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Instant Self-hypnosis: How to Hypnotize Yourself with Your Eyes Open
Hypnosis is a proven technique that allows people to reprogram their subconscious to change unwanted behaviors. Most books on self-hypnosis require the reader to memorize or record scripts, then put the book aside while they do their hypnosis work. But Instant Self-Hypnosis is the only self-hypnosis book that allows you to hypnotize yourself as you read, with your eyes wide open, without putting down the book.
The author's fail-proof method allows you to put yourself into a hypnotic state and then use that state to improve your life in myriad ways. And because the hypnotic state is induced while you read, you remain aware of your surroundings and can bring yourself back to normal consciousness slowly and gently, using the instructions provided.
The author's fail-proof method allows you to put yourself into a hypnotic state and then use that state to improve your life in myriad ways. And because the hypnotic state is induced while you read, you remain aware of your surroundings and can bring yourself back to normal consciousness slowly and gently, using the instructions provided.
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First published April 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 16, 2010
I have a growing interest in Hypnosis and after some research I decided on this book by Forbes Robbins Blair. I found the concept of Self hypnosis very interesting and Robbins Blair helps cut through much of the mystique and myth surrounding this seemingly black art. The book does not rush the reader in to hypnotising themselves but put the reader at ease by dispelling any preconceived ideas about hypnosis before taking you through self hypnosis sessions. I found the book a useful first book to read on hypnosis and have benefited from some of the hypnosis scripts enclosed. I am pleased with my purchase and would recommend this to anyone interested in hypnosis but at the same time I am conscious this is my first book on this subject giving me a somewhat limited frame of reference.
August 26, 2013
This was a really speedy read that gives a quick background on hypnotism but spends most of its time on application... which I appreciate. There are a variety of topics that you can choose from... from having better sex to melting fat to being motivated towards a goal of your choosing. After reading the book, I researched hypnotism a little bit on the internet, and apparently medical studies show that patients have less pain and require less meds if they are hypnotised... and one study showed that it can reduce/eliminate warts. Weird. I have no idea how effective the "scripts" in the book are, but I like the content. They're peaceful and fun to read, so why not give it a whirl, and see if I can hypnotize myself for fun and self-profit?! :)
December 30, 2011
This isn't the kind of book you really finish reading. And I haven't had a chance to read it in a while- (plus I recently bought the new book by this author) The hypnosis excersizes actually do work but you have to be consistent, it's not a one time miracle cure. I have actually started seeing a hypnotherapist recently because sometimes it's hard to find that quiet time to do this for yourself. I really believe that these books combined with NLP meditation and Hypnotherapy will help me to find my natural center once again as I seemed to have become a little jumbled in adjusting to being a wife and step mom. I keep this on the bookshelf "currently reading" to remind myself to make time for it again, because it has been very helpful in the past
September 18, 2016
This method has really worked for me. I broke a habit I've been trying to break for over 10 years! I bought his more recent hypnosis book and actually prefer the induction and suggestions from this first book better. In addition, this version teaches you to write your own tailored suggestions.
Blair's passion for teaching people an easy method to help themselves comes through sincerely. If you get past the gimmicky-ness of the marketing you can achieve some good results.
Definitely do not skip the introduction chapters explaining hypnosis. I do not think it would have worked so well for me if I had attempted the method with my preconceived understanding of hypnosis. If you want the new behavior to last long term, I highly recommend repeating the session over several days in a row.
Blair's passion for teaching people an easy method to help themselves comes through sincerely. If you get past the gimmicky-ness of the marketing you can achieve some good results.
Definitely do not skip the introduction chapters explaining hypnosis. I do not think it would have worked so well for me if I had attempted the method with my preconceived understanding of hypnosis. If you want the new behavior to last long term, I highly recommend repeating the session over several days in a row.
April 4, 2019
Ok, so I didn't read it from cover to cover (some of the scripts don't apply), but I read the first part in its entirety along with the scripts that fit my situation. This method works well enough. My only complaint is that I get so relaxed reading it that I don't want to continue. lol I hope I will be able to memorise at least the Reader's Induction because it is so much easier with your eyes closed.
June 25, 2010
I'm not certain if it is truly hypnosis, but the exercises included in the book definitely put me in a VERY relaxed state--and that is really what made this book worth my time.
January 29, 2012
VERY RELAXING IMPLEMENTATIONS
April 24, 2016
Really good techniques! A must reread.
