Introduction:
Welcome, dear readers, to a touch of the origins of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). So let'sopen up our minds, and learn about this growing industry!
I completed a 9 week NLP and Life Coaching certification program through the International Guild of Hypnosis in the UK and it has piqued my curiosity of how the mind works with
words and images. I am particularly fascinated with overcoming mental blocks...and this is particularly with regards to radical acceptance. I struggle greatly with this, since words alone do not seem to have a visceral impact.
NLP brings out the visceral impacts of trauma and/or phobias and allows people to manipulate their own visualizations to overcome the visceral impacts of negative experiences. It is a way of increasing emotional regulation and appropriate self control that is internally based. It is intetesting to see people overcome phobias simply by teaching themselves a level of acceptance. Let's look into NLP a little more:
1. The Roots of Neuro Linguistic Programming:
Neuro Linguistic Programming, or NLP for short, emerged in the 1970s as a groundbreaking approach to understanding human communication and behavior. It was developed by Richard Bandler, a computer science student, and John Grinder, a linguistics professor. Their collaboration began with a simple yet profound question: What separates exceptional individuals from the rest of us mere mortals?
2. Modeling Excellence:
Bandler and Grinder embarked on a quest to unravel the secrets of exceptional individuals, such as therapists like Virginia Satir and Fritz Perls, and hypnotherapist Milton Erickson. They delved into the realms of psychology, linguistics, and cognitive science, seeking patterns and techniques that could be replicated to bring about personal transformation and enhanced communication.
3. The Linguistic Twist:
A key aspect of NLP lies in its focus on language and its impact on human perception. By analyzing the linguistic patterns and techniques used by highly effective communicators, Bandler and Grinder discovered ways to model and replicate their success. They found that language, both verbal and non-verbal, can significantly influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
4. Re-Programming the Mind:
The "Neuro" component of NLP emphasizes the profound connection between our neurological processes and our experiences. Bandler and Grinder believed that by understanding and harnessing the inner workings of the mind, we could reprogram ourselves to overcome limitations and achieve desired outcomes. They integrated techniques from various psychological disciplines, including cognitive psychology, hypnotherapy, and behavioral modeling, to create a holistic approach to personal development.
 Imagine a linguist and a computer scientist walking into a bar, arguing about the intricacies of human behavior. One says, "I can analyze the deepest depths of human communication," while the other retorts, "I can program your mind with a few clever linguistic tricks!" And voilà , Neuro Linguistic Programming was born!
6. Cited Resources:
- Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1975). The Structure of Magic: A Book About Language and Therapy.
- Dilts, R., Grinder, J., Bandler, R., & DeLozier, J. (1980). Neuro-Linguistic Programming: Volume I (The Study of the Structure of Subjective Experience).
- O'Connor, J., & Seymour, J. (1994). Introducing Neuro-Linguistic Programming: Psychological Skills for Understanding and Influencing People.
- Andreas, C., & Andreas, T. (2012). NLP: The New Technology of Achievement.
Conclusion:
With a firm foundation in the realms of linguistics, cognitive science, and psychology, Neuro Linguistic Programming offers a unique approach to understanding and transforming human behavior. By unraveling the secrets of exceptional individuals and employing linguistic techniques, NLP opens the door to enhanced communication and personal growth.
As an NLP practitioner said, "If you can change the way you think, you can change the way you live." Neuro Linguistic Programming provides us with a toolkit to understand the intricate dance between our minds, our language, and our behaviors. By incorporating humor into our exploration, we not only lighten the mood but also tap into the power of laughter, which has been shown to enhance learning and cognitive abilities.
Neuro Linguistic Programming is an ever-evolving field, constantly expanding its horizons and finding new applications. So, if you find yourself intrigued by the wonders of NLP, delve deeper into the cited resources and unlock the potential within yourself. Embrace the language of change, program your mind with positivity, and let the magic of NLP propel you toward personal growth and extraordinary communication.
In the immortal words of Richard Bandler, "The greatest personal limitation is to be found not in the things you want to do and can't, but in the things you've never considered doing." If you are curious about it, I recommend looking up NLP benefits or techniques on googlescholar.com
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