Discovering NLP. Power of the Mind

Transcription

1 Discovering NLP Power of the Mind 1

2 Published By David Wright Quantum Training Institute - info@quantumtraininginstitute.com P.O. Box 198 Biggera Waters Queensland Australia 4216 Copyright 2014 Quantum Training Institute. All Rights Reserved. May be shared with copyright and credit left intact. Disclaimer All the information, techniques, skills and concepts contained within this publication are of the nature of general comment and are not given as independent individual advice. The intent is to offer a variety of information to provide a wider range of choices now and in the future, recognising that we all have widely diverse circumstances and viewpoints. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, neither the author nor the publisher nor the marketing agents assume any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter whatsoever under any condition or circumstances. Should any reader choose to make use of the information contained herein, this is their decision. It is recommended that the readers obtain their own independent advice. Quantum Training Institute - Maximising human potential

3 DISCOVERING NLP DAVID WRIGHT

4 CONTENTS Power of the Mind Chapter 1 - The Beginning... What is NLP? Chapter 2 - Developing the Senses Chapter 3 - NLP Communication Model & Rep Systems Chapter 4 - The Power of The Mind Chapter 5 - The Structure of Experience Chapter 6 - Beliefs, Values & NLP Presuppositions Chapter 7 - The Power of Focus & Momentum Conclusion

5 Discovering FOREWARD NLP Power of the Mind Interpersonal relationships have always been a fascinating topic of study, and in the world of today, more so than ever. We are currently going through a day and age where information is key: we connect with people throughout the world, we have the internet at the tip of our fingers and we are truly able to access the world s wealth of information with a few simple clicks. Yet, we are still trying to figure out the deeper and most inner dynamics of our own relationships and on the way we process our experiences through the world. Scientist and experts look into those questions through many different ways, and one of the most advanced and forward-thinking areas of study is what is commonly referred to as NLP, AN abbreviation that actually stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming. It is a bit challenging to explain this entire notion briefly: the discipline has been developing for several decades and even experts debate on its most accurate and proper definition. NLP is like a spider s web: you could get lost in the many different directions, approaches and possible definition to this fascinating, intriguing, powerful, yet much undefined subject. In a nutshell, NLP (is all about seizing the power of a relationship, unlocking its full potential and communicating more effectively. This is the study of how we, as individuals, manage to channel our values, our ideas, our belief systems and more into our very own emotional conditions and states. The world that we perceive is a result of our unique and personal experience of it, coming from the way we relate to it. Each of us will surely give a different meaning to it, because of each and every single person goes through very different experiences through life.

6 FOREWARD NLP has come a long way since the 70s, embracing notions and approaches introduced by various disciplines such as Quantum Physics, the study of the smallest level of existence and energy that construct our reality; Neuro Science (the study of the brain) and Psycho Neuro Immunology (the study of the effect on the mind over the immune system.) Discovering NLP is a comprehensive, exhaustive and user-friendly guide through the fascinating and ever-evolving study of NLP. This book proceeds onto explaining the dynamics and implications of NLP in such a way that no matter your level on this subject the reader can easily make its way around the topic. This is a great opportunity for anyone willing to find out more about the fascinating science that is NLP Which is not solely a discipline, but a true open door to understand many different things that human beings have to experience through life. David Wright BSc MNLP DCH Director of Training & Certified NLP Trainer Quantum Training Institute

7 CHAPTER 1 The Beginning... What is NLP? In this chapter you will be introduced to NLP and the Science behind it, you ll learn the history and how it all began and how you can actually use NLP in your day to day life, as well as The Law of Cause and Effect. The Science of NLP NLP History What will NLP do for you? Cause and Effect Quantum Training Institute - Maximising human potential

8 The beginning... What is NLP? What is NLP..? You cannot pin NLP down to a single definition. There are many explanations of NLP, each shining their own light on the subject. NLP is devoted to learning how to think and communicate more effectively in relating with yourself and others. NLP teaches excellence and quality of the mind; how outstanding individuals and organisations can get outstanding results. NLP is the mastery of how we structure our subjective experience, how we think, how we create our emotional states, and how we construct our internal world from our experience and give it meaning. No event has meaning in itself... we give it meaning and different people may give the same event different meanings. So, NLP studies experience from the inside. NLP began by studying the some of the world s best communicators, and has evolved into one of the most powerful methods in the study of human communication. It has grown by adding practical tools and methods generated by modeling exceptional people. These tools are used internationally in sports, business, training, sales, law and education. However, NLP is more than just a collection of techniques. It is also a way of thinking, a frame of mind based on curiosity, exploration and fun. It s said that 95% of human beings are born with the same basic neurology... What does NLP stand for...? Neuro is about your neurological system. NLP is based on the idea that we experience the world through our senses and translate sensory information into thought processes, both conscious and unconscious. Thought processes activate the neurological system, which affects your physiology, emotions, and behavior. 8

