Meditation is undoubtedly similar to hypnosis. Both are used to attain deep states of relaxation, but they rest on slightly different levels and tend to have separate purposes.
As far as I understand, the way that people meditate is to concentrate on something intently. They might choose to focus their eyes on a candle or some other object, just as you might use eye fixation to bring on hypnosis. People also tend to use a mantra in meditation, a word or phrase repeated over and over again until they are relaxed. I’d call these mantras suggestions, and the relaxed state hypnosis.
In fact, there are such similarities that if you sat two people side by side, one in hypnosis and one in meditation, it would be hard to say which person was in hypnosis and which one was meditating. It’s just two different belief systems wrapped around the same sort of state. In my opinion, meditation is just another means of entering the hypnotic state.
The act of meditation is often linked with a certain set spiritual beliefs. While this differs greatly from hypnosis, they both invoke altered states through concentration and are actually quite similar. Hypnosis and meditation can each be used to eliminate physical discomfort, bring about balance to the system, and reduce mental and emotional stress. In fact, deep relaxation in any form can provide these benefits.
However, the belief in the spiritual aspect of meditation and the deepening of that connection is a benefit that lies solely in the realm of meditation. I wouldn’t suggest hypnosis as a great way of strengthening your spirituality or embarking on a spiritual journey.
In this same sense, hypnotherapy and our own self hypnosis CDs and downloads are geared toward benefiting specific issues and bringing about behavioural change, such as to stop smoking. Meditation might not be the best way to resolve emotional conflicts or stop unwanted behaviours. So while there is certainly some common ground, the purpose and personal use of each can be quite unique.
If relaxation is what you seek, then both hypnosis and meditation will suffice. We know the benefits of relaxation alone are innumerable. Yet if you seek solutions to emotional issues or desire to bring about changes in your behaviour, then I believe hypnosis is the best option and will provide you with a direct path towards resolution.
