The reality of a phenomenon like hypnosis, is that from a certain point of view, it has no basis in reality, certainly not in any physical way. The problem with getting a handle on what hypnosis is basically lies in the fact that the effects of an hypnotic suggestion are only manifest in the subject's mind. This perhaps is why people generally have a difficult time accepting the benefits or even existence of hypnosis.

Here's a simple check to show the influence of a person's state of mind on an incoming suggestion. Find yourself a victim to practice on and having politely asked them to assist you in an experiment, suggest that they follow your instructions but not forcing anything to happen, but if it does, let it.

Then ask them to hold their hands six or seven inches apart in front of them. Tell them that on the count of three you will click your fingers and you would like them to imagine a small explosion going off at a point between their hands. This is all done with their eyes open and after counting to three; you click your fingers and watch for a reaction.

As you click your fingers, you will generally see a slight movement of the hands. Regardless, say ?excellent? and explain to them that because they are in a completely waking state, your suggestion and their imagination were not very effective. That provides us with our standard reaction when only influenced by waking suggestions.

Now that your subject is aware of the game we are playing, ask them if they would like to experience the effects when in a light trance state. As they are unlikely to feel intimidated by this type of question, they will hopefully agree to the next stage. If they appear nervous of this idea, assure them that they can stop you at any time that they wish and you won't mind.

When they are comfortable, ask them to close their eyes, keep their hands held out in front of them about six or seven inches apart and relax the rest of their body. If they are standing, you may wish to assure them that they will easily be able to stand upright at all times. Keep a hand on their shoulder to steady them.

Next draw their attention to their hands and ask them to imagine their hands in front of them. Say as you did before that on the count of three, you will click your fingers and you would like them to imagine an explosion going off between their hands. Check they are ready and count one, two, three, click!

Now if everything went to plan, their hands will jump a couple of centimeters and they will know what their hands just did. This is not only a proof of the concept that as a person's mind turns inward (in this case by closing their eyes and focusing on the thought of their hands) their imagination and suggestibility is enhanced, but it is also a great way to show that subject's mind will trigger a greater reaction in that state.

This is the first step to understanding how the mind plays tricks on us, but by using the effects of those tricks, a mental reaction can take place, which if directed well can cause a lasting change in a person's mind. If you think that reality is the only thing that is important in your life, this little experiment will show you that your mind reacts just as well to things which are not real at all.

So how many reactions do you have each day which are triggered by things that are in your mind? The answer - all of them!