July 11, 2008

Hypnosis CD Give-Away

[By Crabby]


(Stare at the center... C'mon, we dare ya!)
(Flickr photo credit)


So, you wanna get hypnotized?

We've got another Friday give-away, and this one's pretty cool: your choice of one of 3 hypnosis CD's by the folks at Performance Hypnosis.

(And we swear none of these CD's will have you squawking like a chicken or going all homicidal at the sight of the Queen of Diamonds. This is the good kind of hypnosis).

But before we get into the specifics...

Have you ever been hypnotized, either by a live person or an audio recording? Some people fear it, and others scoff, and still others remain entirely unaffected--but for the majority of folks it can be quite a positive experience.

This being a Lazy Friday, I'm not going to dig up all the research to convince you of the benefits of hypnosis. Even staid mainstream medical authorities pretty much agree it can be useful, depending on the person and the situation.

It's basically just a state of relaxed, focussed attention in which you find yourself less critical and more open to suggestion.

Of course, my being a skeptical, controlling, untrusting, argumentative, anxious, uptight person--you might think that I would be the last person on earth who would be a hypnosis fan. But you'd be wrong! Even I think it's pretty cool. (Further disclosure: back when I was a psychotherapist, I even learned to hypnotize clients myself--I was always totally shocked when it actually worked.)

However, it is true that I'm not very suggestible. I fooled around with it a LOT a number of years ago--and personally, I never had much luck "fixing" things, like bad habits or irrational fears. But for those who are naturally more open and less stubborn? Results really can be impressive. And I did have some really nifty trance experiences. Plus it worked really well for stress reduction and general relaxation.

Hmm, this post is making me want to drag out some of my old self-hypnosis CD's... perhaps I'm more suggestible than I thought?

So enough of that: lets talk about the Free CD.

Alas, the CD can only be won by residents of the United States or Canada, sorry. (But at least we squeezed the Canadians in this time.)

Here are the choices:











(I just love the "stress relief" photo, don't you?)

If you'd like a shot at winning one, just leave a comment letting us know which one you'd like. A random number generator will pick a winner by Tuesday night July 15th, Eastern Standard Time and the results will be announced sometime the next day. The winner needs to check in by midnight on Thursday the 17th to claim the prize.
And if you're not wanting a CD? Please tell us what you think of hypnosis just for the heck of it!

UPDATE: We now have a winner, but please try again Friday July 18th for our next give-away.

92 comments:

  1. I would love the weight loss one!

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  2. Well...wow! I need help with all three, but the Weight Loss one would be best, because if I lost weight I would no longer be up all night worrying about my weight. So, put me in the drawing for the Weight Loss CD and I can kill 3 birds with one stone :-)

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  3. le sigh, me being this side of the Atlantic means I'm merely submitting my two cents...

    Has Paul McKenna crossed the ocean? He's rather popular over here for his powers of suggestion and mind manipulation.

    Me? I'm a cynic with an open mind. Are they mutually exclusive?? I've read some great reports about it being effective in over eating and smoking cases, though, and would love to try it at some stage.

    Cara

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  4. I would love the Stress Relief CD. I think if I could deal better with my stress, the sleeping and weight loss issues may be resolved as well.

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  5. Considering the week I've just had and the week coming up, one stress relief CD please!

    I'm not sleeping well and probably eating crap to cope so this would solve all my problems!

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  6. Ooooh. Weight Loss Motivation. I could use some of that.

    My views toward hypnosis are complicated. Rationally, I know there are valuable applications and it can help people. My parents think it's evil and I grew up hearing that, so there's that little echo there in my mind telling me it's dangerous. It's amazing how these things stick with you.

    But if it could help me lose weight? That sounds like a good thing.

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  7. I'm not being greedy - I was going to post that if I won again to get the number generator to pick another number. But as I'm not eligible it's all cool anyway :P

    I don't think I'm very suggestible, I don't think hypnosis would work on me. However, in the sort of same vein, I've been thinking of trying meditation. Trying to incorporate some of the mind into what has mainly been a body endeavour on my part.

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  8. Curiosity leads me to want the stress relief one, but I do hypnotherapy so I don't think it's fair for me to participate.
    NB best definition of the state of hypnosis I've heard.

