We’ve launched Edition 6 of One Create Magazine
Peter Baines OAM - Ultra Athlete
Don’t you just love life's twists and turns, with their inevitable ups and downs, which can sometimes feel somewhat overwhelming. I'm no different from you, susceptible to both external pressures and internal struggles. However, over the years, I've developed an arsenal of tools, improved protocols, and habit-forming armour that have helped me build a more resilient, stoic version of myself. This journey of self-discovery and mental mastery began in an unexpected place; the cockpit of a light aircraft (a Cessna 152 to be more precise).
It was around 2002 when I embarked on the path to earn my Private Pilot's License (PPL). The seed of this ambition had been planted many years earlier by my father, 'Viv', a holder of a multi-engine Commercial Pilot's License. From the tender age of around three, he had instilled in me a fascination with flight, and I had always dreamed of following in his footsteps (the flying part, at least).
As I began my lessons, I was confronted with a harsh reality; I wasn't as naturally gifted as I'd imagined. Running a demanding photography and marketing business simultaneously didn't help, as it drained every ounce of my mental energy. Faced with this challenge, I did what any lateral thinker might do, (this is so left field) I sought out a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist, preferably one with flying experience, impossible I thought, but as life would have it, on the very first call I found John, not only was he a London based Hypnotherapist, he also had a twin engine rating - You couldn’t make this up!
Enter John, a lean, healthy-looking man in his mid-40s with tight cropped blond hair. John welcomed me into his beautiful Georgian period house in Ham, just outside Richmond on the outskirts of South West London. In his calm, book-lined study, I shared my concerns about not meeting my own expectations in my flying lessons as John sat opposite me in his wing backed armchair taking copious notes and nodding in a sage like manner.
During that first hypnotherapy session, I experienced the mind-bending phenomenon of time expansion (That tends to happens when you are not enjoying an experience - they drag on right!)— What felt like mere minutes stretched into nearly an hour, and I was having a very pleasant time stretched out on Johns sofa. This taste of the mind's hidden capabilities ignited a spark of curiosity that would grow into a passionate pursuit of self-growth and learning (My flying did improve somewhat too - thank you John if you are reading this).
Inspired by this experience, I dove headfirst into the world of clinical hypnotherapy. I began by taking a short course in self-hypnosis with John at Regents Park College where he conducted this short course, which was a mix of science, psychology, and what seemed like stage show magic. This course laid the foundation for my later studies at the London College of Clinical Hypnotherapy (LCCH) where I became a Clinical Hypnotherapist in my own right.
Extraordinary Demonstrations of Mental Power
During my training, we participated in exercises that truly demonstrated the incredible power of the mind:
Mind warp number 1 - We learned to anaesthetize the skin between our index finger and thumb through self-hypnosis. John would enhance this effect as per the script we were following by coming around to each of the students and touching the spot we were working on adding a 10X effect, and then in a feat that amazed us all, he pushed a one of those large (sterilised) diaper pins through the fold of skin without causing pain or drawing blood, all these years later, the memory still amazes me.
Mind warp number 2 - On another exercise, we hypnotised ourselves to become as stiff as steel rods as per the hypnosis script. Our classmates would then lift us up off the floor and suspend us between the backs of two chairs, supporting only our ankles and shoulders. The true test came when John would climb onto a chair and sit on our midriff, did we collapse into a pile of arms and legs on the floor? No we didn’t! John said that he had an elite athlete try this out of hypnosis and couldn’t pull it off. When I saw a skinny young girl suspended between the two chairs and John sitting on her midriff as if he was sitting on a scaffolding plank. I was literally blown away! All of us were!
These experiences weren't parlour tricks; they were tangible demonstrations of the mind's incredible potential. They showcased our ability to control pain, alter our physical state, and tap into reservoirs of strength we never knew we possessed.
Broadening Horizons -From Hypnotherapy to Philosophy
My journey didn't stop at hypnotherapy. I found myself drawn to these related fields:
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)- Learning to behave positively and constructively
Non-verbal communication - Understanding the subtleties of human interaction
The works of Milton Erickson - Exploring innovative approaches to unconscious communication and more hypnotherapy based stories.
Eventually, my path led me to philosophy, particularly Stoicism. I immersed myself in the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, long before authors like Ryan Holiday made these ancient teachings accessible to the masses.
Crafting a Personal Arsenal for Mental Resilience
Through years of exploration and practice, I've curated a set of tools, protocols, and habits that help me improve by 1% each day. This personal growth system draws from various disciplines:
Mindfulness and meditation techniques
Stoic practices for emotional regulation
NLP strategies for positive behavioural change
Hypnotherapy-inspired self-suggestion methods
Evidence-based approaches from modern psychology
Life Sciences and Nutrition
All of this was way before the hugely popular podcasts of the likes of, Andrew Huberman and Tim Ferriss. Now, with this wealth of information, I've picked the tools that work best for me. I've learned to respect the grey matter between my ears, what I do to my body and to avoid becoming a dopamine addict, have a clear focused mind and a strong body without aches and pains (most of the time).
If creating a set of protocols and habits that have helped me improve incrementally each day, (somedays more than others) then they can for you, to help you to live a better life, with gratitude, fortitude and positivity - Be a better you, we only get one chance, so make it the best life you can is what I say.
If you're intrigued by this journey and eager to embark on your own path of self-discovery and mental mastery, I invite you to explore these topics and more with us at One Create Magazine. Our November issue marks the beginning of an exciting new direction, as we pivot towards Wellness and Lifestyle content.
In this issue, you'll find:
In-depth interviews with industry experts sharing their insights on longevity and health span
Practical articles on implementing mindfulness and stoic practices in daily life such as ice bathing and breathwork
Explorations of cutting-edge research in psychology and neuroscience
Personal stories of transformation and growth from our diverse community of readers (soon to become a future feature)
By subscribing you're not just gaining access to a (free) magazine; you're joining a community of like minded individuals committed to personal growth and self-discovery. Each issue will provide you with actionable strategies, thought-provoking ideas, great interviews and inspiration to fuel your own journey of improvement, wellness and lifestyle tips and hacks.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your life, one page at a time. Subscribe to One Create Magazine today and take the first step towards unlocking your mind's true potential. Together, let's explore the fascinating intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, and discover how to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Join us on this extraordinary adventure. Your journey to a more resilient, focused, and fulfilled you starts here One Create Magazine