The question of intuitive development is how to tap into intuition and believe that this information will give us the guidance we need to live the best life possible. Equally important is the knowledge that intuition will also allow us to become the best version of ourselves at almost every opportunity. – Patricia “Patti” Vargas, Knowing, An Empath’s Guide to Intuitive Development
I am excited and pleased to announce the release of a work two years in the making. Knowing is a compilation of knowledge regarding the development of intuition by myself and my coauthor Terry Lynn Pellegrini. We began our journey as practitioner and client, and this led to friendship and collaboration.
Knowing literally answers questions posed by our social media followers regarding intuitive development, and Terry and I have inserted many stories from our experiences as well as the wisdom of combined decades of practice and teaching. As coauthors, we each give our unique perspectives, written in our own voices, as well as offering practical exercises and guided meditations that readers may use to develop their intuition more fully.
Everyone has the ability to develop their intuition to one degree or another. A question often asked is “Why should I develop my intuition? Isn’t critical thinking and analysis enough to solve problems that occur in my life?” Truly, both critical thought and analysis are excellent tools to possess. A highly developed intuition, however, adds to the efficacy of thought and analysis, and provides another mechanism by which life enhancing decisions can be made.
Knowing is an easy and enjoyable read, with exercises that are helpful and fully explained. We encourage anyone, whether you are a beginner or someone who has been developing their intuition throughout their life to purchase and read this book. It also makes an excellent gift for anyone you know that may need that “nudge” to begin their journey into intuitive development.
Below are the links to both Amazon and Balboa Press where this book may be purchased in hardcover, softcover or e-book formats. Enjoy!
I can be made to do things I do not want under hypnosis.
Hypnosis is simply an altered state of consciousness. Under hypnosis, the conscious mind is temporarily subverted, but it is still active. The hypnotherapist cannot force anyone to do anything they would not normally do in their conscious, waking state. Many people point to the antics of entertainment hypnotists who implant suggestions that encourage hypnotized subjects to act in silly and embarrassing ways. In addition, movies and television shows have been known to promulgate the myth that people can be forced to act in opposition to their moral beliefs under hypnosis. None of these portrayals depict the true nature of hypnotherapy.
The serious, professional hypnotherapist appreciates the therapeutic benefits of hypnosis, and would never consider causing their client harm. It is against our code of ethics. Instead, we work to enhance the lives of our clients through hypnosis by mitigating fears, transforming harmful habits, and developing talents and skills that are desired by our clientele.
Not everyone can be hypnotized.
Because hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, every person with a working cognitive ability can be hypnotized. You are hypnotized several times a day without even knowing it. If you are deep in thought, watching a television program, or participating in an activity that focuses your attention to the exclusion of all other awareness, you are in a state of hypnosis.
There are obstacles to deep hypnosis for some people. Those with an analytical mind, or who have a resistance to deep relaxation, may have some trouble being hypnotized. The skilled hypnotherapist can overcome these instances of resistance and allow the client to enjoy a successful hypnosis session. Occasionally, the prospective client may not actually want to change their behavior, and this may cause them to resist hypnosis. A comprehensive interview before a hypnosis session will usually make this opposition apparent, and the experienced hypnotherapist will know which techniques to use to overcome them.
Hypnosis is dangerous.
Hypnosis is a safe and effective way to address subconscious patterns that cause unwanted behaviors. In a deeply relaxed state, the conscious mind can be overcome momentarily so that the source of the fears and unwanted behaviors can be detected. Through hypnotic and post-hypnotic suggestions agreed upon by the client before the sessions starts, the client can be given the impetus to change behaviors that are holding them back from living their best lives. Again, the hypnotherapist can not force anyone to do anything they do not want to do, or that is contrary to their moral code.
On occasion, the client will become so relaxed that they may resist coming out of hypnosis. A skilled hypnotherapist has techniques to overcome that resistance. It should be disclosed that the client could remain in a light level of hypnosis up to 48 hours after the session. This light level of trance does not prevent the client from functioning normally throughout the day.
In summary.
Hypnosis has been misunderstood and even vilified for centuries. Popular notions about hypnosis promulgated through literature and drama have led to misconceptions that prevent people from gaining the benefits of life enhancement available through this modality. In some cases, hypnosis can be even more effective than other types of therapy because hypnotherapy goes right to the root of the problem and convinces the subconscious to make the changes that the client wishes to experience.
