Let’s start with: what hypnosis is not?

• It’s not a sleep state
  The person is always responsive to suggestions.
• It’s impossible to make someone do anything
  A person will never do anything that goes against their values or will.
• There are no “stronger” individuals who are not receptive
  Anyone can be hypnotized, provided they are willing and follow the hypnotist’s instructions.
• It’s not magic
  It’s based on scientific principles and cannot perform miracles.
• It’s not dangerous
  It’s considered a safe and effective practice when performed by a trained and qualified professional.
• It’s not meditation
  It may be similar, but they are two different practices.

So, what is hypnosis?

It’s an altered state of consciousness characterized by increased receptivity to suggestions and intense focus of attention. It’s when your mind is in another mode, like when you dream, meditate, or you’re so absorbed in a book or movie that you forget everything around you.

Most importantly:

1. It’s a natural phenomenon, which you experience on average every 90 minutes, according to science.
2. During a hypnotic trance, the brain operates in “theta” mode. These are brain waves observable with an electroencephalogram.
3. The trance is a state of learning and can act on physiological functions. It can be used for anesthesia, asthma, allergies, etc.
4. The hypnotic state facilitates change because it works deeply within the reservoir of the unconscious. And it is also full of unsuspected resources.
5. Like every individual, each trance is personal and unique.

There are several types. Like Elmanian, street, stage, medical, etc.
But, I have delved more into Ericksonian hypnosis, because it’s the one I feel more connected to today. Because it is gentle and based on permissive rather than directive patterns.
The person will be guided by suggestions, using metaphors and very specific protocols, in order to discover their own internal resources. And thus initiate positive and lasting transformations over time.

According to several scientific studies, this practice is used for:

Psychological disorders, Pain management, Sleep improvement, Stress management, Dependency cessation, Self-esteem enhancement, Personal development, Inner conflict resolution, Mental preparation, Weight loss, Sexual disorder treatment, Concentration and memory improvement, Chronic illness symptom management, Preparation for medical or surgical procedures, Trauma resolution, and Improvement of interpersonal relationships.

How can it transform your life?

At the very heart of your being, it’s a way to discover that the capacity to change is already within you! This path leads to autonomy and full personal fulfillment. It offers the opportunity to reshape one’s existence according to one’s own criteria. I wouldn’t say it if I hadn’t experienced it myself. So here’s my experience.

Confidence and Business:

My Personal Testimony Thanks to Ericksonian hypnosis, I was able to improve my confidence in my business and naturally from a personal perspective, because in the end, everything is connected, right? I was able to free myself from fears that limited me. I didn’t dare, I made excuses, I procrastinated, until I realized that it was Fear that was holding me back. Thanks to hypnosis, I was able to adopt a leadership position and REALLY take action.
And it’s crazy because it’s a bit like meditation; during the sessions, there may not necessarily be an illumination, but it’s in my daily life that there have been concrete changes that still last.

Convinced by the method, I, therefore, trained to complement my coaching. And today, in my practice, with my clientele, Ericksonian hypnosis is a powerful tool that allows for the detailed exploration of complex problems. It leads to deep reflection, enabling valuable realizations. And, of course, it results in impressive progress in both professional and personal spheres.

Conclusion: A Step Towards

Change By sharing these lines, my wish is to have enlightened you about Ericksonian hypnosis. If words have the power to inspire, imagine the potential of a session. Because far beyond a simple soul cure, it’s a genuine invitation to reshape your existence.

If you want to deepen your knowledge about the subject of hypnosis, you can watch Gabriel Brändle’s Ted Talk.

The name might sound intimidating, but in truth, it’s (almost) harmless. Panchakarma is a traditional Ayurvedic detoxification technique originating from ancient India, a true rebirth for the body and mind. It eliminates toxins and impurities accumulated over time.

