relearning hypnosis

I've induced 3 trances so far in three different people since starting again. Hitting the books pretty hard. It helps to be the reading and using hypnosis, facilitating the learning, or re-learning process. I learned and practiced hypnosis as a graduate student at UGA. Hypnosis is fairly easy, knowing what to do with an hypnotized subject can extend through a lifetime. I find it quite counter intuitive to any normal thinking, even for a non-linear, divergent thinker. Anything hard to do is good to do. Communicating directly with the unconscious requires a completely different language, one of metaphor and nuance. I believe that the mind is like an iceberg with the conscious mind only being the 10% above the surface. Even then, so much of what one consciously "knows" is subject to misunderstanding, mistake, clouded by desire, fear and misunderstanding. So discounting a good deal of conscious understanding, communicating with the unconscious can become a valuable tool for the entranced. Also, learning can occur at the unconscious level to aid the doubting and resistant conscious mind. Lastly, the lessons learned by and from the unconscious can last a lifetime.

So the art is learning to hear and speak to the unconscious mind with as much care and delicacy as humanly possible.

My latest subject is to return on Monday. I have an extensive diagnostic induction planned and the subsequent trance material will be based on the data from that. I'll pass on the results at some point, protecting the subject's personal information. I'll go into the techniques used rather than specific details of the case.

Back to the books.

a burst of sustained energy today

Out running errands today. Big, huge, fat burrito for lunch. Then bought my brother's birthday present. Grocery shopping, post office and home to walk the dogs. Walk took about 1 1/2 hours to campus and visited with the students. Two loads of laundry. An awful lot of activity for me.

Home to test new beta software for the radio. Not much out there to listen to, maybe due to the solar flare bursts from the sun.











I think the good mood was due to a phone call this morning.

making that connection

There is nothing like connecting with another soul. An open and honest exchange of ideas, thoughts and emotions with someone who I can communicate on multiple levels simultaneously. I have found this only rarely in this world.

I shared parts of my life that I never share, without fear or shame. It just seemed so right.

A new friend.

so nice

So nice to have company.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis

 

I live with my two Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Syke is 11 1/2 years old and Russell is 2. They may be small in stature but they are large in life. They were bred over 1000 years ago as herding dogs. They are excellent dogs off-leash and are always watching their master for commands. Skye has slowed down a bit and Russell loves to run. We take long walks everyday and often play ball in the backyard. Due to my friendly neighbors the puppies have about 3 acres in which to roam without crossing the street. I want to get another one, once I grow and third arm to hold the leash.

Warning: Extreme Geek Content --- Software Designed Radio

As I posted previously, the world (haha) of shortwave radio has changed so much since my last entry into the hobby of World Band Radio. The basic ideas of shortwave broadcasting stations, a receiver and an antenna haven't changed much. The ability to access to information about broadcasts is simply amazing. Even on the early 90's all I had was a newsletter, "World of Radio" which came twice a month, and the book "Passband to World Radio" published yearly. I would turn on the radio and turn the dials listening for signals, then look up what I may have been hearing.

The week I loaded a freeware program called, "Shortwave Log," It is intended to be a place to log your dx (long distance listening) but in fact is a SQL database back end where one can load data from many sources and display in several views. In fact I loaded the databases of the "World Radio and TV Handbook," and the "English Language Broadcasts.

If that isn't enough, there is a new type of radio called Software Designed Radio. The is a small box containing a DSP (digital signal processor) and it takes the analogue signal from the antenna and through to a computer where is processing of the digital signal takes place. The computer becomes the front end and control of the radio and the interface for the listener is the keyboard and mouse.

I will use my Dell 105 quad dual processors and 8GB of RAM. Plenty of processing power I think. There are several software control applications to test. These devices will also display other transmission types, SSB, CW, RTTY, even satellites.

It's on the truck to be delivered today. Another trip to Radio Shack to get a few connectors.

