One of the most interesting experiences of my life happened at a high school reunion some years ago. The entertainment portion was a stage hypnotist. When he asked for volunteers, my hand shot up, along with half a dozen others. I’d had zero experience with hypnotists, and wondered seriously if I could be put under. I assumed that it would take more than a little hocus pocus to get to me.
I was fully under in less than fifteen seconds. What made the experience so awesome is that I truly was aware of who and where I was and what I was doing. I just couldn’t stop myself from following his commands. “Intertwine your fingers like you’re praying.” (Check.) “Your hands are glued together and you cannot pull them apart, but I want you to try.” (Check.) In fact, afterward, the hypnotist told me he knew I was truly under because both my arms were shaking while I tried, but failed, to unclasp my hands.
I wanted to laugh hysterically at myself throughout the experience, but the “polite good girl” portion of my brain said that would be rude, so I kept it in control. But it bubbled dangerously close to the surface.
“You’re at the beach. Walk down toward the ocean.” (Check.) Even though seated in a metal folding chair, I felt one foot lift up slowly (as though slogging through sand) and then the other. I was “walking” even though I remained seated.
“Stop walking.” (Check.) “Look at the beautiful view.” (Check.)
“Now you’re at a drive-in theater and up on the screen is the funniest movie you have ever seen!” (Check.) Well, that was all this polite good girl needed to hear. All the pent-up laughter came bursting out of me. My genuine buoyant laughter brought out the same reaction from everyone in the audience.
Then after a few seconds, “Stop laughing.” (Check.) It was as though someone had slapped a piece of duct tape across my mouth and choked off the last hee-haw before it could pass through my lips.
Yep, definitely, it was one of the most interesting experiences of my life. And I would have missed it had I not instantly shut off my internal censor. You know…the one who tells you not to chance making a fool of yourself—to play it safe and sit back.
I’ve had more fun, met fascinating people, learned interesting information, and grown into a well-rounded person by taking leaps of faith and putting myself out there.
It’s OK if someone disagrees with me or maybe even considers me a little wacky. My life does not revolve around other people’s opinions of me. If yours does, I encourage you to let go of that restriction. Consider this your permission slip to do so!
To my readers: Share an experience where you said, “What the heck—I’m doing this and I don’t care what anyone thinks!”
