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Lizzidoll
Junior Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2009
Posts: 70
Location: NW England
Wed Mar 18, 2009 2:22 pm
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| What does trance feel like to you? |
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During one of those moments in my day when my mind wanders and my thoughts run riot, I came across an interesting question which at the time, I didn't pick up on immediately.
Just thinking about it now, I've gone back and tried to answer it (with great difficulty, may I add!)
For the few of you that know me, you can ignore my next paragraph about my past experience with hypnosis. But even you may be a little surprised about the fact I find it difficult to answer this question.
My name is Liz, and almost two years ago I began to put two and two together about a secret interest I'd had for years. Unsurprisingly, this interest was with hypnosis, and the concept of Mind Control. Being a product of the internet era, I headed around the web, and eventually was linked to the YouTube videos of a UK hypnotist. After messaging him back and forth online for a while, he offered to trance me via MSN and thus, my online hypnotic experiences began.
Lex and I now have a blog together, in which we document our hypno-play amongst other things. So I'm not exaggerating when I say that I've been yo-yoing in and out of trance almost every day for the past 18 months or so!
For me, having triggers and being so used to dropping into trance at the drop of a hat (or the snap of a finger) makes the whole experience much more vague. It's like trying to describe other things that people take for granted so much. For example, describing what water feels like against the skin (without using the word 'wet'!), or other everyday things. I realise for most trance *isn't* an everyday occurence, but because it is with me, I find I experience things before I've had chance to feel them properly. I'm already out of trance before I realise what's just happened!
I know that the feeling of trance will vary from person to person, and when I finally get a more definite description behind what I'm saying, I'll post back. I'm just curious to see how trance affects others. Which I why I post the question to the board 
What does trance feel like for you? Is there a certain point that you *know* you're in trance? Do deeper trances feel significantly different to you? |
Parkey
Preferred Member
Joined: 08 Sep 2008
Posts: 849
Location: Oxford
Wed Mar 18, 2009 5:54 pm
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I have a personal theory that the people who ask themselves such a question are the ones who find it most difficult to access trance. Certainly the people I have hypnotised who went deepest first time seem to be those least able to put the experience into words, whilst awkward individuals who want to experience something so that we can describe it at great lengths in a blog find it most difficult - at least to start with. The adverse consequence of having an analytical mind I guess.
In any case this is just my theory.
As for my experience I would say that I am familiar with three "levels" of trance, although the boundaries between them are blurred. All three feel very good, and it gets better the deeper I go, but it's enjoyable in a very intangible psychological sense; it's not like the physical euphoria one might feel after, say, a massage. It feels good, but I can't put my finger on why, although it is also addictive and I am fast becoming a trance junkie.
So the first level, light trance, I would say feels amazingly unremarkable. It feels like I'm sat there with my eyes closed with the hypnotist talking to me. I've had people tell me "Wow! You were completely under then!", to which I've thought "I was, was I? It didn't feel like it". The only thing about this state that confirms to me that I'm in trance is my willingness to stay in an unusual physical pose, and the way in which whenever the thought of something that I think is witty to say crosses my mind I don't do my usual thing of just blurting it out.
The second level of trance feels much like the first, except that it feels like my ability to follow what's going on beyond my own thoughts seems start slipping from my grasp. It's the "hang on, I wasn't fully paying attention to that last bit" thought, where what was just said is fuzzy or sometimes I can't even remember it. Daydreaming in school or university lectures is the closest parallel I can think of. My conscious inner monologue also feels like it's slowing down, or becoming more sparse, which may sound odd, but that's the best way I can describe it. A strange line of thought is whether it's possible to quantify how much one is consciously thinking, and that it's impossible if one has stopped consciously thinking because both require conscious thought surely?
The third and final level is when I feel as though I've stopped thinking entirely. My thoughts seem to wind down to a complete halt, leaving me in a kind of black nothingness. The one time I have thus far been able to achieve it that felt very good, but the very moment I realised I had gone that deep by sheer definition I no longer was. It took about 30 minutes of deepening to get me there, and much to my disappointment I have not been able to get back there since.
So there's my answer.
Hmmm, I've gone on a bit here. I may have to rip this off and put it up as a blog post. |
benwha
Preferred Member
Joined: 09 Sep 2008
Posts: 411
Location: Gravesend, UK
Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:21 pm
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quote:
Originally posted by Parkey
So the first level, light trance, I would say feels amazingly unremarkable. It feels like I'm sat there with my eyes closed with the hypnotist talking to me. I've had people tell me "Wow! You were completely under then!", to which I've thought "I was, was I? It didn't feel like it". The only thing about this state that confirms to me that I'm in trance is my willingness to stay in an unusual physical pose, and the way in which whenever the thought of something that I think is witty to say crosses my mind I don't do my usual thing of just blurting it out.