May 4, 2012
As a result of Hollywood and stage hypnotist, people have so many misconceptions about hypnosis. so much so, that if people don't want to lose their reputations, they need to use euphemisms because the word hypnotism carries with it so many negative connotations. But yeah, unlike many assume, hypnosis is not some trance state where one becomes like marionette doll, subject to the whims of the puppeteer. but yeah, rather hypnotism is something we've all experienced, it pretty much is a relaxed state of being, where our subconscious is more open to suggestions from our conscious mind. Anyone who has watched a really good movie, played video games or read a novel has experienced a light hypnotic state, it is why they were able to enjoy it so much, feel the emotions and adrenaline rush. But yeah, as other books have pointed out and my own experience has confirmed, our subconscious is vary influential over what we want, do and how we interpret life. We can consciously want to change some bad habit, but our adaptive subconscious remains our worst enemy. So yeah, the point of relaxing, is we then can start suggesting things to our subconscious so its in line with our conscious desires and intentions.
Therapeutic hypnotism, the point is to relax the individual so positive suggestions can enter into their subconscious to help their change behavior. So now we see that Biblical meditation, is *gasp* similar to hypnotism. For unlike eastern meditation which point is to empty the mind and quite oneself for its own sake. Biblical meditation is quieting ourselves and then to reflecting upon God's truth, But yeah, Christian meditation upon scripture is one way we transform the inner man, and become more Christlike. We call it quite times, worship. Paul wrote "Be ye transformed by the renewing of the mind". I am now convinced that people who speak in tongues, are likely in a hypnotic state, and this is in part why it is so meaningful and they feel like they commune with God like they do, speaking gibberish, helps to quite down the critical part of their mind so they can think of the Lord. I think it interesting how if indeed God is working, as William James points out, He is like working through the subliminal realm, so I think its to harm, that the church ignores the subject.
So yeah, the book was interesting and easy to read. But I don't like his imagining oneself sun bathing script, for i deeply dislike being in direct sunlight, there is nothing at all relaxing about it to me, I suppose this is a result of doing tons of hard labor in Texas and Louisiana summer sun. But yeah, he had an alternative script for the next section, for those who don't want to imagine themselves in the elevator of some modern building. But there was no appendix for those who don't find the torturous rays of the sun pleasant. So yeah, that is my complaint. But other then that, I was pleased with it.
Therapeutic hypnotism, the point is to relax the individual so positive suggestions can enter into their subconscious to help their change behavior. So now we see that Biblical meditation, is *gasp* similar to hypnotism. For unlike eastern meditation which point is to empty the mind and quite oneself for its own sake. Biblical meditation is quieting ourselves and then to reflecting upon God's truth, But yeah, Christian meditation upon scripture is one way we transform the inner man, and become more Christlike. We call it quite times, worship. Paul wrote "Be ye transformed by the renewing of the mind". I am now convinced that people who speak in tongues, are likely in a hypnotic state, and this is in part why it is so meaningful and they feel like they commune with God like they do, speaking gibberish, helps to quite down the critical part of their mind so they can think of the Lord. I think it interesting how if indeed God is working, as William James points out, He is like working through the subliminal realm, so I think its to harm, that the church ignores the subject.
So yeah, the book was interesting and easy to read. But I don't like his imagining oneself sun bathing script, for i deeply dislike being in direct sunlight, there is nothing at all relaxing about it to me, I suppose this is a result of doing tons of hard labor in Texas and Louisiana summer sun. But yeah, he had an alternative script for the next section, for those who don't want to imagine themselves in the elevator of some modern building. But there was no appendix for those who don't find the torturous rays of the sun pleasant. So yeah, that is my complaint. But other then that, I was pleased with it.
July 8, 2017
Good concept, bad execution
The book is clunky in execution. It took up to 30% of the book to hot sell / preload the conversation with subjects no one cares about. I never wanted to know the history of hypnosis or what the aspects of hypnotherapy was. I would have been interested if the book could have exposed me to pieces of the self-hypnosis in action and then used the informational parts as breaks.
I found myself skipping through huge chunks of this book until I found the information I wanted. When I got there, the frustration of hunting and avoiding filler pulled me out of the experience all together.
If you want to give it a try, read from the 30% mark onward. If you want to know the history of how your brain works and why hypnotherapists have quirks, read it AFTER you get to the good stuff.
The book is clunky in execution. It took up to 30% of the book to hot sell / preload the conversation with subjects no one cares about. I never wanted to know the history of hypnosis or what the aspects of hypnotherapy was. I would have been interested if the book could have exposed me to pieces of the self-hypnosis in action and then used the informational parts as breaks.
I found myself skipping through huge chunks of this book until I found the information I wanted. When I got there, the frustration of hunting and avoiding filler pulled me out of the experience all together.
If you want to give it a try, read from the 30% mark onward. If you want to know the history of how your brain works and why hypnotherapists have quirks, read it AFTER you get to the good stuff.
