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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 11, 1981)
From parlor-room to swimming pool Hypnosis helps leap mental blocks Hypnosis. The mere mention of the word continues to conjure up images of palm-readers and parlor-room performances. But a quiet hallway near Leighton Pool isn’t exactly what one would call a parlor room. And the man holding court for some Oregon swimmers doesn't plan to levitate his subjects. Instead of “your eyes are get ting very heavy,” the words are “concentration,” “stamina," and "strength.” The words have a calming effect. By some definitions, the swimmers are being hypno tized, but actually it is self-hyp nosis, says the man — Oregon men's swimming coach Rich Schleicher. “It's training the mind to overcome mental blocks,” Schleicher says. Dollar Rent-A-Car Systems Weekend SpecialI No need to stay at home when you don't have a car. With these special low rates you can afford to enjoy the weekend! We feature Fords and other fine cars. *14" per day weekends Free mileage in Oregon MmS-wow Savings is the key! „211 W. 6th. Eugene ^ 485-8980 Despite the skepticism sur rounding such hypnotic tech niques, he contends that they work. Schleicher should know. For the past seven years the swim ming coach, who holds a Ph D. in psychophysiology, has incor porated hypnotic techniques into swimming on a voluntary basis. Since his arrival at the University, Schleicher has suc cessfully used self-hypnotic techniques in Oregon's training program. "I don't care.if your're talking about sports or anything else," he says. “Everyone has mental blocks. And those blocks can be overcome." Overcoming self-imposed barriers, there for one reason or another, is what Schleicher strives to do. "I train people how to understand those barriers and work past them on an in dividual level. SKI SALE The largest selection we have ever had on sale at one time! All Skis x 20% to 30% . ^ 0,1 ,\* '>///■//" '' Scott & Smith Goggles 20% Off Salomon & Tyrolia BINDINGS 20% Off \vll 1 \V Downhill ^ Ski Wear ? f20% to 30% ^ Off X '/•'/in Jljl ' After-ski boots 20% Off Buy Now! Save Now! ^ All Ski " Sr POLES S \ 20% Off i' Ski bags, boot bags, turtleneck sweaters, ski posters, Botabags and much more. 20% Off ALL SALES FINAL HARVEY FOX’S ANDERSON'S SPORTING GOODS EUGENE • CORVALLIS • ALBANY • SALEM HURRY FOR BEST SELECTION ‘‘I couldn’t just go out and hyp n o t i z e somebody. I’d have to know them, know what they react to, which words to use to be effec tive. And then, I’d be teaching them how to effect themselves. “Everything we use, they can do.” Schleicher’s interest in self hypnotic tech niques and athle tics began while he was working on his master’s degree at the University of Illin ois. He became interested in the attraction and hynotic effect of various charis matic leaders. A chance to make his own observations came when he was hired by the University of Evansville as the swimming coach. There he was able to formulate his hypothe sis. He observed that college swimmers peaked in their senior year and seemed able to mount the starting blocks and ignore anything about them. This power of concentration, he observed, was similar to hynosis. His first chance to apply his theory though came while he -v Veterans or anyone interested in working on a Veterans Newspaper contact Univ. Veterans Association, Suite 3, EMU. See Mike or Dave, 686-4098. >_f Rich Schleicher was at Illinois. One day a swim mer came to him, exhausted after swimming only a few pool lengths. Schleicher taught the swim mer to focus his thoughts, vi sualize a single object and breathe deeply. The swimmer entered an induced trance. The coach then set the stage by having the athlete swim a series within a set time. He did it — down to the second. From there, the “self-im posed” technique found its way to Oregon. And Leighton Pool became a place of intense concentration. “It’s not a cure-all or a pan acea,’’ says Schleicher. “But there is something to focusing your attention. Telling your self you can do anything. “It’s the same technique ath letes have used for years to ‘psych’ themselves up. I’ve only developed a more concrete and workable focus." Story by Tamara Swenson Photo by David W. Zahn Hearts for your honey, presents for your precious, or sweets for your sweetheart. The UO Bookstore carries every gift imaginable! Lots of candy, a huge selection of cards, and hearts, sweets and presents galore! rr r, , ■ > r\ i K 5 Happy Valentine s Day! Textbooks 686-3520 • General Books 686-3510 • Supplies 686-4331 ■ 13th & Kincaid V Mon-Fri 8:15-5:30 IE Sat 10:00-2:00 B00KSTI