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  9. As you may remember, the Bag Lady's father was a dentist. He also used hypnosis to help some of his patients overcome their fear of dental treatment. Consequently, the Bag Lady has been hypnotized countless times. (she didn't dare stare at the photo....she might have been sitting there a really long time!)
    That being said, she could certainly use some help with weight loss (as there isn't one offered for the other monkey on her back!)

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  10. I'd like the Weight Loss Motivation one! Thanks!

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  11. Very cool...I think I'd like the weightloss one, but the stress relief sounds interesting too.

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  12. I am doing Hypnobirthing for baby's birth. I did it for little Jonny too after a first birthing experience that was a complete nightmare.
    Though I also am super critical and resistant to suggestion, when practiced often enough, hypnosis does work! I highly highly recommend giving it a try. Not just once.
    As for me, the insomnia CD sounds heavenly. So I can sleep at night, not at work. Ahem!

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  13. I would love the weight loss one

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  14. I wonder how you figure out how suggestible you are. Stress relief would be awesome if it worked

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  15. I LOVE being hypnotized and have discovered over the years that I am easily hypnotized.

    That's sometimes good...when you want a session to work good thoughts and visualizations into your golf game, or sometimes bad... when the white line on the road can put you under while driving at night!

    I'd love the stress relief one.

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  16. interesting prize - I'd have to go with the weight loss one, although truth be told, I could use all three!

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  17. oops, forgot to put my info.

    I have never tried hypnotherapy but I can see how it could work. A lot of who we behave is due to how we've trained ourselves to behave and hypnotherapy could break through those walls of beliefs that we've built up.

    Or not

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  18. Hypnosis freaks me out. I know they say you can't be hypnotised into doing things you wouldn't do when not hypnotised, but is that really true? And what if it is, what does that mean? I mean, look, I wouldn't eat an entire batch of brownies while not hypnotised, but only because I know I shouldn't, right? If I were feeling less inhibited, maybe I would do it. I mean, I also wouldn't go around quacking like a duck, and neither would most people, but people do that under hypnosis.

    And things that are morally wrong? Well, I think of myself as a moral person, someone who tries to live ethically and treat others well. But what if that's a decision I have made, to inhibit my own actions, rather than an innate part of my character? Would that still prevent me from being hypnotised into it?

    Finally, I am a control freak, so I LOATHE the idea of giving anyone, however benign, access to my mind when my guard is down.

    So, does anyone else have these concerns?

    Oh, and by the way, I would (obviously) like to opt out of winning the CD.

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  19. Were I to win, I'd give the sleep one a try (and pray I could get off prescription sleep meds).

    Or maybe the stress one as the sleep meds are for stress.

    No. Sleep minus atavan. Please.

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  20. I'd love to give the Weight Loss one a try! I know several people who have used hypnosis to help them quit smoking. What's the harm in trying, right?

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  21. delurking to try and "win" the weightloss one. I'm not sure what I think of hypnosis - but it couldn't hurt I guess . . .

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  22. I've never been hypnotized. The closest I've come to seeing it in action was when Raveen came to Montreal decades ago (Marijke would remember him!). That was the entertainment side of hypnosis.

    The weight loss CD sounds like it could be interesting.

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  23. Me please. Since there seems to be no "husbands that pick their socks up from the floor" CD, the insomniac in me would like the sleepy time CD, the chocoholic in me would love the weight loss, and who the heck DOESN'T suffer from the stress monster. But I'll go with any of the above. I ain't picky. Let's see if random adores me this time around.

    So, does this really work? I've only seen those peeps in comic clubs dancing like strippers and such.

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  24. I have no idea what I think about hypnosis, but I would dearly love the insomnia CD. :-)

    Word of advice to others: avoid night shift if at all possible. I don't do it anymore, but after five years of it I still don't sleep like I used to.

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  25. I've never been hypnotized, and I too have mixed thoughts on the subject. But I think I am at the point where I would try anything...why not?

    Unless, we open up some crazy terrifying door in my brain(Stir of Echoes... anyone?? ~Old Kevin Bacon movie)

    I'd give the weight loss CD a shot. =)

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  26. I don't think I'm very suggestible either, but then I've never tried it, so who knows? What I really need is a hypnosis CD to make me stop pulling my cuticles apart. But I think stress relief comes in second to that...

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  27. Hi! I would like to win the insomnia CD. I've never even given hypnosis a try but it never hurts to try everything once, right?

