Approved For Release 2003/09/09
: CIA-RDP96-00792R000500600020-5
Science Applications International
Cognitive Sciences Laboratory
Memorandum
Corporation
jUO
Date:
14 February 1994
SG1J
To:
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From :
Ms. L. Faith and Dr. E. May
Subj ect:
Dolin’s Ttainig Tfechnique
Dr. Dolin emphasizes that the training, experience, and techniques of operators are crucial for the success of
“remote influence" experiments. Below we detail the training procedures as they are practiced in his labora-
tories.
(1) The main prerequisite for an aspiring operator is his self-confidence and, in particular, confidence in his
ability to “connect” with the person-receiver and/or to affect the receiver’s mental/emotional state and/or
physiology.
Previous experience in yoga (especially in practicing yogic breathing techniques) and/or
martial arts training is helpful but not mandatory.
(2)
Correct breathing is important, but the process of breathing should not distract the operator from his con-
centration on mental images and visualization process. So-called three-phase breathing is advisable.
(1)
to exhale slowly, through the nose or through a narrow opening between the compressed lips; (2) breath
retention, die duration of which is found individually from experience, within comfortable limits; (3) to
inhale through the nose, automatically and effortlessly, just allowing air to fill the lungs.
(3) Another important point of the training is for an operator to learn to concentrate his attention on a particu-
lar mental image. The operator should be able to visualize clearly the face of the receiver and the situa-
tion/surroundings/actions of the receiver,
(4) The operator should know the receiver as well as possible and have a good rapport with him/her. During
the “remote influence” session, the operator attempts to mentally “impose” on the receiver an image of
an event which would be pleasant (in calming-down trials) or upsetting (in “arousing” trials) for the re-
ceiver.
It should be pointed out that, if the operator attempts to “impose” an image which may be upset-
ting for someone, but which is not a part of the life or experience of this particular receiver, it usually does
not work. Thus, the operator has to learn what can be emotionally arousing, upsetting, or pleasant for this
particular person.
In addition, not only the image itself is important but the emotion accompanying this
image.
It is advisable for the operator to learn to simulate and experience emotions as vividly as possible.
In other words, this part of the training resembles actors’ training, i.e., in order to portray different emo-
tions actors have to learn to experience them “on demand.”
(5) The operator is not required to keep up intense concentration for the entire trial period, i.e., three to five
minutes, depending on the particular protocol. Rather, he is asked to work in an “impulse mode,” concen-
trating from approximately 2 to 15 seconds, then relaxing, and afterward repeating the process.
(6) The best mental concentration is achieved while exhaling and/or during the breath retention phase after
the exhalation.
(7) During mental concentration, the body muscles should be relaxed.
(8) The visualized mental image is not expected to be of exceptional, hallucinatory clarity.
Rather, it can
resemble a memory of a particular event. Practice of visualization and achievement of more vivid mental
images is helpful but not essential. What counts more is the operator’s clear intent and inner confidence
in his ability to “connect.”
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Approved For Release 2003/09/09
: CIA-RDP96-00792R000500600020-5