FEEDBACK: MEDITATION/MINDFULNESS RETREATS – MODULE ONE
I had no previous experience with hypnotherapy before my session with Jan, so I went in with an open mind and a little apprehension as to what was about to happen. Jan immediately put me at ease, explaining that hypnotherapy had a lot in common with guided meditation, with the added component of planting “intentional seeds”, aimed at encouraging me to become more mindful. Although this was an entirely new experience for me, I felt at ease thanks to having been offered a brief but enlightening overview of the session.
Jan has a soothing, calm voice, which he employed masterfully to gently guide me into a state of deep relaxation and bodily awareness. The script we tried interspersed a body-scan meditation with a second narrative strand, aimed at encouraging a mindful outlook on – for lack of a better word – life. During this process, I became increasingly aware of the weight of my lower arms and legs. This state of self-awareness brought to my attention the stiffness and tension in my neck; an awareness that made the pain impossible to ignore. Jan gave gentle prompts as to how to adjust my bodily position at different points during the exercise, such as where to keep my palms or when to have my fingers touching and when to let go. These prompts were always given in a gentle and patient manner, and I felt at ease to take my time and follow them in my own time.
This experience left me with a heightened awareness of my body, feeling ease and lightness about my joints and general movements, while at the same time being unable to ignore the pain in my neck. For the following three to four days, I felt deeply calm and relaxed, while hyperaware of the way my body negotiated space and my environment more broadly. For instance, I was more aware of the quality of light when moving from one space to another and the way it affected my eyesight and perception of colour and shape. There was also an overwhelming feeling of tiredness towards the end of these first few days, making me want to go to bed earlier than usual. That being said, my sleep seemed profound and restful, and I woke up refreshed and calm. I found myself contemplating my relationship with my environment more than usual and fragments of phrases mentioned during the session popped into my stream of thoughts spontaneously. Overall, I have experienced a state of deep calm despite my generally anxious state of mind, which felt like a restful respite. The bodily awareness developed during the session stayed with me for the following week, and I found myself returning to that state of calm throughout my hectic days.
Overall, Jan’s hypnotherapy session proved to be a very calming, very soothing experience. It taught me a lesson in my mind’s extraordinary capacity for distraction and self-denial and the respite and regenerative power of calm and awareness can afford me. I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience, especially to busy people who believe themselves to be “fine”. It strikes me as an exercise that everyone can benefit from. Thank you, Jan for introducing me to it and I look forward to learning more.
Iulia, Dublin
I took the meditation and mindfulness session with Jan, for the first time, in order to try to relax and unwind from the daily hustle and bustle. It was great. As a beginner, I found it easy to unwind, to breathe more calmly, and to loosen my body’s tension. With Jan’s guidance, it does not take time to get into a gradual sense of calmness and complete relaxation.
Before the start of the session, Jan explained to me openly and clearly the objectives and main purpose of the class. I began to understand the benefits of meditation and how to better be in the present or in the moment without having to worry. The session’s preamble was helpful because I was both tense and perhaps unsure. At the outset, it helped to set the specific amount of time you are going to practice for and what the session consists of.
In terms of structure, the session was divided in two parts and I believe this division helps (the beginner like myself) to relax more. In the second session, I felt more comfortable and at ease than in the first session (a testament to Jan’s work). His expert coaching and reassuring voice led me gently onto a greater sense of serenity and tranquillity. Jan had great skill in explaining both the purpose of the story and the anchoring techniques he used throughout the session and in relating that technique to the session itself. Above all, he fostered a safe, comfortable environment which enabled me to relax completely. I enjoyed the calmness, the many “aha” moments, and the easiness.
The story being told throughout the session, together with voice prompts inducing relaxation, helps the mind to wander and therefore to unwind. It allows for identification and transference on the part of the person meditating (I wanted to be both the person caring for the plants and the seedling). The result was a deeper sense of what my mind can achieve and how I can take that knowledge onto my daily life. In this sense, the session has helped me find a good sense of balance and renewed energy. Jan’s meditation classes were intuitive, insightful, and helpful in gathering my concentration and awareness. The sense of tranquillity outlasted the session itself. Jan is focused, single-minded and attentive in his work. He guided me with ease, expertise and care. Jan’s meditation sessions reduced my stress level and tension and have helped me to feel calmer and more focused. Would do it again.
Teresa, Portugal
FEEDBACK: DISPATCHES FROM THE UNKNOWN COUNTRY
I recently had the pleasure of working with Jan, who provided me with a truly transformative experience. Jan’s use of trancework and visualization techniques helped me gain a deeper understanding of my personal situation.
Through his empathetic and supportive approach, I felt safe and comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings. Jan’s attention and insight made me feel heard and validated, which was incredibly empowering.
His guidance helped me to visualize potential solutions to my challenges and gain a sense of clarity. I highly recommend Jan to anyone who is looking to gain a better understanding of themselves and their challenges. I am grateful for the insight and support I received and highly recommend Jan’s services.
Ina Tziperman
Artist, Intuitive, Teacher, Cologne/Dortmund/Tel Aviv