Guilt

And as you settle into that comfortable place, you may begin to notice the rhythm of your own breathing. A long, deep breath in… filling your lungs with air, deeply and slowly. And hold that breath for a moment or two. Now, slowly release the air, exhaling and letting go. And as you exhale your breath, you allow all of your body to relax deeply. Relax and let all the tension of the day just fall away. Experience that breath being released from your body and falling away. Enjoy taking in another breath and feel the clean, fresh, new air entering your lungs. Hold it for a moment, and then again, let it out. Allow all your muscles to deeply relax. Every part of your body relaxes into your chair, to listen to this deeply relaxing hypnosis session. With each continuing breath that you take, notice how with every exhale, you go deeper and deeper into relaxation. Every muscle that held any tension has now completely relaxed and you can feel the stress of the day drifting far, far, away from you. Notice how any stress is disconnecting from you; that’s right, it is leaving you – going, going, gone. This is your time to relax and unwind. 

Now, I wonder if you are starting to feel a deep sense of calm, a deep sense of peace, as you continue to relax. Your focus is on my voice, my soothing, calming, and relaxing voice as your body continues to deeply relax with every slow breath you take. Your breathing continues all by itself, your relaxation continues all by itself, and my voice continues to wash over you as you continue to enjoy releasing all tension from your body with each breath you take. 

I’d like you to imagine, now, that you are standing on the edge of a quiet country lane. The sky above is clear and blue, with just a few wisps of clouds floating gently by. You feel a soft breeze against your skin, carrying with it the scents of fresh grass, wildflowers, and clean country air. Everything around you feels peaceful, calm, and inviting. Ahead of you, nestled at the end of a tree-lined driveway, is a grand, old country house. Its stone walls are weathered but sturdy, and the large windows glint in the warm sunlight. The house seems to have stood there for centuries, a quiet observer of time passing. You feel drawn to it, knowing that inside lies a place of complete tranquility, a space where you can relax deeply and fully. You begin walking toward the house now, feeling the soft gravel of the path crunch beneath your feet. With each step, you feel a little lighter, a little more relaxed. As you walk, the trees lining the path sway gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly, as though welcoming you into this peaceful place. As you approach the large wooden front door of the house, you notice that it is slightly open, as though waiting for you. You reach out and push it gently, hearing the soft creak of the hinges as it swings inward. Stepping inside, you are immediately enveloped by a feeling of warmth and calm. The air inside is cool and still, with the faint smell of aged wood and lavender drifting through the air. You find yourself standing in the entrance hall of the country house, and the space around you feels safe, inviting. The wooden floorboards beneath your feet are smooth and worn from years of footsteps, and the high ceilings above give the room an open, airy feel. Soft light streams in through the windows, casting warm, golden beams across the room, and everything is bathed in a gentle, peaceful glow. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, feel yourself letting go of any tension, any worries. This house is a sanctuary, a place where you can relax completely, where nothing can disturb your peace. Ahead of you is a grand staircase, its banister smooth and polished from years of use. The staircase curves gently upward, leading to the quieter, more private rooms of the house. You know that as you ascend these stairs, you will feel even more relaxed, even more at ease. Let’s begin walking up the stairs now, step by step. Take the first step, feeling your body relax even further. Ten... calm and steady. Nine... with each step, your mind quietens, your body feels heavier. Eight... deeper and deeper into relaxation. Seven... Six... Five... more and more relaxed, every muscle letting go. Four... your thoughts begin to slow, your breathing deep and even. Three... almost at the top, feeling completely at ease. Two... One... reaching the top, where you feel the deepest sense of calm wash over you. 

At the top of the stairs, the house feels even more serene, even more peaceful. You walk slowly down the long hallway, feeling the softness of a large, plush rug beneath your feet. At the end of the hallway, you find a door that catches your eye. Something about it draws you in, as though it is meant just for you. You reach out and open the door gently, stepping inside. The room you enter is the perfect space for relaxation. In the center of the room is a large, comfortable armchair, positioned beside a window that overlooks the peaceful countryside. You walk over to the armchair and sink down into it, feeling the softness of the cushions beneath you. As you settle into the chair, you feel all the remaining tension in your body melt away. 

