“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” - John Maxwell
π ABSTRACT OF CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) delves into the intricate connection between the human mind and language. NLP practitioners posit that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are profoundly influenced by our linguistic expressions. A cornerstone of NLP philosophy is the concept of “submodalities,” which represent the sensory components of our internal experiences. When we envision a red apple, for instance, we may simultaneously experience a visual representation of the apple’s crimson hue, a gustatory sensation of its sweetness, and an olfactory perception of its fresh aroma.
NLP adherents believe that altering the submodalities associated with an internal experience can fundamentally transform its meaning. For example, if we are grappling with anxiety, we can envision shifting the sensation of anxiety from our stomach to our feet. This conscious relocation can foster a sense of groundedness and alleviate feelings of overwhelm.
Reshaping Emotional Responses through Submodal Alterations
There are several plausible explanations for how modifying the location of a sensation can reshape our emotional responses. One perspective considers the intricate wiring of our somatic system. Our bodies continuously transmit signals to our brains, informing them of our external environment. These signals manifest as sensations. The location of a sensation can significantly influence our interpretation of it. For instance, a sensation in our stomach might be interpreted as hunger, while the same sensation in our chest could be perceived as affection.
Another explanation posits that altering the location of a sensation taps into the symbolic associations we hold with different bodily regions. For example, our stomachs are often associated with hunger and digestion, while our feet represent grounding and stability. By relocating a sensation, we are simultaneously altering the symbolic meaning we attribute to it.
Modifying the location of a sensation, a fundamental tenet of NLP empowers individuals to reshape their emotional responses and cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced life. By understanding the intricate relationship between submodalities and emotional experiences, we can harness this technique to enhance our well-being and navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience.
THE BENEFITS OF CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
“If life gives you lemons, change the sensation by making lemonade… then spike it with vodka.” - Anonymous
“Why change the meaning of a failed recipe when you can turn it into a scientific experiment gone deliciously wrong?”
ποΈ ORIGINS AND PRINCIPLES OF CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
The origins of change sensation and change meaning in cultures are complex and multifaceted. They are influenced by a variety of factors, including:
- The environment: Cultures that are exposed to more change, such as those that are located in areas with frequent natural disasters or in areas that have experienced a lot of migration, are more likely to develop a strong sense of change.
- History: Cultures that have a long history of change, such as those that have been colonized or that have experienced periods of rapid economic or social change, are more likely to develop a sense of change as a normal and inevitable part of life.
- Values: Cultures that place a high value on adaptability and innovation are more likely to develop a positive view of change.
- Beliefs: Cultures that believe that change is driven by forces outside of their control, such as fate or karma, are more likely to have a passive view of change.
- Norms: Cultures that have strong norms against change, such as those that value tradition and conformity, are more likely to resist change.
All of these factors can influence how cultures perceive, experience, and respond to change.
Perceiving change
The way that people perceive change is influenced by their cultural background. For example, people from cultures that have a high tolerance for ambiguity are more likely to perceive change as a positive opportunity for growth. People from cultures that have a low tolerance for ambiguity are more likely to perceive change as a threat to their way of life.
Experiencing change
The way that people experience change is also influenced by their cultural background. For example, people from cultures that have a strong sense of collectivism are more likely to experience change as a shared experience. People from cultures that have a strong sense of individualism are more likely to experience change as a personal experience.
Responding to change
The way that people respond to change is also influenced by their cultural background. For example, people from cultures that have a strong sense of agency are more likely to proactively seek out change. People from cultures that have a strong sense of fatalism are more likely to passively accept change.
It is important to note that these are just generalizations and that there is a lot of variation within and between cultures. The way that any individual perceives, experiences, and responds to change will be influenced by a variety of factors, including their own experiences and beliefs.
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In Japanese culture, the concept of wabi-sabi is important. Wabi-sabi is the acceptance of imperfection and impermanence. This concept is reflected in Japanese art, which often features natural objects that are imperfect or decaying.
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In Mexican culture, the concept of la vida loca is important. La vida loca is the embrace of life and all its risks and uncertainties. This concept is reflected in Mexican culture, which is often characterized by its vibrant colors, lively music, and passionate people.
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In African cultures, the concept of ubuntu is important. Ubuntu is the belief that we are all connected and that our well-being is dependent on the well-being of others. This concept is reflected in African cultures, which are often characterized by their strong sense of community and their emphasis on cooperation and sharing.
These are just a few examples of how the origins of change sensation and change meaning are reflected in different cultures. Change is a complex phenomenon that is experienced differently by people from different cultures. By understanding how change is perceived, experienced, and responded to in different cultures, we can better appreciate the diversity of human experience.