The scheme is 27m inverted - L antenna > stepdown balun > to coax to the house > MFJ 959C antenna tuner > RFspace > computer > graphic equalizer (to reduce noise) > headphones.

Sounds like fun for the ultra geek in me.

On another topic:

Yesterday I went electric on with my Martin D-15 and recorded a few songs on my Zoom H2 digital recorder.  I am happy to say I sounded pretty good. A few memory lapses here and there but overall quite well done. Next project is to learn to use the audio engineering application so I might record the vocals, guitar(s), and bass in separate tracks.

Now sitting quietly awaiting the UPS guy.

the way insurance works

So I get this bill for an MRI and CT scan. I get these twice a year now. Total so far, over 20. So the bill comes (I have new insurance and the cheapest rate I could find was $1,000 per month) and I see that the charge for these two procedures is over $11,000. Because I have insurance, the hospital deducts $10,000. Over 90%. Without insurance I would have been charged the entire $11,000. Now we can assume that the hospital isn't losing money on the deal by accepting only the $1,000, ergo the $11,000 charge is completely bogus. However that is the charge. So, who is less likely to have insurance (who puts the screws to the hospital to change a more  reasonable fee)? The poor, the unemployed and underemployed,  those whose employment does not offer insurance. The game is so rigged against those least able to pay.

So, for a six month of insurance coverage I pay $6,000 and a deductible of $1,000, to get the insurance discount at the hospital of $10,000. My insurer paid $5.81.

My advice, don't get sick and if you do, don't survive, or be very rich.

Hypnosis

After taking a decade long break from doing hypnosis, I had my first subject tonight. I thought it went fairly well. Trance was achieved, post hypnotic suggestion made. I was able to see a few things right away, on which I can improve. Not quite the "like riding a bike" experience but certainly a adequate performance. A few more practice sessions and I'll be open for business.

 At this point my goal is a very small practice focusing on; stop smoking, reduce anxiety, reduce panic attacks, relieve test anxiety, pain relief, reduce headaches and headache pain, increased concentration, confidence, weight loss, and relaxation.

the point of this blogging

     I've been meaning to blog on why I am writing a blog. I was waiting until I knew why I was blogging. At first I thought I'd be writing about photography and music as I was already writing music reviews for Honest Tune. Really should write about photography, I sure have learned a lot in the years since I bought my Fuji S2 (wedding present from my 4th bride-to-be) and Photoshop 2. I haven't really written much about music either unless I attended the show, and I haven't been to very many of those lately. More or less randomly I get the urge to add parts about my life, external and internal.

So, why do I write? When I was very sick with the cancer and the treatments, I blogged on my MySpace page and was able to inform many people at once without them feeling like a response was required of them. I had over two hundred regular readers at that time. Then MySpace was eclipsed my Facebook, which has no easy blogging feature. As so many of my friends and acquaintances live far away, it is nice to let people know what is going on with me, esp. my challenges with my health and the healthcare system. (reminds me I have one to write about health insurance). If you have a blog and I know about it, I assure you I do keep up.

Another reason is to add a remote memory as I have so much trouble remembering anything recent, like the past few years ...or yesterday. I have been looking into the functions of the right Parietal lobe to understand what was damaged by the tumors, the surgery, the radiation, and  anti-seizure drugs. Interesting stuff. Seems the cancer tumors were more responsible than I originally thought.

But, I digress. Nap time. Even after a great night's sleep I can just suddenly feel fatigued. Like now. First hypnosis subject due tonight. It's been about 10 years since I last tried.

Thanks for reading.

Snow!

-Snow-Dogs-

(^link to more photos^)

It started snowing at 3:30 on Monday morning. Right away, big flakes and lots of them. By 6:00am, when I went back to sleep, there was over an inch, covering the roads. The temperature was below freezing and the ground was cold enough to have the snow stick right away. By nightfall, we had about 6 inches here in Davidson.

