NLP and The Secret to Interconnectedness

NLP is well known for fast results and very deep personal growth - self development; but how does that happen, what's the underlying processes that allow those changes to occur?

We are going to look at this dynamic concept of synchronicity, but not just the mythical, fantasy type, we are going to look at how physics also teaches us how the world works together.

With the help of Clair Marshall who wrote most of this next piece, lets see how Interconnectedness effects all of us. I have many personal examples, one of which happened just today.

I wanted to be to receive a package from UPS because I had missed it the day before and will not have been able to get it if I didn't get it soon. If I went out, I put up a sign with my telephone number on it, so the courier could call me and I'd come right away. Just one time I slipped out for a haircut and completely forgot the note and the UPS guy.

I went into town, did a small chore at the bank and went for the haircut. The usual place was a bit busy, so i decided to go to another place. For some reason I went a route I had never taken before and after about one mile, I saw a UPS van pull out in front of me.

My alarm bells rang and i remembered my important package. But what could I do, ram the vehicle and see if it's my van with my package? The answer came quickly. The van stopped after about 50 yards and I stopped with it. I talked to the driver and hey presto, it was my van, he had been around to my house and he still had my package!

Now if you are a statistician, you can work out all the other times that DIDN'T happen and come out even over time. But have you ever PLANNED for synchronicity to occur and then witnessed it happening?

Let's look a bit deeper.....

Interconnectedness and its Implications for the Therapeutic Relationship

Mystics, philosophers and spiritualists have long postulated that objects and people do not exist independently, and are in face connected. Recent scientific developments in quantum physics and other areas now also suggest this to be true. Psychotherapy was based on the traditional science, and with these new advances, a call for a shift in paradigm is necessary.

Defining Interconnectedness
Interconnectivity is a term used in physics, mathematics, biology and cybernetics to describe the relationship between components within a system (Wiener, 1948). This is to say that they are dependent, as well as being in communication, simply because they are integrated within the same whole. The components cannot be studied independently. To be fully understood they must be viewed in the context of their system. One example of this is an ecosystem: a self-sustaining system, where to understand part of it, for example an insect, it is necessary to know about its habitat, diet, and predators. Interconnectedness stipulates that there is a relationship between things.

Implications of Interconnectedness
Whether or not things are connected has great implications for our view of reality. By moving from the traditional scientific perspective of separateness and isolation, to a new acknowledgment of the relationship between parts , a broader and better-informed standpoint can be assumed. One in which context is not detached from its content , and the emphasis is on relationship and interaction.

Interconnectedness in Philosophy
Contemporary philosopher’s Deleuze and Guattari (2004) compare interconnectedness with the rhizome: a stem of a plant that grows horizontally. The rhizome is organized by principles of connections, with multiple points of entry and exit forming complex webs. They use the rhizome as a metaphor for the structure of things, and contrast it with a root, which has limited structural form, is hierarchical and subsumes under a unified structure. They compare Freud and psychoanalysis to a root complex, arguing it is fixed and mimetic. However, it is arguable that the spontaneous nature of free association does not fit with this root metaphor.

Jacques Lacan (1968), a Neo-Freudian, proposed the young infant is in a state of unity with the world as it lacks the concept of a separate identity. Lacan argued language compartmentalizes life, giving it a sense of lacking, of being broken down. Piaget (1977) argued that a child develops a sense of self between two and seven years old, which is also around the time a child acquires language. This suggests that we are born with an innate, untouched knowledge of unity, however as we develop a sense of self and acquire language, this knowledge dissipates.

Spirituality and Interconnectedness
Throughout the ages, interconnectedness has been expressed by spiritual and religious figures. In Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, the universe is appreciated as a whole, interrelated system. The Sufi philosophy states that through experiencing a state of interconnectedness, greater understanding and self-fulfillment can be achieved (Hammerle, 2002). Buddhism also states that the cosmos is interconnected. Research on a Buddhist meditator found that during meditation, the area of the brain shuts down which is associated with providing a sense of time and location, and thus our sense of self. If our sense of self is based on being a separate entity, this research suggests that in mediation the brain responds as if the concept of self as separate does not exist (Newberg, 2003).

Other research has found that mass meditation can actually affect exterior events. 4,000 participants from 100 different countries took part in the study to practice Transcendental mediation in Washington DC, Americas murder capital. They collectively meditated for long periods of time over a period of two months. It was predicted, based on previous findings in smaller studies, that there would be a 25% decrease in violent crime that summer. The results showed this to be correct, with a highly significant decrease, and the statistical probability that this happened by chance was less than two in one billion (Hagelin, 1999).

Eckhart Tolle, a spiritual teacher, stipulates that through a conscious focus on the present moment, it is possible to transcend the body and experience oneness (Tolle, 2003). Those in pursuit of spiritual truths, such as mystics aspire to transcend and experience the universe as a whole. This has been described as cosmic consciousness (Bucke, 1901; Wilber, 2000).
Carl Jung (1963) postulated not only a connection between mind, body and spirit, but also with a network of existence. He used the Hindu concept of the Mandela, often seen as a microcosm of the universe, as a metaphor for the expression of self. He also described it as a symbol that aids exploration into the connectedness from where we born (Fontana, 2005).