Understanding Panchakarma in India

As you may know, toxins and pollutants accumulate in our bodies over the years, creating a fertile ground for various health issues. Panchakarma is a technique that targets the deep tissues of the body to eliminate all waste. This method, derived from Ayurvedic medicine, aims to restore balance between the body, mind, and environment. It’s a combination of massages, steam baths, enemas, special diets, and herbal medicines.

This treatment is administered in specialized centers, in a soothing atmosphere, under the supervision of qualified doctors. The process extends over a period of one to four weeks, depending on individual needs.

Who Can Benefit from this Detox?

Panchakarma is suitable for anyone looking to improve their health and cleanse their body. I also met people suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, liver diseases, or digestive disorders. Moreover, it offers solace to souls tormented by stress, anxiety, or depression. This treatment strengthens the immune system, balances hormones, reduces inflammation, enhances mental clarity, and promotes quality sleep.

However, it’s essential to note that Panchakarma is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with serious health problems such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, epilepsy, as well as pregnant women, should avoid this practice. Consulting a qualified doctor before embarking on this journey is imperative.

My Personal Journey with Panchakarma

Now that you have a good understanding of what it is, let me share my experience. My own desire for purification, to feel well and find myself, led me to undertake a profound journey with Panchakarma. Alone, I chose to visit the Sivananda center in Trivandrum, recommended by friends, for 21 days.

My daily schedule was filled with the treatment, meditation, about 6 hours of yoga per day (though not mandatory), and Satsangs on profound topics.

Initially, I struggled to adapt to the early morning routine, find my bearings, and feel comfortable. However, I quickly realized that letting go and allowing things to unfold naturally was essential. It was when I stopped searching that wonderful connections began to form.

Being a novice in meditation, I persisted in my quest for improvement. I consulted teachers, the director, and asked questions until discipline and regular practice bore fruit. Meditation helped me release tension and soothe my emotions.

Yoga allowed me to incorporate more flexibility into my days, to relax, stay focused on my body, my rhythm, and accept my limits. Writing became a daily necessity to release emotions and free my mind from all emotional “toxins” accumulated.

No sex, no drugs, no alcohol, and no meat throughout the treatment. However, the food was exquisite, prepared according to Ayurvedic principles, offering a rich and varied taste experience. Nutrition is indeed an essential component of Panchakarma, supporting the detoxification process by providing the necessary nutrients.

The Results of my Detox

Upon arrival, I had considered shortening the duration of my journey. In the end, I extended it by an extra week by the sea, allowing me to ease back into my experience and transition before returning to my life in France.

After completing the treatment, I felt a deep and positive emotional release. I gained a better understanding of my body and mind’s needs. My emotions were more vivid, but I knew how to manage them better.

I managed to eliminate all the superfluous in my life, my skin became radiant, and my body felt lighter. This experience brought me greater serenity in my daily life. I realized I had emotions that had never been expressed, tears that had never been shed, and vulnerability that had never been acknowledged. By accepting these emotions, I found true well-being, free from all toxins.

Recommended Centers for Your Own Journey

If you, too, are tempted by this adventure, here are four renowned centers:

1. Ayurvedagram Heritage Wellness Center, Bangalore: Located in a peaceful environment, this center offers a comprehensive range of Ayurvedic treatments, including Panchakarma.
2. Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, Kerala: Nestled on the beautiful Kerala coast, this center is one of the oldest and offers a wide range of Ayurvedic treatments with experienced medical professionals.
3. Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village, Kerala: Located in Palakkad, Kerala, this center offers personalized Panchakarma programs tailored to individual needs, with a highly qualified team of Ayurvedic doctors.
4. Jiva Ayurveda, Delhi: Situated in New Delhi, this is one of the largest Panchakarma centers. It offers a comprehensive range of Ayurvedic treatments and is highly popular among the local population.

It’s essential to conduct in-depth research and consult your doctor before embarking on this adventure.

Pilgrimage or Hiking?

“- You’re just walking for 3 months?
– No, it’s much more than that.”