PRINCIPLES OF CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
The principles of “Change Sensation, Change Meaning” are rooted in the field of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and involve a set of foundational concepts and techniques that explore the dynamic interplay between sensory experiences and the construction of meaning within the human mind. Here are the key principles:
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Sensory Reframing:
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Definition: Deliberately altering the sensory experience associated with a particular stimulus.
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Rationale: By changing how sensations are perceived, individuals can influence the emotional and cognitive responses tied to those sensations, thereby reshaping the overall meaning of the experience.
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Linguistic Patterns:
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Definition: Utilizing specific language patterns to guide and influence thought processes.
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Rationale: Language plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals interpret and assign meaning to their experiences. By employing precise linguistic patterns, one can lead the mind toward a more constructive and positive interpretation.
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Anchoring:
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Definition: Associating a specific sensory stimulus with a particular emotional or mental state.
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Rationale: By creating anchors, individuals can trigger desired emotional or cognitive states by reactivating the associated sensory stimulus. This allows for intentional shifts in meaning and perspective.
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Submodalities:
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Definition: The finer distinctions within each sensory modality (e.g., visual, auditory, kinesthetic).
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Rationale: Exploring and modifying submodalities allows individuals to make precise adjustments to how sensations are experienced, thereby influencing the emotional and cognitive impact of those sensations.
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Pattern Interrupt:
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Definition: Disrupting habitual thought or behavior patterns.
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Rationale: Breaking entrenched patterns provides an opportunity for individuals to introduce new sensory experiences and meanings, promoting flexibility in interpretation and response.
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Association and Dissociation:
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Definition: Experiencing a situation either as a participant (associated) or as an observer (dissociated).
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Rationale: Shifting between association and dissociation allows individuals to explore different perspectives, influencing how sensations contribute to the overall meaning of an experience.
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Time-Based Techniques:
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Definition: Exploring the impact of past, present, and future temporal perspectives on meaning.
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Rationale: By manipulating the temporal frame of reference, individuals can recontextualize sensations within the timeline of their lives, fostering new meanings and interpretations.
- Ecology Check:
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Definition: Evaluating the potential consequences and benefits of a sensory or meaning change.
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Rationale: Ensuring that alterations in sensation and meaning align with overall well-being and personal goals, preventing unintended negative consequences.
These principles collectively form the foundation of the Neurolinguistic Programming approach to change sensation and meaning, providing a framework for individuals to actively shape their cognitive responses and interpretations of the world around them.
π¨οΈ GUIDING PARTICIPANTS IN CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
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Sitting by side so you can perceive nuances in facial expression, gestures, and coloration of the skin and not stay in the way of a client who is accessing their images and creating metaphors in front of them.
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Modulate your voice and speak slowly and melodically.
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Be interested in client exploration.
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Repeat the client’s words using his voice delivery. For instance, when the client spoke about an exciting event, his face lightened up, his words speeded up and his tone of voice was higher. As a professional, you are, to match his expression or attend acting class to learn essentials.
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Connect the question and experience with coordinating conjunction and/as/when.
π§ CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING SCRIPT BASED ON EXPLORATION OF VLADIMIR KLIMSA #
“Why change the sensation of a broken heart when you can turn it into a hilarious stand-up comedy routine?” - Anonymous
Vlad: “Hello, What can I do for you today?”
Client: “I would like to stop feeling anxious?”
Vlad: “Would you like to stop all anxiety even in cases where is appropriate or would you like to stop feeling anxious where it’s impending with your life?”
Client: “I want to stop feeling anxiety when it isn’t useful.”
Vlad: “Ok. That seems worthy it. Before leaving anxiety in a situation where it isn’t useful I would like to gather some information. Step into the situation in which you feel anxious and notice the location of where feeling anxious starts, the direction where it moves its form, size, heaviness, temperature, and inner quality. Observe the color.”
Client: “I feel that it starts at the bottom of my stomach and it moves to my throat. It’s grapefruit size, heavy, and hot, the outside texture it’s as a modeling clay fitting and expanding to the surrounding space and the inside is mushy with an unbreakable bone. It has got blood red color.”
Vlad: “As you feel it going up notice which direction it spins. From the left to the right? From the right to the left? Imagine it spinning one way and the other way and observing which is more familiar. (I am using gestures to describe the movement.)”
Client: “It’s spinning from the left to right.”
Vlad: “As you are in the situation feeling the anxiety for the last time notice what will happen when you start spinning the sensation the other way from right to left while it changes the color to the more appropriate which you like in this situation. Make it spin faster and faster.”
Client: “It changed from anxiety to excitement and joy!”
Vlad: “It can’t be so easy. While you are spinning it oppositely with the color you like try to bring it in vain anxiety.”
Client: “I can’t.”
