Yesterday, Lori's blog post about Paul McKenna and weight loss hypnosis got me thinking...
I'll admit it, I don't necessarily believe in hypnosis - I'm a bit of a cynic when it comes to stuff like that...years ago I went to see Reveen (a hypnotist who used to tour Canada doing live shows) and he had absolutely no effect on me.
However, I do believe my weight struggles and eating problem have firm roots in my brain - what I tell myself, how I react to stressors, and the formation/perpetuation of habits (good and bad...and ugly). I've often wished I could just switch off my brain for a while, just to put the brakes on my emotional overeating, or re-program my reactions to stress. It's been scientifically shown that changing behaviours is actually accomplished by re-wiring the circuitry in your brain, so that new neural pathways are established. So overeating?...it's all about what's happening in my head.
What does all that have to do with hypnosis? I started thinking about all of my negative self-talk and the resultant physical/chemical reactions in my body. I also started thinking about how I often want to numb myself with food because I think I can't handle the stress of everything...even little stuff is getting to me lately. I thought of how often I've though "I just want to relax"...and then I got it. Hey...guided meditation...relaxation and even hypnosis (!) from an audiobook? Could it help? I've tried meditation a few times on my own using books from the library, but every time I've tried it, I've fallen asleep or gotten too distracted with other thoughts. Staying focused was really tough. But listening to an audiobook with headphones, on my iPod? It might be worth a try.
After listening to a few samples of different recordings in the iTunes Store (I love that feature), I picked a soothing one intended for weight loss. It sounds like rain and intermittent soft, bell-like chimes (or gongs?) - not too new-age and not too much talking. (Okay, it was a bit of a climb out on the looney-bin limb because the one I chose also supposedly contained subliminal messages, too - sort of creepy, yet intriguing. I know, I know, but I figured, why not go way out there and try something completely different?) Admittedly, as I put on my headphones, I felt a little like I was about to enter a cult or smoke drugs or something...I didn't know what effect it was going to have on me. Filled with skepticism and trepidation, I hit play.
Forty minutes later, it was over, and I felt...serene. Calm. At times while I'd been listening to it, my mind wandered away to other things, but for the most part, I felt so deeply relaxed that I couldn't move or open my eyes. I think I was awake for it all, but I can't be sure.
What I do know is that I felt really calm long afterwards; the feeling lasted for the rest of the evening. There were no insatiable cravings to feed. Mr. Debbie had brought back Smarties from London for the kids, and I was able to stop myself from secretly diving into the bags, deciding I didn't need the chocolate (and lately, well, I've "needed" chocolate quite a lot).
Even this morning, I don't have a desire to start bingeing. I just feel, well, calm...normal in my own skin.
As for the hypnosis thing - I'm still skeptical about that and even more so about the efficacy of subliminal messages (it makes me think of people playing Beatles' records backwards to hear hidden evil messages...a little cuckoo). But guided meditation? Finding a new way to relax without numbing myself with food? I'm all for it.
"I just want to relax" - I don't know how many times I've told myself those exact words right before bingeing, thinking it was the only way I knew how to relax. But maybe I've stumbled upon a new way to unwind without chemically altering myself with food. Maybe it sounds like hocus-pocus, but I can't wait to try it again today.
Meditation is what lots of normal, healthy people do to cope with stress - a time set aside to "zone out". Funny, zoning out is exactly what I've been trying to do all along, through overeating...something tells me guided meditation is a healthier way to go.
I'll admit it, I don't necessarily believe in hypnosis - I'm a bit of a cynic when it comes to stuff like that...years ago I went to see Reveen (a hypnotist who used to tour Canada doing live shows) and he had absolutely no effect on me.
However, I do believe my weight struggles and eating problem have firm roots in my brain - what I tell myself, how I react to stressors, and the formation/perpetuation of habits (good and bad...and ugly). I've often wished I could just switch off my brain for a while, just to put the brakes on my emotional overeating, or re-program my reactions to stress. It's been scientifically shown that changing behaviours is actually accomplished by re-wiring the circuitry in your brain, so that new neural pathways are established. So overeating?...it's all about what's happening in my head.
What does all that have to do with hypnosis? I started thinking about all of my negative self-talk and the resultant physical/chemical reactions in my body. I also started thinking about how I often want to numb myself with food because I think I can't handle the stress of everything...even little stuff is getting to me lately. I thought of how often I've though "I just want to relax"...and then I got it. Hey...guided meditation...relaxation and even hypnosis (!) from an audiobook? Could it help? I've tried meditation a few times on my own using books from the library, but every time I've tried it, I've fallen asleep or gotten too distracted with other thoughts. Staying focused was really tough. But listening to an audiobook with headphones, on my iPod? It might be worth a try.
After listening to a few samples of different recordings in the iTunes Store (I love that feature), I picked a soothing one intended for weight loss. It sounds like rain and intermittent soft, bell-like chimes (or gongs?) - not too new-age and not too much talking. (Okay, it was a bit of a climb out on the looney-bin limb because the one I chose also supposedly contained subliminal messages, too - sort of creepy, yet intriguing. I know, I know, but I figured, why not go way out there and try something completely different?) Admittedly, as I put on my headphones, I felt a little like I was about to enter a cult or smoke drugs or something...I didn't know what effect it was going to have on me. Filled with skepticism and trepidation, I hit play.
Forty minutes later, it was over, and I felt...serene. Calm. At times while I'd been listening to it, my mind wandered away to other things, but for the most part, I felt so deeply relaxed that I couldn't move or open my eyes. I think I was awake for it all, but I can't be sure.
