While My Computer Was at the Spa

Photo courtesy of Microsoft

 

                Recently, I had to take my computer in for maintenance (a.k.a. virus removal). How could this have happened to me? I wondered as the virus-detection software identified all the creepy-crawlies that were inexplicably, horrifyingly, inhabiting my hard drive. I admit that this discover made me feel a little (okay, a lot) embarrassed. I mean, I had anti-virus protection on my computer! I knew better than to open suspicious links on-line. What had I done wrong?

And yet, there I was: humbled and at the mercy of the technology wizards who promised that they could and would clean up the mess that my computer had suddenly become. They swore they could remove the nasty vermin on my hard drive. Furthermore, at my instruction, they would even install an even more powerful anti-virus program to prevent this from happening again. Or, if it did happen—provided I purchase a continued-protection/maintenance package on offer—I wouldn’t have to pay a dime to fix the problem while I participated in that program. “If it happened again….” What?

Of course, while the technician explained the pros and cons of installing (purchasing) the so-special-anti-virus-software-that-it’s-not-available-on-the-sales-rack, and the special protected-maintenance program he was describing, I went right into information overload. I was already worried and wondering how I had somehow exposed my computer to countless nasty and debilitating viruses. I was learning that the original anti-virus package I had purchased didn’t protect my computer, after all. If I went along with the technician’s recommendation to invest in the package he was offering, I would be entitled to enjoy x, y and z benefits as long as I continued the protection it provided. Oh, and did I mention that this anti-virus software is supposed to be the best available and is used by the government?

That little tidbit of trivia clinched the deal. I knew with every cell in my conscious and subconscious mind what was going on. I could almost feel my critical mind going on a 10-minute break as the technician continued his sales pitch. I could see Hypnosis Motivation Institute founder John Kappas, Ph.D.’s definition of hypnosis flash in front of my eyes. Overload of environmental message units? Check. Increasing desire to “escape” that sudden, increasing sense of anxiety I felt listening to and having to process all of this information? Check. Increasing state of suggestibility? Check. Very helpful computer technician—I mean, wizard and, at least today, metaphoric life-saver about to—I mean, making­—a sale? Check.

At least I’m protected now, right?

 

 

 Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy®, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.

© 2014

Feeling Blocked

(This blog was originally posted on February 26, 2014)

 

                Sometimes, there are no words. No musical notes. No freedom of movement. Your muse has disappeared; your inspiration has taken flight. Suddenly, there is no obvious way for you to tap into all of the inspiration that you have worked so hard to cultivate. What should you do, now?

                Whether you write, paint, draw, sculpt or dance, hypnosis is a fabulous tool with which to release blocks in your creativity because these arts are an expression of the subconscious mind. Here are some practical suggestions to help you get back your creative mojo.

·         Practice diaphragmatic breathing. Draw a slow, deep breath through your nose, hold it the breath for four seconds and then release it through your mouth. You know you are doing this technique correctly if only your abdomen puffs out a little when you inhale; the shoulders should remain even and still when you breathe. Repeat this process several times until you feel the tension in your body start to release.

·         Take a walk or do some kind of exercise to take your mind off the project you are working on. As you focus on the physical activity you are doing, give yourself permission to know and believe that your inspiration will be waiting for you when you return to your desk, easel, etc.

·         Visualize or imagine that you are working on your project. Where are you working? What does the room/space look like? What are you wearing? Who/what is in the room with you? How does the room smell? What is the ambient temperature? How does it feel to handle/work/mold the materials you are using? What is your body doing, and how does this feel? The more details you can provide in this exercise, the richer the visualization will be and the more “real” this creative process will feel for your. Remember: The subconscious mind does not know the difference between fantasy and reality, so imagining or pretending how you will do something is a great way to rehearse doing that activity in the real world.

·         Just start working on the project. Even if your conscious mind hasn’t completely formulated what you want to say, do or express, the physical action of starting/doing this work will reinforce the creativity and technical skills (knowns) stored in your subconscious mind. The most effective way to trigger or re-activate these behaviors is to do them!

·         Give yourself permission to accept whatever you create during this exercise regardless of the form it takes. Your finished product may or may not resemble the project you originally envisioned, but that is okay. This version could be even better than the one you first imagined!

You are not the first person to ever experience a creative block at a crucial moment, and you will not be the last. You can and will break through that wall to tap into your creativity and imagination once more. Remind yourself that you have all of the skills, talent, etc. to overcome whatever is challenging you right now and create something wonderful. Every other project you have ever worked on began as a thought or inspiration. Where did that inspiration come from? Probably the same place that this one you are starting to have right now in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1….

 

 

Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.

© 2014