Misconceptions about hypnosis abound. Many of these fallacies can be traced back to the unfortunate early use of not-always-ethical demonstrations of hypnosis as a form of entertainment on stage and television.
The best way to view hypnosis is as a state of intense relaxation and concentration, in which the mind becomes remote and detached from everyday cares and concerns. In this relaxed state the subconscious part of the mind is best able to respond creatively to suggestion and imagery. It can focus on the things you wish to change and on the ways you can best do so, free from analytical or anxious thoughts.
You are, however, not asleep nor are you unconscious. You are in an altered or alternative state of consciousness in which you 'let things happen' through your subconscious mind rather than trying to make them happen with your conscious mind. Because you are deeply relaxed, the suggestions given to you by the hypnotist will be acted upon more easily by the subconscious. Posthypnotic suggestions are those that will be carried out by you when you come out of the hypnotic state.
There are some people on whom hypnosis should not be used or only with care, i.e. those suffering from epilepsy, psychosis, schizophrenia, etc.
THE SUBCONSCIOUS AND THE HUMAN MIND
The human mind is like an onion with many layers. The outer layer is our conscious mind which helps with our daily decision-making processes working according to the reality principle. It is intelligent, realistic, logical and proactive, especially in new situations where we have to apply rational thought processes to work out what to do and how to do it. However, it can only deal with between five and nine things at any one time and is easily overloaded.
The subconscious or main hidden layer of the onion works on 'auto pilot' i.e. reacting according to the pleasure principle in that it seeks to avoid pain and obtain pleasure and survival, regardless of external considerations. It is concerned with our emotions, imagination, and memories as well as our autonomic nervous system which controls our internal organs automatically. These four main functions are very closely interlinked - in other words the mind affects the body and the body affects the mind. It is powerful and very clever at dealing with many complex instructions at any one time but is not 'intelligent'.
There is growing evidence now that the conscious mind, as it is generally understood, is located in the left-hand side of the brain and the subconscious mind is located in the right. Each hemisphere has very different attributes or functions.
UNCONSCIOUS HYPNOTISM
We often use self-suggestion in everyday life in the form of spontaneous thoughts or observations. Thoughts such as "I cannot stop smoking, no matter how hard I try", or "I'll never be able to do this" are often powerful but very negative self-suggestions.
We are also continually subjected to 'unconscious hypnotism' in our daily life by parents, teachers, peer pressure, politicians, etc. Newspaper and television advertising, for example, try to persuade us to do things e.g. buy a particular product. Repetition reinforces the suggestion. If you have ever found yourself at the checkout counter not knowing why you put something in the basket, this may be the reason.
If we are unaware of these negative suggestions we may cause ourselves all manner of disabilities or ailments. Thankfully suggestion is a two edged sword. Those who are instructed in its use can relieve the symptoms or unwanted behaviour patterns which negative suggestion may have caused.
CONSCIOUS HYPNOSIS
Our subconscious mind often stubbornly prefers to cling on to known behaviours and symptoms even if they are negative and interfere with our peace of mind and quality of life. As far as it is concerned change is potentially scary. In order to make positive changes and become mentally fit you must be consciously aware of the need for change, be motivated to get better, and be prepared to devote the time and effort necessary for doing the mental relaxation exercises. We all know that getting your body into shape involves more than merely thinking about going to the gym. Mental fitness calls for the same level of dedication.
SELF-HYPNOSIS
It has been maintained that all hypnosis is essentially self-hypnosis. It is certainly impossible to be hypnotised by someone else unless you want or allow it to happen. Self-hypnosis is a way of safely bypassing the conscious mind and should only be practised on the advice of a professional therapist. But once you have learned how to hypnotise yourself, practice will enable you to put yourself in a 'trance' whenever you wish to, quickly and easily. Psychotic and severely mentally unstable people, however, should never attempt self-hypnosis.
