Physiology of Success in NLP

Peak State has a Physiology associated with it: discover your own Peak State Physiology and how to trigger it at will

Physiology refers to the body's physical state at a given time, including:

• posture
• alignment of the spine and head
• muscle tension
• breathing
• position of the limbs
• facial expression, and gaze and focus of the eyes
• gestures and movement

Physiology of Excellence

"Peak state" in NLP has its own physiology. Peak state refers to a state when an individual is performing or feeling at their best. The physiology of the peak state is unique to the individual and the particular state, although we can often recognize the physiology of peak states when we see them. Imagine the:

• Physiology of a winning athlete as she stands on the starting blocks (or on the winner's podium)
• Physiology of a charismatic politician making a rousing speech, or the easy relaxation of the accomplished social animal.

Peak state physiology may include standing or sitting with spine held erect, breathing deeply and evenly from the abdomen, limbs relaxed, gaze level. Non-peak state physiology, in contrast, may have a hunched or sunken posture, rapid or uneven breathing, tension or flabbiness in the muscles and so on.

Accessing a Peak State Physiology

Peak state physiology can be experienced simply and easily. Try the following exercise which we use in personal coaching:

• Imagine the top of your head or spine is suspended from the ceiling by a cord. Your head floats easily in space, as you allow each vertebrae to hang down naturally
• Allow your breath to be pulled down from the bottom of your abdomen, so your diaphragm pulls down and your stomach expands out as you inhale
• Notice that even as you look directly ahead you can see the outer corners of the room on both sides. You may wish to gently move your hand at the side of your head and you will notice the movement in your peripheral vision
• Find your arms and legs becoming relaxed, moving easily but only as much as is required
• Now in this state, consider some problem you want to address, or a task you need to accomplish. You may find it seems more achievable.

Discovering your own Peak State Physiology

Your peak state physiology will be unique. Think about a time that you excelled at your favorite activity. Go back to that time, see yourself there. See the environment you are in, your surroundings, notice anyone else who is there. Notice how you look, your posture, your breathing, take as much time as you need to see it clearly. What particularly stands out for you? Notice your facial expression, your gaze. Notice how you move. What details are you drawn to? Take all the time you need to see all this clearly. Listen to the sounds, what do you hear?

Peak State: how does it feel?

Now float into the picture, so you are inside the "you" in the picture, looking out of your own eyes, hearing with your own ears. How does it feel?

• Notice any sensation, where are they? Do they have a size or a shape? Do you feel them moving? Describe them in as much detail as possible.
• When you feel that fully, what skills you are aware of that you have?
• What do you believe about yourself in this state?
• What is important you here and now?
• How would you describe yourself? A Warrior? A Magician? Maybe a particular animal?

Come back to the here and now, bringing the feeling of that peak state with you. Remembering the physiology.

Physiology of success: Learn more by calling us in New York 212-714-3574 or emailing us at iphnewyork@aol.com

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© 2007 International Center for Positive Psychology and Hypnosis