THINGS MY OTHER TAUGHT ME: (Don’t) Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Hypnotism is not as difficult as one might think. It’s really as simple as creating a circumstance in which someone is completely relaxed and susceptible to suggestion. Which is really, really simple when someone is in a state between sleep and wakefulness.

My sister Barb was always naïve enough to believe that she would not be messed with when dozing on the couch. How sad that she was so trusting…she should have known better. Especially surrounded by myself and my friends….And that, children, is what today’s story is about. (And yes, she is aware that I’m telling this particular story – in fact, she suggested it.)

 It was completely accidental that I discovered her susceptibility to programming. One day when she was dozing on the couch, I was talking about something in particular. From the couch I hear a mumbled statement vaguely related to my conversation. I ignored it the first time; then, a few minutes later, it happened again. At first I thought she was actually commenting on my conversation, but then I figured out it was inadvertent. She was talking in her sleep, but was guided somewhat by my words.

Yeah, and now let the shenanigans begin…

So one time we were at the apartment. It was me, Matt Heldman, Andy Bors and of course the guest of honor – my sister Barb. She dozed off on the couch, and I said to Matt and Andy, “Hey, watch this.” I began to steer her sleep talking. I started with stupid stuff. And then one of my friends, I don’t recall which one, said, “Ask her about her first kiss.”

So I began, as I’ve seen many a hypnotist, to ask questions and tell her to visualize where she was.

“Think about your very first kiss, Barb. Where were you when it happened…?”

Mumble mumble mumble…”Outside of Flex Bankle’s room…”

“Really. OK. And when was it?”

Mumble mumble mumble…”Late in the day. After band practice…”

“And who was it who you kissed…?”

“Leonard…” (Naturally this name was changed to protect the innocent. Much like er…”Marilyn.”)

“Was it a good kiss…?”

“Ooooooooh yes.” Apparently this kiss was of the foreign variety, if you get what I mean. ;)

So anyway, when she woke up from her nap, I said to her, “So did you have a good nap?”

“Yeah, I actually did.”

“Did you have any…unusual dreams…?”

She looked at each of us and she was like, “What’s wrong with you guys…?”

“Did you dream about Paris…?”

“No.”

“Maybe about a restaurant? Could it have been…French…?”

We busted out laughing and she looked at us like we were all crazy. Then we told her what we were talking about. Needless to say, she would not fall asleep on the couch again for some time. J

Yes, we were naughty and evil. But isn’t that what brothers are for…?

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed it.