Yesterday, I came across a fine definition for hypnosis on the website http://www.uncommon-knowledge.co.uk, “Hypnosis is simply the deliberate use of imagination, paralleled with strong focus and relaxation.” This is a wonderfully concise and useful definition to describe intentional and consciously-employed hypnosis. This is the hypnosis of the hypnotherapist and of the stage hypnotista.
There exists another type of hypnosis which is much, much more prevalent. I choose to consider this “subversive” hypnosis. This hypnosis also involves the imagination and strong focus. In this case, however, amplified emotion rather than relaxation is the third element. Instead of an intentional and deliberate use of imagination, it is more often the person’s uncontrolled imagination which is using them. And, once that wild imagination has taken hold of the mind it occupies, it does all it can, utilizing strong focus and amplified emotions, to take hold of everyone else. This is the hypnosis employed by people who throw tantrums, threaten violence, and use all manner of emotional acting out in attempts to get their way.
With more subtle means to generate strong focus and more subliminal means of evoking amplified emotions, this is also the hypnosis employed by broadcasters, pitchmen and politicians who have clearly imagined intentions for your opinion, your money or your vote.
You must ensure, then, for yourself, that your life’s energy is used for your own chosen purposes and not redirected or derailed by these trances being cast consciously or unconsciously by others.