» Listings for May 2013

1. Dan Brown on Inferno and the subconscious mind just like hypnosis

   Posted on 8:51am Monday 20th May 2013

   It's unlikely that the publication of the new Dan Brown Novel Inferno will have escaped your notice recently. The best selling author's latest book is based upon Dante's Inferno, which is the first of the seven stages of hell in his Divine Comedy, which he says inspired him to write the story. As ever, it is another roller coaster of a ride which his millions of readers love and critics seem to despise. Dan Brown appeared on BBC Breakfast to promote the novel and had some interesting things to say about his writing process.

   He gets up at 4am every morning (just like I did when I did my early morning radio show, so I have some understanding of the time!). He explained that at this time in the morning it is just like the time between waking and sleeping and dreaming, and his imagination is working on overdrive, and this means that he is really able to utilise the subconscious. It was very interesting hearing him explain things this way because it has a great comparison to the way that hypnosis works. He even said that he tries to give himself lucid dreams by thinking about what he needs to change in the story before he goes to bed. With hypnotherapy we use hypnosis to access that creative subconscious and whilst Dan Brown isn't talking directly about hypnosis it is clear that he is really practicing self hypnosis to help him in the creative process.

   In the same way that children have wonderful imaginations (before we tell them at school to 'stop daydreaming!') Dan Brown is using his imagination to create stories that have an appeal to millions of people across the world.

   Just take a second to think how successful he has been by using his mind and his imagination and I think it will tell you all you need to know about how we can utilise the power of our minds!

   Find out more about the new Dan Brown novel Inferno here.....

2. The Best of Stratford Charity evening for The Shakespeare Hospice

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 14th May 2013

   I was very pleased to be invited along to speak at a charity event in my home town of Stratford on Avon recently. It was held at the Falcon Hotel right in the centre of town, who very kindly provided the room and refreshments to help ensure the most amount of money could be raised for the charity.

   This event is one of a number of charity evenings held by Dawn and Paul Whelan from The Best of Stratford. They aim to help bring businesses together and also to help charity.  The event was on behalf of The Shakespeare Hospice in Stratford on Avon, and as I am like so many who have been involved with people who have had their lives touched by cancer, it was a real privilege to attend and also be asked to speak.

   I did a talk all about: "We get more of what we think about" which gave me a good opportunity to get a couple of people up and demonstrate just how we can change physical things just by thinking about them.

   We also heard from Helen and John Hogg who run the Stratford town walk which takes place every day of the year, even Christmas day ! They are both wonderful speakers and although I can't say too much about what Helen does as I don't want to spoil the surprises if you go on her walk, I can tell you that John even performed some magic for us.

   Ali Gray from the Shakespeare Hospice came along to collect the cheque and tell us all about the wonderful work that the hospice does as well.

   I spoke to them all and recorded a little something that will go out on the radio soon...but if you would like to have a sneak preview you can listen right here...