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  28. I've never been hypnotised, but I have always wanted to give it a try. I would love the weight loss one! Thanks! :)

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  29. I'm kind of a skeptic, but I would love to be proved wrong. The weight loss CD is the one I would like to try.

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  30. I'd like to hypnotize my boss into thinking I'm not coming in this morning...

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  31. Insomnia cd..Please! :)

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  32. Oooh stress relief would be fabulous

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  33. Stress Relief for sure.

    I have been hypnotised (twice) for fun - and although I was made to do some pretty weird things, it was a very good experience!

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  34. Hi Crabby, I've been on a commenting hiatus but I'm back now! I've never been hypnotized but I think it would be really cool to try. I could definitly use the insomia or stress CD : )

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  35. I've been hypnotized, but I didn't go under too deeply. Like I was watching a show about people being hypnotized to remember past lives, and there definitely wasn't any of that happening with me. But the suggestions did work. I never felt like I had to do them but it would probably be just as well if I followed them.

    I could probably use both the stress one and the weight loss one. But I think that I'd rather work through the stress on my own at a slow pace so I guess I'd prefer the weight loss one.

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  36. Oh, I need the Eliminating Insomnia one FO SHO'.

    And, I think I had a seizure from staring at that photo...

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  37. Crabby,

    I quit smoking by hypnosis. A real person did the first one and then he gave me a cassette I listened to for thirty days.

    Didn't work for the weight, however. *sigh* So let's try again.

    I'd love to try the weight loss CD, perhaps the technique has improved over these many years.

    Have a great weekend.

    Terrie

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  38. Hypnosis done well is brilliance. I couldn't have gotten my professional licenses without it.

    That said, the real trick seems to be distinguishing the good from the bad hypnotists.

    Which is why I'm so happy Crabby and Merry have done the pre-selection for us -- built-in quality control FTW!!

    (And with that ringing endorsement, I can now say "Pick me!" with abandon for the WLCD, right? Right?? :D)

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  39. I'm willing to give anything a try!

    Stress Relief please!

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  40. I don't actually want a CD, but did want to comment about hypnosis. When I started to lose weight, I used a self-hypnosis CD that I thought was great - not this one, but same general idea I'm sure. So I have positive opinions about it.

    My sister is actually just starting now to go to a hypnotherapist to help her get going on a weight loss journey (yeah it runs in the family)

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  41. I have used hypnosis for weight loss motivation and it worked for me. It helped that the hypnotherapist had lost over 70 lbs herself so she understood the struggle of a chubbo.
    I don't need a CD. She gave me a bunch of her own. Boring!

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  42. Cool, its great to see this much interest!

    As to people being "made" to do things, I think that's an artifact of stage hypnosis--I've heard there are all kinds of tricks top pick out the super-suggestibles. And from my experience, an audio recording tends to be less a bit less effective than a real live (expensive) hypnotherapist, so I wouldn't worry too much about the experience being too intense.

    Those who are control freaks (like me) will probably risk boredom more than being suddenly compelled to do things you don't want to do. You really don't get induced into a trance unless you want to go there, and even if you do want to sometimes it's hard to get there if you have control issues.

    However, (and sorry, Little M) WE HAVE NOT TRIED THESE TAPES OURSELVES. So--alas, no pre-screening here, but just received a generous offer from the Performance folks. So those who are considering purchasing may want to do their own research on the other available alternatives.

    And another caveat--if you have a history of childhood abuse or are dealing with significant psychological issues (particularly involving dissociation) it's probably safest to do hypnosis with a trained professional to guide you rather than an off-the-shelf hypnosis tape. Just to be on the safe side.

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  43. I have control issues, so I'm wary of hypnosis. I don't like the idea of totally losing control like that. But, at the same time I'm forever curious about these kinds of things! I'd be interested in the weight loss one.

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  44. I love the idea of hypnosis, but sadly it has never worked very well on me. I'll go under right up until I'm told to do something physical, and then "oh, hi! I'm back!" I can do the guided meditation stuff, but no luck with behavioral changes once I'm not under anymore.

    As an aside, I think it's FASCINATING to see how much stuff our minds have an impact on: the bit about "your arm feels light" and people lift their arms and hold them in the air for ungodly amounts of time - and then don't feel fatigued later? A-FREAKIN'-MAZING. Kinda backs up all that "power of positive thinking/you get what you expect" stuff, IMO.

