Episode 34 | Apr 29, 2021
Can Your Reality Turn on a Word? Guest: Anthony Jacquin
Can hypnosis be a tool to help us see how our minds are being shaped and manipulated more than we realize? Guest Anthony Jacquin is a hypnotist and hypnotherapist of over 20 years, author of Reality is Plastic, and co-runs the Jacquin Hypnosis Academy. He uses his practice to help his clients change their behavior and improve their lives. In this episode, he breaks down the misconceptions of hypnosis and reveals that despite the influence of hypnotizing forces like social media, we all still have the ability to get in touch with our subconscious selves. “What can I say with certainty is true about me – what is good, true and real about me?” Anthony asks. “Much of what we’ve invested in is actually transient. It will change. What is unchanging?” Anthony draws connections between hypnosis and technology and the impacts of both on our subconscious minds but identifies a key difference – technology is exploiting us. But a better understanding of how that exploitation happens can empower us to break the cycle of exploitation.
Major Takeaways
The practice of hypnosis is more collaborative than we may think. Instead of entering a powerless “trance,” we have the ability to play an active role during hypnosis, even when we feel out of control.
While we like to think that we have full agency over our thoughts and feelings, institutions like social media have a stronger power in shaping our experiences than we once believed – sometimes bringing out our worst selves. Because our consumption of social media relies on automatic responses, it might seem impossible to escape this cycle. This lack of autonomy isn’t something to fear, though. Consider using the principles and practice of hypnosis to acknowledge how social media is negatively warping your reality, and use this same tool to transform your responses into positive ones.
You are your own best hypnotist. If you insist on changing your reality, change can happen – even if it takes time.
Other recommended reading
Reality is Plastic: The Art of Impromptu Hypnosis
Anthony Jacquin’s book explores hypnosis and teaches readers how to use it effectively, revealing that anyone can be a hypnotist if they put their mind to it.
“Is Social Media Trying to Hypnotize You?”
This article from the creators of the podcast The Art of NGF: From Victim to Adventurer explores how social media has the ability to hypnotize its users – a common experience for most people who use social platforms. The article also lays out steps for becoming aware of this hypnosis, proving that it's possible to challenge powerful institutions like technology.
An Intro to Pacing and Leading
This video from the Jacquin Hypnosis Academy lays out the language patterns that are commonly used in hypnosis, especially focusing on pacing and leading, a common practice that many leaders and tech companies also utilize to take control over their audiences.
Freddy Jacquin on Hypnotherapy
This 2018 radio show features Anthony’s father, Freddy Jacquin, discussing hypnotherapy and how it can make positive changes in his clients.