Vlad: “I would like you to imagine all the experiences in which you find useful to have excitement, and joy instead of anxiety in the past, present, and future and fill them with this sensation. Spinning the opposite sensation fast with the color you like in those situations.”
Client: “I have noticed that varying the rate of spinning and color tint can make the sensation fit more appropriately to the situation. Thanks very much.”
Vlad: “You are welcome.”
π£ THE BASIC PROCESS CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
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Elicit sensation quality of the client structure of experience using submodalities
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Ask where this sensation might be appropriate before changing the rest.
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Use Core transformation, Wholeness work, or any other tool at your disposal as a playground for a change.
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Guide the client to change submodalities of movement - spinning and color.
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Guide the client to incorporate sensation into the past, present, and future experiences.
πͺ MEDITATION OF CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
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Find a comfortable position to sit or lie down in. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Relax your body and mind.
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Imagine that you are in a safe and peaceful place. This could be a real place that you know, or it could be an imaginary place.
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Once you feel relaxed and grounded, bring your attention to the sensation that you want to change. Notice its size, form, heaviness, texture, temperature, movement, direction, and color.
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Notice which ways it spins.
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Spin the sensation the opposite way and change the color to be more appropriate to the situation at hand.
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Think about the situations where this sensation might be useful.
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Think about past, present, and future experiences and incorporate the sensation into them
βΆοΈ VIDEO OF CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
βΆοΈ Youtube - NLP Techniques - Resolving Anxiety and Other Strong Feelings with NLP by Steve Andreas
β FAQ OF CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
Q: What is change sensation?
A: Change sensation is the physical and emotional experience of change. It can include feelings of excitement, anxiety, anticipation, and fear. It can also manifest in physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension.
Q: What is change meaning?
A: Change meaning is the interpretation we give to change. It is how we make sense of the changes that are happening in our lives. Our interpretation of change is influenced by our individual experiences, beliefs, and values.
Q: What are the stages of change?
A: There are many different models of change, but most of them agree that there are several stages to the change process. These stages can vary depending on the individual and the specific change they are experiencing, but they typically include:
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Awareness: The individual becomes aware that change is necessary or happening.
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Consideration: The individual weighs the pros and cons of change.
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Decision: The individual decides to accept or resist change.
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Implementation: The individual takes action to implement the change.
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Confirmation: The individual reflects on the change and makes adjustments as needed.
Q: What are some common challenges of change?
A: Some common challenges of change include:
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Fear of the unknown: We are often afraid of what we don’t know, and change can be unpredictable.
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Resistance to change: We may be resistant to change because it disrupts our routines and our sense of security.
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Lack of support: It can be difficult to make changes without the support of others.
Q: How can I manage change?
A: There are many things you can do to manage change, including:
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Identify your triggers for change: What situations or events typically lead you to feel stressed or overwhelmed?
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Develop coping strategies: What strategies can you use to manage your stress and anxiety in the face of change?
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Create a support network: Surround yourself with people who can support you during times of change.
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Set realistic goals: Don’t try to change everything at once. Start small and gradually build on your successes.
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Be patient with yourself: Change takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
π JOKES ABOUT CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
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Why did the caterpillar get fired from its job at the fashion house? Because it couldn’t keep up with the changing trends.
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What did the river say when it got a new haircut? “I’m feeling a little more wavy.”
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Why did the butterfly get a promotion? Because it always soared to new heights.
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What did the chameleon say when it blended in with the wrong crowd? “Oops, wrong party!”
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Why did the compass get lost in the forest? Because it kept taking the wrong turns.
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What did the caterpillar say when it turned into a butterfly? “I can’t believe I used to crawl!”
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Why did the river get a new car? Because it wanted to make a splash.
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What did the butterfly say to the caterpillar when it was complaining about being stuck in a cocoon? “Just relax and enjoy the ride.”
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Why did the chameleon get kicked out of the camouflage club? Because it kept standing out too much.
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What did the compass say when it was spinning out of control? “I’m feeling a little lost.”
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Why did the thermometer get a raise? Because it always worked hard to reach the top.
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What did the seed say to the gardener when it was planted? “I’m feeling a little rooted.”
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Why did the river get a new haircut? Because it wanted to change its waves.
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What did the butterfly say to the caterpillar when it was crawling on the ground? “You’re missing out on all the fun up here!”
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Why did the chameleon get kicked out of the art class? Because it kept copying everyone else’s work.
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What did the compass say when it was pointing in the wrong direction? “I’m feeling a little misguided.”
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Why did the thermometer get a promotion? Because it always reached new heights.
π¦ METAPHORS ABOUT CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
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A caterpillar transforming into a butterfly: This metamorphosis symbolizes shedding old limitations and embracing new potential.
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A river flowing towards the sea: It represents the continuous and unstoppable nature of change.
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Leaves changing color in autumn: It signifies the beauty and inevitability of change.
