What's the difference in meditating & preparing for hypnosis?

Question

If someone is with you when you meditate..couldn't they hypnotize you? (whether either of you realized it or not?)

Answer 1

Both hypnotism and meditation are just forms of relaxation. Hypnosis is  a form of deep relaxation. .. meditation is usually (not always) a lighter form of  relaxation.

Answer 2

silence...cominoutcomin

Answer 3

No one has ever been able to hypnotize me, so I tried self-hypnosis. It kind of worked, but it was also kind of weak. Meditation, on the other hand, is a powerful experience for me that can completely change my mood and emotional responses. I meditate alone. If someone disturbed me, it would have little influence but would end my meditation session.

Answer 4

Hypnosis and meditation are similar in the respect that they both achieve alpha brainwave states.  That's about where it ends.  

Contrary to popular belief,  hypnosis is not mind control.  People go to a hypnotherapist to get more control of their lives, not to lose it.  

Also, self hypnosis and hetero hypnosis (being hypnotized by some one else) are two very different processes.  

You can never be hypnotized without your consent.  

So the answer to your question is no, unless you both DO realize what you are doing and wish for one or the other to enter a state of hypnosis, which is just a state of hyper-suggestability allowing suggestions to by-pass the critical area of mind and sink directly into the subconcious.  

This still is not mind control.  People who are hypnotized can easily reject things and awaken at any time.

Answer 5

I have a close friend who meditates, but refuses to do guided meditations, as he says he feels it's only a small step from being hypnotized. I'm not entirely sure, to be honest. I've never been hypnotized, but I'm very strong willed, I really don't believe someone could make me do something I didn't want to do, you know, like you see on those shows where the guy hypnotizes the audience and makes them do silly things. I really don't think I'd be easily hypnotized.  

So, I don't know... will be curious to see the other answers

Answer 6

Meditating has a specific purpose in mind like learning to concentrate and hold one thought (often called mantras) or accomplishing a feeling of being one with the universe, relaxing, healing, etc. There are many types of meditation so the purposes and techniques do vary over a wide range. Some people do consider meditation a type of self hypnosis.

Hypnosis is a relaxed state where a person is more open to suggestions (a complete definition can be obtained from the last link below) and is used in relaxation, pain management, and behavioral changes.

No one including a licensed mental health professional trained in hypnosis (which are the only practitioners I suggest) can hypnotize you if you do not wish to be and do not trust the person making the attempt.

The more you know....

Psi

Answer 7

I think hypnosis is going into a very relaxed state with the aim of creating some kind of change -- usually in yourself or how you deal with the world.  And meditation is not about change at all, just about observing.