You might be wondering if NLP is done with other people, then how do I practice NLP by myself? There are some really easy ways to get started in practicing NLP, especially once you’ve completed your NLP practitioner training.
One way is to just turn on the TV, pick a specific language pattern distortion, and identify every one you hear. You can do the same for listening for beliefs, values, etc.
Another great technique is to pick a representation of something, for example visualize an image in your mind of a dog.
Then associate to a smell based on the image. Then a sound. Then a taste. Then a feeling either internal or external. This allows you to learn how connected the internal representations are, and which amplify or diminish the potency of the experience.
Once you do this, then play around with the specific language you use to identify the association, and change it. For example, instead of “dog”, think “wet dog” and see what changes.
Is the image the same? What about the smell? Anything different about what you hear?
You will notice the way we represent these words in our experience is different. This has profound impact on how we approach selecting our words when working with not only ourselves, but our clients/patients.
It’s also a great lesson in learning there is no “perfect” way to use language. In order to know the effect our words have, we have to get feedback from the listener on what they are representing when we use that language.
What about local practice groups? Yep. If you search around it may surprise you to find some local NLP and/or hypnosis practice groups. Plenty of willing participants wanting to share knowledge, experience, and be playful in an environment that feels safe to completely screw up!
Lastly, there are many different language games you can play with friends, family or colleagues that can help “tune up” your senses to learn how to pay more attention to the normally subconscious levels of communication.