April 10, 2008
A very interesting book. I can't say that it worked particularly well for me, but when doing the first part you do fall into a bit of a trance, which is pretty damn neat. If you like screwing around with your mind, by all means pick it up.
October 10, 2015
This book by Forbes Blair describes about a new method of self hypnosis, that is hypnotizing yourself by reading a hypnotic script. I did try his methods but was not feeling the same results as the traditional hypnosis.
March 14, 2024
I'm giving it 4 stars because it's a good book, but I kind off wish I hadn't even bothered with this one since two days later I found Hypno-Cybernetics and that one worked so much better for me in such a short time that I can't even think of coming back to this one for any practical reason.
My main complaint with this one is the time commitment it asks of you: 20 full minutes twice a day, or even three if you really want results. You are supposed to stick to one script for a minimum of 3 days and repeat the suggestions often to get them to stick to your subconscious mind, which I think it's fine but then he also tells you 3 days might not be enough so you should constantly reinforce the suggestions with further sessions. The issue with this is that, should you not get your desired results by the end of the three days (which is the promise he makes) you'll feel like a failure and start questioning whether you did it right, maybe you need more sessions per day, maybe you are just not susceptible to hypnosis etc. It can take a toll on your self-confidence, after all, if you can't succeed as something as simple as ASMR yourself then what makes you think you can succeed at something more complex, like weight loss, better sex, etc.?
I did read through all the scripts, and I have to day, only the weight loss it's sort of worth it, and only about 80% when it focuses on the emotional aspect of eating and letting go of emotional baggage. I'm not really interested muscle growth the way the script puts it so every time I had to read that part, I felt myself resisting and even cringing a little. The "stress-free" had a bunch of suggestions I disagreed with, so I didn't even bothered with the 7 day challenge he proposes just because I knew I was not going to accept a lot of his ideas (I'm not a fan of the tensing-to-relax technique). Same with the Eat Better, I don't want to demonize certain foods like the script proposes, I just want to eat everything in moderation.
So overall, it's an okay book but...Hypno Cybernetics is a bit better, because you can get into hypnosis in under 3 mins, have a short session of like 5-10 mins, and get better, faster, more noticeable results after one session. Hypno Cybernetics has the added benefit of being available in Kindle Unlimited, so there's that.
I wish I could refund this one but because it lead me to the other book, and because I did benefit from the weight loss script I'll accept my losses and move on.
My main complaint with this one is the time commitment it asks of you: 20 full minutes twice a day, or even three if you really want results. You are supposed to stick to one script for a minimum of 3 days and repeat the suggestions often to get them to stick to your subconscious mind, which I think it's fine but then he also tells you 3 days might not be enough so you should constantly reinforce the suggestions with further sessions. The issue with this is that, should you not get your desired results by the end of the three days (which is the promise he makes) you'll feel like a failure and start questioning whether you did it right, maybe you need more sessions per day, maybe you are just not susceptible to hypnosis etc. It can take a toll on your self-confidence, after all, if you can't succeed as something as simple as ASMR yourself then what makes you think you can succeed at something more complex, like weight loss, better sex, etc.?
I did read through all the scripts, and I have to day, only the weight loss it's sort of worth it, and only about 80% when it focuses on the emotional aspect of eating and letting go of emotional baggage. I'm not really interested muscle growth the way the script puts it so every time I had to read that part, I felt myself resisting and even cringing a little. The "stress-free" had a bunch of suggestions I disagreed with, so I didn't even bothered with the 7 day challenge he proposes just because I knew I was not going to accept a lot of his ideas (I'm not a fan of the tensing-to-relax technique). Same with the Eat Better, I don't want to demonize certain foods like the script proposes, I just want to eat everything in moderation.
So overall, it's an okay book but...Hypno Cybernetics is a bit better, because you can get into hypnosis in under 3 mins, have a short session of like 5-10 mins, and get better, faster, more noticeable results after one session. Hypno Cybernetics has the added benefit of being available in Kindle Unlimited, so there's that.
I wish I could refund this one but because it lead me to the other book, and because I did benefit from the weight loss script I'll accept my losses and move on.
January 10, 2024
I chose this book because I was interested in Self-Hypnosis, but I thought Mindfulness was better.
This is the method of Self-Hypnosis that this book introduces.
▼Section3) The Self-Hypnosis Revolution Method—Four Simple Steps
Method Summary
1. Select an ordinary activity.
2. Recognize the basic associations of the activity and consider the
meaning and value of the associations.
3. Compose and commit to memory a beneficial self-suggestion.
4. Recite the formulated suggestion as you perform the activity, focusing on the task as you contemplate its value and meaning.
Repeat Step 4 whenever you perform the activity.
Mindfulness is better suited for those who put things off or are distracted and unable to concentrate.
