There are many similarities between hypnosis and meditation. Both involve entering an altered state of consciousness. Each can be self-induced. While a hypnotic state can be achieved with the help of a hypnotherapist, a meditative state can be achieved with the help of an instructor.
However, there is a big difference that separates the two practices. Hypnosis generally involves prompting the mind to recall an event or past experience, whereas meditation is about clearing the mind of all thoughts and distractions and living in the present moment.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of consciousness in which a person becomes open to suggestion. Coined by English surgeon James Braid, the word "hypnosis" comes from the term "Hypnos," which is the name of the Greek god of sleep. It is believed that approximately 90 percent of the population can be hypnotized.
A good therapist can help a client make positive changes in life, such as quitting smoking or losing weight, through the power of suggestion and positive affirmations. Hypnosis can also help an individual recall memories from the past, such as a traumatic childhood event.
While hypnotized, it's said that some people can even recall past lives in a form of hypnosis known as Past Life Regression.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a process in which a person is able to clear the mind of all thoughts through proper posture and breathing. It is generally used for relaxation, although it can also be used for healing and accessing higher levels of consciousness. Some believe that meditation can also enable a practitioner to develop psychic abilities.
The Origins of meditation are said to be ancient and it's believed that it may be been practiced as far back as the Stone Age. Meditation grew in popularity due to Siddhartha Gautauma, who became known as Buddha. Today, meditation is practiced throughout the world.
Meditation and Hypnosis Trance Differences
To enter what some refer to as a meditation trance, the individual must make a deliberate attempt at meditation. With hypnosis, people can enter into a light hypnotic state at various times throughout the day, which is another way in which meditation and hypnosis differ.
One of the most common ways that people enter into a hypnotic state is while driving a car. Even though the eyes are kept on the road, oftentimes the mind wanders off. Shortly thereafter, the mind comes back into focus, but the person driving the car has no recollection of what took place during that brief period of time.
Even though there are superficial similarities between meditation and hypnosis, there are definitely differences between the two practices, including the reasons and goals for entering an altered state of consciousness, along with how this state of consciousness is accessed.
Readers may also enjoy Easy Meditation for Beginners, along with Relaxation Visualization Meditation Techniques, and Manifesting Dreams with Meditation.
Sources:
Meditation for Dummies, Stephan Bodian, (Wiley Publishing, Inc.,) 2006.
Harper's Encyclopedia of Mystical & Paranormal Experience, Rosemary Zimmer Bradley, (HarperSanFrancisco,) 1991.
Janis Masyk-Jackson - I'm here to seek out the truth about some of life's mysteries. There is nothing new about New Age beliefs. These are beliefs that have ...
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