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A seed sprouting into a tree: It illustrates the growth and development that can emerge from change.
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A phoenix rising from the ashes: It symbolizes resilience and the ability to emerge stronger from adversity.
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A journey on a winding road: It represents the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of life.
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A puzzle with pieces coming together: It signifies the gradual process of understanding and adapting to change.
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A dance with life: It captures the dynamic and fluid nature of change.
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A kaleidoscope of colors: It reflects the endless possibilities and transformations that change can bring.
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A bridge connecting two worlds: It represents the transition from one state of being to another.
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A river carving its path through mountains: It symbolizes the power and persistence of change.
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A bird soaring through the sky: It represents freedom, adaptability, and the ability to embrace change.
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A caterpillar inching its way towards a leaf: It signifies the slow and steady progress that can lead to significant change.
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A storm brewing on the horizon: It represents the anticipation and uncertainty that often accompany change.
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A rainbow emerging after a storm: It symbolizes the hope and renewal that can follow the change.
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A snake shedding its skin: It represents the process of letting go of the old to make way for the new.
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A flower blooming in the spring: It signifies the emergence of new life and the transformative power of change.
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A tree growing taller and stronger: It represents the resilience and growth that can result from change.
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A wave crashing against the shore: It symbolizes the force and impact of change.
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A fire burning brightly: It represents the energy, passion, and creativity that can be unleashed by change.
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A star exploding and transforming into a supernova: It signifies the dramatic and transformative nature of change.
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A seed being planted in the ground: It represents the potential and possibility that change can bring.
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A butterfly fluttering its wings and taking flight: It symbolizes the freedom and transformation that can accompany change.
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A river flowing over rocks and rapids: It represents the challenges and obstacles that can be encountered in the process of change.
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A climber scaling a mountain: It signifies the determination, perseverance, and effort required to navigate change.
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A compass pointing in a new direction: It represents the guidance and clarity that can emerge from change.
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A puzzle with missing pieces: It signifies the uncertainty and ambiguity that can often accompany change.
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A path diverging into two directions: It represents the choices and decisions that can arise from change.
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A sunset casting a warm glow: It symbolizes the beauty and transformation that can occur as one phase of life ends and another begins.
π RESOURCES: #
@book Connirae Andreas; Steve Andreas, 1987; Change Your Mind and Keep the Change: Advanced NLP Submodalities Interventions, ISBN 9780911226294
@book Richard Bandler 1985. Using Your Brain - For a Change: Neuro Linguistics Programming. ISBN-978-0911226270
@book Richard Bandler, 1992; Magic in action. ISBN 978-0916990145
@book Richard Bandler, 1993, Time for a change. ISBN 978-0916990282
@book Lakoff, G. and Johnson, M. 2003; βMetaphors We Live By.β Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, ISBN-978-0226468013
@video Richard Bandler: Submodalities & Hypnosis (5 DVD)
@video Making futures real - 1983, Leslie Cameron-Bandler
π§β𦲠VLADIMIR KLIMSA EXPERIENCE WITH CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
“Why change the meaning of a failed recipe when you can turn it into a scientific experiment gone deliciously wrong?” - Unknown
- I have read books, watched videos, attended seminars, and practiced on myself and others. I started to comprehend the subjective change process based on sensorial kinesthetic change as a base for lasting change. I have many experiences over time and I am competent and confident in being able to facilitate lasting change. I do recommend that you search for a practitioner who has knowledge, skills, experience, and elegance for your first session.
βοΈ CONCLUSION OF CHANGE SENSATION, CHANGE MEANING #
In conclusion, NLP provides frameworks for understanding how people subjectively experience change and novelty. A key premise in NLP is that sensory-based language offers insight into an individual’s inner maps of reality. When describing the change, some may focus on visual details, while others on kinesthetic or emotional impressions.
NLP emphasizes that language and cognition interconnect. The metaphors and mental imagery used to conceptualize change shape how one perceives and responds behaviorally. Reframing change through different linguistic lenses can drive new insights. If change triggers anxiety, reframing it as opportunity and growth opens possibilities.
However, NLP also recognizes flaws in the strong linguistic relativity position - language alone does not determine thought. Rather, multi-sensory experience, cultural factors, beliefs, physiology, and neurology all contribute to meaning-making. Developing flexibility between sensory modalities creates richer meaning networks. Experiencing semantic representations in a single mode causes distortion.
By honoring first-hand subjective experience, modeled via sensory language, NLP provides tools to support individual needs during change. As the field develops, greater integration with neuroscience and psycholinguistics will clarify these relationships. Ultimately, sensation and meaning both flow from interactions between external stimuli, brain systems, language proclivities, and mental models. Reframing change through linguistic self-awareness empowers adaptive growth.