What I do know is that I felt really calm long afterwards; the feeling lasted for the rest of the evening. There were no insatiable cravings to feed. Mr. Debbie had brought back Smarties from London for the kids, and I was able to stop myself from secretly diving into the bags, deciding I didn't need the chocolate (and lately, well, I've "needed" chocolate quite a lot).
Even this morning, I don't have a desire to start bingeing. I just feel, well, calm...normal in my own skin.
As for the hypnosis thing - I'm still skeptical about that and even more so about the efficacy of subliminal messages (it makes me think of people playing Beatles' records backwards to hear hidden evil messages...a little cuckoo). But guided meditation? Finding a new way to relax without numbing myself with food? I'm all for it.
"I just want to relax" - I don't know how many times I've told myself those exact words right before bingeing, thinking it was the only way I knew how to relax. But maybe I've stumbled upon a new way to unwind without chemically altering myself with food. Maybe it sounds like hocus-pocus, but I can't wait to try it again today.
Meditation is what lots of normal, healthy people do to cope with stress - a time set aside to "zone out". Funny, zoning out is exactly what I've been trying to do all along, through overeating...something tells me guided meditation is a healthier way to go.
12 comments:
Interesting and intriguing. I've always said the only way I would try hypnosis would be if someone I trusted was with me. Paranoid? Me? :)
LOL - I'm with you....its seems strange to me and I've always been a afraid to try it. I am anxious to hear how it goes!
Stay focused!
You are very ill-informed. Meditation has nothing to do with "zoning out".
I suggest you do some work. Google JackKornfield and meditation or Jon Kabat- Zin at Harvard.
The way you talk about hypnosis sounds like you are looking for a magic pill...something or someone else to do the work for you.And clinical hypnosis is also certainly not that.
Dear Katie,
I'm trying to figure out the underlying current of your last few comments to me. I feel a response is necessary.
I tried to find if you have a blog or even a way to send you a message - there was none, so I will respond publicly.
I am definitely a layperson in matters of meditation and psychology, however "ill-informed", who is trying to find ways to overcome my struggles with overeating. I don't claim to be an expert on any topic - it's a weight-loss blog, not a scientific journal.
I welcome constructive criticism and comments - perhaps you may not realize the tone of your comment was condescending?
Please clarify if I've misinterpreted your intentions.
Thanks!
Debbie
I love using guided meditation. I have completed about dozen sessions. I don't know if it's having long term effects yet. But, immediately during, and after, I feel so completely relaxed. And who cares what you call it? Be it meditation, or zoning out -- I just call it a mental vacation.
Good luck with this. I am still listening to Paul McKenna. I'm not sure it's working, but if nothing else, it's 25 minutes to "zone out" and be free from distraction. That's all good.
Oi Vey - Meditation, Zoning Out, Going Within, Being with God - whatever anyone wants to call it, it is the end result that matters.
You said you felt serene and calm. That my dear lady is what you want out of it and I'm proud of you for getting there. Meditation is extremely hard if you can't "turn off your ego" and just sit quietly. It is really really difficult to just shut that voice off.
I find listening to something helps you develop the discipline to sit quietly without your busy mind going on. That's why some folks chant - it's not so much about what they are saying but the sound/connection that moves them through it. That’s why I listen to meditation music (or words).
Meditation is a personal thing and we all adapt and practice it differently.
I think it is very beneficial in a whole lot of ways.
Oh how I enjoyed this post! I laughed out loud at the loony-bin limb. I'm like you, I keep thinking "this isn't working" or "i don't get it". I do sometimes listen to the sounds on my clock radio/noise machine in an effort to relax. I never even thought of itunes for this type of thing and I'm definitely going to check it out. Thank you!
Also, not sure if you're a Friends watcher but I kept thinking of the non-smoking subliminal tapes that Chandler was using to quit smoking. No one could figure out why he started to act more feminine and then they played his tape and the messages were "you are a strong confident woman, you can quit". Ahahah!
Meditation is one of my favourite things. Once you practice often you can zip yourself back into that peaceful feeling quite quickly.
It can also create a quiet space to work through issues calmy and safely. I know a lot of my most heartfelt issues were moved significantly forwards during meditation x
I support whatever has no ill effects but makes things better. I had a weird illness when I was in my 20's and I know guided meditation got me through it whether it was just to stay calm or to relax and have some 'down' time or for healing. I've had patients that got through procedures using only hypnosis when usually strong drugs are needed. So I'm remain open minded.
For me, the problems I have with weight and food are only a percentage from binges-emotional eating. Less binges of late though not perfect. The other problem is just a plain love and obsession with good food beyond the necessity of maintaining my bodily functions. Probably, still a form of emotional eating in that I can't control it 24/7. I'm so wired this way. It IS brain wiring that took a lifetime to form. Every response to stress that isn't about food is a victory.
I must dig out those Paul McKenna CD's 'cos I found those really relaxing when I did them. Thanks for the reminder and I hoipe your meditation really helps. Can't hurt, that's for sure.
Lesley x
Hi Debbie! I just found you ( not sure how...I think through Shelley's blog???)and so glad I did! I can relate to your struggles. I am currently working with an emotional eating recovery coach and am learning that eating/weight sturggles definitely have FIRM roots in the brain! We've been doing it so long that it's become habit; a natural way of dealing with things for us.
Anyway, keep working on trying to find what helps! I'm all for hypnosis as a tool!
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