A historical moment: What is the Way of St James?

It is a network of routes that lead to the tomb of Apostle James the Great in Spain, one of the early followers of Christ.
Legend has it that the hermit Pelagos was guided by a star to the tomb. Since then, tradition dictates that each pilgrim reaches it to find healing.
Today, hundreds of thousands of people make the journey every year.

What compelled me to undertake the path?

One day, someone told me:
“If you want to come back to yourself, to understand, to know, to connect with yourself, you must do the Way of St James.”
Although I had always been in search of permanent answers, it was difficult for me to envision actually doing it. I had no hiking experience, and I didn’t enjoy walking (that’s a minor detail, though). Furthermore, the fear of going alone as a woman held me back.

Days, weeks, months passed. And typically, when an idea persists in my mind, I must take action. One day, my friend Antoine, who had experienced the magic of the path, invited me to dinner. I was still skeptical, yet curious, and I bombarded him with questions. He said, “You don’t know it yet, but you’re already on the path.”

Sometimes, it takes very little for me to take the plunge. (And we say: thannnk you, Antoine).
Without religious motivations, it was in a desire for disconnection, centering, and realignment that I decided to embark on the path.

The preparation

It was quite straightforward, with the help of the book “Miam Miam Dodo” I was able to organize my journey and book accommodation at each stage. True, tradition dictates that the pilgrim surrenders to the unknown, but my fear needed structure. I appreciated the exercise; it gave me a daily goal to strive for.

Non-religious, yet intrigued, I attended the daily traditional mass at the Cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay. I felt like I was in a movie. At the end of the mass, all pilgrims had to stay to receive the blessing and the credential. It’s somewhat like the pilgrim’s passport, which is stamped at each stage. Suddenly, when I least expected it, in the middle of the nave, the floor opened up and revealed stairs to descend. – “The journey begins.” With the essentials on my back and the weight of life, each of us began our adventure with different reasons but the same objective. Adorned with the scallop shell, overwhelmed by emotion and driven by motivation, I set out on the walk.

My distances varied between 20 and 30 km per day. It was my choice, but everyone is free to walk at their own pace. The more kilometers passed, the more thoughts emerged. Fortunately, when I grew tired of my solitude, I shared my journey with another pilgrim, sometimes for an hour, a day, or even longer. I encountered a great number of souls—youthful, elderly, religious, secular, disabled, foreigners. On foot, on horseback, on a bicycle, or with a donkey, in hostels or tents. Each with their own cause. Some in a life transition or in need of reflection, grieving or recovering from an event, searching for answers or to quiet the mind, in need of distance or in search of connections, sad or happy, driven by performance or religion, meditating or contemplating.

We listen, confide, advise, encourage, share, give, become vulnerable, drop masks, disconnect from the world, return to the essentials.

As my friend Jean used to say: 

“It’s also an opportunity for communion with nature. Walking allows time to admire the landscapes, enjoy sunrises and sunsets, accept rain, heat, and cold. We encounter farm animals like cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, and birds. We contemplate flowers, streams, springs, rivers, and rivers. All of this, we do because we walk and therefore take the time to observe. Each exists alongside the other, without noise, without judgment, without reproach, without envy. We listen to what others choose to share, tell our own stories. The journey teaches you to respect others, we encourage you, we wish you a “bon chemin” or “buen camino,” we care for you, and we help you forget your worries. The prevailing spirit on the path is a breath of freedom, far from the constraints of life.”

There are no rules or laws, the path welcomes everyone, so that each person can evolve their own vibe.

Dear Journey,

Today, I wanted to take the time to talk to you, and thank you for everything you have brought into my life.
You have been the master of my well-being.
You have soothed my body and my mind.
You allowed me to reconnect with what I needed and revealed hidden beauty to me.
You gave me the courage to escape, to step out of my comfort zone, and you introduced me to the world around me.
You have been my therapy, my personal discovery, my treatment, and my remedy.
So, dear journey, I thank you.

