How to Go Into a Trance

You can go into a trance anywhere, but it's easiest while lying down.

A trance is a very useful state of consciousness that can be deeply relaxing. It is also a great way to access your subconscious to learn things about yourself and change automatic behavior patterns. It sounds complicated but actually is quite simple.

Things You'll Need

• Recording device (optional)

Instructions

1. Lie somewhere quiet and comfortable where you are unlikely to be disturbed. If anything is uncomfortable, such as a piece of clothing or the position of your body, see if you can change it before you get started. It is possible to go into a trance in almost any condition, even while standing, moving or talking, but it probably is easiest to begin by lying down.

2. Deeply relax your entire body. Focus on every part of your body in turn, starting with your toes. Deeply relax your toes, then your feet, then your lower legs, and continue up your body slowly, through your abdomen, internal organs and arms, until you have relaxed every part. Don't forget your face and neck, which often harbor more than their share of tension. While you are going through this process, breathe deeply and evenly, releasing more tension from your body with each exhalation.

3. When your body is completely relaxed, imagine yourself being somewhere very beautiful and peaceful. It can be any kind of scene you want, indoors or out. Try to imagine the scene vividly, using as many of your senses as possible. For example, try to imagine what the place smells and sounds like, as well as what it looks like.

4. When your visualization has become quite vivid, imagine yourself descending through a feature of the environment. You could go down a set of stairs, into a descending tunnel or a deep pool of water, or even down an elevator. The farther down you go, the more deeply you can go into a trance. During this portion of the visualization continue to use as many of your senses as possible.

5. When you have descended quite deeply, allow your brain to create any comfortable scenario. Often the stairs or whatever you are using will end in another beautiful and comfortable place, but since it is created by your subconscious the nature of the place might surprise you. Take your time to look around and observe your environment.

6. Stay as long as you like, looking around and enjoying yourself. Once you are more experienced, you can do many types of work in this state, such as meeting power animals or other spirit guides, or doing visualization exercises for your health. Simply put, any questions that you ask yourself or changes that you want to make in your life might have more impact while in a trance because you are accessing your subconscious directly.

7. When you are ready to return to waking consciousness, return to the place where you descended and start moving back the way you came. As you go, tell yourself that you are returning to consciousness and becoming more energized. When you reach the top, open your eyes and move around to come completely awake.

8. If you experienced anything particularly interesting, it can be helpful to write, make art or talk about it as soon as possible, so that you can remember the details.

Tips & Warnings

• A common problem is that people don't feel themselves going into a trance as they descend. If this happens to you, try not to focus on the thought. There is plenty of time to analyze your experience when you are done, and you will have the most success if you concentrate only on your visualization, not on whether it is working. You might be surprised when you return at how deeply you feel that you have gone.

• It can help to have another person guide you, or to make a recording of yourself describing the steps.

References

• Anxiety Control Center: Hypnosis – Learn to Go Into a Calming Trance State
• Oxford Hypnotherapy: Putting Yourself Into a Trance