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Daily, in relationships and throughout life, I am reminded of the whole, the Tao and its opposing polaritiesthe Yin and not Yin, the Yang and not Yang. This is the basis of Taoist philosophy, and of Iona's Bodymind Trancework class, which integrates Taoist philosophy and Qigong with Ericksonian hynotherapy and bodymind focusing techniques.

Of the information presented in this wonderful class, what most intrigued me were Taoist confusion tactics.² Taoist masters used confusion tactics to integrate the concept of the whole (the Tao) via an interplay of the Yin and Yang, or the Yin and not Yin, the Yang and not Yang. This use of opposing reality principles was a backdrop to introduce suggestions about life. Understanding these tactic has improved communication with my clients, husband and dog!

An example of using this principle with a client is: "I don't know if you know that stretching your hamstring muscle daily might not be the kind of thing that you might not find helpful in increasing your flexibility." This multiple use of negation has the feel of a long ping pong match; it confuses and mesmerizes with its use of positive and negative. Using a suggestive form is more effective than advice because 1) the client has a sense of control, and 2) the defenses are relaxed so the psyche is more open.

I have found this to also be an effective way to approach uncomfortable situations with my husband or my dogi.e. carrying out garbage or retrieving newspapersand I'm grateful for another way to suggest to my husband that flowers might be the kind of thing I would like for that special day!