When the pressures of the world close in, you can enlist a nearby ally. Try using hypnosis to tap the power of the subconscious and scale back the stress.

No dangling medallions or sci-fi-esque tools are involved in the process, nor does the hypnotist exert mind control.

“All hypnosis is self-hypnosis,” said Gina Orlando, a certified hypnotherapist in Oak Park (www.ginaorlando.com), in describing the state of relaxed concentration.

David Roche, an inspirational speaker, humorist and the author of “The Church of 80% Sincerity,” will present a talk titled “Individuals With Disabilities: Try Walking in My Shoes” at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at Illinois Benedictine University in Lisle.

Born with a severe facial deformity, Roche now uses his face as a tool for hope. He has been a featured performer at the Clinton White House and has won a Martin Luther King Humanitarian of the Year Award.

What parents once criticized as a time-waster could actually prove to be a career fast-track. Video-game-obsessed youngsters might be grooming themselves for a successful profession in the digital arts, which are turning virtual worlds into real money.

The field is winning new applications in diverse industries.

“Animation is being used very heavily in medical education, as well as video games,” said Perry Harovas of St. Charles, who chairs the Visual Effects/Animation department at Flashpoint, The Academy of Media Arts and Sciences, which was founded in the fall of 2007 as the first new college in Chicago in a half-century.

The Billy Graham Center Museum at Wheaton College will display a new exhibit titled “Look Toward the Heavens: The Contemporary Biblical Art of He Qi” from now through June 9, showcasing works by the Chinese artist.

Exhibit organizers said the artist uses the Chinese technique of color-on-paper painting to bring Biblical scenes to life in new and surprising ways.

The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform three free Chamber Music Institute concerts for the public in the ATC Auditorium at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. They begin at 2, 3:15 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 5, featuring nearly 100 students from the EYSO organization.

Senior Services Associates presents its annual “Everybody’s Birthday Party” celebration dinner and silent auction Friday, April 17, in Bartlett.

This year’s benefit theme is “It’s Up to You, New York, New York.”

Film and television star Marlee Matlin will sign copies of her book “I’ll Scream Later” at 7 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Borders Books and Music, 1500 16th. St., Oak Brook.

Matlin’s show business break came as the deaf pupil turned custodian in “Children of a Lesser God.” Today, she remains the youngest woman ever to win a Best Actress Oscar.

An Architect and New Urbanist, Andrés Duany is determined to “Make No Small Plans in the New Economy,” the title of a presentation to area architects, planners, developers, Judson University’s architecture students and the general public at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, at the Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way.
 
“Duany’s presentation will be based on his commitment to building compact, sustainable, pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented communities,” said Elgin Mayor Ed Schock.

Two good causes power the annual “Night at the Net” benefit, whose sporty theme means jeans and tennis duds, not tuxedos, are suggested attire. Celebrities will include Chicago Blackhawk Brent Sopel, television nutritionist Sandy Goldberg and sportscaster and author Rich King.

Hosted by the Hinsdale Racquet Club, the fourth annual event offers women nonstop tennis at all levels of play, with swing advice from the pros. Both genders can head outdoors to a heated tent filled with table games, a cigar area and music. Food, drinks and surprise celebrities round out the event.

Tajci promises a moving musical experience when she presents her Lenten concert, “I Thirst — The Crucifixion Story,” in a Downers Grove church this weekend.

The artist, who left a war-torn Croatia and a glamorous career as pop superstar in central Europe to begin a new life in the United States, describes the concert.

AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society of America have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis.

“Sensory Friendly Films” premiered across the country last August, and will continue with a special showing of the new film “Race to Witch Mountain” at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at three area theaters including Warrenville.

Share is the group that helped Monica Novak heal from her stillborn daughter’s death, and share is what she does in her first book, “The Good Grief Club.”

She will sign copies at the Share luncheon and fashion show benefit she co-chairs this weekend, donating all the profits back to the chapter based at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.

 It won’t be as much fun as a computer game, but teens are liable to feel right at home preparing their state and federal income taxes online. Experts share tips on how teens can keep more of their money and file their taxes online for free.

“When they are first starting out ... it’s all about building good habits, so they are well prepared for future years,” said Ted Dolata, a district manager with H&R Block, which has tax offices across the suburbs.

Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles announces the grand opening of Jambalaya, a full-service restaurant serving Cajun-inspired and American food.

Executive Chef Josef Yurisich said he is excited to add a Cajun/American themed restaurant to his themed restaurant creations of Mediterranean, East Coast seafood, Tex-Mex and Italian.

A Gem-Mineral-Fossil Show by the Earth Science Club of Northern Illinois will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15, at the College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

The event will feature live and silent auctions of minerals and fossils, dealer exhibits, demonstrations of lapidary and jewelry making, a kids corner with interactive activities, Field and Lizzadro museum exhibits, and a geode cracker.