Many have tried to dissuade me:
“Why are you leaving? Why are you leaving us? What if something happens to you? Where will you sleep? Aren’t you afraid to be all alone? And if you get sick? When will we see you again? Aren’t you afraid of coming back?” But my intuition convinced me, and I set out to explore each continent, even more present.

From imposed solitude to desired solitude, only for a moment. Because any lone traveler will tell you: this shared solitude never leaves you alone.
Each encounter, each experience, each landscape allowed me to transform and evolve.
You showed me the beauty of the world, the richness of its cultures, and the diversity of its inhabitants.

It’s a leap into the unknown

It’s an external discovery for an inner journey.
It’s a search for oneself, where identity unfolds.
Sometimes, the body must wander for the mind to find its map.

Thanks to you, Journey, I discovered otherness, the connection to others, and openness.
You confronted me with decisions and choices. But you also taught me to trust my intuition, to listen to myself.
You enabled me to focus on positive things, to change my reference points, and to challenge my comfort zone.
You put me in danger, but you knew how to catch me.

You taught me to laugh.

To approach life with more lightness, to see a different reality, and true authenticity.
You offered me the opportunity to take stock, to reflect on what I truly wanted, to challenge and test myself.
You taught me to open up to others, to share wonder and hardship.
Never alone, you gave me the opportunity to form magical connections with unique beings.

Thank you for allowing me to feel alive, vibrant, and loving.
For giving me the opportunity to step back and get closer to my interests.
For challenging me and showing me new perspectives.
For instilling confidence and bringing peace.
For helping me develop gratitude, which is dedicated to you every day.
Thanks to you, I’m stronger, more confident, and more aware.

You allowed me to grow, to flourish, to realize myself

You have been an incredibly powerful therapy, which allowed me to trust life, my life.
So, thank you, Journey, for everything you have given me. And what about you?

When will you have the opportunity to discover your own Journey?

With all my gratitude,
A grateful traveler

What is Vipassana?

It is one of the oldest meditation techniques in India, taught for over 2500 years by Gautama the Buddha. Vipassana means seeing things as they truly are, observing the truth. It is a method of self-transformation through self-observation.

Its purpose?

To rid oneself of all suffering and purify the mind.

Does it work?

Only your own experience will tell. Let me tell you about mine.

Why did I do Vipassana?

Three years ago, in India, people told me about their experience. At that time, I thought, “Why do they subject themselves to this?! I, never, would do that. I can barely meditate, I have too much restlessness, and I never stop talking. It’s not for me.“

Over the course of these three years, the testimonials became more numerous, interesting, and encouraging: “Total tranquility, peace and harmony, free from all agitation, irritation, and discord.” Those words convinced me, the seed was planted, and it began to sprout.
Then the moment came when I decided to go for it, convinced that I wouldn’t have 10 days like this in my future life. It was now or never.
I registered with a lot of apprehension. Then, three months later, I found myself on my way to the center. It was no coincidence that Vipassana entered my life at a time when I needed it most.

Day 0: Stripping down

Upon arrival, I discovered my room with only a bed and a dresser. I handed over my phone, e-reader, computer, notebook, camera, pen—everything I had that could disturb my mind. And at 8:00 p.m., the noble silence began.

Why the noble silence?

The silence of the body, speech, and mind. They explain that the continuity of the practice is the secret of the success of these courses, and silence is an essential element to maintain this continuity.

I, who dreaded this moment, found it surprisingly not the most difficult; on the contrary, it was rather soothing. It is under these conditions that inner reflection begins and the work starts.

