Those who do not know themselves well enough to be able to respond to their own suggestion, may be helped by another in whom they have faith. If they submit themselves willingly to suggestion, they may find themselves so strengthened that they will shortly be able to control themselves by auto-suggestion. Like almost all upward tendencies, this power is a matter of development. As we come to understand hypnotism better, we learn that we need not fear ill results from thus yielding ourselves for a good purpose to another,[8] for one’s subconscious self is always on watch and will not be compelled to do that which is contrary to one’s own nature or habit of thought. Hypnotic sleep differs from natural sleep in that the hypnotized person usually preserves a degree of intelligence and invariably a moral sense which are not conspicuous in normal sleep and dreaming. Scientific investigators are quite well agreed on this point, and Dr. Worcester’s experience has convinced him of its truth. [8] There are grave dangers attendant on hypnotism for entertainment. Prof. C. H. Judd of the University of Chicago says: “There is no justification whatever for the use of hypnosis as a means of amusement.” See Judd: Psychology. So, if all other means of securing sleep should fail, we may have recourse to this newest method of curing nervous and other functional disorders. It is merely one way of getting into closer touch with the Infinite and Universal and coming into line with life’s underlying laws. The use of auto-suggestion is not limited to inducing sleep: it may rid us of evil habits, disturbing thoughts, and all hatred, malice, and uncharitableness—which in their turn interfere with sleep. THE LAND OF NOD From breakfast on through all the day At home among my friends I stay; But every night I go abroad Afar into the land of Nod. All by myself I have to go, With none to tell me what to do— All alone beside the streams And up the mountain-sides of dreams. The strangest things are there for me, Both things to eat and things to see, And many frightening sights abroad Till morning in the land of Nod. Try as I like to find the way, I never can get back by day, Nor can remember plain and clear The curious music that I hear. ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON. CHAPTER XX “PERCHANCE TO DREAM”