Last year I was invited to teach a hypnosis class at a gym called Studiomix in San Francisco. They’re on Van Ness Ave. @ O’Farrell (inside the AMC movie theater). Just recently I taught the hypnosis weight loss class, and I felt good teaching in a room with glass walls versus my usual conference room walls.
Instead of the usual Countdown Technique that I normally teach, I changed it up by teaching a simplified version that I call the Simple Countdown. Some of you may be wondering, “William, how did you come up with such a brilliant name as ‘Simple Countdown’? It’s melodic, earthy, with just a hint of roses.”
Well, my Cal-Tech research team pulled many all-nighters to come up with that name, but we’re pleased with it. One teammate, Dr. Sheldon Cooper, wanted to keep going, but Dr. Hofstadter convinced him this name was good enough. [Update: Yes, I’m kidding about the research team; fans of the TV show, The Big Bang Theory, will recognize the names.]
But back to the technique. Practicing this in the morning, afternoon, and evening will do a lot for you. Think of it as doing yoga, except that you’re stretching your mind, making it more expansive and clear. It’s a version of self-hypnosis that anyone can do each day.
- Doing it three times a day, you will have reset your emotional system in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
- And each reset clears up mental space.
- In fact, clients report being able to focus much more easily on their work which translates into being more productive.
Simple Countdown
1. Get into a comfortable position, sitting, lying down, or standing.
2. Gently breathe a little deeper than usual. Keep your eyes open or close them.
3. On each exhalation, gently count down from 10 to 1.
- On the first exhalation, say, “Ten…” Let the word stretch as long as the exhalation.
- Then inhale.
- On the next exhalation, you’d say, “Nine…” Let the word stretch as long as the exhalation.
- Then inhale. Continue until you reach one.
4. Whether you say it out loud or silently, say the word with a downward pitch.
- Why? An upward pitch sounds like a question. And you want a firm statement.
- Ideally you’d practice in a private area.
- But if you practice in public, do the silent version and make sure it’s safe to practice.
- I used to do this riding MUNI, and sometimes I’d keep my eyes open when it was crowded, so I was aware of my surroundings.
The full 10 to 1 cycle is powerful, but in a pinch, even a 3 to 1 can be useful on a super hectic day. With a couple of weeks of practice, you’ll notice how much more deeply you go into hypnosis. Some clients start feeling deeply relaxed after just a couple of breaths.
After you finish, do not drive a car, fly an airplane, or operate a bulldozer until you’re fully conscious. To become fully conscious, walk around a bit, and drink some water. Skip coffee, tea, or soda for at least a few minutes. Let yourself enjoy the clarity.