Hypnosis should be the preferred way to change habits and enhance skills. With little effort on the part of the client, their life can be improved by simply relaxing and allowing the subconscious mind to do all the work. Hypnosis is safe and effective, and in many cases enjoyable. It mimics a vacation for the mind, allowing the conscious mind to take a break from worry and effort, while the body enjoys muscle relaxation and restful repose. It is certainly a modality to consider when you want to make changes that will enhance your life.
How do I make an appointment with Patricia Vargas, Certified Hypnotherapist?
To make an appointment, call or text me at (209) 380-0610, email me at godessmoon2012@yahoo.com, or leave a comment below.
Essentially, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. As a subject of hypnosis, the client is always aware and in control. The guide, or hypnotherapist, cannot make anyone do or say anything that the client does not wish for themselves. However, the deep trance like state of hypnosis allows the client to release resistance to change. Every person has a different level of resistance to relaxation and possibly hypnosis, but practically everyone can be hypnotized.* The more analytical the person, the more resistant they might be to hypnosis. It is the responsibility of the guide to build a rapport with the client, and to put them at ease during the first several minutes of the session.
The subconscious mind can be instructed, through hypnotic and post hypnotic suggestion to replace the unwanted habit with a healthier habit.
It is essential that the hypnotherapist induce the client into a level of hypnotic trance that will allow the subject of hypnosis to release resistance to change. The subconscious remembers everything, while the conscious mind often forgets, or possibly disassociates from, the trauma or impetus that led to the unwanted habit or behavior. When the client is hypnotized, the subconscious can be reached, and that is where the transformation can begin. The subconscious mind can be instructed, through hypnotic and post hypnotic suggestion to replace the unwanted habit with a healthier habit. Often, this form of suggestion is so powerful and immune to resistance, that it only takes one session to allow the client to change the unwanted habit with little conscious work on their part.
An effective hypnotic session starts with an interview in which the hypnotherapist assesses the client’s goals and underlying motivations. Any information that the client shares with the hypnotherapist is held in complete and secured confidentiality. The interview is focused on a process that is entirely centered on the client. Together they create suggestions and affirmations that resonate with the client and helps them to change the behavior permanently in a positive, uplifting manner.
Another benefit to experiencing hypnosis is the deep relaxation that accompanies a session, and the feeling of well-being that follows.
Ultimately, hypnosis is a safe and effective way to change habits, as well as invigorating talents and enhancing skills. It is a simple, direct method used to connect with the client’s subconscious, and to transform behavior at the root of the cause. Another benefit to experiencing hypnosis is the deep relaxation that accompanies a session, and the feeling of well-being that follows. Once a client experiences the ability to relax deeply, they can often induce themselves into a hypnotic state and benefit from the well being that emerges from connecting with their subconscious. Hypnosis can truly be life transforming!
For a complimentary initial interview, or for more information, phone or text me at (209) 380-0610, or contact me at godessmoon2012@yahoo.com
*The use of prescribed medications for chronic depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar conditions can inhibit the induction of the hypnotic state. Brain injuries, epilepsy and some cardiac conditions are often contraindicated for hypnosis. Please consult with your physician before seeking the services of a hypnotherapist.
Come on. Admit it. You don’t always eat just to relieve
physical hunger.
We’ve all done it. We eat to soothe ourselves. It could be a
habit we learned as children, or we could have picked up well into adulthood.
But there it is…the cycle of eat, temporarily feel better, feel guilty or
disgusted with ourselves, eat, feel better…well you get it.
We could be bored, angry, depressed, stressed or even happy.
And it’s a habit that doesn’t support our weight loss and management. Allowing
ourselves to be hungry, really hungry: Stomach growling, light headed, and
irritable makes us more aware of our response to emotions versus our
physiological needs. This awareness will contribute more to transforming our
habits, and therefore our weight and body image, than any other strategy. But
how do we learn to cope with discomfort without eating? We need to FEEL.
That’s right feel it. Immerse yourself and then let it go. Pema
Chodron speaks of bravery in the face of unpleasant emotions and painful
thoughts: “Lean into the sharp points and fully experience them. The essence of
bravery is being without self-deception. Wisdom is inherent in understanding
emotions.” There’s no need to dwell on them, but pushing them down with food
does not solve the ongoing problem of stress or emotional eating. Besides, when
you “lean into the sharp points”, you begin to build an immunity to them. You
begin to realize that you won’t die, and your world won’t come to an end if you
experience them. You discovery your own bravery in the face of fearfulness.