Day 1: Disorientation

Discipline is the order of the day, and the schedule must be followed:

• 4:00 a.m. Wake up 
• 4:30 to 6:30 a.m. Meditation in the hall or in your room 
• 6:30 to 8:00 a.m. Breakfast break 
• 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. Group meditation in the hall 
• 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Meditation in the hall or in your room according to the teacher’s instructions 
• 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lunch break 
• 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Rest and interview with the teacher 
• 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Meditation in the hall or in your room 
• 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Group meditation in the hall 
• 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Meditation in the hall or in your room according to the teacher’s instructions 
• 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tea break 
• 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Group meditation in the hall.
• 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM Teacher’s Discourse in the Hall 
• 8:15 PM to 9:00 PM Meditation in the Hall 
• 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM Question Period in the Hall 
• 9:30 PM Retire to your room. Lights out.

It is within these strict schedules, starting from the first day, that I attempted to meditate, concentrate, and observe myself. But nothing worked; every second, I would doze off, my mind was still very restless, and I struggled to control it. I would fall asleep during every break, even missing the 5:00 PM one…

Ten days, it’s going to be very challenging.

Day 2: The Migraine

To clarify, every evening, there is a one-hour recording where Mr. Goenka, the main teacher, teaches the art of Vipassana living. What was impressive was that throughout the week, whenever something happened to me during the day, the evening discourse would reference it. This quickly reassured me about the practice. That day was better than yesterday, but difficulties remained: a wandering, elusive, oscillating, and unstable mind without peace or tranquility. All of this was accompanied by migraines, which, according to the discourse, were normal on the second day.

Day 3: The Hatred

I have never felt so much aversion in my entire life. I had rage against everyone: my family, my friends, my acquaintances. Hatred had consumed me. Then came the evening, when my meditation practice had significantly improved compared to other days. Unsurprisingly (well, actually, quite surprising for me), in the evening discourse, you could hear, “Perhaps you experienced strong, even violent emotions, but tonight, they have subsided to allow for a better practice of meditation.“

Okay, so they know what they’re talking about.

Day 4: The Jealousy

” – Vipassana begins.
– Huh? What? How? I’ve been doing it for three days!”

For the first three days, you learn the Anapana method, focusing on the breath and the sensation of air entering and leaving the nostrils. It’s a necessary step before being able to practice Vipassana properly.

From the 4th day onward, we practice Samadhi: concentration and thought management. That day, my thoughts were fixated on constant comparison with others, with the feeling that the grass is always greener elsewhere. To this, Mr. Goenka responded, “Every attachment creates desire, and desire leads to suffering.” When we are addicted to desire, we are never satisfied with what we have and always want more. Constantly seeking something bigger, greater, stronger. Like an addiction, we chase after something, thinking we need it, when in reality, we only satisfy it temporarily to ease the sense of lack.

That’s when I realized everything I had and that I wouldn’t want to change it for anything in the world.

Day 5: The Injustice

“You will not move for 1 hour, three times a day.” Ha-Ha-Ha.

I thought it was impossible, that I would never succeed.

Everyone was stretching and preparing as if getting ready for a marathon. Each person used their imagination to create a cozy nest with all the available cushions. Personally, I had a cushion to sit on and another under each knee—I was ready. Now, “discipline, discipline, discipline.” An hour passed, and it was impossible to open my eyes, move my arms, or stretch my legs. Thoughts arose, compassion and Anicca (impermanence of things).

Day 6: The Heatwaves

I want to leave. Yesterday, they spoke of misfortune and suffering, and it feels like it’s dragging me down more than anything else. I can’t take it anymore; it’s too difficult. I feel like I’m digging into my soul, searching deep within myself.

And I don’t understand why, from the very beginning, even in this kind and cool environment, I experience heatwaves. Searching for answers without finding any, I finally observe. After all, that’s why we’re here, isn’t it?

And then the explanation comes (once again in the discourse): We are all connected to the four elements—Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. And depending on our emotions and connections, there is a reaction. For example, when cold arises, sadness follows. Conversely, when heat arises, anger surfaces. So, it’s anger then. Let’s observe it and let it go, just as it arrived. Nothing is permanent.

