Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a name that encompasses three influential components involved in producing human experience: neurology, language and programming.  NLP is a therapeutic technique to detect and reprogramme unconscious patterns of thought and behavior in order to alter psychological responses.

The neurological system regulates how the body functions, language determines how individuals interface and communicate with other people and a person’s programming determines the kinds of models of the world they create.  Neuro-Linguistic Programming describes the fundamental dynamics between mind (neuro) and language (linguistic) and how their interplay affects the body and behavior (programming).

The basic premise of NLP is that the words we use reflect an inner, subconscious perception of our problems.  If these words and perceptions are inaccurate, as long as we continue to use them and to think of them, the underlying problem will persist. In other words, our attitudes are, in a sense, a self-fulfilling prophecy.  If something is humanly possible and you believe you can do it then you can.  If you believe that you can’t then you will be right too.

One of the fundamental principles of NLP is that it is in an individual’s power to change their own subconscious programming for the better.  NLP seeks to create positive and improved responses, and its applications include most areas involving human communications, such as education and accelerated learning, creative processes, health and wellbeing.

NLP is closely connected to hypnosis and in part relies on the use of light trance as an altered state of awareness. This allows a person to be more open to auto-suggestions.

Key members of the Rock Solid Project are trained master coaches and certified NLP trainers and practitioners. To find out more about the Rock Solid Project, or the Rock Solid Foundation that is behind the project, click here to contact us

What are Affirmations?
Affirmations are positive statements that can be used to change the way you think about yourself and your health. Since the unconscious cannot tell the difference between a real or imagined idea, it responds to whatever suggestions you give it, eventually helping to create the reality that matches your most predominant beliefs, attitudes, and thoughts. By repeating positive affirmations each time a negative, self-defeating thought comes to mind, you can retrain your mind and learn to feel more confident, as well as improve your overall health. Over time, old, limited thoughts and mental patterns that contributed to anxiety, depression, or stress will lose their charge and eventually stop arising altogether.

Using affirmations does not mean suppressing any thought that is not “good”, however, Instead, affirmations are used as a reshaping tool that you can call upon to rid yourself of thoughts that serve no positive purpose. For example, if your are prone to headaches and your thoughts keep informing you that you haven’t had a headache in a while and are therefore due for one, instead of giving in and feeding such thoughts, you can overcome them by using an affirmation, such as “I am headache free and I deserve to stay that way.” Initially, this may seem to be silly, or an attempt to fool yourself, but if you pay attention and keep repeating the affirmation, before long you will say it and mean it and the results you expect will follow.

Affirmations can be used in any area of your life. To be most effective, choose one or two affirmations that feel most comfortable and memorize them, so that you can say them whenever a negative thought enters your mind. You might also consider mentally repeating your affirmation 10-20 times once or twice a day. Useful affirmations include :

• I am healthy, relaxed, and free of pain and disease
• I love myself, and I deserve to feel healthy and alive
• I approve of myself, and I’m safe to be who I am
• Every day in every way, I am getting better and better

Extract from The Holistic Shop Glossary

It has been said that all identities are false identities, and that any statement which begins “I am” just limits our boundless potential. We often self-identify based on material things such as our possessions, or jobs, or the amount of money we have. This essentially limits who we think we can be and so places an unconscious limit on growth.

If you say “I am overweight” you immediately and unconsciously take on the mantle of an overweight person. You collapse in the chair, turn on the TV and watch the world’s best slimmer or some such programme while snacking on high fat, high sugar comfort food. If instead, you decided that you were feeling fit and said “I am healthy” you might instead go for a walk, do some housework, mow the lawn, or paint the spare bedroom.

The labels we apply to ourselves are more destructive than the ones placed on us by others. Once we accept a label, whether we perceive it as positive or negative, we are restricting ourselves to playing that role in life.

Even stating documented facts can be a form of limiting label. Resigning yourself to being your age using an “I am” statement can set you into a stereotype, or prevent you from doing something adventurous. “I can’t do that because I am…” curtails your growth, your possibilities and your eternal potential. Calling yourself a geriatric or even claiming to have a senior moment, if you forget something, allows you to settle into a graceful decline towards a comfy rocking chair.

When you see your friends next, watch how they label themselves, and then how they take on the appearance of the character they have adopted. Show them how you have found a new way to look at things as you soar like an eagle, using positive language to describe yourself. They are likely to comment on how good you look or ask if you are taking something!

Next time you hear yourself going to say “I am…” consider how you might make your label expand your possibilities rather than limit them. How about “I am vibrant!” or “Immortal!” or “Unstoppable!”? Listen to the different responses you get back!

You now know you can chose to feel any way you want about yourself, just by adopting an appropriate label. So why not chose to feel great? While you are about it, tell everyone who asks “how are you?” that you are feeling wonderful! After you have told a few people you may be surprised just how great you actually do feel.