One more thing…I’m talking about gently leaning into the sharp points of that emotional pain…NOT impaling yourself. Be gentle and loving with yourself, and use self-compassion of all times. That is the conundrum of life: It’s full of those sharp points but who rightfully would have the alternative? Without pain there is no pleasure. With pain comes learning. With learning comes wisdom. And who doesn’t want to have wisdom?
I first learned about Ho’opono’opono several years back when
I was exploring The Secret and the Laws of Attraction. The concept was
introduced by Joe Vitale in his book Zero
Limits. The technique is simply four phrases repeated until you feel calm
and centered:
I love you.
I’m sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
Without going into too much detail, the phrases are meant to
clear obstructions to our perception of the Oneness with all that is, and our
personal responsibility for our lives. Sounds deep, I know, but there’s no
denying it works. I’ve convinced the hardest of skeptics with my ability to
resolve difficult issues in the work place, and even clear traffic congestion.
If I have trouble sleeping after a hard day, or wake up with worries for what I
will have to face in the near future, I repeat the phrases until I feel calm.
If I’m tempted to have a handful of semisweet chips to assuage my anxiety, I
“pono” it until the urge passes. It also helps to take deep breaths and exhale
deeply in between phrases. Oxygen is a great stress reliever.
And as I’ve mentioned before, the ability to “pono” any
unpleasant situation is a gift. We want to experience what we feel, on either
end of the spectrum of emotions, in order to be healthy, well balanced adults.
We have a responsibility to ourselves to acknowledge our emotions and not to
push them down with food or other substances that only numb the pain
temporarily. It’s so much better to control our response to unpleasant
feelings, than to react in ways that damage us.
I will close with this final suggestion. In the heat of the moment, when we are wrapped up in whatever strong emotion we are experiencing, we may forget to use Ho’opono’opono. So get out your sticky notes and your sharpie marker, and write the phrases on several notes so that you can place them on the fridge, the pantry door, the bathroom mirror, the car dashboard, your computer screens, etc. After a while the sticky notes will disappear and you won’t need them anymore because it will be automatic to chant your way to calm.
And people will ask: “What’s up with so and so…they used to be so ___________, now they always appear to be calm?” Be nice to them. Share your secret.
Recommended reading: Zero
Limits by Joe Vitale ISBN-13: 978-0470402566, When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron ISBN-13:
978-1611803433.
Patti offers advice based on her own experience with weight management and wellness coaching. Her advice is not meant to be substituted for professional medical or mental health treatment. Please consult your medical or mental health professional before entering any health and wellness protocol. Contact her at godessmoon2012@yahoo.com
Yuck…water! That’s what most of my clients say. But drinking water is an essential component of health, wellness and weight management. In fact, it’s just as important as food management and increased activity. Why? Because it aids the body to eliminate toxins and waste.
Yup. That’s the big, heavy gorilla in the room. The aspect of weight loss that is not discussed in polite society. However, it is the aspect that will help you the most to achieve your weight loss and maintenance goals. As your body sheds the fat layer through reduced calorie intake and increased activity, it also sheds the toxins that are stored in that fat layer. Those toxins are shed with the rest of your waste material, and if they are not eliminated, your weight loss may stall. Keeping my bowels clear makes me feel lighter and healthier.
Most health experts recommend that you should drink at least eight, eight ounce glasses of water each day. That’s a good place to start, and of course it depends your own physical needs. How much you drink is important, but so is the timing of your hydration.
I have found that a glass of clean, filtered room temperature water first thing in the morning really gets things going for me. Literally and figuratively. It really jump starts my elimination process. I always put a glass of water on the counter before I go to bed at night. (If you are concerned about “floaties”, cover it with a paper towel.) I drink the water within one half hour of waking, and usually in about an hour, the process begins. Your experience may be different with this depending on your own physical condition.
In addition, water can help with hunger. If you feel hungry, and you have eaten within that last three to four hours, you may actually be thirsty. If you don’t stay hydrated, your body will cause you to feel hunger so that it can get hydration from food. So when I feel hungry when I’m not supposed to, I will drink a glass of water and wait about 10 minutes. If I’m still hungry, I will eat a meal or a healthy snack.
And it doesn’t have to be plain old water. You can add citrus and herbs to make a tasty and health giving spa water. Herbal caffeine-free teas, hot or cold can also be consumed for necessary hydration. So…bottoms up!
Questions or comments? Contact me at godessmoon20112@yahoo.com
My blogs contain information and advice based on my experience and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before beginning a weight loss and exercise program.
Patricia Vargas Certified Hypnotherapist 