What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis can be described as a state in which your mind pays attention to things in a different way. Your concentration is directed inwardly, involving imagination, feelings, intuition and creativity while focussed on the words, ideas and suggestions of a hypnotist.
The experience is usually found to be relaxing for the body, calming for the mind, interesting and rewarding.

The ability to enter a hypnotic or trance-like state of mind is universal, natural and normal. The mind is focussed but with much less awareness of peripheral and irrelevant distractions: it has no similarity to sleep.
During hypnosis the body usually becomes profoundly relaxed while the mind is absorbed with pictures, sounds and feelings. The imagination is let loose.

Inducing hypnosis is a skill, not a special power. No one can be hypnotized against their will. There is no surrender of control or awareness, no one can be made to do or say anything they would not ordinarily choose to do or say. You can reject any suggestion if it conflicts in some way with your core values. You can take yourself out of hypnosis if and when you choose.