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  45. The weight loss motivation one would be fantastic!

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  46. Oh, and one more thing - as far as doing stuff you wouldn't normally do, I think it has to do with stuff that you are deeply, deeply opposed to, whether for moral reasons or otherwise. It would be pretty much impossible to hypnotize someone into killing a person for instance (unless you are part of a secret CIA experiment or something - I bet they could do it - not that I'm paranoid). But quacking like a duck isn't something that most people react to so vehemently, which is why it's a popular "trick."

    It also tends to work on irrational fear, but not on rationally-based fear. I.e., if you're afraid of heights for no reason, you might be hypnotized to climb a ladder. But if you're afraid of heights because you fell out the top of a Ferris wheel and broke your leg, you probably won't be climbing that ladder.

    If all that makes sense. :P

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  47. First time trying for one of these giveaway things, I could use the weight loss motivation one. My will power to go exercise has dried up in the heat.

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  48. I would also love the weight loss one, since there isn't one called "eliminate your debt & save lots of money" :)

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  49. Lets see, I'm overweight, can't sleep and am (always) stressed. Which to choose? I think I would go with stress, that one should also solve the sleep problems and might even help with the weight.

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  50. Interesting...very cool about the therapist thing. Ok, count me in for the weight loss one (just can't seem to kick that habit)

    ~K

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  51. Once went to one of those stand-up hypnotists. It had all the fun and quality of a Vegas act and I can't say i believed it, but the hypnotist on stage was showman enough to deliver a good time. I guess hypnotic CD's are a whole different ballpark though, huh?

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  52. wow, i would love the weight loss motivation cd. i am right at that point now where i've been actively engaged for about 8 weeks, and starting to become lax. a little motivation would really help!

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  53. Insomnia relief, puhleeze!! ;D

    I believe in hypnosis (I also believe that it's all self-hypnosis and think that's part of the placebo effect), but I know it takes a willingness on the part of the person hypnotized. If one isn't willing it won't work.

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  54. Weight Loss Motivation?
    Bring it on!
    Hypnotic suggestion?
    For it I long!
    Freebies on your blog
    I do witness
    I pay homage
    To Cranky Fitness!!!!

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  55. Can I shoot for two?

    Stress Relief?
    Oh yes please!!
    For it I'm begging
    On my knees!
    I tear my hair out
    at my work place!
    You can see the stress
    All over my face!

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  56. did you ever get my email with my mailing address for the schick quatro?

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  57. I would love to have all 3 too but,i would most want the weight loss one. I've read studies about the sucess of weight loss this way and i hear good results

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  58. Weight Loss Motivation!!!
    cpullum@yahoo.com

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  59. Stress runs very high in my house and my DH realy needs some relief. With an 8yr. old with ADHD and a 2yr. old there is plenty to go around, especially since we are adoptive parents in our late fifties.

    If the stress goes then maybe my stressful eating binges will leave
    with it.

    Trust me I have no trouble sleeping when I get the chance, which isn't much lately since I am fostering an 8 week old for the past 8 weeks.

    Well that is my case for wanting the stress CD

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  60. Stress relief, big time. ;)

    Has anyone seen the Oprah with the hypnosis guy who gets people to reveal their past lives? That show was crazy...not quite sure I can buy all that, but I'll give anything to reduce stress a try! (Well, you know, as long as it's legal in most states.)

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  61. I don't have any direct experience with hypnosis, except that my mom tried it to quit smoking years ago, and it didn't work for her (I think she's not susceptible enough, very opinionated, although she did finally quit years later).

    I however, am a bit more er, gullible, and would love to win the insomnia cd. I don't think I've had a solid night's sleep in years.

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  62. Well, I certainly need weight loss motivation!

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  63. I am definitely at the point where I will consider being hypnotized if it means helping me deal with stress.

    Stress relief, please!

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  64. Actually I purchased some weight loss CDs and apparently I'm not very suggestable. The man's voice got on my last nerve and every time he snapped his fingers I wanted to jerk his tongue out of his mouth. WOW!! what does that say about me. I felt duped, wasted too much money for nothing.

    Maybe your give away CDs are better. I'll be out of the country and away from blogging on the dates you give so I'll pass on this one.

    Love you site. Have a great weekend.

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  65. Hello lovely Crabby. IF the stress relief is also good for anti-anxiety, I'd take that. But if it's really just stress-focused, weight loss will do just fine!

