Hypnosis and meditation seem similar, but in actuality, they’re not! Millions of people worldwide rely on these practices to control their anxiety, stress, and depression. So, if you are getting confused between these two, then hang around for five; in this article, we take a closer look and fundamental and subtle differences between Hypnosis and guided Mediation.
First, we need to establish the Hypnosis and Meditation basics before deep-diving into the topic – Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What Is Hypnosis?
Even though most people aren’t aware of it, they have been hypnotized before. Anyone that has ever daydreamed or become lost in thought has experienced a form of relaxation hypnosis. When in a hypnotic state, the person’s consciousness goes in two directions – entirely separate from one another. Consciously, you are aware of one thought process, and the remaining process takes place in an unconscious state of mind. In hypnotherapy, you are usually still aware of what’s happening in the world around you.
- Benefits
Typically, a person subjected to Hypnosis would experience positive thoughts, behavior, opinion, and feelings. More often than not, the entire affair is pleasant. Hypnotism has been known to alleviate mood disorder, bad habits, pain, and anxiety.
What Is Guided Meditation?
The term meditation is taken from the Latin meditate and modern, which means ‘to think, to dwell upon’ and ‘to heal,’ respectively.
Guided meditations are amongst the most common form of meditation used today – not only helping people achieve a state of relaxation and allowing them to get rid of their stress or trigger specific positive changes in a person’s life.
The breathing techniques used in meditations such as – in through the nose and out through the mouth can signal your mind that it is now time to relax – a simple technique that promotes relaxation.
- Benefits
The benefits of meditation are as old as time. Throughout the ages, people have used meditation techniques to relax, get in touch with their inner selves. Meditation also improves concentration, creativity, a sense of awareness, and can boost self-esteem.
Research shows that those who regularly meditate are less likely to experience anxiety, have greater creativity and problem-solving skills, and have better interpersonal relationships.
When you meditate, you exude a warm and positive aura, I feel on top of the world post-session; I believe other people gravitate towards that positivity and good things happen.
Types of Meditation
There are many types of meditation in practice. A multitude of styles that will ensure you find the right fit; from Buddhist, Christian, guided musical meditation, and many others.
You’ll know when you find your style; it just clicks; for me, it was a deep sense of well-being, warmth, and comfort. Finding the right niche is part of the journey; take your time, and find your fit.
Differences between Hypnosis and Guided Mediation
At this point, we have a basic grasp of Hypnosis, Meditation, and their similarities. However, these two therapies have some specific features that place them in their respective niches.
Both processes share many – almost identical techniques, such as visualization exercises and breathing. For example, the ‘Progressive Muscle Relaxation’ method is commonly used in both therapies. In this state, a person focuses on one part of the body relaxing before logically moving to the next section.
Level of Interaction
| Guided Meditation | Typically, the process of guided meditation is usually one-directional because it’s being administered to a group. Due to this reason, the interaction between the expert and individuals is minimal. |
| Hypnosis | Conversely – hypnotherapy has a more personal touch because the expert is treating one client at a time, giving more opportunity for some interaction. |
The Use Of Scripting
| Guided Meditation | Guided meditation integrates the use of well-written scripts containing generic sets of meditative instructions. The instructor can make use of predefined scripts – because he/she aims to serve a wide range of audiences. I have, however, met many therapists that tailor scenarios to individual needs. |
| Hypnotherapy |
By contrast, in hypnotherapy or a hypnosis session, there is minimal to no scripting. In this scenario, the expert molds the treatment to suit the subject’s continually changing needs. How receptive an individual differs from one session to another. |
“Meditation is like a gym in which you develop the powerful mental muscles of calm and insight.” Ajahn Brahm
Oriented Toward Goals
| Guided Meditation | The process starts with no particular aim or goal because the end-point is to free the mind completely. In this process, the therapist places more emphasis on your ability to plant positive thinking into your subconscious mind to achieve the desired change. |
| Hypnosis | The process starts with having an end-point in mind that makes you more confident. In this process, the therapist places a strong emphasis to induce hypnotic states while injecting desired pictures and yoking the power of constructive suggestions to bring about change. |
The State Of Mind