The most important thing is not to think or fantasize about other things in a single minded way while at work.
This is the method of Self-Hypnosis that this book introduces.
▼Section3) The Self-Hypnosis Revolution Method—Four Simple Steps
Method Summary
1. Select an ordinary activity.
2. Recognize the basic associations of the activity and consider the
meaning and value of the associations.
3. Compose and commit to memory a beneficial self-suggestion.
4. Recite the formulated suggestion as you perform the activity, focusing on the task as you contemplate its value and meaning.
Repeat Step 4 whenever you perform the activity.
Mindfulness is better suited for those who put things off or are distracted and unable to concentrate.
The most important thing is not to think or fantasize about other things in a single minded way while at work.
December 21, 2022
Brain surgery... oops Hypnosis self-taught
Interesting book. The front cover says, "Hypnotize yourself as you read." I can do that by reading Mary Shelley. The technique works but this book claims you can clear everything up but warts on your own. On the surface, this works well for some folk. The problem is that many of the bad habits are just symptoms of the underlying problem and if you stifle the problem one-way it may pop up unexpectedly in another way. I am far from an authority on hypnosis or habit causes. However, if it were I, I would look twice at this miracle cure.
Yet I bought the book anyway and am going through it. In the back of the book are customized suggestion templates. However, I cannot stand to write in books, so I made my own copy.
Interesting book. The front cover says, "Hypnotize yourself as you read." I can do that by reading Mary Shelley. The technique works but this book claims you can clear everything up but warts on your own. On the surface, this works well for some folk. The problem is that many of the bad habits are just symptoms of the underlying problem and if you stifle the problem one-way it may pop up unexpectedly in another way. I am far from an authority on hypnosis or habit causes. However, if it were I, I would look twice at this miracle cure.
Yet I bought the book anyway and am going through it. In the back of the book are customized suggestion templates. However, I cannot stand to write in books, so I made my own copy.
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February 22, 2025
One can achieve instant self hypnosis by reading scripts in this book. Really interesting to read. I tried the method for couple of days and found it amazing, I felt sense of calm and relaxation. I am planning to try as suggested for seven days or more to see the results. I would definitely recommend this book for those who interested in self hypnosis.
December 5, 2017
Most of the hypnosis scripts won't be useful for most people so the book is mostly wasted space.
The script I tried seem to work, but did not last long. It seems like I got more benefit out of the induction than the sleep script.
The script I tried seem to work, but did not last long. It seems like I got more benefit out of the induction than the sleep script.
April 27, 2018
Cool
It is a really cool book to start with, I don’t have any background on hypnosis but as a healthcare professional I expected more scientific evidence (as many mindfulness book have). Evidence here is based only on the author’s experience.
It is a really cool book to start with, I don’t have any background on hypnosis but as a healthcare professional I expected more scientific evidence (as many mindfulness book have). Evidence here is based only on the author’s experience.
January 4, 2020
Author talks about how one can put themselves in hypnotic state and then through suggestions, they can improve themselves. I'm still a bit sceptical and haven't tried out the stuff (have a strong feeling that this is one of those snake oil feel good shit, but I'm open minded so let's see).
September 9, 2020
I did what the author said and went into a deeply meditative state. Need to keep doing but I loved this because so different than other self help books. Now I can hypnotize others too lol. Husband thinks I’m weird but If it works it works!
November 13, 2025
Very Relaxing
The book is easy to read and quickly gets to the process of self-hypnosis without a lot of fluff and technical jargon. It’s all about learning the techniques which are clearly laid out for the reader. I am enjoying the practice and can’t wait to see results.
The book is easy to read and quickly gets to the process of self-hypnosis without a lot of fluff and technical jargon. It’s all about learning the techniques which are clearly laid out for the reader. I am enjoying the practice and can’t wait to see results.
February 27, 2019
Awesome
I am not known for writing very verbose reviews, but this book really was something. See? I highly recommend it.
I am not known for writing very verbose reviews, but this book really was something. See? I highly recommend it.
June 21, 2019
Sadly I couldn't Hypnotize myself. I think this book is just trying to get your brain in a theta trance making us highly relaxed and highly suggestible.
August 11, 2019
Interesting
September 12, 2019
Good brief introduction to a potentially powerful tool. Though I suspect I may write my own inductions.
March 4, 2020
Even after reading m not able to hypnotise myself. No book's fault.
April 5, 2020
Well written
Down to earth and each step is clearly explained, no doublespeak or roundabout examples, just clear easy to follow instructions. I heartily recommend this book.
Down to earth and each step is clearly explained, no doublespeak or roundabout examples, just clear easy to follow instructions. I heartily recommend this book.
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April 15, 2020Just started.
May 20, 2021
3.5 rounded to 4.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews