Pavlov truly believed that sleep and hypnosis were one and the same. Despite of hundreds and thousands of researched papers and published studies and writings, this is still the most popular belief up to this day. In reality, the state of hypnotic trance is more related and associated to the waking state than to the normal sleep. Now let us compare sleep and hypnosis. 1. Reasoning聴in a hypnotic trance, the person is perfectly capable of reasoning, though the reasoning itself can be directional due to the suggestion firmly set or instilled by the hypnotist. On the other hand, while sleeping, the typical normal reasoning function and capacity of the person is switched off in the meantime. 2. Induction聴hypnosis could be attained even without the suggestion or mention of sleeping. Hypnotic trance is commonly induced by another individual (usually by the hypnotist), while normal sleep is not induced by another individual. 3. Brain Activity聴the Electro Encephalogram (EEG), which records the activities in the brain and the electric impulses inside the brain, shows the similar waves during the waking and the hypnotic state. On the contrary, the waves during the normal and physiological sleep are quite dissimilar from the two states.
4. Somnambulism聴where the person performs some activities or walks around when asleep is really the deepest form or type of subconscious activity related to a deep hypnotic trance and therefore must not be considered a sleep activity. On the other hand, the subject would not respond or be receptive to other light sensory stimulus or different suggestions. 6. Muscle Tone聴muscles commonly and usually become flaccid from lessened or diminished muscular tone and action when the person is in a normal sleep. On the other hand, the muscles most especially those of the legs and the arms are maintained and retained in a state known as tone rigidity. However, these muscles could be achieved a near and almost flaccid state and be made to relax completely through the proper suggestions during the state of hypnotic trance. Hence, it is a well-known occurrence that individuals fall into a normal sleep after a lengthy and prolonged auto hypnotic therapy or a hypnotic session; this is actually a normal and natural phenomenon.
Thoughtfully plan your gift-giving. Decide whom you choose to give to and make a list. This will help you avoid overspending through impulse buying. If you think back to the most cherished gifts you have received, they are often homemade or from the heart. A gift of time -- such as a gift certificate redeemable for an activity you can do together -- can be very meaningful. Among the most prized gifts I've ever received have been homemade cards with a heartfelt note written inside. Value goes far beyond the cost of the gift. A great resource for homemade gift ideas is a book called The Perfect Mix. It contains creative edible gift ideas, including wrapping suggestions and tag instructions, along with a source guide for supplies. The book offers more than 90 recipes for soups, breads, muffins, cookies, and other gifts. The gifts I've created from this book have been very well received and appreciated. Instead of exchanging gifts with friends, consider having a holiday or post-holiday party with them. Avoid parking hassles, gridlock traffic around the malls, and long lines at the register by shopping online and through catalogs.
A number of retail stores now offer merchandise online, as well. If you are purchasing a gift that needs to be mailed, you can arrange to have it sent directly to the recipient, thus avoiding the extra steps of wrapping, labeling, and mailing the gift. Spread out your purchase of gifts over the weeks of November and early December. It's easier on the budget, and less stressful than waiting until the last minute. Wrapping gifts can take a lot of time. Instead of wrapping all of them, use a gift bag with a nice bow tied at the top, or use a decorated gift box. Consider giving an alternative gift to a friend or loved one by giving to a charity in their name. One of my favorite charities is Heifer Project International. Through living gifts of animals, HPI is helping families worldwide to become self-reliant. You can buy an animal that can change the life of a hungry family and at the same time honor family and friends.
Spread the holiday cheer with those in need. Volunteer to serve a holiday meal to the homeless, work in a soup kitchen, or work at a food bank. Adopt a family for the holidays and provide them with gifts or holiday foods. Many churches and non-profit organizations can match you with a needy family. Look for a Giving Tree in your local retail stores. The tree is filled with cards that list a specific gift desired by someone in need. You select a card off the tree, purchase the suggested gift listed on the card, and return the gift to the tree with the card attached. The store wraps the gift and delivers it to the intended recipient. The end of the tax year is a great time to review your budget and consider a year-end gift to your favorite charities. This can represent a significant tax deduction if you itemize, while doing great things locally and globally. Use your calendar. Now that you're clear about your intentions, calendar them in. Writing them down for follow-up on a specific date will help you to remember to do it and will keep things from falling to the last minute. Kathy Paauw, President of Paauwerfully Organized, specializes in helping busy executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs declutter their schedules, spaces and minds. She is a certified business/personal coach and professional organizer.