The Super Mental Training Book Read Online Free Page B

hypnotic state of mind instantly while competing; and/or 2) he performs during the whole competition in the autohypnotic state. In both cases the athlete can immediately give himself appropriate hypnotic suggestions to deal with unforeseen events. The experiences of various elite level athletes, presented throughout this book, will demonstrate that these two capabilities—mastery of instant self-hypnosis, and competing while under self-hypnosis—are not impossible to attain. Diligent practice is all that is required.
    Why Self-hypnosis and Related Mental Disciplines Work
    The human mind, while in a normal waking, or conscious, state, generates what are called Beta waves. These Beta waves, as they show up on an EEG (electroencephalograph) machine, appear as small, compressed, and quite rapid up-and-down lines (Illustration 1). Such lines represent a constant flow of energy permeating the brain. Many authorities contend it is the presence of this constant energy level in an awake person's brain which makes self-programming—that is, convincing oneself to engage in a new behavior or outlook—difficult; simply explained, Beta waves, with their compactness, do not pull apart easily, and so do not readily permit the insertion of different thought patterns.
    As one goes to sleep, however, or enters into an altered state of consciousness, such as that experienced in hypnosis, the brain wave levels change. Alpha waves (Illustration 2) or, in even "deeper" states, Theta waves, arise—waves the EEG machine reveals as being slower, more
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    Illustration 1: Beta waves, as seen on EEG machine.
    spaced apart, and possessing greater energy level fluctuations than Beta waves. When these capacious waves prevail in the brain, hypnotic suggestions and their kin are less likely to be shoved out and rejected by the mind; instead, they are more apt to "fit in" and in the process help create a new mind-set.
    Most coaches are unaware of the Beta to Alpha wave phenomenon and its implications, and continue to resort to old-fashioned "pep talk" sessions in the hope of squeezing better

    Illustration 2: Alpha waves, as seen on EEG machine.
    performances out of each athlete. Such sessions, though, are often exercises is futility—not necessarily because advice given by the coach is bad, but rather because the athlete's mind is relatively unreceptive to any new programming. As is the case in one who is awake and attentive, Beta waves predominate in the athlete's brain. And it is at this point where frustration and disenchantment between coach and athlete many times originate. The coach might tell the athlete
    Introduction
    to do X, but the athlete does Y instead, or tries to do X but fails miserably; this is followed by accusations of insubordination or incompetency, leaving a residue of ill will. Without dwelling upon this matter further, it is important here to observe that there is a big difference between an athlete who is attentive and one who is receptive. The former listens alertly to the message, but often does not act in accordance with it, whereas the latter generally follows the advice with few deviations. Briefly stated, the presence or absence of Beta or Alpha wave levels within the athlete's brain during a coaching input session can contribute to this difference in behavior.
    How to Learn Self-hypnosis
    Everyone who has explored self-hypnosis has his own preference in reaching the hypnotic state of mind. The following procedure has worked well for the several athletes I have guided toward proficiency in self-hypnosis. Its merit can be attributed to its simplicity.
    1. Select a quiet, comfortable place—bed, sofa, soft grass at a park, or whatever. Lie or sit. Remember, a relaxation of the body is necessary, as well as superconcentration of the mind.
    2. Keeping your eyes open, find a spot at which to stare. A spot on the ceiling, a leaf in a tree, something of the sort, will do fine. Stare at the spot while mentally telling