A BRIEF EARLY HISTORY OF HYPNOSIS
Hypnosis has been around since the dawn of recorded time, and at least to the time of the ancient Babylonians, Greeks and Egyptians. It was know to Hippocrates. Indeed, hypnosis is named after the Greek word for sleep, hypnos, although the actual state of hypnosis is very different from sleep. It has, however, been called different names, by different cultures, different religions, and different individuals. The use of chants, drumming, and monotonous dancing rituals to change or alter consciousness fall under the definition of hypnosis. Such methods have been used successfully by the Druids, Vikings, Indian Yogis, Dervishes, Hindu priests, and holy men of all religions and denominations for centuries. In 2600 BC, the father of Chinese medicine, Wong Tai, wrote about techniques that involved incantations and passes of the hands. Accounts of what we would now call Hypnosis can also be found in the Bible, the Talmud, and The Hindu Vedas written about 1500 BC.
M. Micheal (Murray) Fuhrer (AKA MURR) got his start in hypnosis when he volunteered one night while in high school to work backstage with Canada's premier hypnotist, Vance Romane. He was hooked. At the age of 15 he began buying hypnosis books and practicing inducing the trance state on everyone who would "take a deep breath and relax completely." In fact, the mothers in his neighbourhood signed a petition demanding he stop hypnotising their children. After graduating from high school, Murray attended every hypnosis show he could afford at local schools, nightclubs, and countless times sat in the audience when Reveen - the Impossiblist came to town. Over time, he perfected his techniques and became a regular performer at every party he attended. He became intensely interest in the therapeutic aspects of hypnosis - helping friends and family to stop smoking, lose weight, and boost their self-esteem. In 1997, he successfully completed an indepth course in Professional Hypnosis held at Red Deer College. In recent years, he has begun to use his knowledge and talent teaching a three tier certification course in hypnosis. A professional writer and broadcaster for over 25 years, Murray also employs the power of suggestion during his EXTREME ESTEEM workshops - helping participants "smash" through barriers on their way to dynamic personal empowerment. Murray has performed countless stage shows across Central Alberta - the largest before an audience of nearly 1200 at Exhibition Hall at the Capri Hotel & Convention Centre in Red Deer, Alberta. With over 30 subjects in trance at one time, audience members were treated to 90 minutes of outrageous antics and good clean fun. Dedicated to respect and safety for his volunteers, Murray is well known for hosting a family-style program that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Imagine getting a dozen or more entertainers for the price of one! This is what happens when you venture into the Super Conscious Mind with M. Micheal (Murray) Fuhrer! Always original, never scripted, you will laugh hysterically as Murray takes audience volunteers on a guided tour through their imaginations.
Stage hypnosis is the only form of entertainment where your audience members literally become the stars of the show. You will find the audience talking about the show for weeks afterward...while some of the surprised volunteers still have no idea what they did on stage!
Murray's show begins with a brief explanation of myths and misconceptions surrounding hypnosis. No boring lecture here - just enough to make people feel comfortable joining him on stage as a guest. Murray then guides the volunteers (and sometimes people in the audience!) into a comfortably relaxed state of hypnosis, and then the real magic begins!
Limited only by the imaginations of the participants, volunteers may be turned into celebrities, members of the opposite gender, or first graders on the first day of school!
Murray never uses embarrassing or obscene material in his shows, and will make sure the routines used are appropriate for any kind of group... from a family show with young children in the audience to a nightclub atmosphere. His show is fully customizable to your specific needs and requires a minimum of technical setup.
You will be glad you chose M. Micheal (Murray) Fuhrer's hypnosis show for your next event. It will be an experience you will never forget... or will you never remember?!
ABOUT STAGE HYPNOSIS
COMMON QUESTIONS
Q: Can anyone be hypnotized?
A: Yes, virtually anyone can be hypnotized - provided they go into the experience with an open mind. However, it is impossible to be hypnotized against your will.
Q: Is hypnosis related to anything spiritual or to the occult?