| Guided Meditation | Meditation is often categorized as the absence of thought. Specialists strive to have a static mind, free from conscious thought. You are more focused on your breathing and movement while in a meditative state. In this state, you are also well aware of your surroundings and increase your self-awareness, shedding new light and perspectives on your problems. Unfortunately, the benefits are not apparent overnight – it takes continual focus to shape a new thought process, methodology, feeling, or mental conditioning. I, for one, meditate daily; for me, the clarity is like a fresh pair of eyes analyzing my current challenges. I’m then able to tackle them from a new perspective. |
| Hypnosis | On the other hand, the specialist may employ some meditation techniques to calm down the conscious part of the mind. Once the ranting conscious mind becomes static, the expert can give therapeutic suggestions to the subconscious. In this process, you are aware of everything that happens, but you are focused on suggestions induced by the therapist. These suggestions will help to address the issues you wish to resolve, such as quitting smoking, weight loss, or removing phobias, etc. |
So both treatments might lead you to a peaceful guided visualization on a tranquil sedative beach. Still, a hypnosis process will then use this state of mind to induce therapeutic change to the subconscious mind. At the same time, the meditator will benefit from the quietness of mind and the relaxation they experience.
Background Of Therapist
Some might inaccurately associate the meditator with a hypnotist. In both processes, professionals use verbal communication to guide their clients, but overall they have nothing in common.
| Guided Meditation | Any trained professional can help people reach a meditative state. The meditation guide relies on the client’s ability to enter the meditative state. |
| Hypnosis | The therapist induced suggestions to help people reach the hypnotic state and focus on their problems. Moreover, a trained hypnotherapist will use metaphor and imagery to best connect with the subconscious mind of a person to assist real changes. It’s the unconscious part of the brain that is answerable for our behavior. |
“Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.” tweet –Émile Coué.
The Induction
| Guided Meditation | Simple breathing techniques will have you relaxing in no time. Sit in a comfortable position; either, in a chair or on the floor. Maintain an open body position – meaning that your hands are in an upward position, and your legs and arms are uncrossed. Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. It’s essential to focus on you’re breathing. Your thoughts may start to wander, gently bring them back to the breathing. Do this for a few minutes in your first session and then increase it as you progress. It will become more comfortable as attune and learn to focus on your breathing. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that Meditation is like any most things you get out of it what you in, there is no quick fix or overnight success story. It’s not difficult to get into; my challenge was finding the discipline to factor into my daily routine. Thirty minutes all by yourself – love it! |
| Hypnosis |
A technique of hypnotic induction usually precedes Hypnosis. This process is a method of placing the subject or person into a hypnotic trance. Theorists interpret the process as a means of increasing the subject’s expectations, thereby focusing attention and defining his or her appropriate roles. There are several different induction techniques used in hypnotism. The eye fixation technique developed by Braid is the original and most commonly used. There are also many other eye fixation approaches, such as the induction used in SHSS or the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale. |
The Better Side
Some people just don’t get Meditation as it requires a lot of time and commitment to make it worthwhile. Meditation provided great results but be prepared to put the time in.
On the other hand – with Hypnosis, the process focuses on the subconscious mind and can produce an instant change in just one session. In short, meditation is a process of relaxation, whereas Hypnosis is added with suggestions, both treat a variety of problems.
Meditation can start a journey that will enhance your life and allow you to be at one with the universe. To tune into your higher power through meditation is a lifelong endeavor and will give you the peace and relaxation you crave.
Master Your Mind
Despite their similarities, Meditation and Hypnosis are different. Both processes have some therapeutic and health benefits that help your mind overcome a multitude of problems. Hypnosis can help you treat specific conditions, while meditation can help you become aware and provide clarity.
I quit smoking through the help of Hypnosis – It works; it was a great experience; I get the odd craving, but for the most part, it’s all gone. I meditate daily for around 30 minutes. Meditation is exactly what I need to get me pumped for the day.
I’ve meditated daily for around two years – before my daily sessions, I felt like I was continually putting out fires, never getting in front. I now start with a clear head and focus on my to-do.
