Anyone familiar with both NLP and The Power of Now?

[Peleke4]

For well over a decade, I was a negative thinker. I was running on autopilot and accepted whatever thoughts/images came to mind. About a few years ago, I discovered NLP, which was a blessing. Through NLP, I learned how to effectively deal with negative thoughts by utilizing NLP patterns. I experimented with many different aspects of NLP. As far as negative thoughts are concerned, I would manipulate submodalities until the negative thought/feeling diminished. For instance, for **** incidents that made me feel bad, I'd dissociate (seeing myself like in a movie rather than seeing from my own eyes), make it into a still frame, change it from color to black and white, and visualize that picture melt away.

After reading The Power of Now, I started experimenting with the simple ideas. For instance, if a negative thought came to mind, rather than "NLP" it away, I would simply dissociate from the thoughts/images/feelings, knowing that those thoughts/images/feelings is not who I am. I was now seeing those negative thoughts/images/feelings as something separate and I was the observer. To my surprise, it was effective. This in itself is a "pattern interruption" to negative thoughts.

I wish I could be crystal-clear about where I'm going with this, but I have not yet been able to put my finger on it: for some reason I feel a sense of imbalance/confusion after learning of the ideas set forth in The Power of Now. Perhaps it's because I am very passionate about NLP, having immersed myself in many aspects of it, especially the aspects that dealt with past and future: timelines, change personal history, patterns that instruct you to see the "future you/wonderful you," etc. Whereas the ideas set forth in The Power of Now seem to go against all that; it just so beautifully explains the power of being present-oriented, in the moment... and at this moment, I'm confused.

[Niki]

Hey Peleke4!

If I was you, I would use NLP for the things it still applies to, and use the power of now where it's best used.

I myslef use NLP to learn new behavior, new skills, I use it to model people who are where I want to go, and to have a better understanding of my mental me.

I use The power of Now when the **** hits the fan. When I have a lot of pain, when I'm scared or when I'm just too buzzy with thinking.

I have to admit I don't use NLP that often anymore, because once you got yourself a lot in the now, things seem to flow without effort. It's like the universe gives me what I want before I know I wanted it.

[kpugh]

I'm a bit more familiar with NLP than the Power of Now. Honestly, I'm not at all familiar with the Power of Now. I'd be interested to hear more about it on this forum as well. Is it related to NLP?

[nextlevelandbeyond]

I am interested in NLP myself and I know several people who have already studied. I am going to take NLP "classes" starting in July. I am very eager to learn more... would any of you recommend that I read The Power of Now before or after I learn about NLP?

I am exposed to bits and peices of NLP on a weekly basis, but I am really looking forward to diving right in.

[DEEJ]

Use your intuition and do whatever is right for you....

In this case I would see the two as more seperate tools, if you want to use both, although I can see why PON would contradict nlp and and PD as according to it we are already complete but depends how deeply you want to get into PON as a way of living... Just do what feels right...

[mtrimpe]

The Power of Now is what comes after NLP. I've followed the same path and also noticed the imbalance. What I've learned is the following:

With NLP you've learned to manipulate your mental imagery, to take control over it and redirect the energy it channels.

With the Power of Now you're challenged to take all your mental imagery and make it disappear.

If mental imagery is like television then NLP is about creating your own TV-shows and the Power of Now is about turning your television off.

The following piece from one of Richard Bandler's seminars, the guy originally behind NLP, comes to mind which shows that he knows this as well:

I've tried thousands of mantra's over my life, and the only mantra I've ever found truly effective is: 'Shut the **** up!'.
If people would simply stop obsessing about what's happening on the inside; they would start to notice all the amazing stuff that's happening on the outside.

[smartile]

Hi Peleke4,

Thanks for your insights. I found those valuable as I also study NLP and am a NLP Certified Practitioner. I guess I can relate to what you're saying. When I first started studying NLP I thought it was the 'answer' to all my problems. What I realized in retrospect is that NLP is a great tool. I learn more tools for change all the time - they all contribute to my repertoire.

Although I haven't read The Power of Now, my wife is currently reading this book and can't put it down. I'm curious and will have a read through myself.

Cheers,

[Louise Gilbert]

Hi Peleke4! As I was reading your thread, I thought that you might also be interested in the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) for it may help you to clarify your thoughts and release the confusion you are experiencing.

If you haven't come across it, it is a very easy method that you can do yourself to release block energy (manifesting as fear, confusion, negativity, anxiety etc) within yourself.

Check out EFT Provides Impressive Health and Emotional Freedom--New Discovery Often Works Where Nothing Else for a free ebook on how to perform the technique. Your set-up statement could be something like "even though I am confused about <> I deeply, and completely accept myself.