Mindful NLP Blog

Why Physics?

2009-05-27T21:44:00.007+01:00

What is so special about modern physics that its interpretations of "reality" are even discussed in the context of philosophy, religion and eastern traditions? There are plenty of other disciplines in western science like biology or chemistry but physics is almost seen as the base of all other science disciplines. This is, of course, understandable as physics studies all physical phenomena at a very basic level. Is there anything else that makes physics so special?

The two groundbreaking discoveries in physics that really make huge difference in the understanding of the "world" are relativity and quantum mechanics. The interpretation of these two theories which have been well confirmed by experiments is the part of physics that connects the dots with eastern world views.

In the next few blog articles I will pick one specific topic and review it from a physics, Buddhism and NLP point of view.

Buddhism, Physics and NLP

2009-05-16T23:24:00.001+01:00

I am currently reading a very interesting book. It is written by Vic Mansfield and the title is "Tibetan Buddhism & Modern Physics". It also includes a foreword by the Dalai Lama. This is not the first book I read about parallels and similarities between concepts in eastern philosophy and modern physics. The first book I read on this subject was "The Tao of Physics" by Fritjof Capra. It impressed me so much when it first came out and really triggered my interest in the philosophical and religious side of physics.

Most people think of physics as something very difficult to understand and a big part of this comes from the language that physics uses - mathematics. Yes, I agree, physics on a very detailed level can get very complex but a lot of concepts can be understood on an elementary level without a lot of mathematics. Especially, when it comes to the interpretation of theories and how they relate to our understanding of the world Vic Mansfield and Fritjof Capra did a great job in explaining these concepts with simple words rather than abstract formulas.

Even though physics has made a huge progress in the recent 110 years with new theories developed like Quantum Mechanics and Relativity most peoples behavior and thinking is still based on a description of the world by classic physics developed a couple of hundred years ago.

Physics studies sections of the "world" (e.g. atoms) as an object through repeatable experiments and describes the results through models, a hypothesis or a theory (e.g. Quantum Mechanics). Buddhism studies the mind (and body) through meditation. NLP looks at "programs", language and communication and changes those to increase choice, success and happiness.

Are there any parallels?

People Work Perfectly

2009-05-02T22:49:00.001+01:00

NLP is based on a few "axioms" or presuppositions. One is: "People work perfectly" or sometimes also expressed as "Everybody's behavior has a positive intention". This is a very interesting presupposition as it is wide open for interpretation and can be seen as controversial.

You could say: well, if any behavior always has a positive intention why would anybody smoke? Why would anybody smoke cigarettes? It's clearly printed on the packages what harm they can cause.

So, is there something wrong with this presupposition? Maybe it's only valid for new behavior? People start smoking for all kind of reasons, one of the most common reasons is trying to be socially accepted. A positive intention indeed in this context. However, then they get hooked, a meta-program gets installed and you need mindfulness, hypnosis and/or NLP to remove or replace this unconscious program that runs in your mind. Therefore, something that initially was triggered by a positive intention can lead to behavior that does not look like positive intention.

Something else to keep in mind is that the term "positive intention" is Milton language. "Positive" is a judgement and every judgement is relative. What is positive for someone can be perceived as negative for someone else. I personally prefer the term "People work perfectly" as it comes closer to a non-judgmental interpretation. People work perfectly does not mean that everybody makes the best choices but it does mean that everybody makes their best choices based on the resources and belief system they have.Mindfulness and NLP can change the resources and the belief system. This can create a broader amount of choices and resourceful states of mind.

MarsEdit and ecto

2009-04-30T22:27:00.001+01:00

Finally, after testing both applications over the last 30 days I decided to purchase MarsEdit. I used both applications and while Ecto seems to have more features I prefer the look and feel of MarsEdit.

It feels much more like a Mac OS X application than ecto. Also, it's simplicity will help to focus on what I am writing rather getting lost in configuration options and the cluttered interface of ecto.

The "Global Recession" - Created Through The Media?

2009-04-03T16:13:00.002+01:00

Everybody seems concerned about the economic downturn or global recession. It's almost like a process was kicked off and now it's spreading across the globe like a virus. The media feed the recession by actually influencing buying behavior.