My brother came over and we played with the dogs in the snow and took pictures. Both dogs struggled to even walk through the snow and did not want to stay out long.

During the night, sleet and freezing rain left a coating of ice on everything, making even walking outside dangerous. We'll be going out in just a minute.

An aside. I"m watching a program on Hitler (1933 or so) and he is giving a speech. All of a sudden I'm reminded of Glen Beck.

I have my first practice hypnosis subject coming over at 4pm. I'm reading a couple of my old texts to revive my past learning. I always enjoyed hypnosis but never built my practice around formal trancework, as it difficult and time consuming. My goal is to have a very small practice, just to see how it goes. Other good news is that my investments did very well this year. So fewer money worries for 2011.

too funny

So two friends of mine were talking tonight and burst into laughter. I felt sure I was somehow the subject of the laughter. So the conversation went something like this. The first, Jana says, "my book isn't selling as well anymore" and the other, Debbie says, "You should write about your life." Jana retorts "No one would read it." That's went Debbie looks at me, bundled up to go outside, and says, "Well write about Chris' life." Jana laughed (this is where I'm get a vibe) and replies, "No one would believe it!"

Ain't that the truth.

45kg of atomic energy 1.57m of determination

Last night was really fun. The weather forecast was for rain and snow and I have the worst car in the world for snow/ice. Big fat slick summer tires, engine in front and rear wheel drive. Kidney stone pain was about a 3 (at a 5 I head to the hospital, at a 7 I cannot answer questions from the medical staff, I won't ever describe what 8 is like). Slept poorly for the past two nights and fatigue running all week about a moderately high level. As I mentioned before, something inside was telling me I should meet this young woman, so I am going, not matter what. "Neither rain, nor sleet, nor dark of  ..." well you know.

Preparations included an attempt at sleep earlier in the day, unsuccessful, and I think to myself, "self, if hypnosis is good enough for others, it should be good enough for you." Mid afternoon I hypnotize myself to find energy and some minor pain relief. The induction includes a post hypnotic instruction to become more energized as 7:30p approaches. Of course I get there early and stand in the cold, filled with anticipation. Clutching my Doctoral Thesis, which she's ask me to bring, making her the first person to ever read my only copy. On time, a little slip of a girl comes walking down the sidewalk, waving. You could fit this girl on a postage stamp. I choose the restaurant, Cabo Fish Taco based on all the pictures on her FB pages of her of holding fish. Get there and the wait is 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Nope. So off to Boudreaux's where, after she crab soup, we find neither of us is really hungry. We head next door to the Neighborhood Theater to stand in the cold in order to be two of the first 50 in order to get free T-shirts. She seems excited by this. We score and head across the street for more coffee (I'd been pounding coffee since 4:30p). Unhappily there is no chocolate ice creme to put in her coffee. By the time we head to the show, we've had about 2 hours to chat. The longer we talk the more impressed I am. On the way into the show we stop by her car for her to get into her Party Suit (I think she called it). I am reminded of the scene in the movie "Hackers" where, at a party, Lord Nikon (yes that is where I got my photography name), while looking a very hot girl, says to his friend, "Spandex is a privilege, not a right."  Well Sarah has earned that right. 'Nuff said on that subject. Well almost enough. She is a doll.

I do not take my camera for a change and just enjoy listening to the music. I know, I know, what a concept. When I do shoot and the camera is in my hand, everything fades out except the shooting, the light and the music. I wanted to be able to concentrate on my new friend. Little did I realize she knew dozens of people there and can be quite the social butterfly. In light of her recent and apparently unhappy break up, I think she is just forcing herself to be social and not dwell in her underlying sadness. We are sitting in the balcony, practically the only time I have her to myself, and The Cure song, "Why Can't I Be You" pops in my head. I find everything she does is utterly charming. Even when she loses a sock.

