NLP is a process of enabling us as individuals to become more wholesome. On a personal level it’s about helping us to make the right choices. More generally, NLP is the process of working with people to make interventions, not doing it to them. It helps us become more aware of how language may be used to have a deeper impact on what we do. And it is even more than that. It is a philosophy about being fully aware and excelling in whatever we do.

NLP can be used as part of therapy. It is not a complete form of therapy in itself. It can also be used successfully in many other contexts including leadership, management, sales, customer success, media, politics and self-development.  It is incredibly versatile. Any accredited NLP practitioner will be working with you overtly and sometimes covertly to get the best possible outcome for both of you. It is a study of life. It is the study of the difference that makes the difference, hence the reason it is used to great effect in many areas of life.

Mindfulness/Meditation and Reiki are far from being religions. They are the practice of becoming more aware of what is around and within us. There is no worshiping or other theological concepts. In fact, all three have been the object of quite a lot of scientific evaluation.

Mindfulness and meditation have similar principles and are terms often used interchangeably which can lead to confusion. To put it rather simply, mindfulness is a practice of gentle awareness of what is happening in the present moment. It is a non-judgemental practice of observing. Meditation is more an exploration of our inner life. There are a multitude of varying techniques, each as valid the other.

Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere and at any time.

Mindfulness can be as quick as a gentle observation. In my personal practice, I will first become aware of a certain sensation or feeling for the need to be more mindful. I will then become curious and start listening to my thoughts and my body. I can simply observe and let go which takes only a few minutes. Alternatively, I can choose to do a mindful meditation which will last for as long as I wish.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to banish any thoughts completely. If I tell myself “stop thinking about chocolate” the simple act of doing this makes me think of chocolate. Mindfulness is about observing thoughts and how these may impact some of our automatic behaviours in life. Once we are aware of our thoughts we can then choose how we wish to respond rather than automatically be compelled to act on them.

Mindfulness and any other internal practice is about being aware of what is going on inside. Even the biggest masters will have negative thoughts and feelings. It is part of our human nature.

The great thing about mindfulness, meditation and all other similar practices is that one of its side effects will be relaxation. For some, even a couple of minutes into a guided meditation and you may fall asleep. It takes minutes to feel more relaxed and with a little bit of practice, it can take seconds, and even become instant.

It has also been scientifically proven that our brain capacity does improve after only 11 hours of meditating (not consecutive of course). There is absolutely nothing to lose and only the opportunity to gain a better understanding of who you are, a better understanding of how you function and choose your responses in life.

Reiki is a practice that enables you to work with universal energy. Following atunements and after a deeper understanding of what it is, Reiki energy can be channelled and sent to yourself, others, even animals, events or inanimate things – I often like to use it to prepare a meeting room or a training room for example. Reiki is not a form a massage, in fact, many practitioners do not even touch their clients. Reiki is a peaceful means of sending energy where it is needed.

Reiki is channelling the universal energy. Not yours. You will become more aware of your own energy and be able to do what is preferred for you at that particular time, as well as be able to help others.