I will detail below some methods for inducing hypnotic / trance states but first, it is prudent to understand a few things about what hypnosis actually is, so that you are better informed as to how to prepare, how to conduct yourself and what to expect.
Hypnosis is a powerful tool used whereby we use the conscious mind to navigate a way into the unconscious mind, enabling us to make changes to our overall perceptions to all memories and to upcoming experiences. All of our choices, actions and reactions are driven by our present perceptions. They will ultimately determine what direction we go in.
Furthermore, our imagination is a very complex and largely unknown animal. Phenomena like déjà vu raise many many questions as to whether or not our life is somewhat predetermined by our imaginal acts through life or before it or a combination of both...the jury is still very much out on this.
Hypnosis is only as good as you are. These methods are ineffective if you approach it incorrectly, have no goal at the end of it and fail to be willing to follow simple commands.
Use of the conscious mind to navigate you through to hypnosis which is done via focusing upon one form of sensory perception. Once you are in so deep, your conscious awareness begins to evaporate and you are left with unconscious awareness, as the cells within your sensory receivers within your brain begin to fire all by themselves. This will come from entering dissociation.
This thread is directed specifically at induction methods into hypnotic trance, what you decide once reaching here, is up to your own imagination. You must practice before perfecting. Some of these methods will not work specifically for you but the only way to tell this is to try them a few times and see what works best for you. Use these steps more as guidance notes, as opposed to formal instructions, as you are required to be your own guide in self-hypnosis...I cannot be there with you to guide you through.
I will state which of these I have tried and verified and which I have not but am still aware of and I will save my go-to's for the end.
Here goes.....
Visual InductionLie comfortably on your back, arms laying comfortably by your side or hands clasped on your waist.
Take a long, slow, comfortable deep breath in as far as you can go.
Exhale gently, much like the inhale but reversed, obviously.
Do this 4 or 5 times until you have naturally reached and maintained a natural, relaxed breathing rhythm.
Allow your imagination to take you back to the most relaxing place you have ever been before. Could be a beach, mountain, lake, massage...whatever. Your unconscious mind remembers this place and every facet of every detail about it, so consciously take yourself back here.
Start to remember and feel how relaxing it was and how relaxed you are now, as a result.
Dwell within the image and the relaxing feeling it brings.
Begin to let go of the conscious control and just allow yourself to follow the imagination. Images will come for you to follow once you let go of controlling them. Slip into the imagination. Let it guide you through.
In my experience, this one is difficult as firstly, I'm not great with images and my mental recall for them can be off. It requires a fine poise between control and letting go. Those of you with worse vision in real life, might actually be better at this than myself. I really need a hypnotist to be my guide at this so that I find it easier to just follow.
Breath Induction - Wim HoffI've tried this one several times and it works pretty well for me.
Get yourself in the same comfortable position as above.
Breathe all the way in, sharply as far and as quick as you can.
Exhale as quickly as you can, all the way out until everything is pushed out of you and you cannot push any further.
Repeat this over and over again for up to 5 minutes.
When you end it, lay still and observe that your need for breath is virtually obsolete. Observe that your body has virtually shut down, feels lifeless, maybe tingles a little bit but is the most relaxed it has ever been.
Simple, yet very effective.
Feeling InductionI've written this one up here before, so rather than write it up again, I'll just attach the link for it....
http://www.powerlawofattraction.com/forum/index.php?topic=25876.msg217029#msg217029One of my go-to's and allows me to get to dissociation the best out of all of these.
Audible InductionThis is what I play with mostly. I am very good at following audible commands.
Lie down in same position again as above and follow the same, comfortable breathing routine as the visual induction.
With your inner monologue acting as your hypnotist, say "relax," in your monotone inner monologue.
Hold your focus on the word whilst maintaining a comfortable breathing rhythm.
As you begin to lose focus, say it again and hold your focus.
As you begin to lose focus again, say "deeper" and focus on this word.
Begin to move your focus to your left foot and notice how lifeless it feels.
Repeat "deeper" again.
Continue to move your focus around the words relax and deeper and random body parts until your body is totally relaxed.
I've run out of time just now to detail other methods but I'll be sure to add them here for you in due course.
Be your own boss here. Play around with the guidelines and explore your minds imagination. Understand what you are looking for and go find them. Do not force, do not fight - just follow and be willing to go with it and accept the suggestions.
Any questions, just ask.
EDIT: Some spelling and grammar corrections