NLP: What is Trance Work?
A trance is a heightened state of attention where your mind and body are more open to suggestion. Everyone has experienced trances many times.A daydream is one example, when you are aware of where you are and what you are doing, but at the same time you are focused on the experience in your mind’s eye.
Being absorbed in a good movie is another example. You become less aware of things around you and begin responding to what is happening on the screen. You might jump if scared or cry if you feel for a character. Yet, you are always in control. You can go get popcorn if you wish.How can trance-work be tailored to help the most?
Trance-work should focus on your own unique beliefs, interests and needs.
The more the process relates to your specific situation, the more helpful it will be.First, you need to be clear about the purpose of trance-work.
· Do you need relief from headaches?
· Are you trying not to be anxious when you fly?
· Are you healing from an injury?
· Do you want to change a belief? Focus on one at a time.How can I start a trance?
There are many different ways to get into a trance. Children do this very easily, but adults often need a little practice.It is helpful to use a trigger or anchor to tell the body it is time to relax and focus. The finger technique is one of the simplest to do.
Press the tips of your thumb and index finger together. While pressing firmly, take a deep breath and hold for a count of five. Breathe out, releasing your fingers.You may need to do this a few times.
This acts as a signal for your body to relax, and is then your anchor to use at any time.Imagine a staircase to become relaxed and deepen your trance
Imagine a beautiful [favourite colour] staircase that has ten steps. These ten steps lead to a peaceful and relaxing [favourite place].
Take a moment then start counting backwards from 10 to 1.After each step, focus on a different part of your body allowing yourself to gently relax deeper and deeper with each step.
As you start at the top of the staircase, release any tension in your body each time you breathe out.110…Relax your face and jaw letting your tongue gently rest on the floor of your mouth
9…Relax your temples, eyes and eyelids as you step down to [your favorite place]8…Relax the back of your neck and shoulders, simply letting go
7…Relax your arms knowing that there is nothing for them to do6…Relax your chest, with each rise and fall of the breath
5…Relax your abdomen setting the muscles free4…Relax your pelvis allowing it to sink into the chair
3…Relax your legs knowing there is nothing to support2…Relax your toes as you arrive at [your favourite place]
1…Take a few moments to explore your peaceful place in your mind’s eye. This will allow your trance to deepen.
Involving all your senses will help you feel like you are really there.· What do you see….colours?
· Do you smell anything?
· Do you hear anything?
· Do you feel comfortable here? When you are comfortable, find a place to settle down or sit.
How to come out of the tranceYou can reverse the process to become alert again. In your mind’s eye, picture climbing back up the staircase. Feel the energy coming back into your relaxed muscles.
Count slowly1, 2, 3, as you proceed up, allow the energy to re-enter your body starting at your toes
4, 5, 6, and now allow it to flow up your legs and into your pelvis, travelling to your abdomen, feel your body come alive7, take in this energy with each rise of the chest, as you feel it travel into your arms, going up to the shoulders and neck, into your temples, eyes and eyelids
8, feel your tongue, jaw and the muscles of the face energize and allow your eyes to open when you are ready 9…10…Open your eyes, and stretch.Always have a drink of water after trance-work, meditation and relaxation exercises.
