MIndfulness and Hypnosis

I thought the part of this chapter about meditation was particularly interesting. What I always considered 'meditation' probably hasn't come close to as it is described in this chapter. Imagine being completely relaxed and still, but yet senses you rarely practice are pushed to the front of your consciousness and self awareness becomes incredibly acute. Similar to a state of hypnosis? Quite an altered state, and I suppose many people who have suffered from an illness or injury have experienced something similar to this feeling.

I had a hard time buying the 'animal magnetism' concept--hypnotism is quite real, but I don't know if we should give credit to Mesmer for simply stumbling upon it. Since he did not perfect it (can it be perfected at all?) then the pioneer label is somewhat generous in my opinion. Hughes states the altered state of consciousness known as hypnosis doesn't necessarily facilitate a greater sense of creativity (p. 159), however it may be a gateway to the part of the brain (however indirectly) that could lead to the creative "right."