From netcom.com!csus.edu!decwrl!decwrl!uunet!pipex!uknet!EU.net!chsun!pax2!drwier Fri Dec 31 07:18:37 1993 Newsgroups: alt.hypnosis Path: netcom.com!csus.edu!decwrl!decwrl!uunet!pipex!uknet!EU.net!chsun!pax2!drwier From: drwier@pax2.eunet.ch (Dennis Wier) Subject: Trance Theory Message-ID: Sender: usenet@eunet.ch (News Administrator) Nntp-Posting-Host: pax2 Organization: EUnet Switzerland X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1993 06:51:38 GMT Lines: 157 In response to those folks who have asked to know more about the trance institute and trance theory... Trance Theory Trance Theory is a careful analysis of states of consciousness which includes the assumption that one day thoughts will be measurable by automatic devices. Trance Theory is a systems approach to consciousness based on this assumption. Trance theory has nothing to do with other theories of consciousness or approaches. Although the approach did not begin with the idea to explain what a trance is, an explanation for trance is both a side-benefit and the name of the theory. While the approach is specifically oriented towards computers and systems the inspiration for the approach came from the experience of nearly thirty years of meditation practice as well as professional involvement in computer systems analysis. The inspiration of meditation was applied to systems analysis and the precision of systems analysis was applied to the meditation experience. In addition, some of the models of NLP and Eriksonian hypnosis were well-known. It was actually during an attempt to model addiction that the idea to attempt a specific approach to modelling trance occurred. The following is a simplified overview of Trance Theory. Further details are available from the Institute. Ordinary Thoughts and The Cognitive Plane Ordinary thoughts are impulses in the brain which reflect in some sense the processes and sensations that occur in the body. No restrictions are placed on what a thought is nor what a sense is. The Cognitive Plane is the theoretical plane of awareness which is derived from ordinary thought impulses. Generating Cognitive Loops In certain cases thoughts repeat in loop patterns. These looping patterns are important for learning and abstraction. The looping patterns of awareness generate secondary awareness planes which for the most part lie coincident to and within the cognitive plane. Generating cognitive loops do not need to be verbal thoughts. Some loops are mantras, drumming, pacing and leading for an hypnotic induction, the stimulus and response of television viewing and addictive behavior. The content of the loop is not a factor in generating secondary awareness planes. The critical aspect is the repeating pattern which is the necessary and sufficient condition. Generating cognitive loops are not particularly easy to discover in specific cases, but discovering them are critically important to understanding the nature of a trance. The Dissociated Plane With increasing number of times a loop is repeated, as well as other conditions, these secondary awareness planes may split off or dissociate from the cognitive plane. This is quite normal and happens when something is 'learned'. It is the normal 'multi-processing' aspect of thinking. In this process, for energy conservation reasons, some cognitive functions are disabled. The resulting awareness when these cognitive functions are disabled has been characterized as trance awareness, and this is defined as the 'dissociated plane.' Trance When the number and strengths of the dissociated planes exceeds that of the primary cognitive awareness plane, the sense of self, the "I", switches to the dissociated plane, which is called a trance state. Some cognitive functions when disabled exhibit 'trance logic'. Trance Logic Trance logic occurs only because it is more efficient, energy-wise, to disable some cognitive functions to perform tasks that are in the dissociated plane. Characteristics of trance logic include the following: disabling of judgment, disabling or limiting of volition, decrease of body awareness, increase in hallucinations, inability to perform some functions and increased ability to perform other functions. For example, some people may be incapable of performing mathematical calculations while in trance, but others perform mathematical calculations exceedingly well. Sensation and Mentation Sensations and mentations which occur in trance may occur either from external stimulation (voice, images which are seen, sensations which are felt by the body) or from internal stimulation (memories, voices, visions, feelings and emotions). These sensations may occur in either the cognitive plane or in the dissociated plane, and give rise to four types of trance. The Four Types of Trance The first type of trance is characterized by a generating loop in the cognitive plane with external stimulation which is perceived from the dissociated plane. Television viewing, movies, driving a car, playing a drum are activities which are examples of this type of trance. The second type of trance is characterized by a generating loop in the cognitive plane with internal stimulation which is perceived from the dissociated plane. Meditation, mantra and inner visualizations are examples of this type of trance. The third type of trance is characterized by a generating loop in the dissociated plane with an external stimulation which perceived from the dissociated plane. Addictions are characteristic of this type of trance. The fourth type of trance is characterized by a generating loop in the dissociated plane with an internal stimulation which is perceived from the dissociated plane. Psychosis are characteristic of this type of trance. Terminating a Trance Because trances may be created without knowledge or intent, it is important to understand the detailled mechanics of trance and to discover specifically what trances are enabled in an individual. Trances may be terminated or replaced with other trances either with or without the permission or knowledge of the subject. Social responsibility concerns raise the hope that pathological trances would always be replaced with more benign trances. Most therapies intend to replace pathological trances with more benign trances. The ostensible goal of spiritual consciousness raising activities is to terminate trances, but often only trance replacement occurs. In the worst cases benign trances become pathological but with the label 'spiritual,' or addictions or psychosis manifest. Designing Trances Once trances are fully understood, it becomes possible to design a trance by intent. The Trance Institute The Trance Institute offers courses to help you understand trance theory and to be able to apply this knowledge as a therapist, hypnotist, advertiser, entertainer, or adventurer. No knowledge of psychology is necessary, but would be helpful. Individual trance analysis is undertaken on a consultant basis, but therapy is not offered. Consultation for trance design may be undertaken for some beneficial projects. For More Information, Contact: Dennis R. Wier, Director The Trance Institute Postfach 8109 CH-8036 Zrich, Switzerland Telephone: +41-1-461-0531 Fax: +41-1-463-3663 Email: drwier@pax.eunet.ch