A: Hypnosis is a scientifically proven method for personal change and development. While some hypnotists do explore metaphysical subjects like past lives, Murray focuses only on the scientific (and fun!) side of hypnosis and does not go into any metaphysical areas.
Q: What does it feel like to be hypnotized?
A: The experience is subjective and different for everyone, but many people feel like it is a very intense and realistic daydream. Some people emerge from hypnosis remembering everything that was said and done, and others do not remember for quite a while. The experience varies from person to person, and remembering everything that happened does not mean the person was not hypnotized.
PRE-HYPNOTIC DISCUSSION
This specially prepared introduction plays prior to each of my shows and sets the mood for the performance. It is designed to create a mood of excitement and anticipation, while conditioning the audience and potential volunteers for the experience they are about the enjoy!
SFX: THUNDER CRASH/FALLING RAIN - UP WITH ROBERT MILES - DREAMLAND
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen my name is Murray Fuhrer! I will be your guide into the extraordinary this evening. I invite you to sit back - take a deep breath - relax. I'll be on stage with you in just a few short minutes. But for the moment, let me tell you what to expect when I bring you up on stage this evening. There is no need to have any fear for I will not have you do anything you don't really wish to do. Once I place you under hypnosis, you'll find that most - if not all - of your inhibitions will suddenly disappear. Hypnosis will give you the opportunity to explore your hidden inner being. Tonight, I will set you free from restrictions - free from rules that have been thrust upon you and - oh yes - free from reality. Your ability to enter hypnosis is a gift - the more intelligent, creative, open minded the subject, the easier it is to enter the remarkable state of hypnosis. Yes, I'm talking about you. When you decided to see my show, you knew once you crossed the threshold of entry - you had crossed over into another world! Subconsciously, you desire to step into the unknown to explore the outer limits of your personality. So, all those bright, imaginative, free thinking people who comes up on stage tonight will be in a world of their own and that's a world of humour, happiness, and freedom. Under hypnosis, your subconscious mind will allow your personality to become unbridled - empowering the real you to step forward. You will be the attraction - you will be the star! Release yourself - let go - relax. Give yourself to the moment and you will taste stardom - I promise you! Follow my every word - hear only my voice and my voice alone. No other noises or voices will bother you. You're only interest is to listen to me. Absorb what I have to say because tonight will be the most entertaining evening you will ever have and the most enlightening experience you could ever imagine. Now, continue to sit back and think about what I've just told you. Prepare yourself for an unbelievable adventure, for tonight I will make you a star! Prepare now to be come Mes-MURR-ized!
AN INTRODUCTION TO ETHICAL HYPNOSIS - THE COURSE
The art and science of hypnosis is at once both old and new. Old, as it was used in ancient times and has a pedigree that stretches back to the beginning of mankind's conscious development. New, as over the past century, hypnosis has been subjected to the full force of scientific scrutiny. We now understand that the "super conscious" mind has a direct affect on a person's state of mental, emotional, and physical health. Countless thousands have embraced hypnosis as a perfectly normal, safe, and healthy phenomenon.
An Introduction to Ethical Hypnosis strips away the shroud of mystery and ignorance that has cloaked hypnosis for centuries. What is left is a powerful, simple, and natural skill for enriching the lives of all who embrace it.
Hypnosis is more than just a set of words in a relaxing procedure. It is a way to enjoy life to the fullest - a technique for creating the reality you want for yourself and others now and into the future. There is magic in the mind. Hypnosis can put that magic into practical use! Hypnosis is food for your soul. It will not just feed you for a day it will teach you how to fish for life.
An Introduction to Ethical Hypnosis includes your instructor's thirty plus years of firsthand knowledge, training, and experience gathered into a simple, lucid, and detailed presentation. This is a "how to" course for the beginner's level. "We present everything you need to master hypnosis. If you want to learn for your own edification - the information is here! If you want to become a professional and start a full or part-time business - the information is here! If you want to develop the skills to help others - the information is here!" Respect for the subject and clear understanding of the art are the focal points of this exceptional course.