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  66. What a fantastic giveaway. We are posting you on "Best Fitness Blogs" reads of the week.

    If we would be so lucky to win, no doubt we need to reduce our stress(#&(&&(

    Thanks.

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  67. Hmmm....I am sleeping WAAAAAAY too much, but it is summer and I'm on vacation! Stress seems to be a given, BUT weight loss motivation would be great! Losing weight involes balance between exercise and food and then that would mean less stress and better sleeping habits, so, yes please put me in for the Weight Loss CD!

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  68. I would loove the weight loss one, my progress has been really stalled lately and something like this could be just what I need!

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  69. I've been wanting to try hypnosis! I would love the Weight Loss Motivation CD!

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  70. I tried self hypnosis for childbirth and thought it was a load of crap. Totally didn't help me! But I have to say that this would make for an interesting Experiment. Hypnosis is one of those things that I'm drawn to since there doesn't seem to be any harm in it.

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  71. I have always been a little sceptical myself about hypnosis, however I firmly believe in giving everything a try at least once. Having said that you can put me down for the weight loss cd as that one would cure most of my issues.

    Happy Training,
    Love Jenn

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  72. I have always been weary of hypnosis, probably because of what I have seen on TV: how they make people do stupid things.

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  73. " . . . my being a skeptical, controlling, untrusting, argumentative, anxious, uptight person . . ."

    Dude, you are totally me!!!

    OK, since you are me and see some validity in hypnotherapy, count me in. Heck if I win, I'll even make an attempt at hypnotizing Penelope (weight loss) and Sadie (relieving stress).

    We all sleep just fine-- thank you much.

    Karen

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  74. I've been suffering from insomnia the last two nights. Hasn't happened to me this bad since I got married 8 years ago. Starting to psych myself out of sleeping. So, I'm open to anything that will help!

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  75. "A random number generator will pick a winner . . . "

    Is this code for a brown paper bag and paper scraps??? Screw technology-- that's how I'd do it.

    :)

    Karen

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  76. I've always thought that trying hypnosis would be cool, although the controlling part of me has insisted in the past that it won't work. I think I'm more open to alternative treatments and therapies these days, so I think it could work for me. Crossing my fingers that my number will be the random pick!

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  77. Stress relief, please!

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  78. Fortunately, I don't need the sleep one (yay)!! :)

    But I could definitely use the stress or weight loss one.... I would take the stress one over the weight one, though!

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  79. I have NEVER slept well - not even as a child. I would LOVE the insomnia cd. Can I hypnotize the random number generator? ;-p

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  80. I'd love the stress release or weight loss one. I've never tried hypnosis - but I'm open to anything!

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  81. I could use that stress CD. Where did they get my picture from?

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  82. Need hypnosis CD for my poor narcoleptic wife!

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  83. I'd love the weight loss hypnosis one.

    I think hypnosis is somewhat akin to meditation in the sense that you are concentrating on one thought for a period of time. Repeating mantras or positive thoughts sometimes can help, I think, but that said, it's continual practice that brings results.

    I'm not certain I'm suggestible, but it's worth a shot.

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  84. Oh my God, I so NEED the insomnia one!!!!

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  85. I really really love the new content, photos, etc of your blog. So funny and fun to read!

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  86. I would like to have the stress relief one so I don't ever look like that picture again.

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  87. i would like the weight lose cd please

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  88. The motivation one! I lose that more than anything on my journey. I think anything that can work for you is awesome...different things work for different people.

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  89. If I'm not too late, I'd be interested in either the Stress Relief or the Weight Management.

    I've used subliminal programming before - not sure if that is considered hypnosis or not. It sort-of works, depending on how strong the 'problem' is I'm trying to fix. It is helping with a phobia I'm working on, but I'm still having a bit of trouble with the phobia (probably because I don't listen regularly like you are supposed to)!

    OT to Merry - I finally found a used Trek 800 mountain bike at my local tiny bike shop, and picked it up last week. So far I've only been able to ride it once, but learned I need a cushier seat. :-) I've got a WalkyDog on it already though, and have been working with the dog around the yard - I think he likes it as now he gets excited when he sees me move the bike! Thanks for your help, Merry!

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  90. Hi! I'd love the weight loss motivation hypnosis CD. Thanks! :)

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