9 The beginning... What is NLP? Linguistic refers to the way human beings use language to make sense of the world, capture and conceptualize experience, communicating that experience to others. In NLP, linguistics is the study of how the words you speak influence your experience. Programming addresses how we code or mentally represent experience. Your personal programming consists of your internal processes and strategies (thinking patterns) that you use to make decisions, solve problems, learn, evaluate and get results. NLP shows people how to recode their experiences and organise their internal programming so that they can get the outcomes they want. The Science of NLP NLP has continued to develop considerably since the seventies and the support of the new sciences: Quantum Science (study of energy - the small things that make up our world); Psycho Neuro Immunology (study of the mind and its effect on our Immune system); and Neuro Science (study of the Brain). Learning NLP at The Quantum Training Institute, will teach you the importance that these science s have on our everyday lives and there effects and influence on healing and change. The laws of Quantum physics prove to us that what we focus our attention on, literally changes energy into matter, proving to us the power of focus. Definitions of NLP The study of - the structure of our subjective experience... The Art of Science and Communication A Manual of the Brain The Secrets to Success The Model of Human Excellence The Science of Achievement 9

10 The beginning... What is NLP? NLP History - The beginning... NLP or Neuro-Linguistic Programming began in the early 1970 s with John Grinder, an assistant professor of linguistics and Richard Bandler, a student studying computer programming and psychology, at the University of California. They began quite by accident and then decided to study and model three successful therapists: Virginia Satir, the well-known family therapist, Fritz Perls, psychotherapist and founder of Gestalt and Milton Erickson, the world famous Hypnotherapist. Interestingly, these three people were similar in their basic models of successful therapies. Grinder and Bandler took these models and developed NLP in two specific areas. The first area of study, was a way to discover patterns of excellence or modeling and the second area of study was effective ways of thinking and communicating. By 1976 Grinder and Bandler decided to call these extremely effective and practical skills, techniques and processes; Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Interestingly the first known use of a similar term was by Alfred Korzybski in the 1930 s that taught Neuro linguistic Training. Originally NLP was based on psychology and now it is used in every possible area of life. We like to refer to Bandler and Grinder s NLP as the structure of human subjective experience and how we organise our five senses (VAKOG) as we filter information to get productive results. It is cognitive behavioral and outcome solution based modality, now referred to as Applied Psychology. NLP has evolved and grown over the years with many influential and meaningful players to whom NLP today would not be what it is without their input, dedication and enthusiasm. To name a few, Robert Dilts, Steven and Connirae, Steve Andreas, Judith DeLozier, Leslie Cameron-Bandler, Anthony Robbins, David Gordon and many others. 10

11 The beginning... What is NLP? The originators of NLP answer the question: What is NLP? An Attitude, a methodology that leaves behind a trail of techniques. - Richard Bandler From my position, which has special historical significance, it s the study of excellence in the human experience; it uses a methodology which in some sense stands traditional, scientific paradigms on its head. In general it has taken the form of study of the people who have distinguished themselves in the field with some consistent performance of excellence. - John Grinder What will NLP do fo you...? Show you how to build stronger and deeper relationships Help you to know what you want and show you how to get it Enhance your self confidence and self esteem Strengthen your ability to connect with yourself and others Put you in your own driving seat - and be at cause within your own life Be able to communicate more efficiently and effectively with yourself and others Change limiting beliefs about yourself and the world More control of the way you think, feel and act Enable you to consistently achieve your goals and outcomes Allow you to stay focused more often on your desires Control your emotional states with awareness Show you how to be more influential and persuasive Achieve better results faster with motivation Communicate on all levels for deeper relationships Coach yourself and others towards a path of freedom and success Create positive and powerful thinking strategies and thinking patterns Let go of old patterns and beliefs that may be holding you back from achieving 11

12 The beginning... What is NLP? Create more motivation in your life to achieve your outcomes Upgrade, change and create new behaviors and strategies Cause and Effect It is important to be aware of this distinction. It is the rare individual who always lives his or her life at cause, however far too many of us live a large portion of our lives at effect -- responding to the whims, desires or emotional states of others. Cause Being at cause, means that you are decisive in creating what you want in life and take responsibility for what you have achieved or will achieve. You see the world as a place of opportunity and you move towards achieving what you desire. If things are not unfolding as you would like, you take action and explore other possibilities. Above all, you know you have choice in what you do and how you react to people and events. Effect If you are at effect you blame others or circumstances for your bad moods or for what you have not achieved for for your life in general. You may feel powerless or depend on others in order for you to feel good about yourself or about life If only my spouse, my boss, my co-workers, my parents, my children, understood me and helped me achieve my dreams or did what I wanted or what is best for me, then life would be great. You find yourself frequently saying. If you wait and hope for things to be different or for others to provide, then you are at effect or a victim of circumstances. And really, how much fun is that? How much fun do you think it is for others to be around you? Believing that someone else is responsible or making them responsible for your happiness, or your different moods is very limiting and gives this person some mystical power over you, which can cause you a great deal of anguish. 12

