Featured Tool: Understanding Neuro-Linguist Programming (NLP)
/This month’s featured tool is one that can help us create HUGE shifts in our lives. NLP has been used successfully by many people who once felt stuck. Amelia Jordan Lee gives us the scoop on what it is and how it works.
What is NLP?
In a simple definition, NLP is a tool to better understand the impact of language and internal dialogue has on one’s external reality, and a system to reorganize and redefine what is true for ourselves. It is a way for us to be at cause, instead of living at the whim of our circumstances.
According to NLP.com, a leading on-line educational resource, NLP can be described as follows: “NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Neuro refers to your neurology; Linguistic refers to language; programming refers to how that neural language functions. In other words, learning NLP is like learning the language of your own mind!”
Our reality is based on thoughts, language and communication. And this communication has the power to alter future outcomes. Have you ever tried to communicate with someone in another language? But, your attempts failed and you ended up asking for one thing and inadvertently getting another? You simply used the wrong words to communicate your desires.
The same holds true for our minds. There are two layers to our minds. You have probably heard of one and the other may be new to you. The conscious mind, this is where most of us reside on a day-to-day basis. The unconscious, or subconscious, is the mind beneath the mind. The one that actually drives most of our behaviour, formed at birth and programmed over the time of our existence.
In NLP, we have a saying: The conscious mind is the goal setter. The unconscious mind is the GOAL GETTER. The unconscious mind is designed to help you achieve what you consciously set your mind to. But, here’s the kicker. Your mind is a powerful tool! If you are not communicating exactly what you desire, you’ll end up getting tomato soup instead of tomato slices. NLP looks at improving the communication between the conscious and the unconscious mind.
“The conscious mind is the goal setter. The unconscious mind is the GOAL GETTER.”
So, how do we do this? It’s quite simple really. Begin to notice your language, your thought patterns, what you say to yourself on a daily basis in any situation. And, change it. NLP is like a user’s manual for the brain, a set of tools and techniques designed to improve communication within yourself and between others; a methodology for you to use and begin calling into your life what you really want, and banishing the self deprecating thoughts that so often keep us from achieving success.
Our minds are a processing machine, taking in over 1.3 trillion bits of information a second. That’s a lot of information! However, we can only process about 68 bits of this information at any given moment. How do we cull it down? Think of your mind as a great filter. There is an external event and the information enters your and goes through a series of filters designed to chunk the information down into bite sized pieces. These filters are made up of our language, decisions, experiences, memories, values, beliefs and attitudes. We use these filters, our internal representation, to understand ourselves and the world around us. How? The external event goes through the internal representations (filters) and creates a state. This state causes a physiological response and a behavior is elicited. By changing our filters we can change how we interpret and interact with the world, essentially we can reprogram our mind to find us anything that we desire.
NLP is also about influence. Now, here is where NLP often gets a bad wrap. Some see it as manipulation (is that always bad?), the ability to use others’ weaknesses for their own gain. Is this possible? Sure it is. NLP is a powerful tool and when used for harm, it can have detrimental effects. However, when used for the power of positive influence, the results are remarkable. People become more present, more connected and ultimately more fulfilled in their relationships not only with themselves at a deeper level, but also with others. So much so that they seem to relate to others with ease, as if things are just flowing naturally. Like everything is working in their favor, creating massive shifts as they move towards their goal. And, here’s where energy comes in.
You may be asking, “What does energy have to do with it?” Here’s the thing that I have found from over 20+ years studying neuroscience, human behavior, psychology, nutrition and language. Everything boils down to one thing: energy. Quantum Physics states that all matter, including our own bodies, are made up entirely of energy. Since energy is a moving particle, and not stationary, we are all just moving energy.
So it stands to postulate that at the core, if our thoughts are extensions of our mind and our bodies are made up of energy, then these too are simply energy. And, subject to the same Universal Laws as all other forms of energy. To boost energy, a mindset shift needs to take place. And, from the earlier discussion about NLP and language, we can reprogram the thoughts - and by extension the energy - we create. The Universal Laws also state that energy cannot be lost, only transferred. If we shift our energy into a higher vibration through the use of specific words, the lower vibrational energy will be transferred elsewhere. Leaving us feeling more vital and energized than ever before. This is why, when we say we can increase energy simply by shifting our mindset, it’s simply Quantum Physics in action.
Now, back to rewriting our life. We now know that our conscious mind simply gets what the unconscious mind asks for. And, that our minds are a filter of thoughts, aka energy. By shifting the vibrational quality of our thoughts to positive outcomes (not avoiding a negative) we shift the entire energy landscape and can recreate what we choose. What the unconscious mind really wants. Now, the question begs. What do you really want? This now takes careful consideration of the words used. Because, what you ask for is truly what you will get!
Two great tools for NLP: Mindfulness Meditation & Breathing Exercises
About Amelia
Founder & CEO, Modern Alcheme. Blending practical spirituality & integrative wellness techniques for total health.
A pioneer in her field, Amelia Jordan Lee, CHN, is a true alchemist focusing on health and healing for spiritual entrepreneurs. A behavioral neuroscientist, certified holistic nutritionist, wellness practitioner, mindset coach, and personal branding strategist, she integrates old-world methodologies of mind-body healing with modern wellness techniques. This process, alongside a unique co-creation with her clients, results in authentic soul expression and personal freedom. Amelia’s high impact transformation helps her clients ditch the overwhelm, align to their inner wisdom and amplify their energy so that they can live life to its fullest.
Merging the healing arts with behavioral science and adding a dash of practical spirituality, Amelia’s approach is rooted in a holistic view of healing, utilizing the five elements to guide her clients to optimum health. Focusing on hydration, nutrition, breathwork, meditation and movement, her clients experience more energy, less brain fog, greater confidence, increased vitality and an overall enhanced sense of wellbeing.
Her true desire is to share her worldwide learnings with others so that they may rediscover and trust their own inner wisdom, use this wisdom to positively impact others and leave a legacy of true health, helping heal others and the world. It takes just a bit of courage and grace to make radical change happen.
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