The second test is known as the "swallowing test." Like the "eye closure test," it proves subconscious response to a conscious suggestion. In hetero-hypnosis, these tests are called "ideo-motor activity," and they enable the hypnotist to see how well the subject is responding with physical actions to suggestions.

This is important Whenever you give yourself a test for bodily reaction under hypnosis, you must be certain to tell yourself that the reaction will stop as soon as the test is over. Otherwise, it might persist, following the conclusion of self-hypnosis, as a post-hypnotic suggestion.

For the swallowing test, give yourself the following suggestions after you have completed the body relaxation. Say to yourself: "As I count from ten to zero, and before I reach the count of zero, I shall get an irresistible urge to swallow one time. As soon as I swallow one time, this feeling will leave me and I'll feel normal again in every respect. Ten . . . My lips are dry . . . Nine . . . My throat is becoming dry . . . Eight ... I am beginning to get the urge to swallow . . . Seven . . . The urge is becoming stronger . . . My throat feels parched . . . my lips dry. ... Six ... I have a strong . . . irresistible urge to swallow . . . Five Special Instructions for the One Reader in Ten Who Cannot Achieve Easy Relaxation . . . urge is becoming so strong I cannot resist it. ...

Four ... My lips are dry.... My throat is parched.          

I must swallow. . . . Three . . . The urge to swallow is even stronger now. . . . Two ... I must swallow ... I cannot resist the urge.... One ... I must swallow ... I must swallow ... I must swallow. . . . Zero . . . I have swallowed one time. I am now in a self-hypnotic state in which I am very receptive to positive self-suggestions."

If at any time before the count is completed, you have the urge to swallow involuntarily, do not resist it. What you are seeking is involuntary (subconscious) reaction to voluntary (conscious) direction.

At the conclusion of either the "eye closure" or "swallowing" tests, and before you have opened your eyes, be certain to give yourself this suggestion: "At any time I take three deep breaths, I will be able to give myself strong, helpful suggestions. I will be able to stop smoking. I will be able to relax when and as I wish. I will be in a state of light self-hypnosis, if I so desire, after I take three deep breaths."

Reader, let me tell you this: I have never known a man or woman who was unable to learn this technique. For some it has required effort. For others it has come remarkably swiftly and easily. But in all the time I have spent lecturing and demonstrating and teaching these ideas, I've not yet found a person—no matter how tense, how tight inside—who could not learn to relax.

And when you learn the system, there are additional benefits aplenty. Since stress and strain are a normal part of Me, you will certainly have one of those days, sooner or later, when nothing goes right. Use your three-breath technique, at such times, as first aid for the sagging soul.

NOW, WE'LL RELAX THAT GRIM JAW LINE

One of the first places where tension shows up is in the muscles of the jaw. Because smoking involves a muscle pattern that forces you to open your mouth and move your lips and tongue, it tends to release some of the muscles of the jaw and mouth. This would be a good thing for you if (a) smoking didn't then raise the temperature inside your mouth, (b) irritate the sensitive linings of your mouth, and (c) increase the likelihood of cancer of the lips, mouth or throat.

So let's attain this relaxation of the mouth and jaw without smoking. Yawning is an ideal way. Start by dropping the lower jaw. Put the tip of your tongue behind your lower teeth and let it rest there momentarily without pressure.