If people hear news like the car industry is in trouble and there sales numbers have fallen rapidly - guess what - people who were going to buy a new car will reconsider and stop buying because of fear things could go worse. This, of course is a dangerous cycle as less car sales means less jobs and this again drives negative news.

Is the global recession created by media? What is a "global recession"? It's a generalization. Every country has its own little (or big) economic system. These systems are all different and behave differently. A Big Mac is priced differently in Germany than the UK and income levels, unemployment rates, petrol prices etc. are all different. And so is "the downturn" (another generalization) affecting every country, company and individual in a different way. Some companies loose money, some just make less and some make more money during a recession. Yes, that's right. Some companies make more money and increase their market share.

So what can you do?

1. Cut out negative news

Every thing you listen or watch creeps into your subconscious mind. So if you are in a super market and you hear someone saying "Oh my good, this can of beans is 29p, I cannot afford this!" your subconscious mind will take a note of it and might influence your behavior in the future. Why do you think mobile phone operators have plastered most airports with marketing pictures?

2. Reframe negative news

Well, you cannot avoid all negative news even if you try. The next best thing is reframing. I heard of a company calling their layoffs "New Start". This is a prime example of reframing from negative into positive.

3. Control what you can control

Keep your focus on things that you can control and do not put energy into things outside of your control.

4. Think Yin-Yang

Taoism and the IChing teach that everything is constantly changing in cycles. Before the downturn there was economic growth. Of course, after a period of slowdown the upturn will come like the day comes after the night. Think ahead and prepare yourself for this new phase in the cycle. It's a great time now to invest in training and books and improve your skills. Go and buy some books on personal development and NLP.

5. Help others

During these times a lot of people have fear. Try to help others managing media created fear using NLP.

NLP, Photography and Video

2009-03-10T22:23:00.005Z

Currently, I am working on some content for this blog, trying to find a way of combining my photographic blog with this one as I do not have the time for two blogs. Photography is based on the visual sense and therefore could have a place here. I really like to step this blog up with some good content including videos. I am just learning how to do some video editing. Videos are a great way to learn some of the NLP skills.

What Does NLP Stand For, Really?

2009-02-18T21:32:00.006Z

If I search for "NLP" using Google two different Wikipedia articles and definitions show up:

The first one is about Neuro-linguistic programming and the second one is Natural language processing. This blog is about NLP based on the first definition.

NLP was founded by Richard Bandler and John Grinder and has been further devoloped since.

Which Sense Do You Prefer?

2009-01-26T20:46:00.005Z

We assume that there is a world out there and then there is a separate I. We are not so sure what this “I” really is and where it is. Is it in our body including the arms and legs? Or is it in the brain? But why does my neck get tense then when I am stressed? Is it in my neck?

Before this drifts into philosophical, spiritual or even religious grounds let’s stop here. What we know is that we have 5 senses. That's all. These 5 senses are all we have to make a map of the “world”. NLP refers to these as Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Olfactory, Gustatory or short VAKOG. Most of the time we do not experience all “data” coming from the senses but our mind filters information. There is a lot of deletion, distortion and judging going on.

We use all senses but not all of them to the same degree. In fact we usually prefer one sense over the others. Here is an easy way to find out which one you prefer.

Exercise:

Go and grab a piece of paper and write about something you have done and how you have done it. A half page is usually enough to figure out which your preferred representational system is.

When you are done underline all visual verbs and adjectives with one color. Then you do the same for auditory and kinesthetic words using different colors. Now count each category. The highest count is your preferred representational system.

4 Tips for Better Sleep

2009-01-07T21:59:00.004Z

A lot of people complain about not getting enough sleep or having sleeping problems. There are many potential causes and more often than not more than one reason can be identified. Here are 4 tips that work in general pretty well to get better sleep.

1. The first one is the most important one. The bed and bedroom should only be used for sleeping - nothing else! No TV, no reading of books or working on a laptop (even if it is a sexy laptop like the Apple MacBook Air ;-) ) in bed and other sort of things. The bed and bedroom needs to be the anchor for "sleep". If you do anything else in bed this will over time built an unconscious anchor for reading or something else that you do when you are awake and when you go to bed your unconscious mind will think "oh, it's reading time" and this will not help you to fall asleep.