13 The beginning... What is NLP? Being at cause means you have choices in your life - you can choose what is best for you, while ensuring the choice is ecological for those around you, those in your community and your society. You consider the consequences of your actions on others, while not taking responsibility for their emotional well-being, believing you are responsible for the emotional well-being of someone else places a heavy burden on you which can cause a great deal of stress. Those who live their lives at effect, often see themselves or live their lives as victims with no choices whatsoever. The irony is that they do have choice and they have chosen not to choose but to be responsive to whatever is given to them. Do I always live my life at cause? No, not a chance. The vast majority of the time I live at cause and thanks to NLP, I am able to quickly identify those times when I am living my life at effect. To get back on track, I realize that I always have choices in my life and one of the following NLP Presuppositions usually comes to mind: There is no failure only feedback or There are no unresourceful people, only unresourceful states. NLP techniques provide me with the mental resources I require and I am then able to explore other ways to achieve my outcomes or ask others for help, without being a victim to their answers. How do you live your life? Are you at cause or effect? Challenge The next time you are involved in a situation: STOP and become aware of what is happening, step out of the picture and take a look back at yourself and ask yourself Am I in Cause or Effect?... Am I blaming and projecting onto someone or something and feeling like there is nothing I can do about it or am I taking full responsibility for what is going on in my life and thinking of a solution to the problem? 13

14 CHAPTER 2 Developing the Senses Studies have shown that 93% of all communication is non-verbal and out of our conscious awareness. Majority of people are unaware of this and are only aware of verbal communication, therefore missing out on a huge amount of information. Attention Sensory Acuity Calibration Observation and Interpretation The Structure of Rapport Quantum Training Institute - Maximising human potential

15 Developing the senses If you took all the sand from a thousand beaches and placed it into one pile and if all the grains of sand represented the different frequencies of the universe. Humans being can only receive information equal to one grain of sand - Dr. Gary Schwartz MD Developing the Senses Sensory Acuity To take your communication skills to a much deeper level, to become a more powerful leader, to influence others on a much higher level, having others understand you and believe in you enough to move them in a more powerful way, it s essential that you become highly aware of what s going on around you. If we are to be effective communicators in the world, you need to open up your sensory channels and develop your sensory acuity which enriches your world of experiences. Sensory acuity is equally important when it comes to observing people, especially their non-verbal behavior, which research has shown is more important (see rapport). Being able to observe and decode what s being communicated outside of conscious awareness, will give you the edge in everything, from sales, management, negotiating to leadership, coaching, and therapy. The process of learning to read another person s unconscious, non-verbal responses in an ongoing interaction, is by comparing observable behaviors and clues with a specific internal response. A very important first step in most NLP processes is to calibrate the problem state. 15

16 Developing the senses That is observing what is your client s body posture, where do the eyes move, how are they breathing, skin colour, voice tone etc. Knowing what the problem state looks like, you have a reference point for measuring the success of your intervention. Calibration In NLP noticing patterns of behavior is called Calibration. It is the process of using sensory acuity to pay precise attention to changes in another person s state by detecting various patterns in their behavior or physiology. Calibration is identifying the behavioral cues that go with or before a particular state - X always accompanies or precedes Y. The more well developed our calibration skills, the more connections we pick up. This doesn t mean guessing, it s essential you work from sensory evidence. This skill needs a lot of practice, and can be developed into a very powerful skill by attending our live NLP Practitioner course. Below are areas you might like to attend to when developing your calibration skills: Gestures and body movements (hand movements, foot tapping, body posture) Posture Skin Tone or the tiny muscle changes Breathing patterns (fast/slow, chest or abdomen) Lower lip size Voice tonality (volume, speed, pitch, etc) Eye focus Facial expressions Pupil size 16

17 Developing the senses The more aware you are of what s going on around you the better able you are to communicate effectively and build rapport with people... Observation & Interpretation An important point to remember is to be able to keep your observation pure, to prevent it spilling over into interpretation. The starting point is to understand the difference: Observation is simply what you notice with your senses; what you see, hear, feel, taste and smell. Rapport Interpretation is when you go beyond the sensory information gathered and draw a conclusion of some kind. Rapport is one of the NLP Principles for Success, and can be defined as creating a spirit of trust and respect between people so that they are more likely to cooperate with you. There are two key principles in building rapport. The first is that people tend to like people who are like them. Secondly, is that majority of communication is non-verbal. Studies show that in face to face communication. 55% of communication is based on body language 38% is based on voice tonality Only 7% is based on the words we say 17

