Quote from Everest:
Any formn of trance is merely an altered state. The question is, when you relax deeply are you able to access the unconscious.
Once you are in a trance, it is difficult to auto suggest, as you shouldn't really function like that.
Here is one routine I used at the beggining.
By the way, the self hypnosis bit is courtest of Milton Erikkson's wife - Milton himself thought the model very elegant and simple - I was taught it by Dr Richard Bandler (now there is a mind).
The whole basis is turn ones attention and focus internally.
so;
relax in to a chair or bed, whatever makes you comfortable.
I then make the suggestions and changes I would like to see. I ask my unconcious to help me with, where it feels it is appropriate, and I also thank it in advance for it's help.
I also say how long i would like to be in a trance, and describe how i would like to feel when i come out. I repeat to myself that if while i am in a trance anything requires my urgent attention, like the house is on fire, then i will be fully alert and in a full state to deal with the problem.
Then, i say to myslef;
now i am sitting here, i can see ( whatever I can see)
then i sya it again, seeing something else.
then again with some thing else.
note - i don't move my eyes or change the focus, its just what i am aware of
then I say
now i am sitting here, i can hear .........
again (with something else - you get the picture)
agian
then
now i am sitting here, i can feel ( my heart beating, for exampel)
again
again
by this time my eyes have normally closed
then i go back to the top,
now i am sitting here i can see .....and at this point it's an internal image
again
then hear
again
then feel
again
(the feelings at this point are normally things associated with the vision - ie i can feel the sun on back warmimng me right through, or the sand inbetween my toes
then see
then hear
then feel
and by then i am normally off with the fairies. generally i don't get that far. now it's anchored
the more practiced you get, the easier it gets, the faster it works, the better the results
give it a whizz. clearly don't do it when you are attempting to do anything other than be very relaxed in an eye shut situation. ie best not try whilst driving or whatnot
happy blankness to you!