Much and varied evidence is available in support of the belief that the bodily mechanism underlying hypnosis is identical with that involved in ordinary waking suggestion. It is hardly necessary to embark upon a detailed theoretical discussion of the problem, or even to study countless medical records. It will be sufficient to consider the following simple facts, to recognize this identity.A number of years ago, I entered a grocery store to buy a few tomatoes, my favorite vegetable. As I was selecting them, I happened to turn over one large tomato, right in time to see a large, fat worm crawl out of it. It was silly, of course, to allow myself to be influenced by this sight-I did not buy that tomato, after all-but the fact remains that I could not eat any tomatoes that day and for the subsequent year. The mere sight of tomatoes would invariably bring back the recollection . . . and disgust. Even today I have not completely regained my former predilection for the vegetable. As a psychologist, I should have known how to combat the unpleasant association created by my experience in the grocery store. But psychologists, I presume, are as helpless in fighting some mental weaknesses as physicians are in overcoming some bodily ailments. Anyway, the auto-suggestive influences generated by the memorable tomato were powerful enough to modify my taste for a long time, if not for ever.
discover more about hypnosis
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)