Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/180483
EntEr thE sUbconscioUs After years of laboratory research, noted cellular biologist Bruce H. Lipton writes in his book, The Biology of Belief, that "thoughts, the mind's energy, directly influence how the physical brain controls the body's physiology." Thought energy, Lipton says, "can activate or inhibit the cell's function-producing proteins via the mechanics of constructive and destructive interference." Going further, he says that by harnessing the power of our minds we can create more effective healing and wellness than many of the drugs we have been told we need. As Lipton puts it: "Energy is a more efficient means of affecting matter than chemicals. In a community of cells, each cell must acquiesce control to the informed decisions of its awareness authority, the brain. The brain controls the behavior of the body's cells." This is an important point to consider as we blame our bodies for the health issues we experience. Lipton further states that improving or maintaining a healthy body requires changes on the subconscious level, where our communication with our cells takes place. By changing our attitudes, perspectives and outlook we can improve our health. Becoming self-aware and proactive about how we experience and respond to life's events is vital to maintaining our health and increasing our longevity. In order to do this, however, we must open ourselves to avenues such as meditation, hypnosis, and self-hypnosis. Your Your Your Your Your Your Exploring hypnosis Mary lee labay will discuss hypnosis— what it is, how it works, and practical applications—from 6:30 to 8 pm on tuesday, october 22, in the wAc clubhouse. labay will talk about the relationship between thoughts and health and discuss how hypnotherapy can heighten well-being. For more information, see the Exploring hypnosis club programs listing on page 33. beliefs become your thoughts thoughts become your words words become your actions actions become your habits habits become your values values become your destiny thE powEr in yoU These discoveries put individuals in a position of power when it comes to managing health. Although some physical symptoms may have progressed beyond the point of no return, others can be mitigated. Moreover, people who are relatively healthy and active can implement Mahatma Gandhi mental strategies that further improve their physical state. Meditation, for example, has gained a strong following and is now widely considered a primary pathway to health and well-being. For anyone requiring assistance to achieve deeper states during meditation—or to attain clarity and self-awareness—hypnotherapy can help. Put simply, hypnosis uses applied techniques to yield profound states of relaxation, mental focus, and heightened sensory awareness. Several styles of hypnotherapy exist. "Stage hypnosis" uses the hypnotic state for purposes of entertainment, while "classical hypnosis" uses deep trance to bypass critical reasoning processes and deliver scripts with positive affirmations. A more modern method may be described as "client-centered hypnotherapy." This approach uses dialogue and various techniques within trance states to achieve discovery and change. Client-centered hypnotherapy often allows personal goals to be more easily attained. This occurs by exploring and removing the deeper roots of an issue and creating new thought processes that lead to increased wholeness and well-being. While some people may doubt the power of their own mind, those who believe in it will more likely experience the advantages of meditation and hypnosis. When we're willing to try, each of us can change our consciousness. From there, a new approach to health and wellness can begin. — Mary Lee LaBay holds a doctorate in behavioral psychology. She is an instructor of hypnotherapy at Bastyr University and the author of five books, including Hypnotherapy: A ClientCentered Approach. Visit her website at maryleelabay.com OCTOBER 2013 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 23