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Entering the Zone Through Self-Hypnosis: Part I

One method for training the mind outside of the confines of the dojo is through the practice of self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis allows you to do a number of things as a martial artist.

You can use self-hypnosis as a form of motivation, to improve a technique, to maintain a disciplined mind, and most important, to enter the "Zone," or as the Japanese would say, zanshin.

We have all heard about the Zone. It is a state of altered consciousness where time seems to slow down and targets appear larger. What actually happens is your sense of visual and auditory acuity become heightened. It is a "tuning-out" of everything outside of the moment of the technique, or attack, and increasing your focus on the attack as it unfolds. You are not developing tunnel vision; you are creating an intense focus on the moment, which will allow you to have more active control over the whole of that moment. Because you have this control, you will be much more effective at directing the outcome of the event or attack.

What is self-hypnosis?

Self-hypnosis relies on exercising the intellect. By using your conscious mind to phrase suggestions in a specific manner, you can, through repetition, train your subconscious to believe what your conscious mind has trained it to believe. The subconscious is the part of your mind that you do not control in your day-to-day thinking, but it is the part of the mind that holds your core beliefs. If you convince your subconscious that something is true, then for you, it is true, and that is the basis of hypnosis. As I have mentioned before, it is the language you use to speak to the subconscious, which will determine the effectiveness of your hypnosis.

Self-hypnosis builds upon the structure of using the intellect to phrase suggestions with one part of the mind, and then accept those suggestions with the other part of the mind. Using this whole mind approach, you can change your belief structure. The mind is a powerful tool; use it well.

Self-hypnosis is nothing more than allowing yourself to become relaxed, and speaking to your subconscious in a language that it can understand. It is easy to learn, but as with all things, it takes practice for it to be effective. You will be hard-pressed to find someone who jogs one week a year winning marathons.

What does hypnosis feel like?

The feeling that you will have during hypnosis is similar to the feeling you have at that moment between wakefulness and sleep. The difference is that while there is relaxation, there is no tiredness in your body. Think of it as a deeper level of focused daydreaming.

Will I notice when I am hypnotized?

No, and if you try to notice when you are hypnotized, you will find yourself unsuccessful in your attempts to help yourself. You do not notice the exact moment you fall asleep, but when you wake, you know that you have been sleeping. The moment of hypnosis is much like the moment of sleep. Although you may notice a shift in perception, as I have described above, don't look for it; let it happen and you will succeed.

Find a schedule and stick to it!

Your mind responds to exercise much the same way your body does. If you are going to the gym, you will notice that your muscular and cardiovascular systems will improve at a more rapid pace if you maintain a schedule for your exercise. Treat the idea of conditioning your mind just as you would treat the conditioning of your body. Pick a time when you will not be disturbed, and whether it is early morning or late at night, find a schedule and stick to it.

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Entering the Zone Through Self-Hypnosis: Part I

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