Trance States: Connecting with the Unconscious Mind

Throughout life, people are influenced not only by external factors but also by internal ones. Our actions, thoughts, and decisions are shaped by both the conscious and the unconscious mind. The conscious and unconscious are two aspects of the psyche that play a crucial role in how we live and what we do. The conscious mind is what we control-our actions and thoughts. The unconscious, on the other hand, seems mysterious, existing beyond our awareness and usually outside our understanding. It includes instincts, habits, automatic reactions, and more. Both aspects are important for mental health. Achieving a connection between them and becoming aware of unconscious reactions is possible through trance states.

What Is a Trance?

A trance is essentially an altered state of consciousness characterized by deep relaxation, a shift in focus to the inner world, and reduced attention to external stimuli. In this state, a person becomes more suggestible and creative abilities may emerge.

The signs of entering a trance state vary depending on the method used to achieve it. One of the most common signs is a change in the perception of time. A person may feel that time is moving slower or faster than usual, or may not sense its passage at all.

Another sign is a change in self-perception and body awareness. A person may feel as if their body is lighter or heavier, expanding or contracting. The surrounding environment may also be perceived differently-everything may seem brighter and more colorful, or, conversely, duller; sounds may become louder or quieter, and the world may appear unusual or unfamiliar.

Additionally, thinking changes. For example, in a hypnotic trance, a person becomes more open to information without critical analysis. In a meditative trance, thinking becomes calmer and more focused on the present moment, while in an ecstatic trance, thinking is free and associative. Overall, thinking becomes more abstract and symbolic in these states.

During trance, the level of consciousness shifts, which can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, as well as new ideas and solutions to problems. There may also be a sense of complete peace and a strong connection with oneself and the world.

Such states can occur naturally, for example, through meditation. They can also be induced artificially using hypnosis and other methods.

The Benefits of Trance States

Altered states of consciousness can be beneficial for several reasons. They are used in medicine, psychology, and as a means of spiritual development. Trance can also be used for relaxation, stress reduction, improved concentration, and working through emotional issues rooted in the unconscious. Here are some key benefits:

• Stress and Tension Relief: Deep meditation or hypnosis is an effective tool for combating stress. It helps release tension that builds up in daily life and can lead to burnout if not addressed. During a session, a person disconnects from external distractions and focuses on thoughts and sensations. Relaxation helps restore energy and let go of problems.
• Improved Physical and Mental Health: Trance can positively affect both physical and mental health. Research shows that deep relaxation can help lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety and depression. In this state, people can understand subconscious motives and concerns, which helps resolve issues. Old emotional traumas or negative beliefs can be processed in altered states of consciousness.
• Enhanced Creativity and Intuition: Trance can be used to develop creative abilities. In this state, a person can deeply immerse themselves in their thoughts and feelings, gaining access to deeper levels of imagination and intuition, which helps find unconventional solutions.
• Self-Awareness and Personal Growth: Altered consciousness is used for self-exploration and personal development. It allows people to focus on their inner thoughts, feelings, experiences, and beliefs. Information drawn from the unconscious helps better understand oneself, personal needs, and true life goals.
• Improved Concentration and Productivity: In trance states, people can achieve deep concentration and focus on tasks, which can improve productivity and efficiency at work or in studies.
• Spiritual Enlightenment: Some people use altered states of consciousness to achieve spiritual enlightenment. It helps them become aware of their spiritual needs and values, paving the way for personal growth and finding their place in the world.

It’s important to remember that achieving a trance state requires practice and time, and may also require expert guidance for the best results.

Ways to Enter a Trance State

When in a trance, a person’s perception of time and space can change. There are several ways to enter this state:

Meditation

Meditation is one of the most well-known and popular ways to turn inward. It is a practice that helps focus on breathing, thoughts, and sensations to achieve deep relaxation and immersion. There are various meditation techniques, including breath focus, mantra repetition, or visualization.

To achieve a trance state through meditation, first create a comfortable environment free from distractions. Then, focus on your breathing and begin meditating. It’s important not to break concentration or let distracting thoughts interfere with the process.

With regular meditation practice, a person can reach a trance state, experiencing profound changes in perception and understanding of the world, as well as gaining new insights and sensations. Meditation is useful for relieving stress and tension, achieving harmony, and finding inner peace.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is another way to access the unconscious. With the help of a psychotherapist or on their own, a person enters a state of deep relaxation and concentration, becoming open to changes in consciousness, thinking, and behavior.

Accessing the subconscious through hypnosis involves special techniques aimed at reducing conscious activity and increasing the influence of the subconscious. Hypnotherapists use methods such as monotonous repetition of words or sounds and complete relaxation.

During hypnosis, a person can access hidden resources. Hypnosis is used to address issues like phobias and addictions, and is also applied for chronic pain and stress. However, hypnosis is not a magic tool and does not guarantee 100% success. Results depend on many factors, including personal characteristics, motivation, and trust in the hypnotherapist.

Rituals

Rituals are another way to enter a trance state. These are structured actions or ceremonies performed with a specific purpose or intention. Rituals often include music and ritual dances, repetition of mantras, or other symbolic actions. Such activities help achieve concentration and immersion in the unconscious.

As mentioned, entering a trance through rituals involves creating the right atmosphere and repeating specific actions. Dance is one example-during dance, a person focuses on movement and sensations, disconnecting from the outside world and achieving complete concentration.

Rituals may also be connected to religious or cultural traditions, or used in esoteric practices.

Since everyone is unique, some methods work better for certain people than others. Some may need more time and effort to connect with the subconscious, while others achieve results easily. Working on yourself will help you find the method that suits you best.

Types of Trance States

Contact with the subconscious is a mysterious state. There are several types of trance, each with its own features and uses. American psychiatrist and psychotherapist Milton Erickson identified three main types:

• Everyday Trance: This is a state people experience regularly, often without realizing it. For example, when someone is deeply engaged in an activity, they become absorbed and ignore external distractions. Eating is one example-when we eat, we focus on the food and relax, not paying attention to what’s happening around us. Another example is exercising, where attention is focused on the activity and worries fade into the background. Creative activities like drawing or writing can also induce an everyday trance.
• Deep Trance: In a deep trance, a person experiences complete relaxation and immersion in the inner world shaped by the unconscious. This state is used to address psychological issues such as phobias, depression, and anxiety. Deep trance can be achieved through hypnosis, which involves full immersion in the unconscious. The results of such sessions can help resolve psychological problems. Meditation and ritual dance can also lead to deep trance, providing a sense of calm and a strong connection with the body.
• Somnambulistic Trance: This state can occur during sleep. For example, a person may sleepwalk, talk, or perform other actions without being aware of it. Such behaviors are triggered by specific factors like stress or lack of sleep.

Each type of trance has its own characteristics and uses. Everyday trance helps with focus and relaxation in daily life, while deep trance is used for treating specific psychological issues.

Before practicing trance techniques, it is recommended to consult a psychotherapist or another expert in the field to gain the necessary knowledge and skills and to use the methods safely and effectively.