The Transparent Hypnotist

Photograph by Megyarsh

Tears. Not mine ( at least not at that time). Tears long past, but ever remembered. And it was in a place of a tearful legacy that I experienced my first day in Missouri. My travel companion and I had stopped in his SUV at the Trail of Tears State Park and camped  there. This was twenty years ago, when all was brand new, including me. 

The following day, we packed up and thus began a trek through the state that eventually took us to Branson, MO.  For awhile, we followed the steps of the Cherokee and that of Jesse James (my companion was a descendent, interestingly enough). It was during this time that I had a pivotal conversation about how interesting it would be to have a past life regression done or if it would be possible to tap into genetic memory (my companion had a huge interest in his ancestor). At the time I thought it would be pretty amazing, not to have one done, but be the one guiding the process. 

Photograph by amanderson2

So, Missouri is a bit near and dear to my heart. Recently, theHilton Promenade at Branson Landing and theHIlton Branson Convention Center Hotel have stepped up their advertising (especially on blogs). Every time I see a post about Branson (where I had a really amazing bowl of Chili at at truck stop there - yes, it was one of those trips), I cannot help but think about that trip that may have been the beginnings of my current passion (hypnosis).

When I see the other postings about Branson, I also think it would be great to revisit Missouri (yes, I am slowly beginning to feel the familiar longing to travel again). The NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament is about to happen there (and yes, I do wonder if any of the teams or team members are using self-hypnosis to improve their performance) as well as the the Walmart FLW Bass Tournament. There are also many shows that happen in that town. According to another source, Branson is also somewhat known for its hypnosis shows (though I could not find any on schedule). It seems there is much to do there.

The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel offer some wonderful sounding packages for events such as the ones mentioned above (if you are not so inclined to camp). There is a part of me that would love to see the NGH (Naitonal Guild of Hypnotists) conference moved there (ah, there Ellie goes again, trying to shake up the establishment). It would not have to be the big conference, but maybe something like Solid Gold (winter hypno event). These hotels look great for such an event. I just cannot get up the motivation to go to Vegas for Solid Gold - there is just too much going on to concentrate properly. But Branson would be a great compromise. There is a lot to do there, but it seems more friendly (especially if you are a female potentially traveling alone).

Photograph by AntisocialtoryTory

Here is a potential conference itinerary (for me):

• Enjoy the HIlton Bed and Breakfast (for those of us who are not so inclined to do the coffee and pastry thing at regular conferences).
• Utilize the fitness room to get the energy flowing
• Do the usual conference stuff
• Enjoy a 10 Question alumni impromptu gathering on the Branson Belle
• Have dinner on the Strip
• And maybe take in a Kirby VanBurch magic show (unless he has a hypnotist at the theatre - that would be a must).

Anyway, these are my creative ideas on this warmer than normal Esoteric Saturday. hope you have a great day.

The prophecy read:

You will teach people how to have fun during a time when fun is a commodity. You are the voice of the people. You are connected.

There were no big words of cataclysmic proportion, nothing about worlds shattering, just the southern lilt in the voice of the astrologer. But before you go and think, “Ellie is about to get all New Agey on me,” not quite. Hang on for just a little while longer. First let me say that I have never been much for knowing the future. I would rather not. I would rather face it as it comes. But…alas…the astrology session was a gift from a friend, who, feeling the waves of stormy sea beneath my calm exterior, thought it might help. Who was I to refuse?

Trying to take the above words with a grain of salt, I have instead pondered them. They pop up in the middle of the night when least expected. Now as a hypnotist, it is not hard to make a connection - I have always been in this business to help people have a better sense of themselves, to find inner peace, achieve a goal, to find some sort of happiness. But fun? I never really looked at anything from a “fun” perspective.

But it is true - personally. If it is not fun, I want no part of it. I will go to great lengths, expending much energy to have fun myself. But what of others? What can I do to “teach” others how to have fun? I reel the idea in like a trout on a fishing line. Then I release it (how I wish there was no hook involved) back into the waters of the unconscious. And I wait. I wait for some sort of synchronistic event to happen that will provide guidance that resonates.

Just maybe something has resonated - a bit.

I saw a commercial (okay, I occasionally like commercials, I find them entertaining sometimes) the other day. It was a very tranquil, transpersonal, and a hopeful spot that featured children. The phrase that stuck out was “Fun as a Renewable Resource.” The synchronistic flow began. Was this an ad for a green campaign? No. It was a commercial for SeaWorld and now every time I see it, I find myself deeply touched by its message. It is not blatant advertising. It is just a nice thought.

Then I noticed Ted Murphy of Izea blogging about spending time at Orlando’s Sea World. Apparently a few select bloggers were able to get a hard hat tour of a new roller-coaster called Manta. The concept of Manta is that you are riding with a manta (laying down and attached to its belly). It involves aquariums and who knows what else. Gosh, I love a good coaster (my favorite is the Areosmith coaster at another theme park in Orlando). Yes, this says fun to me and I believe it says the same to many others. Now how can I spread, if not teach, the fun?

Well, I can begin with news of Izea’s and Seaworld’s contest. You can win a trip for four (that includes airfare, accommodations, park passes and priority access to the Manta. You can visit www.ted.me/manta to learn more about how you can win this trip.

I may not be able to “teach” you how to have fun, but I can let you know about this opportunity. In addition, here is the deal, if I win, I will have two extra tickets. I will invite two of my readers, two who are in terrible need of having fun, to accompany me. This would partially be a way of fulling the prophecy. Stay tuned.

Note: The contest has ended as of March 10, 2009.