A Rant

Today I was referred to as a member of a "tribe," and
it was in a negative context. It was someone who took
the time to respond to my blog entry of yesterday. It
was someone who apparently had some significant issues
with a hypnotist and hypnosis that was done.

It was someone that, as far as I can tell, has never
had direct contact with me. This last bit is important
in that what perceptions there were about "things" were
overlayed with his perspective of me, as a member of the
"tribe."

In response, I mentioned while one may be familiar with
two Indians, they do not necessarily belong to ONE tribe.
Therefore, it is quite possible that I might be different
than those who are perceived to be similar.

These perceptions bother me no end. It is one thing to
be judged based on who I am, and something totally
different to be judged on an overlay of someone's
experience. (Of course, we do it all the time, don't we?)

At the same time, it is troubling to me on a few levels,
as there have been occasions that I have recommended that
someone who was having issues go to a "professional tribe"
hypnotist only to have the "professional" question my
ethics, and look to put doubt in the person's mind about
me and my motives. Never mind the fact that I extended
myself to help in ways that were not beneficial to myself.
Never mind the fact that I could have taken advantage,
and never did. Never mind the fact that I was caring
so much more for the person that the people who took
advantage of him got much more for their efforts than
I ever did. Never mind the fact that the professionals,
too, got more from him, as well.

I have recommended the "professional" route on occasion,
for a few reasons, and now that this type of thing has
happened more than once, it certainly is with just a
bit of reservation. In one case, the PROFESSIONAL
seemed to have taken advantage of the person as well.
Guess who wound up helping him, as a result?

I am not sure how this is coming off. At the same time
I mention it because these "wonderful labels" that we
love so much, that tell us what is "good" and/or "bad"
can sometimes be deceptive, as people are not their
labels.

It is quite possible one could find someone like me
amongst those who would take advantage and be careless
in their approach. It is quite possible that while
the trend may seem to go one way, there may be some -
like me - that might buck it. It is also possible
that someone who is supposed to be an accredited,
liscensed professional can be anything but responsible
to anyone but him/herself.

I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS say
BE CAREFUL.
BE AWARE.
BE DILIGENT.

I always say you should trust your gut. If your gut
says run the other way - LISTEN. I laugh when I tell
someone that and they turn around and ask me if they
can trust me. To say anything other than "What does
your gut say?" would certainly run counter to what I
have said. Perhaps they're testing me, or perhaps
they don't see the irony. Who knows?

Any which way, if you are interested in erotic hypnosis
learn what you can, and take baby steps until you find
who and what you are looking for. If you don't,
someone else may soon have you doing things you never
did before, and loving every moment of it - if you
are "lucky." If you're not, you may still be doing
those things, but feeling quite unhappy, conflicted
and confused, and/or disconnected - finding it difficult
- if not impossible - to escape.

(By the way, it should perhaps be stated that some of
the "worst" stories and circumstances I could share
come from those who aren't presenting themselves as
part of the commercial fetish of erotic hypnosis.)

I would prefer to talk about how great hypnosis is,
and what wonderful things it can do. I would prefer
never to indulge in conversation about the controversial,
seemingly gray, areas. I would prefer that I never
knew many of the dubious things I have been exposed
to over the last several years.

But while I have my preferences, it would seem that
it is not in the best interest of those who might
be flirting with their desires in this regard. To
be aware of the possibilities is to have a chance
to be your own best protector and advocate. I
stand by the fact that I believe that oftentimes
people will get themselves into trouble (whether
it is hypnosis, or nutrition, or - take your pick...)
when someone else does their thinking for them.

Yes. I know that takes away the fun of it for
some. But odds are good that you'll have more
fun if you are smart about what you do and how
you do it. Don't believe me? Ask some of those
I have hypnotized.

Play (and Stay!) Safe,
Isis