The second level of trance feels much like the first, except that it feels like my ability to follow what's going on beyond my own thoughts seems start slipping from my grasp. It's the "hang on, I wasn't fully paying attention to that last bit" thought, where what was just said is fuzzy or sometimes I can't even remember it. Daydreaming in school or university lectures is the closest parallel I can think of. My conscious inner monologue also feels like it's slowing down, or becoming more sparse, which may sound odd, but that's the best way I can describe it. A strange line of thought is whether it's possible to quantify how much one is consciously thinking, and that it's impossible if one has stopped consciously thinking because both require conscious thought surely?
The third and final level is when I feel as though I've stopped thinking entirely. My thoughts seem to wind down to a complete halt, leaving me in a kind of black nothingness. The one time I have thus far been able to achieve it that felt very good, but the very moment I realised I had gone that deep by sheer definition I no longer was. It took about 30 minutes of deepening to get me there, and much to my disappointment I have not been able to get back there since.
Anyone read the Night Watch Trilogy (although there's a fourth book out now called Last Watch) by Sergei Lukyanenko? (which I highly recommend) I find myself drawing parallels between the levels of hypnosis and the twilight which features so heavily in the books... Are you sure there are only three levels Parkey? 
I completely agree with your description of level 2 - my inner voice also seems to disappear and its almost as though its not until it starts disappearing that I realise how active it is normally... I do find that more of my mind is focusing and becoming involved in the images/videos and feeling that the hypnosis process is generating (be it prompted or un-prompted).[/url] |
Lizzidoll
Junior Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2009
Posts: 70
Location: NW England
Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:18 pm
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After a little more consideration on the topic, I've begun to pin-point why it is that I find it difficult to voice what trance is like.
As I've grown used to going in and out of trance, I've opened my mind a lot more to the accepting nature of being a subject. The idea of 'going with the flow' and switching off your mind whilst someone else does the thinking for you. In that sense, when I'm in trance, I don't really have any thoughts. It's just like a blank canvas where I can blot out the rest of the world around me, and focus on the hypnotists voice.
But, I can apply this in everyday life. Frequently I'll find now that I'll enter into things and just have no thoughts. After a few moments, I'll pull some together, (or alternatively talk rubbish until some appear), but because on a regular basis, I don't *need* any, I guess this 'go with the flow' attitude has carried across. It's the same with blotting out the world around me to focus on one thing, since I was doing that effectively even before I met Lex.
It was Darren who made me realise I was doing it actually. in the pub, when he was listening to several conversations that were going on at the table at once. I hadn't been aware of anyone else but Parkey at the time. I was giving him my full attention, just in normal conversation.
So trance to me (when I realise I've been in it!) seems to be this state of mindlessness, of responsiveness and concentration on what's being asked of me. I can forget for a moment where I am, and I stop thinking entirely. There's nothing there, since I'm listening, not thinking, if that makes any sense? |
Parkey
Preferred Member
Joined: 08 Sep 2008
Posts: 849
Location: Oxford
Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:54 pm
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quote:
Originally posted by Lizzidoll
I hadn't been aware of anyone else but Parkey at the time.
My god! I'm so sorry! I trust you've since recovered? |
BladeBlunter
Full Member
Joined: 14 May 2008
Posts: 144
Location: Nottingham
Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:01 pm
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This all reminds me of the classic film Flatliners lol Wanting to go deeper and further etc.
I would be happy to experience any kind of trance at the minute. I have a very analytical mind (due to the nature of my job I think) which prevents me for being hypnotised.
I still want to experience the confusion of my hand being stuck to something. I have seen the look on people I have hypnotised and I always wonder what it must be like. |
Lizzidoll
Junior Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2009
Posts: 70
Location: NW England
Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:35 pm
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quote:
Originally posted by BladeBlunter
I would be happy to experience any kind of trance at the minute. I have a very analytical mind (due to the nature of my job I think) which prevents me for being hypnotised.
*looks across at Parkey, a knowing smile forming on her lips*
Trust me, whilst an analytical mind can sometimes be a hindrance to getting into trance, it's never a thorough barrier. I found that out, and passed on my knowledge (and mental corruption) onto Parkey.
I think he's coming along nicely as a test subject |
Parkey
Preferred Member
Joined: 08 Sep 2008
Posts: 849
Location: Oxford
Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:59 pm
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quote:
Originally posted by BladeBlunter
I have a very analytical mind (due to the nature of my job I think) which prevents me from being hypnotised.
Don't believe it. I once thought I could never be hypnotised. This was before my girlfriend went and stuck my hand to her knee back in January. Then more recently Liz came along and thanks to her insight all hell has broken loose; all sorts of things are starting to work for me.
quote:
Originally posted by Lizzidoll
I think he's coming along nicely as a test subject
Great. One minute I'm a trance mentee, next I'm a metaphorical mouse in a little wheel. |
Darren Altman
Full Member
Joined: 16 Nov 2008
Posts: 242
Location: London
Thu Mar 19, 2009 1:22 am
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Liz, out of interest can you describe how my do-it-yourself Jon Chase deepener felt for you, when I aksed you to take yourself down to 5 or 6 levels deeper? Knowing that you are used to gong in and out of trance everyday, I wanted you to feel a profound sense of hypnosis, like you've never experienced before!!
