because you have an unconscious belief that opposes your desire to change.

We are complex beings. As such, one size does not fit every individual. Each of us has a different set of experiences and beliefs that directs our actions. When we can use the power of the mind to change our subconscious programming, we will propel ourselves forward in the direction of our dreams. This does not happen without effort, but keep in mind it has taken years to establish present behaviors. Using hypnosis and the power of the mind, we can change undesirable behaviors in a relatively short period of time.

Hypnosis, if one is to define it, is a heightened state of focus and concentration, along with deep physical relaxation. This natural state enables a person to bypass the conscious/thinking mind, access the subconscious mind and open it to receiving new suggestions based upon the individual’s goals. Once a suggestion has been accepted by the subconscious, it must be reinforced. A trained hypnotherapist will use various tools to assist a client in reinforcing their new subconscious program.

Perhaps it is time to get off the merry-go-round of resolution and failure and choose a different path — one that leads to success. Begin today by choosing to take control of your mind and thoughts, and ultimately change your subconscious programming.

Jackie Marshall is a certified hypnotherapist, Mindfulness Meditation instructor and life coach in Cave Creek, Ariz. 602-930-9568, [email protected] or creatingabetteryouhypnotherapy.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 34, Number 1, February/March 2015.