Hypnosis and Aikido - 1

Usually, I do not get a big "surprise" perhaps due to continuous practice of cultivating a calm and quiet mind.  But this one was an exception.

Few month ago, I read "My voice will go with you" by Milton Erickson - one of the most well known hypno therapists, and the founding president of the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis, I felt there was something very important in this book to understand human psyche.  As I read it, I felt as if I was tested by various Koans (puzzles used for Zen monks to attain Satori, or enlightenment).

Milton Erickson
(one of the most influential psychotherapists and hypnotherapists; 1901 – 1980)

Then, a few weeks ago, I started Aikido (as mentioned in previous post).  When I went to Dojo (practice hall) the first time, I immediately felt the strong connection of hypnosis and Aikido.  (...also Sex as mentioned in the previous post).  It was about having palms of hands together that no one else can separate them once the person is in the hypnotic state (or trance) - i.e., catalepsy.  In Aikido, very similar symptom happens, for example, when a person is well centered in his mind and body and extending Ki, or life energy, from the core.  Virtually, no one can penetrate, e.g., move him or lift him, or attack him.

The reason I sensed the connection between Aikido and Hypnosis came from years of practicing meditation and Tai-chi (Shibashi - 18 positions).  In a moment notice, I can easily feel Ki moving around in my body as if I am in that calm trance state.  By the way, the same is practiced in Tantric sex, Kundalini, Vipassana, Daoist sex, etc.  So, one thing in common to all of these is trance, intimacy, zone, or samadhi experience.  (This state is called "being conscious of unconscious" or "mind and body is one" in Zen.)

Now, back to my "surprise."  Sensing something about these connections but still unclear, I playfully Googled, "Hypnosis and Aikido."  Unexpectedly, I found there are about half a million search results which point that many people seem to be very aware of the connection.  Wow!!!  Amusing, and eye-opening!

Out of many interesting findings, I post a quote from a paper titled, "Ericksonian Hypnotherrapy, and Aikido" by Rod Windle and Michael Samkoin where they described the state of "centering" in Aikido as corresponding to the state of hypnotherapist doing the therapy.  (the list is partly modified to save space)

1. Physical relaxation with a balanced posture
2. Loose shoulders and absence of excess muscle tension
3. Loss of startle reflex
4. "Soft" eyes (simultaneous use of focus and peripheral vision)
5. Breathing by abdomen
6. Awareness of energies flowing in and out of the body
7. Perception of self and others non judgmentally and simultaneously
8. Increased ability to detect minimal psychological cues from others
9. Slowing or absence of internal dialogue
10. Spontaneously generated associations, ideas, or understandings of others

(from American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, Vol 34, Number 4, April 1992)

The bottom line is that awareness and cultivation of Ki, life energy can unleash vast potential in us, and manifested as love, compassion, wisdom, healing, etc.  I am very convinced that getting this connection (centering, which is akin to primary relationship previously mentioned) can help us to live better, e.g., healthier, safer, and with more fun, playful, and lively life!!!  Yes, we can change ourselves as well as help others, and guide ourselves for betterment.

What do you think?  Or, a better question may be.... "How do you feel?" or "May you connect to IT?" --- If not, may we inquire within?  Then, experiment and discover by yourself.  Perhaps, a good start of our new hero's journey!?

*  Lastly, May I suggest here that those ten points above may correspond to the state of "no-self," a meditative state of samdhi where the connection to the "primary" (call it, true self, or heart) is made?