(Granted, we were sitting in a beer garden of a pub at the time!) |
Parkey
Preferred Member
Joined: 08 Sep 2008
Posts: 849
Location: Oxford
Thu Mar 19, 2009 9:52 am
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Darren, you're a natural somnambulist. Can you describe what trance feels like for you? |
Virtual Visitor
Full Member
Joined: 20 Feb 2009
Posts: 242
Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:04 am
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Lizzi and Parkey et al
Have you tried the Dave Elman induction, where you count down from 100, with the numbers flying away?
I've never been under (although ... Almost... once), so I'd like to experience the progressive nature of that induction, but the Pub meetups are so noisy and distracting.
Five people tried instant inductions (several times) on me at the last meetup; nothing at all, sigh...
I have a very analytical mind, and very observant, and my inner dialog is very intense. So I'd like to experience the gradual slowing and calming of that voice, little by little, progressively deeper.
Hope to see all of you on the 26th.
VV |
Parkey
Preferred Member
Joined: 08 Sep 2008
Posts: 849
Location: Oxford
Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:10 am
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Virtual Visitor, what are you expecting?
How do you think you will know when an induction has worked? |
Lizzidoll
Junior Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2009
Posts: 70
Location: NW England
Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:28 am
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quote:
Originally posted by Darren Altman
Liz, out of interest can you describe how my do-it-yourself Jon Chase deepener felt for you, when I aksed you to take yourself down to 5 or 6 levels deeper? Knowing that you are used to gong in and out of trance everyday, I wanted you to feel a profound sense of hypnosis, like you've never experienced before!!
(Granted, we were sitting in a beer garden of a pub at the time!)
Well, as I said to you in the pub...
When you triggered me into sleep (I think it was just with my trigger and one of your bloody sharp clicks wasn't it?) I slumped down into a really awkward position, my arm getting caught down between the armrest in the chair and the chair itself. So whilst I was in trance when you triggered me, the pain in my arm was an annoying distraction.
When you told me I could shift into a more comfortable position, I welcomed the chance to move! But found that I only bent my arm at the elbow, tucking it next to me. I couldn't muster up the effort to move the rest of my body even in the uncomfortable position it was in!
As the levels started getting deeper, more and more of the tension in my body (pent up from where I was sat) melted away, and soon I went from "Man, this is uncomfortable" to "well, I'll move in a bit" to a strange numbness that acted as a cushion and silenced the distraction.
I guess whilst in the trance itself, I didn't notice much difference, I usually only notice after I'm woken up. Appearing back in the pub and seeing the contrast of light was one way I knew I’d gone deeper than usual. I had to shield my eyes and let them re-adjust! There’s also a strange, fuzzy feeling in my mind that can be compared to concentrating on something for a few hours. Be it revision or otherwise, when you pull yourself away there’s a moment of disorientation as you move that’s present sometimes when I leave deeper trances.
It was a very nice experience though Darren, thank you for showing me! |
Virtual Visitor
Full Member
Joined: 20 Feb 2009
Posts: 242
Thu Mar 19, 2009 12:38 pm
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quote:
Originally posted by Parkey
Virtual Visitor, what are you expecting?
How do you think you will know when an induction has worked?
Who the F' Knows?
1) Quietening of my internal dialog
2) Hyper-awareness of surroundings and/or hypnotist's voice
3) Heightened suggestibility
4) Anything, just anything different at all, sigh.
I *know* that a long induction will work on me (I was almost there, see below), but the "instant" ones did not.
That's one of the reasons I'm willing to come pretty early on the 26th, in case there's more "private time" in a quieter part of the pub or area.
(Experience: I once went - as a "chaperone" - with someone who was being treated, so when I felt myself almost slipping under, I pulled out, distracted myself, and then was able to observe her induction and treatment) |
Parkey
Preferred Member
Joined: 08 Sep 2008
Posts: 849
Location: Oxford
Thu Mar 19, 2009 12:47 pm
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quote:
Originally posted by Virtual Visitor
Who the F' Knows?
1) Quietening of my internal dialog
2) Hyper-awareness of surroundings and/or hypnotist's voice
3) Heightened suggestibility
4) Anything, just anything different at all, sigh.
Ah. I only ask because before I figured it out I had the same sort of expectations. What I never realised was that I was "going under" and just not realising it.
It was no sooner than I had found confidence that it was actually working, in spite of it feeling so unremarkable, that phenomena actually started working on me. |
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