As you sit here in this deeply relaxed state, it is important to acknowledge the challenges that brought you here today. There is a weight you have carried, a burden of guilt that you have felt for so long. It is a peculiar thing, this guilt, isn't it? It can cling to a person, a whisper in the back of the mind, and sometimes, it can feel as though it is a part of who you are. Perhaps there was a decision made long ago, or a path not taken, or even an imagined slight that has clung to you like a burr on a fine suit. You know, on some level, that it no longer serves you, that this feeling has become something that holds you back from living the life you truly want to live. You are here because you have recognized that this feeling has been a constant companion, a heavy shadow that you have carried for some time. You have felt its presence, felt its pull, and now, you are ready to make a change. You understand that this guilt has been a part of your life, but it does not define you. You are ready to let it go, to free yourself from its grasp, and to replace it with something healthier, something that nourishes your body and mind, something that allows you to feel the lightness of being. And this is a powerful and courageous decision. It is an acknowledgment that the past is the past, and the future is yours to create. You are not the mistakes you may have made, nor are you the recipient of someone else’s blame. You are a person of worth, and you have chosen to step into a new way of being. This is a journey of self-forgiveness, and it is a path that you are more than capable of walking. It is an honour to yourself that you have chosen to be here, to do this work, to release what no longer serves you and to step into the fullness of who you are meant to be. This is the truth of your situation, and it is an absolute fact that you have the power within you to transform this feeling of guilt into something else entirely.

It is important to honor yourself for coming to this point. You have made the decision to take control, and that decision is a brave one. It’s okay to acknowledge that this journey might not have been easy, that you have carried this burden of guilt for a long, long time. And it is natural to feel its weight, to feel its presence, and to wonder if you can ever be free of it. But know that you are not alone in this feeling. Many people have walked this path, have grappled with the same kind of inner turmoil, and you are strong enough to walk it, too. Your desire to let go of this guilt comes from a deep place of self-love and self-respect. You deserve to live a life that is free from this heavy feeling, a life where you feel light, and unburdened, and in control. Know that your feelings are valid, and your determination to move beyond them is something to be profoundly proud of. It is a testament to your inner strength, to your resilience, to the part of you that knows there is a better way to live. So, for a moment, just acknowledge that you have been through something, and that you have come out the other side. This is an act of deep kindness to yourself.

Now, I’d like you to recall a time in your life when you set your mind to something and succeeded. It could be anything at all—a goal you achieved, a challenge you overcame, or a time when you made a positive change in your life. It could be a small thing, or a large thing. Perhaps it was a time when you learned a new skill, or you completed a difficult project at work. Maybe it was a time when you were a child and you finally learned how to tie your shoes, or ride a bicycle, or read a book. Or perhaps it was something more recent, a time when you overcame a personal obstacle, or when you stood up for yourself in a difficult situation. Remember how it felt to accomplish that, to know that you had the power within you to make a difference. Allow yourself to relive that experience now. Go back to that moment, to that time, and see it in your mind's eye. See the details, the colours, the shapes. Hear the sounds, the voices. Feel the feelings, the emotions, the sensations. Feel the pride, the satisfaction, the sense of empowerment that came with that success. You have done this before—you have made positive changes in your life, and you can do it again. The same strength that helped you succeed in the past is with you now, guiding you toward a lighter, freer future. That part of you that knows how to succeed has always been there, quietly waiting, ready to be called upon once more.

As you recall that success, allow the feeling of it to wash over you completely. Feel the warmth of pride in your chest, the lightness in your heart, the clarity in your mind. This is the feeling of success, and it is a feeling you can carry with you as you move forward on your journey to a life free from the burden of guilt. Notice how good it feels to succeed, to achieve something important to you. This feeling of success is yours to claim, whenever you need it. It is a reminder of your strength, your determination, and your ability to make positive changes in your life. It is a deep, quiet knowing that you are capable. It is a feeling that resonates from the very core of your being, a feeling of 'I can.'

Now, as you immerse yourself in this feeling of success, gently place your hand over your heart. This simple gesture will serve as a powerful anchor, connecting you to this feeling of accomplishment. Any time you need to remind yourself of your strength and your ability to succeed, you can place your hand over your heart, and this feeling will return to you. You can feel it now, the warmth of your hand over your heart, the physical connection to this deep feeling of success. This anchor is yours to use whenever you need it, whether you are facing a challenge, making a decision, or simply needing a boost of confidence. It is a tool that will help you stay connected to your inner strength and your commitment to a lighter, more joyful life.  The physical sensation of your hand over your heart is now linked, at a deep and unconscious level, to the powerful and positive feeling of success. It is an instant reminder, a wellspring of confidence, a quiet knowing that you are capable of anything you set your mind to. This anchor is a private and powerful resource, a secret signal to your own subconscious that you are strong, you are capable, and you are worthy of all the good things that are coming your way. You can feel that feeling of success and pride becoming more and more a part of you, as though it is woven into the very fabric of your being. It is an unbreakable connection, a constant source of strength, a whisper from your own subconscious that says, "You can do this. You have always been able to do this."

