James Malone's Page

"What was I thinking?" is a common refrain when you lapse back into an unhealthy behavior that you had firmly vowed to avoid.

Asking that question implies that somehow the part of yourself that initiated the unwanted action was not under your control. And this can be disconcerting given that Western culture places a high premium on always being rationale and in control of ourselves.

Yet studies in brain hemisphere dominance may offer some insight as to how will power is often s… Continue

It has been long known that a vividly imagined experience stimulates the same nerve and brain fibers that would be employed in carrying out the actual activity.

Similarly, findings from scientists who study the brain tell us about fascinating cells called mirror neurons. These cells become active when observing the behaviors and responses of others and it is suspected that they play an important role in our acquisition of new skills and in learning how to so

… Continue

Happy St. Patrick's to one and all! In early 20th century America an Irish American columnist in Chicago created a character named Mr. Dooley, who spun many clever quotes. Here are a few choice ones:

"A fanatic is a man who does what he thinks the Lord would do if He knew the facts of the case."

"Most vegetarians look so much like the food they eat that they can be classified as cannibals."

"You can lead a man up to university, but you can't make him think."

"… Continue

There was a recent thread here on Hypnothoughts about the use of aversive imagery. I subscribe to Dr. William Campbell Douglas' Daily Dose health newsletter and he sent out this article today which, without any formal hypnotic induction, is certainly an effective piece of aversive imagery for anyone looking to kick the soda habit. Warning: don't read further if you are squeamish or easily offended


Soda Fountains Spew Fecal Filth
William Campbell Douglass ll, M.D>


I've been f… Continue

"Medications that control anxiety and pain affect the mind. Is it too radical to suggests that the mind could be affected by...the mind?" William T.G. Morton 1819-1868, American dentist and pioneer in the use of anesthesia.