(This blog was originally posted on October 10, 2014)
 |
| Image 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?
What? 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….
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/.
© 2015