18 Developing the senses This means 93% of communication is non-verbal and out of our conscious awareness. So the question is, how can we use non-verbal communication to demonstrate that we are like someone and hence build rapport? The answer is by using skills such as matching and mirroring, pacing and leading and having a state of empathy. We gain rapport on an unconscious level by becoming like the other person through Matching and Mirroring. Matching: Observing someone and then matching their behavior, such as sitting in the same way or using similar gestures (not making it too obvious, as people do this naturally when in rapport). Mirroring: Mirroring another person s behavior - creating a mirror image (if they have left leg crossed you have right leg crossed etc.) Pacing: Described in a way that, you wouldn t jump straight onto a moving train, you need to run alongside it and achieve the same pace before jumping. Once you have matched a person s behavior and you are in deep rapport, you can then lead (The Secret Power of Influence). Leading: Changing your own behaviours with enough rapport for the other person to follow. Pacing and leading is an important part of NLP. You should enter someone s world, and lead him/her to reach the appropriate conclusions for achieving the changes desired. 18

19 Developing the senses The Structure of Rapport 1. Introduce Yourself Be friendly and use your sensory acuity and calibration skills 2. Remember Persons name People like people who remember their name 3. Discover Commonality Find common ground (what does that person like/interests etc) 4. Deepen the Bond Match the pace of the person (the small things deepen rapport) Ask people about themselves (people love to talk about themselves) 5. Consciously be aware to what is being communicated - LISTEN Look interested Match and mirror body language Match sensory language (VAK Sensory language - see Rep Systems) 6. Give a Genuine compliment I love your hair today Lisa Pace and lead the client/person 19

20 CHAPTER 3 NLP Communication Model & Rep Systems According to science there are 2-4,000,000 bits of information flowing through our senses at any one moment in time. This is made up of what you see, hear, feel, smell, taste and think, both consciously and unconsciously. Out of that immense amount of information the mind is only capable of accepting 134 bits. NLP Communication Model Representational Systems The Modalities... V.A.K.O.G Rep System Preferences Represetational Sytem Test Quantum Training Institute - Maximising human potential

21 NLP Communication Model & Rep Systems Have you ever wondered why people don t see things the same way or why when you perhaps ask someone to do something, they do or say something totally different... NLP Communication Model According to science there is approximately 2-4,000,000 bits of information flowing through our senses at any one moment in time. This is made up of what you See (V) - Hear (A) - Feel (emotions & external) (K) - Smell (O) - Taste (G) and think both consciously and unconsciously. Out of those 2-4,000,000 bits of information the mind is only capable of accepting 134 bits. The unconscious mind chooses the 134 bits based on your OWN individual filters (see below). 21

22 NLP Communication Model & Rep Systems Your filters are made up of your beliefs, values, representational systems, meta programs and past experiences (each filter is covered in greater depth to achieve a deeper understanding of how we do what we do in your NLP Practitioner Certification Program). The unconscious mind deletes, generalises and distorts the 134 bits of data to fit in with our model of the world - at this stage we chunk this data into 5-9 chunks of information. You now internalise it, allowing you to create an internal picture, sound or feeling. This is known as an Internal Representation. This creates our state (mood or emotion) and your physiology ending in a specific behavior. This process occurs every moment, every day. Because we have all walked different paths there are no two maps (minds) identical, so as we each go through this process we will all create different internal representations (pictures - sounds - feelings) leading to a different state, physiology and behavior. This is why people have different interpretations of the same event. Understanding the NLP Communication Model, allows you to see deeper into a person s behavior as you begin to understand how we do what we do and that really no-one is wrong, they just see it based on their own perception through their own map of the world... The Map is NOT the territory. You don t see the world as it is You see it as you are, through your own individual map of the world... 22

23 NLP Communication Model & Rep Systems Representational Systems The representational systems are how we code events, experiences and information in one or more of the five sensory systems: sight (visual), sound (auditory), feel (kinesthetic), smell (olfactory) and taste (gustatory). All communication starts with a thought, then we use our words, tone and physiology (body language) to communicate with others. Where computers use zero s and one s, such as: (binary coding) to code its programs, the mind is coded through the senses (V-A-K-Id). Although we use our five senses all the time, we have a Preferred or Primary Representational System that we use and favour more than others. This often influences how we go about our lives and what we draw into our lives. The Primary Representational System refers to our external world via V-A-K combined by the words we use to describe our experience. The Representational Systems V: Visual - Sight A: Auditory - Sound K: Kinesthetic - Feelings & Touch Id: Self Talk - Internal dialogue The Modalities... VAKOG Visual - 40% of population People who are visual often stand or sit with their heads and/or bodies erect, with their chin up. They tend to breathe from the top of their lungs. They often sit forward in their chair and tend to be organized, neat, well groomed and orderly. They memorise by seeing pictures and are less distracted by noise. They often have trouble remembering verbal instructions because their minds tend to wander. A visual person will be interested in how things look, appearances are important to them. 23

