A Hypnosis of Hope

Song & Story for Peace & Empowerment

I first became an artist because it was one of the only things that significantly supported my mental health (which has had some really rough spots in my life). At first it was purely intuitive; I’d write poems on napkins and then make acapella songs of them. Then, I gained some tools when I took a course in college called “Memoir Writing and Place” with Greg Sarris (author and Chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria) that helped me to see the benefits of healing myself through the lens of landscapes around me. 

Later, my self-help art took on a whole new level of effectiveness after I studied hypnotherapy and became certified as a Depth Hypnosis Practitioner (a form of hypnotherapy by Dr. Isa Gucciardi that’s hugely influenced by wisdom traditions from around the world). Through my study and practice, I not only experienced the transformational power of symbols, stories,  sound, color, and repetition, but I also learned techniques that made me adept at using them for my own healing. 

Though eventually I realized that having a private practice in hypnotherapy was not for me, what did call me was the arts. Since then I’ve been exploring how to apply hypnotherapeutic methods to my creative process.

After many years of trial and error, these are my ingredients for songs and stories that nourish both my mental health and the wellbeing of those around me: 

1. Honest Presence: Growing peace and love within me starts with acknowledging the parts that aren’t feeling very peaceful or loving. By allowing myself to feel the natural flow of emotions, I connect with the parts that are still growing (so that I may nurture their growth). Difficult emotions such as grief, anger, loneliness, fear, despair, longing, desperation, and confusion all signal where I am healing. Giving those experiences my attention is the first step to caring for them. 

2. Wonder: In the face of life’s many unknowns, answers don’t always come quickly, clearly or easily. With this in mind, I don’t rush to resolutions that don’t feel authentic. Instead, I allow myself to express what feels difficult alongside a question that insinuates that peaceful resolve is possible. Indeed, the simple act of wonder carries an inherent hope: I might not understand or know what to do now, but can and I will as I keep wondering.

3. The Scientific Method: In order for my creative suggestions to really take root, they’ve gotta feel true. That’s why I do all kinds of nature-nerd research to support my suggestions (which you can find here). Learn more about how the scientific method supports my art.

4. Dignity: It’s a golden rule kinda thing; if life is a reflection of me, then it’s important to treat every part of my creation with the same kind of respect that’s required for my own wellbeing. This is especially important as, over time, I have painstakingly found that contempt for others is a direct impediment to loving myself, and that contempt for myself is a direct impediment to loving others. (Hear more about my practice of Dignity for Humanity: Compassionate Storytelling for Peace)

5. Affirmation: One of primary tenets of hypnotherapy is repetition, which has the power to create new pathways of thought¹, behaviors, and ultimately create new realities. With this in mind, I apply the affirmative principle of suggestion hypnosis² (which says that the most effective suggestions are those that are present tense and affirmative) to everything that I put on repeat. 

6. Imagination: While so much of life simply can’t be known, it’s human nature to fill-in-the-gaps with our imagination. With a clear aim for the kind of reality that I wish to create, I do my best to be aware of when I’m making stuff up, and then I dedicate my imagination to creations that bring possibility to my dreams. Indeed, positive visualization and mental imagery have been well documented as a beneficial approaches to improving mental health³.  Learn more about loving imagination here.

7. Gratitude: The positive impact of gratitude on our physical and mental well-being is well known and studied⁴. While not everything in life elicits big thanks immediately, to seek a gift in every experience anchors faith that I can always find a way to feel loved by life. From this feeling of being loved, wellness ensues and generosity naturally follows forth. Learn more about how I find gratitude in nature’s silver linings here.

8. Generosity: Nothing affirms a thriving state of life more than giving of myself to the world around me. The  more I give, the more I feel worthy of my gifts. The more I feel worthy of my gifts, the more I am able to receive them. The more I’m able to receive them, the more I have to give. It’s a grand upward spiral that not only benefits me, but everyone around me.

With these pillars, I’ve grown the confidence that every song and every story will feed the heart of it.

Wanna join me in the heart and hope healing of creativity? Become a Paid Subscriber for creative prompts to join me.

1. https://www.cpht.co.uk/blog/about-hypnotherapy/the-importance-of-repetition/#:~:text=November 23, 2020,to alert us to danger.

2. https://www.ukhypnosis.com/2010/08/06/the-rules-of-hypnotic-suggestion/#:~:text=3.,aspects of a complex response.

3. https://psychcentral.com/lib/imagery-in-everyday-life#techniques

4. https://research.com/education/scientific-benefits-of-gratitude#:~:text=Emmons also states that individuals,blood pressure of hypertensive patients.