Conquering
Writer's Block using Self-Hypnosis
Can't
think of a thing to write?
No
idea where the next chapter is coming from?
One
of the best ways I have ever found to unblock my imagination is to
use Self-Hypnosis.
Writer's
block is a curse that affects basically all of us who write. Whether
you write novels, articles, poetry or anything else, there's a good
chance your bright ideas will dry up at some stage.
Before
writing full-time, my profession was as a Clinical Hypnotherapist, specializing in weight reduction therapy.
I
frequently taught how to use Self-Hypnosis to the participants in my
weight control club, with I might add, a lot of success.
What's
this got to do with writer's block?
The
benefits of Self-Hypnosis don't just have to be confined to weight
reduction, it is so useful in every aspect of our lives.
Why?
The
expression 'I'm in two minds', goes someway to describe our thought processes. We have a conscious mind and an unconscious mind.
The
conscious mind is active in the running of our daily lives. The
unconscious mind sits back and stores away everything that happens to
us, until that is, we need to call on that experience, for whatever reason.
I'm
not going to go into the complexities of Hypnosis because if I did,
I'd be writing an academic tome not a short blog.
The
most important thing to know is that the language used by your
unconscious mind is – imagination.
By
developing an ability to use Self-Hypnosis you can cross the bridge
between your conscious thoughts and the imagination stored in your
unconscious thoughts.
Learn
to talk to your imagination and you can eradicate the troublesome
writer's block.
I'm
not saying you won't get the block back but when you do, you can lift
it a lot easier by using Self-Hypnosis.
A
fun way to get in-touch with your imagination is to try something
called 'eye closure'.
Close
your eyes and imagine they are glued shut.
Imagine
your eye lids stuck to your cheeks by glue, then try to open your
eyes.
If
you are in-contact with your imagination they won't open.
You
know you can open your eyes whenever you want to
because you are simply imagining that your eyes are glued together.
When
you are ready, just think the glue gone and your eyes unstuck and
your eyes will open.
If
you can do 'eye closure' without difficulty, you can communicate with
your unconscious mind for some help in getting some fresh
inspiration.
Whilst
your eyes are closed ask your unconscious mind for some ideas as to
where you want to take your plot next.
Open
your eyes - then wait. Don't push your unconscious for ideas, give it
time to think of something – bet it does.
To
go deeper into Self-Hypnosis, the best way is with a relaxation
induction.
A
proper relaxation induction takes about 20 minutes and needs peace
and quiet with no interruptions to work well.
Below
is a basic relaxation induction I have often used.
Firstly
make sure you are not going to be interrupted by the phone or anyone
wanting your attention.
You
need to switch off from the world to do this.
I
prefer to lie on my bed down but a comfortable chair is just as good.
****
Take
a deep breath, hold it for a moment and then breath out slowly.
Let
your thoughts drift up to the top of your head and imagine yourself
beginning to relax.
Let
your eyelids close as you relax your eyes, feel your face soften and
your tongue lay comfortably in your mouth.
Take
slow steady breaths and as you do so, say to yourself.
Breathing
out tension.
Breathing
in relaxation.
Take
that relaxation across your shoulders and all the way down your
spine, along your legs and finally to the tips of your toes.
As
you visualize the tips of your toes feel all of your tensions just
flow away from you, leaving you with sense of ease and peace.
Now you are relaxed and at ease, tell your unconscious mind you desire to think of creative writing ideas.
The
above is a very simple technique to help you get rid of tension and
free up your mind to get back on the writing track.
Good
Luck.
