Birmingham NLP Practice Group

The map is not the territory

A ‘map’ is never the place itself as it would need to be the same size. It can only ever be a representation of a place.

NLP uses the idea of the map to show how we can only ever view through our own lens our  representations of the world, or rather re-presentations and not the actual world itself.

Our differing internal worlds

Although we all live in the same world, we all have our own unique view and perception of it. Even twins will have different internal maps, as although they share the same genes and upbringing, their filters and experiences will be different.

Two people witnessing the same event will encode things differently as viewed from different angles their interpretation will not be the same.

Whether we know it or not, every thing that happens in our lives has the power to  impact on the future , through moulding our future beliefs, our behaviours, and the decisions we make.

How our maps are formed

Every day our experiences shape the boundaries and territories of our maps, from a young age we learn that there are really only so many ways to open a door.

Handles go up, down, turn ect and once learned it gets stored in the unconscious mind so that we don’t have to re-learn each time we come to a new door. Beliefs about all sorts of things also get laid down as if they are facts and every day we live within those boundaries and territories.

NLP helps us with the understanding that we all see a different version of the world as if we are wearing blinkers which guide our focus to stay in alignment with our beliefs.

NLP can help us to learn about our own maps as well as others and helps us to ‘upgrade’ them if necessary.

If you wanted to learn more about NLP, why not come to the Birmingham NLP Practice Group held in Sutton Coldfield once a month. Find out more…

Read more about experienced Birmingham NLP Trainer Debbie Williams