Jaclyn Chernett
About my experience on the course…
I came with an open mind and heart. It is a long time since I engaged in any concentrated way on NLP, and it didn’t take long for me to understand Sue’s style of ‘planned un-plannedness’. I realize that this is what human existence is. I believe that the only certainties in life are uncertainty itself and death; only when I remain truly receptive and open to possibility, will I be able to use my most flexible self to embrace life’s uncertainties and my own mortality. Therefore, since NLP offers a process which is malleable and takes time and conscious awareness to internalize, I decided not to concern myself as to whether or not I had fully “got it” or whether I was fully proficient in practising its written categories – yet. In other words, it wasn’t like another academic exam that had to be passed.
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I loved the course, the people, the beauty and the sense of love, which enabled the possibilities to unfold. Most of all, I loved access to people of different faiths and people who assert none, which reaffirms in me the joy of humanity as a multi-faceted diamond. What richness! This glorious experience confirms in me that whatever religion (or not) we have, everything is in it if we look for it. I confirmed to myself that there is nothing new under the sun and our days are best spent in learning, loving and praising. This sounds like Ecclesiastes, doesn’t it!!
About my learning on the course…
Overwhelming in its revelation (although I knew it really) was the feedback that I am not perceived to receive as well as to give. If this is the case, why is it so? There is a truth here. This came as a painful jolt by means of Sue’s very assiduous provocative therapy and confirmed in a later session in dialogue with Ashok (who is also a master at it). I learned that this kind of feedback is only acceptable if received by me that it is given with love and benevolent humour. At the moment I am wary of using this method of feedback with others unless I am confident that I am doing it in a way that would be received as a gift by them. I have received it as a gift and it is the best thing for me that has come out of the course.
It automatically sent me into my timeline, without asking. It evoked difficult conversations with my mother (who has been dead for 35 years) and also with one of my daughters. I became conscious of wanting to offer my mother a similar gift (of feedback) which would have opened a new world for both of us. I am looking forward to sharing this with my daughter at a time that is right. It won’t be long.
I am now acutely aware of my pattern and want to use the new-found awareness to its best. Anchoring is very helpful.
The logical levels for change have impacted on me quite powerfully and have made me revisit my identity and purpose and the identity and purpose of my organisation, The European Academy for Jewish Liturgy. Expanding on this is a helpful remark from John Godfrey, a professional Fundraising Consultant (would that I had one in my pocket: maybe I have!) who said that to the purpose can be added “What is/will be the benefit” (my words) to appeal to those whom I approach to give? Fundraising has always been my bête noir and I see it now as symbolic of my distaste of receiving. I recognise that I am the person, the one with the passion for what I do, the dreamer and creator of what I have set up, who must be the prime mover in fundraising.
I learned to second and third position in looking at myself. I modelled Lisa in her ability to do this. I also modelled her, Yosara, Natalie and Jane in the way they sit straight. When I do this I put myself in my long-known anchor for my best self. But it is not automatically comfortable to sit like that. It’s much nicer to sink back into the chair and curl up into my spine. A straight back opens the front to receptiveness.
I loved being with our Indian colleagues. I wanted to model their gentleness and beauty. The women are elegant. Their dress, the drape of the scarf and shawl, necessitates their posture. When I model this by the use of scarves I am enabled to do the same. And what joy there is in colour! Paul’s wife is an image consultant. I am going to seek her out.
I loved the way Sue had a new Indian outfit for each day. I loved being enabled to eat with my fingers (even for a little while). I loved Colin’s quantum session where I saw a side of him I hadn’t seen before. I am proud of everyone who participated, in the changes and growth they made.
I loved the yoga, the peace, the nature, the exotic and mystical aura, sights and smells. I am now organising yoga at home as I don’t want to lose the newly aware body that houses the soul. Was I aware of it before? Of course, but I wasn’t conscious. I just paid lip service to my own religious tradition that told me exactly that. This is a change too. And it is receiving.
I am trying to seek something to add in the way of constructive suggestion. I can’t find anything at the moment. There are only thanks.