I manage to hang on to the end and at 2:30am head for home. One poor puppy got sick all over the house. Nothing like cleaning up at 3am. Sarah heads to an after party. I have friends meeting me for breakfast so 8am comes all to early. The reward for only getting 4 hours sleep is getting to see my friend Shelly (ex- Lance employee) for the first time time in two months. Even when, like today, neither of us has anything really interesting going on in our lives, it s just very nice to see her. I guess we've been friends about 8 years now.

So, Sarah (I know you are reading this) Let's be Friends! Email coming.

oh yea, there were three bands. First was Funkaponya (fuck a pony?) and last was Actual Proof. They had a video going in the background during the show and therefore little to no light on the band. I thanked god I wasn't planning to shoot that. I'll wait to see how the guys who did shoot, were able to get any shots.
(sorry no pictures today)

all set up for Friday

OK, all is good. Plans for 7:30 Friday night set. Irony. You might remember how upset I was over a friend of mine dating my ex. Well come to find out that Miss Tengin's most recent (and until very recently) boyfriend is one of my dearest friends, a fact to which I was not aware. Phone call to friend immanent.

Anyway, so looking forward to making a new friend.

addendum:

permission granted

a chance meeting by design

Good morning. I seem to be a morning blogger don't I? My brain works better in the morning, alway has.

Why does my dog mock me? Russell gets me up at 5:30am (went to sleep around 1am) to let him out, and then when I get up for good, find he crapped on the floor. I think he misunderstands the concept of outside. I just don't have the heart to do anything than give him a disapproving look.

Having pound cake and coffee for 2nd breakfast.

So on to today's note. Ever since I saw a photo of a young woman on the photos of Brian Tyndall's FB page, I was drawn to know more. After following her posts for a while I sent a friend request and it was accepted. I tossed out a few comments and last night one hit. Sai Surrealia (Sarah Tengin) asked how to find my dissertation. I suggested Interlibrary loan but she asked if I would be at a show at the NT on Friday. I figured it might be hard to discuss therapeutic alliance in a club, I suggested dinner and was accepted. Plans to be made.

Why do I want to meet her? I don't really know, more of an intuitive feeling. I get the feeling that she is a special person and I don't meet that many people that impress me. I found her blog this morning and am even more impressed. Maybe I'll know more on Friday.

Imagine asking to read my dissertation. My last three wives never bothered to read it. While I was looking up the libarary code, I found that my small work has been referenced, cited and even quoted several times. One researcher even used my data in a meta-analysis on the subject. Fun to see my name in print. It was like finding a closed chapter of my life. I suspect that the issues that interest Sai probably can be explained better than gleaned from my scientific prose.

I can always use another friend. I am really excited to meet her. Who wouldn't want to meet this girl?

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year to all of you!

Yesterday was Russell's birthday. He is now two years old. Much singing took place and many doggy treats were consumed.

Went out to dinner tonight with a dozen friends. It was fun. Traditional New Years lunch (pork, black eyed peas, greens) at Joyce's tomorrow.

Decided to start my Hypnosis practice in a couple of weeks. Starting practicing next week with friends. It really should come back to me. Figured out where to post on Craigslist and will put up flyers around town. Need to order a book or two of canned inductions. Have a couple here and the rest are packed somewhere in Eric's basement. Several people at dinner tonight are planning to quit smoking so if I can get one to agree they can show the others that it works. I'm counting on word of mouth for most of my advertising.

Recorded my Gibson with the new Newtone strings and then a bit of playing and singing, without amplification. The J-200 sounded great. My playing was fairly good but my singing was off. As soon as the new version of the TC Helicon Voice Correct comes out, I'll be makeing that purchase. The feature that most interests me is that the vocals are corrected but you can hear your voice as you sing and can match up with the corrected sound as a method of training. After listening to my out of tune vocals tonight, the sooner I get one of these, the better, lol.

Listened to Radio Australia this morning. Very Cool. Only broadcasting with 100kw the signal was reasonable clear.

Off to bed.