2. Do not drink any coffee, alcohol or any drinks that contain sugar. Contrary to common believe alcohol does not work well if you like to get a good quality sleep.

3. Before you go to bed engage in a relaxing activity. This could be some light reading, listen to calming music or taking a bath.

4. Fall asleep by watching your breathing. If you have issues falling asleep it is likely to be related to your thoughts and your mind is not focussed. Instead of getting caught in the thoughts bring your attention to your breathing. If thoughts come up just take the position of an observer and bring your attention back to your breath.

Mindfulness and Christmas

2008-12-24T12:39:00.002Z

Christmas is an opportunity for letting go and being mindful. We can put our full attention to the present moment easier than during the busy time before Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

One Most Important Skill

2008-12-09T21:22:00.004Z

There are different ways of learning NLP. When you have grasped what it is really about you can dive into almost any NLP book or course and learn about a specific technique. In fact, before going to an NLP course I recommend that you read a few good NLP books. That way you start off on a much higher level when attending the course and get much more out of it.

If you had to choose just one skill or technique out of the NLP toolbox which one would be the best to pick most of the time?

I think it is Modelling Excellence. This is also the way how NLP was created. NLP developed by studying top communicators and therapists and carefully analyze how they would excel in their specific area. E.g. The Milton-Model was created by studying how Dr. Milton used language to put patients into trance. And today the whole advertisement and marketing industry uses the Milton-Model with or without knowing.

How To Design a Training Room

2008-11-24T19:13:00.005Z

Here is my list of top 5 items to watch out for and improve communication in training by designing the right training room:

1. Entrance Door Location

Make sure the entrance door is in the back and not in the front of the training room. This ensures that if you have attendees coming in a few minutes late they do not interrupt the flow as much as if they were coming in at the front of the classroom.

2. Ceiling Mounted Projector

This is a must for a professional training room. It moves the cables away and allows the trainer and attendees to walk around without the danger of stumbling over cables. It also stops (most) people from borrowing the projector. Don't forget to have a spare bulb ready for the projector.

3. Ethernet Port and Power Socket Locations

The golden rule here is first of all "have enough". You do not want to have to search for extension cords and little switches. Think about the location of the ports and ensure they are placed well. E.g. if the training room is U-shaped then do not place the ports and sockets at the walls but you need to have them in the floor in front of the desks. I also recommend to let the Ethernet ports go to a patch panel and not directly into a switch. This way you have freedom of reconfiguring port connections without having to mess with the cables at the switch which usually is located outside of the training room.

3. White Boards

Usually its good to have one in the front and one on the side. Ensure you have the correct markers and keep them separately from the ones form the flip-chart. ;-)

4. Flip Chart

Highly recommended to have one available that can be stored away also.

5. Projector Screen

Go for an electric one that comes down from the ceiling. Forget about anything that stands around in the front of the room.

Relax - Autogenic Training

2008-11-12T22:23:00.007Z

Autogenic training is a powerful method for relaxation and is easy to learn. When you do it before giving a presentation it helps you relaxing a lot. It is based on the body-mind connection. Thoughts have an impact on our body. When you are stressed your body gets tense in certain areas. Many people feel stress and tension in their back. Autogenic training uses thoughts to bring our attention back into the body.

Here is how you do it. You can learn it in 4 days or less.

Day 1: "Very calm"

Try this a couple of times during the day or if you can only do this once a day then try it for a few days until you are used to it.

Day 2: "Very heavy"

Sit on a chair with your spine straight and your feet resting flat on the floor. Your arms can be placed comfortably beside you on armrests if possible. Close your eyes focus your attention on your breath. Count in your mind "one, two, three". When you inhale think "very" and when you exhale think "calm". Do this about 4 times. Then replace "calm" with "heavy" and focus your attention on your arms. You soon feel them getting heavier. Do this for about 5 minutes. Then count backwards in your mind "three, two, one", slowly become present in your body and open your eyes.

