Trance States: Connecting With the Unconscious and How to Work With It

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. Establishing 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 environment may also be perceived differently—colors may seem brighter or duller, sounds louder or quieter, and everything may appear unusual or unfamiliar.

Additionally, thinking patterns change. 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, thoughts are freer and more 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 surrounding 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 various fields: 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, allowing for relaxation and energy restoration.
• 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 aids in problem-solving and healing emotional traumas or negative beliefs.
• 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 in finding unconventional solutions.
• Self-Awareness and Personal Growth: Altered consciousness is used for self-exploration and personal development. It allows individuals to focus on their inner thoughts, feelings, experiences, and beliefs. Information drawn from the unconscious helps people better understand themselves, their needs, and true life goals.
• Improved Concentration and Productivity: In trance states, people can achieve deep concentration and focus on tasks, which can boost productivity and efficiency at work or in studies.
• Spiritual Enlightenment: Some people use altered states of consciousness to achieve spiritual enlightenment. It helps them recognize personal 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, it’s important to create a comfortable environment free from distractions. Then, focus on your breathing and begin meditating. Maintaining concentration and avoiding distracting thoughts is key. With regular practice, a person can reach a trance state, experiencing profound changes in perception and understanding, as well as gaining new insights. Meditation is useful for stress relief, achieving harmony, and 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.

Hypnosis uses special techniques to reduce conscious activity and increase the influence of the subconscious. Hypnotherapists may use monotone 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.

Hypnosis is not a magical tool and does not guarantee 100% success. Results depend on many factors, such as individual 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 dance, repetition of mantras, or other symbolic actions. Such activities help achieve concentration and immersion in the unconscious.

Entering trance through rituals involves creating the right atmosphere and repeating specific actions. For example, dance can help a person focus on movement and sensations, disconnecting from the outside world and achieving full concentration. Rituals may also be tied 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 a common example—when we eat, we relax and enjoy the food, not paying attention to what’s happening around us. Sports and creative activities like drawing or writing can also induce everyday trance.
• Deep Trance: In deep trance, a person experiences complete relaxation and immersion in the inner world defined 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 allows for profound changes and helps resolve psychological problems. Meditation and ritual dance can also lead to deep trance, providing a strong connection with the body and a sense of calm.
• Somnambulistic Trance: This state can occur during sleep, such as sleepwalking or talking without awareness. These actions are triggered by specific factors like stress or lack of sleep.

Each type of trance has its own characteristics and applications. 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.