24 NLP Communication Model Power & Rep of the Systems Mind Auditory - 20% of Population ( Combined with Internal Dialogue) Auditory people typically breathe from the middle of their chest. They often talk to themselves and are easily distracted by noises, some may move their lips when they talk to themselves. They can repeat things back to you easily, they learn by listening and usually like music and talking on the phone. Their tone of voice is somewhat melodic, depending on the topic and they memorise by steps, procedures and sequences. The auditory person likes to be told how they are doing, and responds to a certain tone of voice or set of words. They will be interested in what you have to say. Kinesthetic - 40% of Population People who are kinesthetic will typically be breathing from the bottom of their lungs, you may see their stomach go in and out when they breathe. They often move and talk very slowly, they respond to physical rewards and touching. They also stand closer to people than a visual person does. They memorise by doing or walking through something and they are interested in how things feel, both physically and emotionally. Internal Dialogue - 20% of Population ( Combined with Auditory) The Internal Dialogue person will spend a fair amount of time talking to him or herself as they will want to know if things make sense. The internal dialogue person can exhibit characteristics of one of the other major representational systems. Rep System Preferences Although people use all the representational systems available to them, they tend to favour one in particular, naturally thinking in pictures, sounds or feelings. Some people find it easy to visualise, to see what happened in a memory or construct an image of what could transpire in the future. Others are great at recalling the tune of a piece of music or making up conversations in their mind and some are very aware of their feelings. We, of course use all of the senses to some extent on a daily basis. 24

25 NLP Communication Model Power & Rep of the Systems Mind The representational system someone uses most of the time is known as their primary or preferred system. It s normally highly developed and capable of more discrimination than the other systems. As we grow up we develop an unconscious preference for a particular system and normally by our teens we have a visual, auditory or kinesthetic disposition. People often have occupations or hobbies that relate to their primary systems; Graphic designers need strong visual awareness, recording engineers need auditory subtlety, and aerobics teachers need excellent coordination. Please note: There is no representational system as such that is better than the other. We all use our senses in our own unique and individual way. Avoid describing people as auditory or visual or kinesthetic based on their preferred system. These are not identities, only preferences and capabilities. Discover Your Primary Representation System Find out what your primary representation system is by reading each of the statements, and utilising the score sheet on the next page, rate the following statement from 4-1 in order of your preference. The following numbering indicates your preferences: 1. I make important decisions based on: A. Gut level feelings B. Which way sounds the best C. What looks best to me D. Precise review and study of the issues 2. During an argument, I am most likely to be influenced by: A. Whether or not I am in touch with the person s point of view B. The other person s tone of voice C. Whether or not I can see the other person s point of view D. The logic of the other person s argument 25

26 NLP Communication Model Power & Rep of the Systems Mind 3. I most easily communicate what is going on with me by: A. The feelings I share B. The tone of my voice C. The way I dress and look D. The words I choose 4. The first thing I would do when moving into a new home is: A. Get comfortable B. Set up my stereo C. Make it look right D. Make sure everything is put in its proper place 5. I find that: A. I am very sensitive to other people s feelings B. I am very aware of the sounds of my surrounding C. I easily notice changes in the way places or people look D. I am adept at making sense of new facts and data 6. In order to know if someone is doing a good job I need to: A. Do the job with them or experience some aspect of their job B. Listen to a description of the way they are doing their work C. See them do the job D. Have the facts & figures on the work that has been done 7. I find that in a class or workshop presentation, I take most notice of information that: A. I can learn by doing an activity or exercise B. I can hear, such as what the presenter is saying C. I can see, such as slides, white board or pictures D. Is presented in terms of facts and figures 26

27 NLP Communication Model & Rep Systems 8. When meeting a person for the first time, I initially: A. Get a sense about the person B. Notice what they have to say C. Notice what they look like D. Assess the person 9. I notice other peoples altering moods by: A. A shift in their energy B. A shift in their vocal tone C. A change in their physiology D. A comparison of how they were before 10. I admire most in others their: A. Ability to be in touch with their feelings B. Ability to speak eloquently C. Ability to present themselves well D. Ability to articulate their thoughts 11. I know its time to relax when: A. My body is tired or stressed out B. I start sounding annoyed or irritated C. I notice how much I ve accomplished D. I know everything is done 12. I perform best when: A. I am under pressure B. Someone tells me what to do C. I see my results come to fruition D. I understand the specifics of the task 27

