By modeling behaviors of human excellence, considering education, business and therapy, John Grinder and Richard Bandler discovered patterns of thinking that assisted in success. Their focus was communication. Through verbal and body language they discovered that the brain can learn healthy patterns and behaviors. The result was a positive effect both physically and emotionally, and the work came to be known as Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Basis The basis of NLP is that our words reflect an inner subconscious perception of our problems. Our attitudes are, to a degree, our own self-fulfilling prophecy. A neuro-linguistic therapist will assist in analyzing words and phrases used to describe symptoms and concerns regarding one’s health, as well as examine facial expressions and body movements. Often the preconceived ideas can keep one from achieving optimum health. NLP assists one in reprogramming their own thoughts, words and ideas with patterns that will assist in optimum health and well-being. 

Practical Applications Towards the Art of Being Happy I am continuously researching the art of being happy. Why is it so difficult for so many people, myself included? It’s the only thing most of us really want, so why is it so elusive? I realize that being happy isn’t an easy thing to do in today’s ever-changing, always demanding, multi-tasking, fast-paced world. Researchers tell us that people were actually a lot happier a hundred years ago when the pace was slower and there was a lot less to juggle. Life was simpler. So what does it take to be happy? Have you ever wondered why people who aren’t smiling look so unhappy? It almost looks like they have a “built-in frown, ” almost as if they were even able to smile they’d still look miserable. Can life really be that awful for someone to look that way? 

And what about those people that always look happy no matter what. They can be having an absolutely horrible day and they just keep smiling. Life deals them their share of challenges, but this person always seems to land on their feet, still smiling. Still happy. A little beat up once in awhile, but still intact. As Stitch would say, “Broken, but still good.” Is it possible that the action of “choosing” to be happy at every possible opportunity can actually create the true happiness all of us want? And is it conceivable that the simple act of saying, “I’m Happy” and smiling can actually create a state of happiness? Is it possible that this simple act literally begets happiness? And how does this translate to the rest of our world? Something to think about. Be happy to be happy…..be happy, be appreciative, be grateful. Just be happy. It’s the best medicine. Smile and feel the results! Reprogramming Ourselves Scientists have discovered that it only takes sixteen seconds of attuning oneself to a higher frequency to create a different energetic vibration. So by focusing our thoughts on something that makes us feel good can set up a magnetic field that will attract similar energies. It also takes only sixty seconds of focusing on a higher frequency to undo hundreds of hours of negative thought forms. When you think about how much time we spend groaning about what isn’t right in our lives, or complaining about what isn’t going well, it isn’t surprising that much of our life is filled with dissatisfaction and discontent. We simply spend far too much time focusing on the wrong things. But we can change it. We only need to make a conscious choice to redirect our thoughts, words and actions in a more positive, productive direction. Imagine that! 

By reforming our images and thought forms we can effectively promote healing. Our body’s own natural healing powers can be highly effective. NLP emphasizes concepts that work, which is different than saying they should work. These are known as presuppositions, and flexibility is key.  Here are a few examples: Behind every behavior is a positive intention, the meaning of a communication is the response you get, if you aren’t getting the response you want, try something different, people already have all the resources they need, and communication is much more than just what someone is saying. The representational system in NLP consists of our five senses: the visual (images), auditory (sounds), kinesthetic (touch and internal feelings), gustatory (tastes) and olfactory (smells). Everyone uses one or more of these senses for perception and our brain creates an image of what we are speaking about from a combination of these senses, sending the input to the brain. Once we understand how we create our own reality, we can make changes in order to obtain the life experiences we want to have. We can observe the different responses in each situation, approach and outcome. We can change our behavior, increase the depth of our own relationships and professionalism. But ultimately, NLP provides tools that are effective for providing a rich connection with ourselves and others, especially in the areas of healing and growth.  

So try it. Take a day and really pay attention to what you say, think and do. And soon, you too may discover that you can indeed reshape your reality!  The following is a list of subjects I would be interested in writing about for future editorials: Acupressure                          Acupuncture               Alexander Technique Apitherapy                             Biofeedback                          GemstonesAromatherapy                        Breathing Relaxation            Breathwork Chakra Healing                     Dreamwork                            Aura SomaYoga                                       Feldenkrais                            Cranial SacralAyurveda                                Pranic Healing                       HunaBach Flowers                        Hypnosis                                Homeopathy Reflexology                            Naturopathy                           HerbologyReiki                                       Meditation: Transcendental Guided ImageryMusic Therapy                       Herbology Homeopathy                          Gemstone TherapyIridology                                  Chelation TherapyKinesiology                            TragerLightstreams: Gemstones   RolfingMacrobiotic                            Tai Chi ChuanMagnetic Therapy                 Qi Gong                                  Massage: Swedish               Transcendental MeditationMassage: Shiatsu                 Massage: Polarity Therapy