(Murray teaches a three-tiered hypnosis program - Tier One: An Introduction to Ethical
Hypnosis. Tier Two: An Introduction to Therapeutic Hypnosis. Tier Three: Stage Hypnosis)
Ethical Hypnosis - Level I - October 17th through 19th in Red Deer was a tremendous success. For times and dates of upcoming courses CLICK HERE!
Yes, this fuzzy black and white photograph was actually taken the night I worked back stage with Vance Romane. I still have the candle Vance is holding in this picture. In addition to being Canada's Premier hypnotist, Vance is one of the finest, most down to earth people I have ever met. He is truly me hero. Thank you, Vance! You really are ... FANTASTIC!
See pictures from our recent Ethical Hypnosis Level One workshop.
October 03-05/08
EXTREME
ESTEEM
Murray Fuhrer's DYNAMIC personal empowerment workshop!
Click below for complete details
Visit my original hypnosis site for more fun and information!
Click the image above to enter!
What audience members and participants have said about Murray's Amazing Hypnotic Stage Show!
"It was a blast. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt - absolutely terrific!"
"I thought hypnosis was all staged, but this was for real - I'm a believer!"
"Fantastic! I wouldn't have believed it had I not seen it first hand."
"Murray and his team take great care with the volunteers - they're never at risk - very respectful."
"It's good, clean fun - we'd hire Murray and his crew back in a minute."
Volunteer following the show, "I've never felt so relaxed and so good."
Volunteer following the show, "I can't remember a damn thing!"
SATISFIED CLIENTS INCLUDE:
Agri-Core United
Corus Radio - Red Deer
Town of Blackfalds
Home Depot - Red Deer
Heavenly Touch Massage
Inner Truth Seminars
AND COUNTLESS:
Wedding
Anniversary
Wedding/Baby Shower
Family Reunion
New Year's Eve
Birthday
CELEBRATIONS!
Let us custom-tailor a Hypno-Stage-Show for your special celebration.
YOU WILL LEARN:
WHAT HYPNOSIS IS AND WHY IT WORKS
Discover the closely guarded secrets that other hypnotists don't want you to know!
THE HISTORY OF HYPNOSIS
Hypnosis has been around since the dawn of recorded time, and at least to the time of the ancient Babylonians, Greeks and Egyptians.
SUGGESTIBILITY TESTS
Find out who will go into hypnosis quickly. An essential skill for any performance, and great fun to perform on friends.
HOW TO INDUCE THE HYPNOTIC STATE
The part they didn't want you to see! Simple instructions for the absolute beginner. Sales people you really will benefit from reading this!
SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES
Commands that go straight to the subconscious mind! Easy to follow concise instructions that reveal the true power of subliminal messages and how you can benefit from them.
HYPNOTIC INDUCTION SCRIPT
An actual tried and tested hypnotic scripts which has been successfully used time and time again to aid hundreds of people into deep hypnotic trance! All you need to do is read it out! It couldn't be easier and it works!
SCRIPT EXPLANATION
Know why and how hypno-scripts work! You also receive instructions on speed of speech and voice tonality, ensuring successful inductions and how to create you very own powerful hypnotic scripts!
INSTANT HYPNOSIS
Instant induction methods! Great for Stage work and easier then you think!
AWAKENING THE SUBJECT
How best to wake your subjects and how to deal with 'problems'
TRANCE PHENOMENA
Want to know a little more about the mysteries of trance? The powers of the mind await your discovery!
EXTREME ESTEEM - An all new series of weekly columns on the theme of self-esteem
and personal empowerment - written by Murray M. Fuhrer. See the overview below:
SIGN UP FOR THE NEXT ETHICAL HYPNOSIS LEVEL I WORKSHOP
I know you'll enjoy this exceptional workshop!
EXCITING NEWS!
