I’ve heard of trance before and what it can do to people. However, what I didn’t know was that it can go beyond the superficial level. Romance fiction books always use the word “trance” to describe characters being enchanted or mesmerised with another character.

When I met Paul, I stumbled upon the intriguing connection between trance and hypnosis. I discovered that the term “trance” has a multifaceted nature, extending beyond the experience of enchantment between characters in books.

The mere mention of “hypnosis” tends to trigger a wave of skepticism in most people. Even I was skeptical of it. But the idea of going into trance or altered state intrigued me because of the positive changes it can do.

The Trance-formation

Without an actual background with it, I thought, “Why not give it a chance? There’s no harm in trying something new.” So I did it and was surprised at how incredible the experience was. I found that hypnosis, when administered by a trained professional, can be a therapeutic technique. Then, I’ve learned that it is aimed at accessing the subconscious mind to bring about positive changes in behaviour, thoughts, and feelings.

Prior to meeting Paul, I was in a dejected state and went on day by day without something to look forward to. I was just merely trying to get through each day. Nothing that I do would cheer me up – even the things I loved doing before.

I was so accustomed to putting on a façade to look happy on the outside. Little did I know that with our simple conversations, he was able to see through me. When he told me about his observations, I couldn’t help but agree with him.

I truly was feeling disappointed and guarded. He told me that this is not how I was supposed to live my life. His words resonated when he reminded me that ‘the good thing about the past is that it’s over, it’s done’.

It served as a wake-up call, urging me to focus on what really matters – the present. The present is indeed a gift that I should celebrate.

Into the Altered State

So, as we went on with the ‘state’ part of our meeting, the word “trance” took an even deeper meaning. In this altered state of consciousness, I found myself exploring memories and emotions with a new sense of clarity and detachment.

At first, visualising things felt a bit heavy, as if I was carrying the weight of my past experiences. However, as time passed and I continued to immerse myself in the experience, visualising things felt more lighter and natural. The heavy feelings of disappointment and guardedness began to dissipate, knowing that I was in a safe space. As my ability to visualise evolved, so did my perception of the past.

It wasn’t easy to look at the past without feeling the pain and betrayal. But going into trance allowed me to revisit my past experiences from a perspective of self-compassion and understanding. It was as if I had been carrying the burden of my past experiences for far too long, and the sessions were helping me release the weight.

I was taught to confront and reframe my negative thought patterns that had been deeply ingrained by my past experiences. The profound impact on my overall wellbeing became increasingly evident especially with my relationships to my family, friends, myself and even strangers. I was more connected and in tune with myself and my needs now more than ever.

Healing through Trance

The trance sessions acted as a mental recalibration for me, influencing my day-to-day interactions and responses with others. It allowed me to approach life with a childlike enthusiasm. This resulted to my improved mood allowing me to open up more and enjoy other people’s company.

The ability to articulate my thoughts and feelings with clarity made me connect deeply with those around me. Whether engaging in casual conversations or sharing more personal aspects of my life, I was able to express myself genuinely.

I remember one of my friends saying that there’s something different about me. It was a good kind of different – that I was ‘blooming’. The trance experience truly has become a bridge that connected me more authentically with others.

I came to recognise that happiness and contentment should not rely on the need for external validation – achievements, rewards and praises, or meeting societal expectations. Just being alive and having the capacity to feel, think, and experience the world is reason enough to be happy.

Trance: Gateway to Inner Peace

The act of breathing, the warmth of sunlight, the chance to hear children’s laughter, the ability to witness sunrise or sunset – these ordinary experiences that I took for granted before now carries a weight of significance. Even the act of doing mundane things, previously dismissed as routine or monotonous, has acquired a new beautiful meaning.

In The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the little prince said, “What is essential is invisible to the eye”. The trance experience had tuned my senses to appreciate the intangible and give importance to those things often overlooked or taken for granted. This shift in my mindset has allowed me to see the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Another immediate and noticeable benefits of this experience was in my overall outlook on life. Instead of dwelling on the past and feeling burdened about the challenges that lay ahead, I found myself focusing on potential solutions and opportunities. It was like a switch in my brain – from looking back with sadness to looking forward with hope.

Instead of seeing the future being dreadful and pointless, I began to recognise it as an area for growth and positive change. It became an opportunity to break free from the cycle of anticipation that something horrible would happen if I become too happy. It helped me to live in the moment and enjoy it because I deserve it.

The trance experience provided me with the mental tools to transform obstacles into stepping stones for my personal and professional growth. I have realised that I don’t have to control or be in control of everything to achieve the better version of myself.

By going into an altered state, I gained a deeper connection with my subconscious, where the roots of my trauma and disappointments are addressed. After confronting these past experiences and putting them where they belong – in the past – I felt liberated. This separation from the emotional baggage allowed me to reclaim my present and look forward to the future.

The woman I aspired to be, free from the pains of the past – strong, resilient, and unburdened – was not just an imagination. She was right in front of me all along. That woman is me.