Day 7: The Worst Day

Today is worse than yesterday. I feel like a bad person, as if what I’m experiencing is not benefiting me. Time passes, hours go by, and so do I. I greet every emotion, every past experience, future worries—I have nothing to distract myself with, and I must take full responsibility? Get me out of here.

Let’s wait for the discourse; maybe this is normal. And then: “If you’re not experiencing positive results from your practice, it means you’re not practicing Dhamma correctly,” the taught technique. Get me out of here.

Day 8: The Best Day

Every day, we have the opportunity to have a 5-minute exchange with the teacher. My name was at the top of the list.

“I’m exhausted from my emotions, struggling with my conflicts. I’m practicing as instructed, and indeed, I see improvements in my meditation. But regarding my being, I’m at my limit, and apparently, it’s because I’m not doing it right. What should I do?” With his deep blue eyes, the teacher looked at me profoundly, indicating that I am indeed practicing Dhamma perfectly well.

My heart lightened. During the discourse, it was said, “If strong emotions arise, that’s very good. Use them as tools.” I wish I had known that earlier.
Later, during my meditation practice, after a certain period of concentration, I felt a lightness I had never experienced before. I was overwhelmed by profound well-being. If I long for it, then I say yes, I’ll stay.

Day 9: The Fears

I’m almost there. I can do it.

Today, I remember telling my loved ones that if something happened, I didn’t want to know until afterward. But what if something really did happen? My family? My friends? War? A meteorite?!

Being confined is complicated.
During Vipassana, from the first day, you’re told that you’ll undergo a surgical intervention. Opening up, removing the darkness, and allowing the wound to heal. Imagine my state upon hearing bad news—a wound opened. It’s not possible.
So, we observe this fear, accept it, and let it go—Anicca. I’m improving, I’m far away, I’m at peace.

Day 10: Liberation

During the final meditation, the Gong rings, and it’s done—the noble silence is over. It feels like the first day of school. Who will I talk to? What will I share with them? I feel like I know them all.

During these 10 days, there were some people I liked and others that didn’t attract me as much. It’s in these moments that we realize we can’t help but judge, envy, or reject ideas. Then, naturally, people greet me and a small circle forms. It took me about 15 minutes to get familiar with speaking, my words, my voice. Such a strong emotion took hold of my body during the sharing of each person’s experience, the sense of cohesion, and that moment alone.

Leave me here, I don’t want to leave anymore.

Day 11: Returning to the real world

I didn’t want to turn on my phone. So much can happen in 10 days. So much has happened to me in 10 days.
And truly, with a weight lifted off, something that has gone away, suffering vanished, I leave the center and write these lines today.

What was the most difficult part?

1. Confronting myself and facing my emotions.
2. The practice of meditation, experiencing and maintaining concentration.
3. The posture and observing the pain, especially on the 5th day when you can’t move for an hour, three times a day.
4. Not being able to do anything to occupy my mind.
5. The silence.

What has it brought me?

I didn’t learn anything specific from the courses and teachings of this method. But I have realized, up until now, that I had only intellectualized these precepts. Thanks to Vipassana, I have truly experienced living and feeling them, both in my body and in my mind.
I have come to realize that there are no bad souls, only unhappy and ignorant individuals who live with their beliefs and perspectives of the world.
I have finally understood what it means to act with discipline, sincerity, renunciation, morality, effort, truth, tolerance, determination, wisdom, equanimity, altruistic love, and generosity.

I wanted to shed light on this experience because I hope it brings you as much as it has brought me.
Vipassana is a universal path, an invaluable tool, albeit challenging, but beneficial to everyone. Observing reality as it is, by observing the truth within, is to truly know oneself directly through experience.

As Mr. Goenka said: “May all beings experience this ultimate truth. May all beings be liberated from suffering. May all beings enjoy real peace, real harmony, real happiness. May all beings be happy.”

For more information on Vipassana: click here.