Now, let your mind wander back to a time when you felt completely in control—perhaps a time when you made a decision that was right for you, and you followed through with it. It could be a moment when you chose to take care of yourself, to put your health and well-being first. Remember how it felt to be in control, to make decisions that were aligned with your values and your goals. Feel the confidence that came with that sense of control, the certainty that you were doing what was best for you.  It might be a memory of standing on a firm foundation, feeling the ground solid beneath your feet, and knowing with absolute certainty that you were making the right choice for you. Or perhaps it was a time when you calmly navigated a difficult conversation, or when you took charge of a project and saw it through to completion. It is a feeling of mastery, of being the one in the driver's seat of your own life.

As you reconnect with that feeling of control, notice how it feels in your body. Perhaps you feel a sense of calm, a feeling of empowerment, or a deep knowing that you are capable of making choices that support your well-being. Allow this feeling of control to grow stronger within you. Know that you have the power to make decisions that are right for you, decisions that will lead you to a healthier, happier life. You are in control of your choices, and you are in control of your life.  This feeling is a deep and quiet knowing, a powerful resonance within you that affirms your sovereignty over your own existence. It is not about controlling others, but about being the master of your own destiny, of your own thoughts and feelings.

Now, take a moment to really focus on this feeling of personal control. Let it fill your mind, your heart, your entire being. You are the one who decides what is best for you. You are the one who chooses how you want to live your life. You are in control, and with that control comes the ability to make positive changes. You have the power to choose a life free from the burden of guilt, a life where you feel strong, light, and in control. This is your life, and you are the one who determines how you live it.  This feeling of personal control is like a key in your hand, a key to unlock the doors of possibility and to choose the path that is most aligned with your truest self. It is a deep and unshakable belief in your own agency, your own power, and your own wisdom.

Now, I want you to imagine yourself as a magnificent, ancient lighthouse standing on a rugged coastline. Your base is rooted deep into the granite of the cliffs, unmoving and unshakable. The waves of the turbulent ocean may crash against your foundation, and the storms may rage with a ferocious intensity, but you remain standing, strong and resolute. You are a beacon of light, a source of guidance in the darkness. The light that shines from you is a steady, powerful beam that cuts through the fog and the rain, showing the way for others. Just like this lighthouse, you are deeply rooted in your commitment to a life of freedom from guilt. You are strong, stable, and unshakeable. No matter what old feelings of doubt or self-recrimination may arise, you remain steadfast, your foundation firmly planted. You bend, but you do not break. You have the strength to weather any challenge, the resilience to grow and thrive. That light within you is your inner wisdom, your self-worth, and your unwavering resolve to live in the light.

From this moment on, you will find it increasingly easy to release any lingering feelings of guilt or self-blame. They will simply become unimportant, like shadows that disappear when the light of the sun shines. You will find yourself choosing to focus on what you can control: your thoughts, your feelings, and your actions in the present. The past is a place of learning, but not a place to live. You are a person who has learned and grown, and you have no need to carry the weight of yesterday.

Remember, you are strong. You have faced challenges before and you have overcome them. You have the strength to let go of this burden, to replace it with something that nourishes you, something that supports your health and well-being. This strength is always within you, ready to support you whenever you need it. You are capable, you are powerful, and you are committed to living a life that reflects your values and your desire for health and happiness. You are the architect of your own peace, the captain of your own ship, the lighthouse on the shore.

It is inevitable that you will succeed in this journey. You have the capability, the strength, and the determination to live a life free from guilt. Each day, it becomes easier for you to choose forgiveness, to choose peace, to choose freedom. This is not just a possibility; it is an inevitability. You are on a path to success, and nothing can stand in your way. Every choice you make brings you closer to your goal, every peaceful thought reinforces your commitment. The transformation has already begun, at a deep and unconscious level, and it is a process that is moving forward with an unstoppable momentum.

As you imagine yourself living a life free from this heavy feeling, notice how good it feels. You feel lighter, freer, more energized. You take pride in the choices you make, knowing that each decision is a step toward a better, brighter future. Each time you choose a peaceful thought over a self-critical one, you feel a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of pride in your ability to make decisions that support your well-being. This feeling of pride grows stronger with each passing day, reinforcing your commitment to living a life that reflects your true values.

As you continue on your journey, know that these feelings of strength, control, and pride will stay with you. Each time you see a lighthouse, or a symbol of steadfastness and light, you will be reminded of your commitment to living a life of freedom and joy. Each time you place your hand over your heart, you will feel a surge of strength and confidence, knowing that you are in control of your choices. From this moment forward, choosing freedom from guilt will come naturally to you. You will find it easy and effortless to make decisions that support your health and well-being. You are committed, you are strong, and you are in control.

In a moment, I will count from one to five, and as I do, you will gradually return to full awareness, bringing with you all the positive feelings and suggestions from this session. One… beginning to feel more alert and awake. Two… bringing with you a sense of calm and confidence. Three… feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to continue your journey. Four… almost fully awake, your mind clear and focused. Five… fully awake, feeling strong, confident, and in control. Welcome back.