Neuro Linguistic Programming
Definition
Neuro Linguistic Programming is a means of understanding and enhancing the way we think, communicate and behave.
The 'neuro' part of the title relates to the brain and our neurological processes of sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch and feeling through which we take in information from the world around us. Our minds generalize and filter the information we receive in order to create meaning - our perceptions of reality. NLP states that we respond to our perceptions of reality rather than to reality itself. How an experience is perceived and labelled sets the direction for behaviour, for example 'boring party' (my perception) informs my behaviour - 'don't want to go'.
Our thoughts and experience of life are given 'linguistic' form. Language is considered to be a mirror of the mind, yet it also has great influence on thinking processes and the body.
This interaction between the brain, language and the body gives rise to patterns of behaviour or 'programming'. Some of these strategies may be productive, while others may hinder us. NLP provides a powerful set of skills and techniques to address situations where change is required.