You’ve probably heard about past life regression and how it can supposedly uncover your previous lives. It almost sounds like a fun experiment – who wouldn’t want to get a glimpse into their past incarnations? But before you sign up for a session, you need to consider the potential dangers.
Past life regression might sound intriguing, but it can open up some scary doors in your psyche. And this is not to be taken lightly. So, is past life regression a mystic portal or Pandora’s box?
First of All – What Is Past Life Regression?
Simply put, past life regression is where they use hypnosis to help you remember stuff from previous lives you may have had. A trained hypnotist guides you into a deep state of relaxation and focuses your attention on discovering memories of previous lives.
Under hypnosis, you may experience visions, emotions, and sensations connected to a past life. Some people report vivid memories of places, events, and people from other time periods. For example, if you were a soldier in a past life, you may see war zones or feel pain in your limbs if they were hit during your previous life.
As you relax, the hypnotist will ask questions to learn more details about what comes up. The goal is to gain insight into how past lives may influence your present. For example, resolving a long-time fear could be traced back to a traumatic event in the past.
Of course, science can’t prove that memories are real. But some people find value in the process regardless. If you try it, go in with an open mind. The experiences can feel very vivid and intense, so be gentle with yourself after.
Vivid And Disturbing Flashbacks During or After The Session
Vivid and disturbing flashbacks during or after a past life regression session can be a potential side effect for some people. The flashbacks may feel distressing and even traumatizing, replaying scenes from a supposed past life that involve violence, abuse, or other negative experiences.
The flashbacks aim to help the person access memories from a past incarnation. But for some, the images, sounds, and emotions that arise can be overwhelmingly intense. The flashbacks may involve graphic depictions of violence, torture, rape, abuse, war, or accidents. The negative feelings associated with these flashbacks, including fear, horror, and helplessness, can linger long after the regression session ends.
Vivid flashbacks can cause significant emotional distress. Reliving traumatic events, even if they happened in a past life, can trigger post-traumatic stress symptoms. This includes nightmares, anxiety, avoidance behaviors, and difficulty sleeping. The flashbacks may also exacerbate any pre-existing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
The flashbacks also feel absolutely real at the moment. But they are based on imagined or fabricated memories, not actual events in a past life. Getting caught up in these memories as if they were real can distort a person’s sense of identity, history, and worldview. Over time, this may cause problems in relationships and daily functioning.
Yes, past life regression aims to be a healing practice, but for some people, the flashbacks it triggers may do more harm than good. Anyone considering past life regression should be aware of this potential risk.
Confusion About Your Identity
Past life regression can bring up memories and emotions that make you question your own identity and sense of self. As you access “past lives,” you may start to feel a connection with these other personalities that confuse your understanding of who you are in this current life.
Remembering your past selves can also blend the lines between who you were back then and who you are today. You might identify too much with how you used to be and have trouble telling what’s real from what’s not.
That’s why you really have to be careful if you’re thinking of doing past life regression for the first time. After your session, it’s best if you go back to living like normal. Don’t let the experience change who you are as a person.
Headaches, Anxiety, And Depression
Regression can open you up to experiencing physical and emotional side effects. Some people report headaches, feelings of anxiety, or symptoms of depression after a session.
Headaches are common and usually mild, caused by strains on your mind as they access long-dormant memories. Nothing too serious usually, just drink some water and take a nap. But if the headache is really bad or doesn’t go away, maybe check in with the doctor.
Another thing people report is feeling anxious or upset. If that happens, be sure to talk to the therapist who did the regression – they can help you process it. Also, taking care of yourself with meditation, exercise, or writing about how you feel could help. And if the anxiety is really bad and doesn’t let up, you’d better talk to someone about medication or therapy.
In rare cases, people say they get depressed or have suicidal thoughts after. That’s no good. If that happens to you, please call a professional as soon as possible. The past life regression isn’t for everyone, so if digging around in your memories makes you depressed, definitely go see someone who can help.
False Memories
When you’re hypnotized, your mind is much more suggestible than normal. Even small, unintended hints from the hypnotherapist could influence what you remember.
The memories that come back to you might feel incredibly real. But just because something feels real doesn’t automatically make it true. There’s no way for you to verify that what you saw actually lines up with past events. The hypnotherapist isn’t there in the past with you!
After all, it’s your hypnotized mind recalling these memories, not your regular mind. So, who’s to say small suggestions didn’t end up shaping what you envisioned in ways you’re not aware of? You could walk away 100% convinced of details that never truly occurred in a past life. Without any way to check, there’s no proving or disproving what you experienced.
I’m not saying past-life regression can’t access real memories. But you do have to take what comes up with a grain of salt. Don’t put too much stock in specific names, places, or events without corroboration. Enjoy the experience for what it is – an intriguing possibility, not a confirmed fact. Just proceed with an open mind, and don’t get wedded to any one version of the past.
My Advice
Past life regressions are something I’m really into. I’ve done a few of them myself and found them to be a really interesting experience. That said, just because I enjoyed it doesn’t mean it’ll be the same for everyone else. Like any other thing, past life regressions can come with some side effects, too.
When done correctly, though, a past life regression can provide some healing, greater understanding, and a sense of resolution. But you have to take it slow and respect the process. The past isn’t always pretty, so if you decide to explore it, go in prepared for what you may find. And if afterward you feel totally different than before or weren’t ready for it, then something probably went wrong.
