When I was just ten, I had a friend from Odessa Texas named Sara. I still have a photo of her! Sara had an older brother named George who was an aspiring engineer, interested in science and the human mind. Now, George had been reading about a new approach to explore the brain – a technique called hypnotism. George had this idea of trying it out on me – since I was young and naive. So after I agreed, George began with the “you are very relaxed – deeper into a deep hypnotic trance” stuff he had read about in the magazine. Of course, I was totally excited, waiting to move into a trance, but unfortunately nothing happened. I didn’t want to hurt George's feelings, so I closed my eyes and fell backwards onto the bed. It scared the bejeebers out of George. He thought it had actually worked, and he didn’t know what to do next. I got a good laugh out of the whole thing.
When it comes to trances, I still find them interesting and intriguing. Last night I was totally immersed in one my favorite trance inducing hymns, Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending! - sung at Lincoln Cathedral with multiple choirs, pipe organ, orchestra, drums, and trumpets – in a tradition dating back to the 1300s. Of course, the theology of the hymn is now considered hopelessly archaic and anthropomorphic. The idea of Jesus floating around on a cloud inside a cathedral is simply embarrassing to our high tech “civilized” imaginations. Still, I have to appreciate the creativity of so many people who present such a majestic hymn in such an impressive cathedral -- some say Lincoln is the most important piece of architecture in the British Isles, the tallest building in the world for 238 years. All cathedral art is based on the concept of entrancement, or entrainment – a related concept referring to the synchronization of organisms to an external rhythm such as experienced when listening to music – repeated patterns are key.
Speaking of cathedral trances, in the 14th century two dastardly imps were sent to do evil inside Lincoln Cathedral. Upon arrival they started breaking up chairs and tables, and causing a general ruckus. Luckily, there was an angel in the choir loft who ordered them both to stop. One of the imps hid under a table and finally escaped, but the other one fled to the top of a stone column and started throwing rocks at the angel! In response, the angel quickly turned the imp to stone, where he remains to this day in a perpetual trance as proof of the old saying, “Don’t mess with angels.”
Of course, various forms of trance have been and continue to be an important part of human cultural experience throughout history, from ancient Greece to Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart, Francis of Assisi, the Dalai Lama – with affirmation from scientific research in our own time. Neuroscience is learning that trance states are fundamental capabilities of the human brain, with potentially powerful implications for our emotional well being and physical health. Mindfulness, artistic creativity, self-awareness, functional motor rehabilitation, and psychotherapy are all areas benefiting from research on trance states. The Medline database lists 41,333 studies on just the subject of mindfulness - a category of trance (along with meditation, prayer, flow, consciousness, etc.), and the results are showing tremendous benefits. Universities are even offering degrees in the subject, in addition to sponsoring scientific research and practitioner centers for teacher and student involvement.
Given our current understanding and appreciation of the benefits of various trance states, I can’t help but think George was indeed ahead of his time.
Another great piece! I too had a hypnotist friend when I was around ten! "You are getting sleepy..." Lol! We were afraid he would be able to control us and make us do whatever he wanted. I love this line, "The idea of Jesus floating around on a cloud inside a cathedral is simply embarrassing to our high tech “civilized” imaginations. " So true. So very true. I enjoyed the Lincoln Cathedral tale as well.
The idea of hypnotism has been something i tied a few times when i was a kid. They thought it would settle me down. Don't think it ever worked. The brain would not let go.
Thanks for the travels down memory lane. And thanks for the enjoyable conversation.