You’re Getting Sleepy, Very Sleepy: Part 2
In Part One, I was on my way to see Kim Trotman, a licensed hypnotist. I left out Kim’s other talents because hypnosis alone is hard enough for some people to accept. Mention psychic or energy healer and people will shut down and become defensive, feel the need to pray for me and tell me I’m dumb for not just trusting in Jesus, the answer to everything.
If that’s how you feel, I’m fine with that, I didn’t write this post for you. I’m not trying to convert anyone. I’m simply curious about this stuff and decided to find out for myself instead of accepting a belief that formed when I was a child, not old enough to question it. I consider myself a skeptic and think people should not only examine the things that may seem strange or unbelievable, but more importantly, their own beliefs. That’s what I’ve been doing since I wrote Brightside and began taking a closer look at telepathy and other forms of extra-sensory perception, all of which the government has poured tons of money into studying. This appointment was simply another step.
I didn’t know much about Kim, but I immediately felt at ease when I met her. I explained that I was a bit of a doubter but wanted to try the Past-Life Regression hypnotherapy. I couldn’t think of anything specific I wanted to work on in the hypnosis, but I did mention I suffer from very vivid and disturbing nightmares four to five nights a week.
While sitting with Kim, I noticed her twisted spoon collection. A friend of mine had walked me through a spoon bending exercise where I focused my internal energy to bend the spoon (using my hands) similar to a martial artist breaking a brick. I enjoyed the process and easily bent the spoon backwards, but mine looked nothing like Kim’s that were swirled several times. We didn’t have time for spoons this day, but when I go back I definitely want to give it a try.
After chatting for a bit, it was time for the hypnosis, which I was doubtful would even work on me. I set up the camera and sat back in the recliner. I closed my eyes and followed Kim’s instructions, focused on my breathing and the images she described. It was very relaxing and peaceful, but the left side of my brain wouldn’t quit worrying about whether or not I would fall under the spell. After we did the final count backwards from ten while descending the stairs, I still questioned whether or not I was under, but looking back it was obvious that I was.
There are many misperceptions about hypnosis and I had no idea what to expect. I remained alert the entire session, just incredibly relaxed as if I were in a deep meditation. My body went through feelings of lightness and my consciousness occasionally felt detached from my body. Other times, I felt heavy like I couldn’t move, but I remember everything that occurred, all that was said. It was pleasant. Except for a little bit of anxiety when describing the way I’d died.
Both before and after the session, Kim explained how it doesn’t matter whether or not the past life is real or not, that I could still benefit from it even if I didn’t believe what my subconscious mind came up with. This part of the session was difficult for me because it didn’t feel that much different from when I visualize stories taking place. I’m a very visual writer and see stories evolving before I put them down on paper. It felt very similar, only with the past life stories I was coming up with weren’t the type of stories I would see myself creating. I have Viking blood in my veins, the last name of a Roman King, thousands of video game hours playing the role of a warrior, and usually write about protagonists coming out on top. If I was going to conjure up some stories, seems like I’d make myself a hero.
From Hell’s heart, I stab at thee! Prague, Czech Republic (Photo credit: Grufnik)
Not in these stories. In the first, which I was positive took place in medieval France, I was a peasant boy who watched my sister taken by the royalty. I was later killed in a fight and watched as the sword pierced my heart. The second past life took place in England. This time I was very poor, stealing food for my younger siblings, most who died from starvation and disease. I was caught stealing and died chained to a wall in a dungeon. Fun stuff.
So although I’m not sold on whether the past lives could be real, I did enjoy the session and can clearly see how effective it could be as a treatment. I also understand that, just like everything else, it’s not a one-shot cure and for it to be effective, five to six sessions will show marked improvement. That’s not bad at all when compared to much higher numbers for other forms of therapy.
Another interesting thing to note is that it’s been nearly two weeks and I haven’t had any nightmares. I’m sure those of you who are skeptics will say that it’s coincidence, but I’m not aware of anything else that’s changed in my lifestyle since the nightmares ceased.
So that pretty much sums up the trip. A relaxing, peaceful experience where I dealt with some issues, (whether created or real doesn’t matter) that may have stopped my nightmares, an unexpected but pleasant surprise.
Here’s a little bit of the session. The camera shut off halfway through it so who knows what might have been implanted. I like that idea, though because the next time I do something foolish, I’ll simply blame it on Kim.
