Overthinking (Patreon)

Your partner helps you experience trance.

* * *

Your partner gently squeezed your shoulder, and said “You’re overthinking this. Just look into my eyes. Focus on me. What are you feeling, right now?”

The moment stretched. You tried to categorise the feelings. What if they were wrong? What if this wasn’t trance?

Their laughter cut across your thoughts. “You’re still doing it. Remember, look me in the eyes.” You did as they asked, meeting their gaze. “Good. I just want to talk to you. There isn’t a wrong way for you to feel trance. Everyone experiences it differently.”

You nodded, still meeting their gaze. “I know, you’re new to this.” They said, smiling. “But it’s not as overwhelming as you think. It’s about just following someone else’s lead for a while. And we both know you can do that. You just have to let go. Focus on my voice.”

They were speaking sense. “Now. Just take a breath in with me.” They continued. “And hold, and breathe out. Okay. Again, follow me.” You felt your shoulders relax a little as you exhaled. You followed their breaths. In. Hold. Out. In. Hold. Out. In. Hold. Out.

This continued for a few cycles, until they spoke again. “Right, now, just tell me, in one word, what you’re feeling.” They said. And this time, you didn’t hesitate.

“Comfortable.” That was it. Not quite relaxed. Your thoughts were still fluttering. But your body was comfortable.

They smiled again. “Good. That’s great to hear. I want you to focus on that comfort, wherever you’re feeling it. And just let it grow. Let it expand. Let that sensation of comfort flow through you. Let it cover your body. Give me a nod when it does, I’ll keep talking.”

It was a strange sensation at first. Feeling your muscles grow limp, looser, in response to someone’s words. And it was spreading quickly. Moving out from your shoulders, down your arms and chest, into your legs, up your neck. Before long, you nodded.

Your partner paused, taking a moment, still smiling. “Good. This is the bit I want you to really focus on my words for. That feeling of comfort is covering your entire body, right?” You nodded again. “Excellent. Now, think about your mind. Can you visualise it?”

“Y-yeah.” You said, your voice quiet.

“Okay, now, I want you to let that comfort spread to your mind. The slow, lethargy, just coating your thoughts. Maybe not stopping them, maybe not slowing them. Just making them… Comfortable. Does that sound right?”

You took a moment to answer. The truth was that you weren’t sure what you were feeling. It was like your brain had been submerged in treacle. Slowly, you nodded once more. “Good. I know it might be hard to understand, but this, whatever you’re feeling is trance. Enjoy it.”