28 NLP Communication Model & Rep Systems Rep System Score Sheet From the previous pages, read each statement and score the choices below according to your preference. In each box, put a number between 4 and 1 to represent your preference. Once all of the questions are answered, add the total of each column at the bottom. Scoring is as follows: Give 4 points to the closest description of you Give 3 points to the next closest description of you Give 2 points to the next closest description of you Give 1 point to the least close description of you TOTAL A B C D Kinesthetic Auditory Visual Internal Dialogue 28

29 The Power of the Mind In this module we will be looking at the different levels of the mind along with some of the filters and functions. Understanding the mind at this level is possibly the most powerful information that you will ever learn it is the part of you that creates both your positive and negative experiences based on your commands. This is also where both our positive and negative patterns and programs reside. Knowing the power of the mind allows us to understand that our behaviours are not who we are but programs that have been installed over time... The Mind Model CHAPTER 4 The Conscious Mind The Unconscious Mind Filters of the Mind Functions of the Unconscious Mind Quantum Training Institute - Maximising human potential

30 Power of the Mind The Mind Model The mind is divided into two categories; conscious and unconscious, with a layer in between the conscious and unconscious known as the critical factor. Each has its own individual characteristics. Probably the simplest way to describe the mind is by understanding how computer system is designed, as computers were designed from the workings of the mind model. Even though the mind is far more multi-dimensional and millions of times more powerful than the most powerful computer on the planet, we use and are aware of far less than its full capability and power. Conscious Mind - The Monitor (Screen) The Thinking Mind The Conscious mind is the screen of the mind where we view our lives from, it s our point of focus - this part of the mind uses around 10% of the mind. The Conscious mind is capable of doing 4 things only: rationalizing, analyzing, willpower and short term memory. The Conscious mind can absorb only 5 to 9 chunks of information (40 bits) before becoming confused, the brain then drops into an alpha state (slower brain frequency) and the unconscious mind will take over. The conscious mind is the part of the mind where we process our thoughts and is linked to the frontal cortex (lobe) within the brain. This is the area which is associated with stress and anxiety. When we continually over analyze, we can overload the conscious mind and move into overwhelm which can create anxiety loops (more stress). At this level of mind you are not aware of what is happening below the surface, just like the user of a pc is not aware of the background programming, as far as you are concerned it just works. 30

31 Power of the Mind Functions of the conscious mind: Analytical Logical - Rational Willpower Short term memory Point of focus Science have now proven that thoughts can be measured outside the head - Dr Bruce Lipton, Professor, Cellular Biologist and founder of Epigenetics. The Critical Factor The Defense and Comparing Mechanism The critical factor is the minds protective filter. It s a comparing and defence mechanism. Its sole purpose is to protect what is already programmed within the mind. Protects against necessary changes Defence Mechanism Comparing Mechanism Unconscious Mind The Hard Drive Feeling / Body Mind The unconscious mind is literally millions of times more powerful than the conscious mind and takes up on average around 90% of the mind. It can process up to 4 million bits of information at any one time, compared to the conscious minds 40 bits. All programs and patterns are installed within it The database of all information All habits, obsessions and compulsions Generates emotions Unlimited capacity Filters (Memories, Beliefs, Decisions, Values, Attitudes, Strategies) 31

32 Power of the Mind Your mind stores everything that you see, hear, feel, taste or smell every day of your life and has done since the day you were conceived, you probably do not recall what you were wearing at your fourth birthday party, but it s stored in the database within the unconscious mind which can be accessed through NLP and hypnosis. The unconscious mind works in association and familiarity. The unconscious mind also associates with events through resonance (emotion / vibration), of which you then react with a response similar to that which you did when the event first took place (a phobia is a good example of this). The unconscious mind controls ALL body functions and is responsible for the development of your body, from a simple cell structure, to the fetus and all the way up to now. Your unconscious mind is controlling your heart rate, body temperature, digestive system, blood sugar levels, hormones and trillions of reactions within your body every second. Filters of the Mind Delete Studies show that we have over 2-4 million bits of information flowing through our senses at any one time. We are filtering a lot of information, and only processing 134 bits. If we didn t filter all that information we would go insane, according to psychology. When communicating, be aware that people may only be able to handle limited pieces of information at a time. This is very useful to know as a master communicator. Keep in mind... What are people deleting from your communication... A phrase often used by my Mentor Less is more Distort We are always distorting information for example: mentally comparing what clothes will look like on, to imagining what your new lounge sweet will look like in your front room. Sports players visualise their desired performance before an event. 32