Watch for my all new Extreme Esteem Column every Monday in the Central Alberta Life and Wednesdays in the Red Deer Advocate.
Positive self-esteem operates as our emotional immune system, providing resistance, strength, and a capacity for regeneration. In the same way a healthy physical immune system defends us against disease, our emotional immune system helps us feel secure and confident in times of stress and allows us to respond appropriately to challenges and opportunities. Positive self-esteem empowers, energizes, and motivates us to greatness.
~ Murray M. Fuhrer - Extreme Esteem
"Your task is to build a better world," said God, and I questioned, "How?
This world is such a vast place and so complicated now. And I am so small and powerless, what can I do?" And God in all his great wisdom replied, "You just build a better you."
An author of nearly 1000 published works and a newspaper columnist reaching 1.5 million readers annually, Murray knows what he's talking about and knows how to communicate it.
"Few writers or speakers can take such high content material and deliver it with so much sincerity and insight."
Murray can and does!
What students are saying about Ethical Hypnosis - Level I & II:
Bill Green:
Great course, Murray. Thanks again and keep up the great work!
Blaine Laverly:
Hypnosis Level I is a great course! The instructors were excellent and provide help long after the course is complete. Well worth it.
I am convinced that low self-esteem is the common thread in most, and perhaps all, personal distress. Some problems are a direct expression of underdeveloped self-esteem: shyness, timidity, fear of self-assertion, intimacy or human relationships, and lack of participation in life. Other issues can be understood as defenses against the reality of the problem: controlling and manipulative behaviour, obsessive-compulsive disorders, inappropriate aggressiveness, and destructive forms of ambition. All of these consequences are driven by the desire to experience worth, control, and personal value.
A good question to ask yourself might be, "How do I feel about myself when I avoid a challenging issue and how do I feel when I confront the threatening issue?" In other words, how do my choices and actions affect how I feel about myself?
Self-esteem is the experience of being competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and feeling worthy of happiness. It consists of two components: (1) Confidence in your ability to think, learn, choose, and make appropriate decisions, and, ultimately, to master challenges and manage change; and (2) Self-respect - confidence in your right to be happy, and therefore, deserving of success, friendship, respect, love, and fulfillment.
How we feel about ourselves impacts every moment of our lives. Self-evaluation is the basis upon which we act and react, choose our values, set our goals, and meet the challenges of life. Who and what we think we are - how competent and worthy we perceive ourselves as being, shapes our responses to events. Of all the judgments we pass in life, none is more significant than the judgment we pass upon ourselves.
Positive self-esteem operates as our emotional immune system, providing resistance, strength, and a capacity for regeneration. In the same way a strong physical immune system defends us against disease, our emotional immune system helps us to feel secure and confident in times of stress and allows us to respond appropriately to challenges and opportunities. Positive self-esteem empowers, energizes, and motivates us to greatness.
Just as it is impossible for a ship to drop anchor and then leave port while chained to the bottom of the sea, so is it impossible for us to cling to past regrets and be able to move forward at the same time.
If the Advanced Hypnosis/Extreme Esteem Site does not appear properly in your browser, you will be required to install the features listed below. Click the buttons to begin the download. Enjoy your visit with us.
YOUR LIFE HAS PURPOSE ...
"No experience is unimportant. Every experience shapes us to become the people that we are. Every experience gives us tools to move forward, to create new things and to explore new avenues. Our purpose is to learn, to grow, to get better, to prosper, to be happy, to make others happier and to contribute to life as we know it. We're never told our purpose but each of us is given glimpses of that purpose every day. We see those glimpses in our dreams, our visions, our aspirations and our ideas. Never do we have ideas or dreams of becoming a lesser person, a less successful person. We see dreams of being better, stronger, faster and more successful. Pay attention to those dreams and visions and ideas. Those are the beacons of hope that your purpose is sending to you. Those beacons will send you down the right path, especially if you find yourself facing change and adversity. Trust your inner instincts. Your life has purpose."