Day 3: "Very warm"

Sit on a chair with your spine straight and your feet resting flat on the floor. Your arms can be placed comfortably beside you on armrests if possible. Close your eyes focus your attention on your breath. Count in your mind "one, two, three". When you inhale think "very" and when you exhale think "calm". Do this about 4 times. Then replace "calm" with "heavy" and focus your attention on your arms. You soon feel them getting heavier. Do this for about 4 times. Then replace "heavy" with "warm". Keep your attention in the body on your arms. Your arms and hands will get warmer now or soon. Do this for about 5 minutes. Then count backwards in your mind "three, two, one", slowly become present in your body and open your eyes.

Day 4: "Very deep"

This is like day 3 but you add "very deep" at the end. This is it.

Here is the full cycle:

1. Count one-two-three

2. Inhale thinking "very" and exhale thinking "calm" (4x)

3. Inhale thinking "very" and exhale thinking "heavy" (4x)

4. Inhale thinking "very" and exhale thinking "warm" (4x)

5. Inhale thinking "very" and exhale thinking "deep" (4x)

6. Count three-two-one

This will take about 5 minutes but you can do it longer or shorter.

There are different variations and you can adapt this to your needs. E.g. you can put your attention into the legs, shoulders or solar plexus and try other positions.

If you like to learn more checkout this article or visit the British Autogenic Society.

Go and try it and see if you feel more relaxed.

5Ws - Presentation Tips & Tricks

2008-11-07T08:18:00.002Z

Why? Who? Where? When? What?

There isn't really one single recipe on how to create and deliver a state-of-the-art presentation. Many factors play a role like personality of the speaker, type of people in the audience, topic, knowledge.

If there is one single advice to make sure to get it right it is this one. When you plan your presentation be sure to answer 5 important questions:

Why do you do the presentation and why does your audience attend? This is the question that investigates the motivation of all parties involved and is the most important one to get things right. The answers here will help deciding on the the messages and content of your presentation.

Who is your audience? The answer here will guide you to pick the right level of content. E.g., if your audience is a bunch of R&D engineers you can have a more detailed and technical level of content whereas if you are speaking to senior executives your content needs to be more high-level and the focus needs to be on impact on company strategy.

Where will you present? Are you going to present face-to-face in a boardroom or in a conference room? Maybe you are presenting in a conference call using a web tool? You need to know this because the location and way of delivery will dictate the tools that are available to you and the format of your delivery.

When do you present? Are you presenting at a conference? Will you be the first speaker or the last? Who is presenting before you and which content? If you know this in advance you might be able to relate to previous speeches. How are you going to wake your audience up if you are on right after lunch or at the end of the day? The best speaking slots are the first and, believe it or not, the last. People retain best what is said first and last. This is valid for a whole day of presentations but also for each individual speech.

The answers to the above questions will all help you to decide on the content also. Therefore, the next question is:

What are you going to present and talk about?

Are you ready?

BANG - Presentation Tips & Tricks

2008-11-05T22:08:00.002Z

BANG

Start your presentation with a "BANG".

You only have about 30 seconds to catch attention at the start of your presentation! If you loose your audience in the first seconds it's going to be very hard to make up for this during the rest of your speech.

Depending on the type of presentation you can use different types of "bangs". Choose it carefully. It needs to be appropriate for the topic, audience and yourself.

A great way to get started is to directly address the motivation of the audience. Let's take an example. If you have to present a new product to a bunch of sales people a great way to start is to share your prediction of the amount of increased sales:

"Good morning everybody. Today you are going to see a new amazing product that will increase your sales figures by at least 30%. The phone will start ringing with orders coming in the day we launch. I have samples here in this bag so you can get a feel for the new product."

You speak directly to their motivation and also create interest. Be careful, you need to be realistic. So, do not exaggerate or say something that is impossible. You are setting high expectations. If you are unsure about possible sales figures you might be better off with a different type of BANG. Maybe burst a ballon instead.

If you can speak to all senses it will be even more powerful. Try to use visual, auditory and kinesthetic language like in the example:

This is a very powerful technique to get important messages across to a broad audience by addressing the most common three representational systems VAK. If you are introducing a new perfume you need to include the olfactory system too.