Imagine walking on a beach. The sand warm between your toes. Walk towards the water. As you near it, the sand feels cool and wet. Take several more steps and feel the water gently lapping around your ankles. The water feels warm and inviting. Walk further until the water is up to your knees. Look up at the blue sky and see the puffy clouds float by. One of the clouds even looks like a bird. A gentle breeze blows and cools your face. Look towards the distance and see three sailboats lazily moving across the lake. What a glorious summer day. Now take a deep breath and slowly exhale. Walk around in the water and feel the waves against your legs. When you are ready, head back towards the beach. Sit down on your lounge chair, towel off, and reach for your cooler. Select a cold beverage. Open the can and take a sip. The beverage is cool and refreshing. Next, reach into your bag and pull out that novel that you purchased yesterday. Turn to the first page. No need to hurry - you have the whole afternoon to read and enjoy the beach.

Now, for a least a couple of minutes, did you feel as if you were on the beach? Were you able to suspend your current reality and visualize the sensation of the sand, the water, and the cool beverage? Were you able to "see" the sailboats?

The mind is a powerful instrument. It helps to shape your reality (both positively and negatively). Now,if you were successful in visualizing the scene above, imagine what else you can do. You have the power within you to change those elements in your life that no longer serve you. However, willpower and desire may not strong enough to overcome the existing negative thought patterns already in place. In these cases, hypnosis may provides a means of helping overcome the negativity and allow the positive change to take hold.