What Is Self-Hypnosis?

In other words, a hypnotic process is underway any time a person’s attention is focused and possibilities are offered for their consideration.

“Let your body relax totally, from head to toe”
“You will awaken feeling alert and fully rested.”
“Picture in your mind the most relaxed, peaceful place you could imagine.”
“Imagine you can hear your beloved grandmother’s voice.”
If your attention is focused on any of these suggestions, the phenomena of hypnosis tend to ensue. You enter a light “trance” state.

If this is done over a longer period of time, say 10 minutes, you will tend to go to a deeper level, especially if gentle music is playing in the background. And if you are listening to a talented storyteller, you can go even deeper, since you don’t have to know what suggestions to use next. The more experienced the storyteller, the more deeply you can go into the experience.