The Transparent Hypnotist

He has seen unspeakable things, things that cannot be said in polite conversation, but leak out of him in drips and drabs, inky, sticky, and horrific. As his eyes remain closed, the quiet tears of release also slowly leak out of his eyes and I feel my own tears streaming down my face as his speaks softly about his past deployment to Iraq. He has come to me seeking relief from the tortures his mind has been putting him through. He has trouble eating, sleeping, and adjusting to the American way of life, that which he swore to protect and serve. And serve he did. I say a silent prayer that he will find healing here in this room and through out his life.

As a hypnotist, I do not see combat the way others do. I do not have to wear camouflage or risk my life. Instead I see combat in the eyes, the voice and the body language of those who return from action. I do not need to be physically present in the war zones to the feel the profound effects. This beautiful man aching before me is not my first experience with military actions, nor, sadly, will he be my last. No matter what my political views are, I cannot help but feel towards these people who believe enough in a cause to fight for it. They are special.

And in all my recent posting about Christmas wishes, when I experience clients such as this young solider, my wishes melt away from the personal trivialities of my life to a more universal wish that we could ebb one another’s suffering. But this is the holiday season, not a beauty pageant were the answer to the questions is “I want world peace.”

It always amazes me when big business steps in and does something kind to make a difference during the holiday season and works to fulfill other’s wishes. Take  for instance the Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry. Along with Rebuilding Together (non-profit) and donations from people like you and me, they help military families with home projects that are needed but do not get done because someone in the family is serving in the military. Through their Heros at Home Registry, our donations also go to fulfill some of these families’ and veterans’ needs for the holiday season.

I sat down and went through the stories on the site. One really sparked an emotion. It was about a solider who is deployed. While away, his wife gave birth to their baby daughter. He has yet to see his little girl (and will not be able to this Christmas). When he returns, they plan to get their own house, so his wish is for help in furnishing their dream house.

Though the donations to the Heros at Home Registry are not tax deductible, the idea of supporting these people that have strived to help make this world safe for new born daughters seems quite important. The stories are powerful, whether you hear them from veterans or read about families on the Heros at Home site.

Maybe it is time we stop asking ourself what our holiday wishes are and maybe allow that to transcend into a wish to help others - then manifesting the wish into reality.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 10th, 2008 at 9:47 am and is filed under Client Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.