SELF HYPNOSIS LESSON 16
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      TALISMAN

      INTRODUCTORY NOTE

      The mind in an altered state of consciousness has its own talismans, and
      uses them much as it uses them in the usual reality state. But because
      the unconscious layers of the mind which are tapped in altered states are
      very responsive to symbols, their effect is greatly enhanced.

      PREPARATION

      Settle down comfortably on a sofa, bed, or in an armchair. Roll your eyes
      upward and fix them on a point much higher than your line of vision. When
      they tire, let them close, keeping your eyes focused on that high point
      while your lids close over them.

      Now tell yourself that, in order to go deeper and deeper into your
      altered state of consciousness, you will count from ten to zero; and
      that, on reaching zero, you will be at a much deeper level of mind than
      now. Feel yourself descending to that deeper level while visualizing the
      downward progression of numerals: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 2, 1, 0. Deeper
      and deeper - very deeply now.

      THE EXERCISE

      Now that you have reached a fairly deep level of altered consciousness,
      evoke before your mind a problem or circumstance whose solution
      requires better memory or improved faculties of concentration. Perhaps
      you have trouble with one of your courses in school. If so, say the name
      of the subject to yourself, and visualize the surroundings in which the
      course is given. See the room, the teacher, your fellow students, and
      yourself among them. Now let this picture dissolve, and replace it with
      an image of the place where you normally do your studying for this course
      - your room at home, your desk, and yourself sitting before it, with
      textbook open before you. And while you are there, lightly place together
      the thumb and forefinger of either hand.

      Tell yourself that, from now on, you will tremendously increase your
      understanding of the lectures and your subsequent recall of the material
      covered by simply placing your thumb and index finger in this position
      while you listen. The same will apply to your own studying, if you let
      your thumb and index finger touch lightly while reading your assignment.
      The touching thumb and index finger form a closed circle, and this magic
      circle will prevent any of the information from escaping.

      Tell yourself also that, if at any time in the future you have difficulty
      in recalling a specific item of information in this course, you will be
      able to recall it immediately by lightly closing your thumb and index
      finger of either hand. The magic circle will always work its magic.

      Let yourself dwell on this thought for a few moments, while picturing
      yourself employing the magic-circle technique, effortlessly absorbing and
      retaining the material of your school course.

      Then tell yourself that you will now count from one to three and open
      your eyes. As soon as you have opened them you will be back in your usual
      reality state, feeling very relaxed and at the same time very alert.

      Repeat this exercise frequently in your altered state of consciousness
      until the positive reaction becomes habitual. In between, employ the
      technique in your ordinary waking state for recalling specific details,
      in order to strengthen the pattern.

      This technique can be used not only for the recall and absorption of
      facts in school or at work, but also for more esoteric purposes, such as
      recapturing a mood, or reactivating a sense of motivation in any area.