Question For Members Who Experience Trances

[Deleted member 29920]

I often go into a sort of trance and was wondering if any of you experience this and if so, how long does it usually last, and when it's happening are you aware that it's happening or not? Thanks in advance for replies.

 

[shimmerz]

Yes, I used to trance out very frequently. For years. They lasted for hours and sometimes days.

I met with a trance master who directed me on this. I wish I had found him years prior to when I did. He suggested something radical, although it made sense to me. He suggested that I go into a light trance during the times I was healthy (not affected). I would light a candle, stare at it for a couple of seconds until I felt my eyes unfocus. Then I would bring myself back.

It taught me a few things.
1. How to catch my body early in trance - before I went too deep
2. How to pull myself out of trance with repeated practice
3. How to direct what I was thinking during trance (as it was so light)
4. Going into trance with intention (thinking of something spiritual)
5. Giving myself a destination when I went into trance

My destination was a 'safe place' that I built. It was a place that I told nobody about. It was a place that I constructed that had 'safe' things there for me. Sunshine, beach, palm trees etc.

Not sure if this will be helpful to you and I know it seems counter-intuitive, but thought I would throw it out there for you. Best of luck @Cj77

 

[Weemie]

yep i have dermatillomania and i go into trances all the time and just pick at myself. i know i'm doing it after a while but i just zone the f*ck out, and sometimes i try to pull myself out of it but it doesn't really work, it just has to run its course.

 

[Ronin]

I used to, not so much anymore, these days I'm just regular way deep dissociative spare for automatic behaviors & reactions where necessary :D Pulling out of it myself was mostly not letting it go deeper when it began to.

Same as I've dealt with absence seizures & some types of flashbacks basically.

The more refreshing & safer feeling for me were spiritual paths specifically employing trances as a part of the path & healing.

Don't know how much of that was spirituality & how much was trusting the people around, knowing they have long term experience with this sort of stuff and watch out for what may go wrong, before it goes wrong. In every case not fretting out helped, and being in a safe environment helped as well.

 

[InvisibleSun]

I definitely trance out rather frequently..over the years I have learned to kinda ground myself when I feel like I'm getting spacey. But it's actually something I've been struggling with as of recent. It gets frustrating at times because it is completely out of my control. Most episodes last several minutes but when under extreme stress can last much longer. Very annoying.

 

[Deleted member 29920]

@lightraze, I do the same, been skin picking (back and face) since I was 11 (1994)..

@shimmerz, that is helpful thanks.

When you are in your trances is your mind blank, or are you thinking /worrying about things or is it a combination? Sometimes I need my friend to snap me out of it because I completely "disappear"

 

[shimmerz]

When you are in your trances is your mind blank

Yes, normally in trance my mind is blank. I have different states where my mind races,or loops but trance is blank.

 

[Chava]

Can't explain it much right now, but my trance-like states don't involve cognitive processes, just sensory...and minimal at that...not necessarily seeing anything but my hearing becomes more acute. I'm mostly aware I'm in it but not always aware of how to get out.

 

[Kintsugi]

Can someone tell me how trance is different from a dissociative episode? I go into a "trance" where my mind is blank, sounds sound as if distant and under water, my eyes start to go fuzzy, and I can't move. I always just called this part of dissociation.

I actually enjoy trancing on purpose. I like the advice @shimmerz got. It makes good sense to me. I've done that myself. It really helps.

I like to study cults, and when I read too many cult materials or speak to people who are trying to recruit for a cult, I can feel a trance state coming on and can pull myself out of it pretty quick.

 

[Deleted member 29920]

@Simply Simon, I was wondering this too, the difference between a trance and dissociation.

What sort of cults have you studied?

 

[Kintsugi]

@Cj77 In the interest of staying on topic, you're welcome to PC me about thought reform movements. ;)

I'd love to hear thoughts on the difference between trance and dissociation.

 

[watundah]

Trance, dissociation, withdrawal are all different. While some may consider dissociation as a sort of trance, I would use caution in using them interchangeably. (I've heard dissociation called a "trauma trance" - so maybe I'm just throwing out personal bias, while dissociation seems like a symptom to a disorder, trance can result from tribal dance rituals, etc. = pretty broad interpretations). Even mindful meditation can seem trance-like, with the benefit of being present while the others take us away.