There is no more reason for the average person to remain unaware of the psychology of his instincts, or ignorant of the behavior pattern of his subconscious mind, than there is for him to be unaware of the importance of personal cleanliness.

The pursuit of self-knowledge is not only pleasure-able, but the means to a longer and more enjoyable life.
At home and in bed is a good place.

All that is required in the way of environment for inducing self-hypnosis is a comfortable chair, a quiet and not-too-brightly lighted room, and the assurance of being undisturbed.

Many people find themselves best able to induce self-hypnosis while in bed. Then, at the completion of self-hypnosis, they drop right off to sleep. If you find this convenient, I would recommend it.

The directions you give to yourself need not be spoken aloud, and should not be given by rote from those printed here. They should be phrased in your own words, with only the thought and idea expressed.
 

REMEMBER, IT'S SUGGESTION, WITHOUT CRITICAL EVALUATION

If you hope to induce hypnosis and gain the powerful influence of the post-hypnotic suggestion, you will have to remember that there is a vast difference between a suggestion and a command. That difference has been succinctly explained by Dr. Ainslie Meares, distinguished president of the

International Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis:

"It must be emphasized that tie suggestion is not a matter of the logical intellectual process working in a lesser degree. It is completely different. Suggestion is the process which determines the uncritical acceptance of an idea. It must be made in such a way as to not invite critical evaluation."

As you are making the suggestions to yourself to induce self-hypnosis, keep in mind that the response is to come from the subconscious. Do not make the response a conscious effort.

For example, when you drink from a glass, the conscious mind determines that you will drink. The subconscious mind takes over the automatic movements involved in reaching for the glass, bringing it to your lips, swallowing, and returning the glass to the table.
That is the way it should be when you induce self-hypnosis. The conscious mind issues the direction, but the subconscious mind responds with whatever muscular responses are desired.
 
THE METHOD IS A STANDARD PROCEDURE, A PROVEN METHOD

The technique of inducing self-hypnosis begins with deliberate relaxation of the body muscles—a perfectly normal phenomenon that takes place every time you go to sleep.

There's only one difference. When you reach the point where you would normally allow your conscious mind to rest and fall asleep, you will now give yourself instructions that you’ve rehearsed once or twice in general terms. These instructions will be absorbed and acted upon by the subconscious mind.

Our method of attaining body relaxation will be one used by most expert hypnotists and hypno-thera-pists. Commenting on my method, Leonard E. Levin said in "Hypnosis Quarterly": "The mechanics of inducing the self-hypnotic state are not new or essentially disparate from most standard works. If anything, it is a simplified version of a proven method.

The implanting of suggestion is the paramount aim, not trance depth."

Induce self-hypnosis as follows: Lower the lights or turn them out, make certain there will be no distractions, lie down in a comfortable position on the bed, and close your eyes. It is of extreme importance that you are completely comfortable, for it is impossible to relax if you are holding your body in a position that requires muscle tension.

Say to yourself: "I am now going to relax every muscle in my body . . . starting from my feet. . . and going up through my head . . . every muscle will relax and become limp .. . loose and limp."

Take three deep breaths. Count to yourself as you inhale: "One . . . two . . . three . . . four . . . five . . . six. . . ." Exhale and count "one . . . two . . . three. . . ." Breathe normally and deeply, as you do in sleep, when the span of time increases between inhaling and exhaling.

That is all you will ever need do to induce self-hypnosis. Does it sound too simple? Far too easy? Were you expecting some complicated ritual? Well, that's all there is to it—with this one condition. It works IF you can relax!

There is absolutely no necessity—indeed, it is not even desirable—to reach the "trance" state required in hetero-hypnosis. With self-hypnosis, you are both hypnotist and subject. Your conscious mind remains alert, but with its attention limited; and thus you can give your subconscious positive and forceful suggestions.

Relaxation is the answer. That's all there is to it. No tricks. No magic. No complicated rituals.
One word of warning. You may not believe your ability to reach this state of self-hypnosis. At first you may insist upon some proof, and you may demand actual evidence that you can examine.

If this should be the case, it merely means that your conscious mind is functioning, questioning and doubting, because as yet, despite the evidence offered, you haven't accepted the idea of self-hypnosis. Reluctantly I am going to include in the Appendix some tests you can make, if you should insist upon them. I say "reluctantly" because too often an individual becomes so involved in the ritual of relaxation that he defeats himself. He may feel that if he can't produce some "sensation" of hypnosis, he hasn't achieved self-hypnosis.