33 Power of the Mind Distortions can be limiting or useful... Blowing out of proportion the things you did wrong at work, building your opponents up to something they are not in competitions, telling yourself that someone doesn t like you or doesn t like your work, design, painting, speech, resume, etc. Generalise When we take a bit of information and assume that other things within that category are the same. They are very useful in learning, for example when you learn one way to do something you can generalise that you can use the same principles. Generalisations are where most beliefs begin... Here are a few examples: When I train at the gym I feel more energised, Because I have won/lost against this opponent before I will win/lose again, I don t play well against left-handers, My last relationship ended badly, I m not successful in relationships. People are addicted to their beliefs... Richard Bandler Beliefs Can be defined as our current thinking about a particular topic. They are those convictions and opinions that we hold to be true. We all have beliefs. When other people have different beliefs, we call them opinions but our beliefs we seem to think are truth and fact... if we believe something to be true we will filter out (delete, distort, generalise) information that contradicts it, or distort information so that it fits in with our beliefs (model of the world). 33

34 Power of the Mind Values Values are what s important to us, what we seek, in any particular context. If we value challenges in the context of career, we will seek situations which challenge us. They control human behaviour and drive a person s true purpose. They motivate us either towards or away from things and are largely unconscious. Our beliefs come from our values. Meta Programs Meta programs are our deepest filters. They operate irrespective of the content of what s happening. They differ in comparison to the context. NLP has around Meta Programs, and have their correlation in Jungian style psychology. Attitudes Attitudes are simply a collection of beliefs and values about a particular subject. The experiences that we have will often create beliefs, values and attitudes. Memories Past experiences are used for comparison by the comparing mechanism of the mind. Representational Systems Although we use our five senses (V-A-K-O-G) all the time, we favour our Primary or Preferred Representational System more than others. This influences how we go about our lives and what we draw into our lives. The Primary Representational System refers to our external world via our senses (V-A-K). We use sensory words (predicate language) to describe our experiences. 34

35 Power of the Mind Functions of the Unconscious Mind 1. Stores and organizes all of your memories Everything is stored unconsciously in some sort of order. Otherwise we would not know the difference between today, tomorrow and yesterday. The memories with the most influence have some sort of gestalt or emotive feeling in them. The more distant a memory, the less it usually affects you. In NLP we have techniques for clearing past unwanted emotions and memories and creating futures that draw us forward. 2. Runs the body and has a blueprint of the body now and the body perfect The unconscious mind governs the body and the nervous system. It controls heart rate, breathing, digestion, temperature, blood pressure, waste removal, creates new cells and much, much more. Some of the other things it does for you without our conscious thought are: The stomach lining is replaced every 5 days New skin every 30 days Liver every 6 weeks Entire skeletal every 3 months Every year 95% of the atoms are replaced Handles physical motion when walking, talking, standing, sitting 3. A servant to follow orders The unconscious mind is constantly eavesdropping and responding to what you think, say and do. It processes everything as true or real. It does not filter information for what is right or wrong, good or bad. It just accepts the information, feelings, and thoughts and does its best to follow orders. What suggestions are you giving yourself? In one day we think more than 60 thousand thoughts and every thought is a suggestion to our unconscious mind. 35

36 Power of the Mind 4. Symbolic, uses and responds to symbols The unconscious mind uses symbols, and doesn t know the difference between fantasy and reality. The unconscious mind communicates with pictures and feelings. The doorway to the unconscious is through imagination. For instance, when you think of peace what do you notice? How about war? Whatever you imagine or feel is your symbol. In the dream world, the unconscious mind is controlling thoughts and perceptions. This is why dreams are so strange and iconic. When you begin to understand and know your symbols, they communicate information to you. 5. Takes everything personally and literally - It is unable to judge As it has no thinking or filtering capabilities, the unconscious mind accepts emotions, thoughts, and perceptions as true and literal. It is unable to make judgments. Knowing this makes you more responsible for how and what you think and put into your mind. 6. Is unable to process negatives (directly) This is possibly the most powerful prime directive to remember. Since the mind is literal, it does not have the capability of automatically deleting negatives. For instance, if I say, don t think of a cat, you will notice that you have to think of a cat first in order to not. This goes for how you speak to yourself as well as to others. Remember, always say it the way you want it! Avoid using not, don t, and similar words, because these simply don t deliver the results you want. 7. Domain of Emotions Your experience in life creates how you respond to what happens. Emotions are a natural occurrence. As Deepak Chopra says, we either have pleasure or pain. All types of emotions are present and when we know what is in our unconscious mind and have the ability to communicate, we can control and maintain our emotions. 36

