Suggestions are Being Filtered into the Subconscious Mind

I think we should make it clear that whether we call it autosuggestion, positive thinking, meditation, yoga, affirmations or self-hypnosis, we are, in reality, talking about the same thing. All require certain basic prerequisites before they will work effectively for the individual.

What should be remembered is that the suggestions are being filtered into the subconscious mind which does not question, doubt, analyze or dispute the efficacy of these beneficial thoughts. You can be sure that the constant repetition will have its effect. Hasn’t the mind, in the past, accepted the individual’s diagnosis when he said, “I’m sick,” “I have an inferiority complex,” “I can’t stop smoking,” “I can’t lose weight,” “I can’t concentrate,” “I can remember a person’s face, but I can’t remember names,” “I have a difficult time falling asleep,” “I just can’t seem to relax.” Isn’t such an individual, in effect, usingself-hypnosis? And hasn’t the person convinced himself of the validity of his present state? This is truly dangerous. It is negative hypnosis.

The question that I raise is: “Why shouldn’t the subconscious mind be even more convinced and respond strongly to suggestions which are in conformity with the natural desire to be of sound body and mind?” I have never been able to find a logical answer.

I think this is what happens many times. A person seeks help with a problem which, in reality, has nothing to do with hypnosis. His cure is not contingent on being hypnotized or on suggestions he or the hypnotist feel are indicated. You will read in nearly every book and article dealing with hypnosis that “hypnotism is not a cure-all.” No one has suggested or implied that it should be used exclusively for allemotional problems. You may read a newspaper article warning about the “dangers” of hypnosis. It may tell of a person who rid himself of one symptom and developed another in its place. You usually get a grossly distorted picture of what happened, with many aspects of the case not included. It’s a matter of taking what you want to prove out of context. Propagandists use this technique all the time to get across their message. It’s the old story of telling a half truth.