37 Power of the Mind 8. Represses memories with unresolved negative emotion for protection - as the resources are not apparent The unconscious mind will do all possible to protect a mind that does not have the ability to deal with negative emotions. People will try not to think about these negative emotions. However, this will influence how they react towards things when these repressed emotions are triggered. Often the person doesn t know why they react because it s an unconscious response. 9. Presents repressed memories for resolution The uncovering of repressed memories, often results in people having things they thought they had forgotten about or dealt with come to the surface. This happens when the unconscious mind is ready to deal with whatever has been repressed. It is always good news as the unconscious mind is resourceful in its own right and knows your mind better than you do. 10. Maintains instincts and generates habits The unconscious mind surfaces back material to remember learned information when needed for now and interprets it in a meaningful way. Our instincts and habits then become automatic or unconscious responses. Knowing this, helps us to realise that we can change our habits if they are not congruent or how we wish to behave and respond. 11. Functions best as a whole integrated unit Often people have multiple parts that can interfere or cause conflict. The mind works best when communicating the same message. If there are multiple commands or thoughts that are conflicting, it then becomes confused. Many people think they have a weak mind instead of realising that their mind is doing exactly what it is being told to do. For example, when there are conflicting thoughts or two different messages, instead of taking action it does nothing. This is when the thinking mind talks to itself with words of encouragement on one hand and words of negativity on another. This confuses the unconscious mind into states of stuckness or no action. 37

38 CHAPTER 5 The Structure of Experience Submodalities are the building blocks of the representational systems. They are the way we code and make up the structure of our internal experience, like so many other things, this is happening outside of our conscious awareness. Structuring your experience Association and Dissociation Digital and Analogue submodalities Language and submodalities Creating changes with submodalities Quantum Training Institute - Maximising human potential

39 The Structure of Experience Submodalities Structuring Your Experience Submodalities are the building blocks of the representational systems. They are the way we code and make up the structure of our internal experience, as with so many other things, most of the time this happens outside of our conscious awareness. You re familiar with the five representational systems visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, olfactory and gustatory (VAKOG) but this is only part of the story. For each of the sensory modalities there are finer details and distinctions. Your pictures, for example have brightness and colour, your sounds have rhythm and tone, your feelings have a certain texture and temperature, and these qualities are known in NLP as submodalities. Although they are known as submodalities, they are not inferior, under or beneath the modalities, but are an integral part of them. You cannot have sense experience without these qualities. Submodalities are how we structure our experiences... Q: How do you know whether something has really happened or whether you imagined it? A: Because you give real events different submodalities from imagined ones. Q: How do you know what you believe and what you don t believe? A: When you think of what you believe you give it different submodalities from what you do not believe. Dreams of the future have different submodalities from memories of the past. 39

40 The Structure of Experience Submodalities code our experience of reality, certainty and time. They are the fundamental components of our experience. Changing submodalities is a very powerful and effective intervention that changes the meaning of an experience. When we change the structure of our experience, we change the meaning. We can choose our submodalities Therefore we can choose the meaning we give our experience. Submodalities are not new. They were first described by Aristotle as common sensibles, that is, the qualities that all the senses share. These common sensibles, or submodalities common to all the representational systems, are: Location: All sense experience is experienced coming from somewhere. Distance: The location will be a certain distance away. Intensity: We judge all sense experience as more or less intense. Associated or Dissociated: We will be either inside or outside our experience. The finer the discriminations we can make our submodalities, the more clearly and creatively we can think. Let s say you think of a pleasant experience... why don t you go ahead and do that right now? When you have a picture, are you seeing it through your own eye s (associated) or do you see yourself in the picture (dissociated)? Is the picture black and white or colour? Is the picture moving or still? What location is the picture; left, right, directly in front, far away or close up? Are there any sounds? If so in which direction are they coming from? Do they sound like someone you know? Are there any feelings attached to this picture or movie? If so where are they located and how intense are they? So what I would ask you to do now is to have some fun with your VAK submodalities and see, hear and feel how changing them changes how you experience the memory/picture. By changing the submodalities, this does not change the memory, but changes how we code the experience, and this changes the behavioural outcome. 40

41 The Structure of Experience Associate or Dissociate When you visualise yourself in a picture it is like watching yourself in a home movie. This is dissociated. Or you could actually be in the picture through your own eyes. This is associated. Being associated or dissociated into a picture can be an extremely important submodality when experiencing emotions as a result of the picture you make. Usually the emotions are heightened if you associate into the picture. Sometimes people find it difficult to either associate or dissociate. For instance, someone who has experienced a severe personal loss or been traumatised may find it hard to dissociate and may need to learn to do this. Also usually the more recent a memory the more associated you will be. Exercise: Think of a pleasant memory and check what sort of picture you have in your mind. Are you associated, looking through your own eyes? Are you dissociated, seeing yourself in the situation? Whichever one it is, change it and try the other way. Now change it back to what it was. To associate step into the picture and see what you saw, hear what you heard, and feel the feelings of being there in the moment. To dissociate from a scene when you see yourself through your own eyes try stepping out of the picture. Step backwards out of the screen and notice that you now see yourself on a screen. Which way do you prefer? For most people, being associated brings back the feeling more strongly because they are inside their body and so more in touch with their feelings. When you are dissociated, you are out of touch with your body. You will still have feelings, but they will be about what you see and not the same as the feelings you have inside the experience. 41