Mystical experiences may be understood as an experience of connectedness (Dawson, 2004), having healing affects (Havens, 2007; Levin et. al., 2005), and holding an understanding in the psychology of humans (Ralph, 2005). They can aid creativity, and be psychologically curative (Raab, 2003), as well as alleviating distress when coming close to dying (Greyson, 2003). Sufi’s describe mystical experiences as an unfolding understanding of unity. William James (2004) argued it is important for psychologists to consider phenomenon such as mystical experiences, in which a feeling of oneness is often reported (Von Bruck, 1991), and noted that mystical experiences are not exclusive to those who are religious. Research shows people who have had mystical experiences are often misdiagnosed as having a mental illness (Cook, 2004). However, interestingly, interconnectedness is a feature present in both mystical and psychotic states (Brett, 2002), perhaps because certain truths are more accessible in these conditions.

Scientific Basis for Interconnectedness
Traditionally it was held that things affected one another in a predictable, linear, cause and effect motion, based on theories by Newton (Koyre, 1965). Physics changed, however, with the Einstein Podolsky Rosen (EPR) Paradox (Greene, 2005). In this experiment, it was demonstrated that the outcome of the experiment is influenced by the presence of an observer. All matter is composed of energies, or particles, that go in and out of existence at the quantum level. This experiement also showed that subatomic particles can be, potentially, a eave and a wave packet simultaneously, and depending on what is tested for, dictates what they are. If the same particle is split, the same will happen, although a type of instantaneous ‘communication’ happens so they both turn out the same. This can happen over a large physical distance.
The space that facilitates this instantaneous communication the ‘non local domain’, and Chopra (2003) argues humans are expressions of interconnected ‘communal energy’. He uses the 1987 Grinberg-Zylberbaum experiment to demonstrate this, in which the brain activity of two meditator’s was measured.

Whilst in meditation, their brain activity remained similar, however when they were then separated into different rooms and one was stimulated by lights, the brain activity of both meditater’s responded as if they were seeing the stimulus. Rupert Sheldrake (1995) argues that this is observable in laboratory rats in one place that learn a task; elsewhere different rats learn that task faster. He coined the term that facilitates this type of instantaneous communication ‘Morphic Resonance’. Lynne McTaggart (2004) explained the space in which things connected in similar ways through her theory of the Zero Point Field.

Quantum mechanics has developed from the EPR paradox. Einstein saw quantum mechanics as flawed as it could not be explained through the traditional Newtonian approach of locality. Bell (1964) disproved that quantum mechanics was flawed, demonstrating that the EPR Paradox would not be possible if locality were true. The results from quantum mechanics strongly establish a case for the interconnection of the universe, even when they are not local, i.e. they are at different locations on earth or in space (Greene, 2005; Paul, 1980; Zohar, 1990). These profound implications not only point toward a connection between the mind and body, e.g. with psychosomatic illness (Gornitz et. al., 2006), but also imply the universe, as well as humans, are open to possibility, and can be influenced (Ilya, 2004). This presents the concept of a fluid, changing self in process and connected to its surroundings, rather than a mechanistic, objective, static self.

Dr. Emoto (2004) also demonstrated how matter is subject to influence, even on subtle levels. Photographs were taken of frozen water crystals and exposed to things such as pollution, music, words, and prayer. The water crystals changed their composition on a micro-particle level, and dramatic aesthetic differences were visible. Considering our bodies are made up of approximately 90% water, the implications that what we expose ourselves to, even what we think, could actually change the structure of particles within us, is profound. It would also imply that it is possible to do the same to other people. This has inferences in the therapeutic world highlighting the importance of the attitude the therapist assumes, as it could, on a subtle level, affect the client.

Backster (1973) conducted an experiment that suggested a connectedness between human thought and plant life. Backster connected a plant to a lie detector device. Once wired up, the plant showed a similar pattern to human’s feeling bursts of emotion. He considered burning the plant; however simply by having this thought a reaction was triggered in the plant. He then faked burning the plant, with no intention to do so, and found the plant did not respond. This suggests plants are connected, not only to our thought, but can differentiate some of the intentions of humans. This again highlights the importance of the therapist’s attitude, and intention, and is more evidence supporting interconnectedness.

In 1977 Prigogine was awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery of dissipative structures (Graham, 1998). The universe was described as a creative, interconnected, irreversible mass of energetic reactions. Significantly he stipulated that living and non-living systems could exchange energy. He found that as a system is more complex, it also becomes increasingly unstable. It is this instability that allows a modification to occur, so the system can advance to another level of more complex and unstable, but also more lucid state. Some researches (Horgan, 2005) advocated the use of hallucinogenic drugs for spiritual healing and therapeutic advantage. This may be because in such states of mind, as when taking psychedelics, or as previously discussed, in mystical experiences, the brain becomes more unstable permitting a change to occur that facilitates the reorganization of the system. Order is created from disorder. It has also been suggested (Graham, 1998) that spiritual figures such as Shamans took psychedelics to enter into this state of disorder to create meaning and insight and directly connect with the universe.

There is substantial evidence suggesting the benefits of mediation (Aftanasetal, 2005; Astin, 2005), as well as it being beneficial for therapists (Nanda, 2005), perhaps for similar reasons.

Implications for the therapeutic relationship
What does this mean for therapy? On a basic level, Freud’s (Malcolm, 2007) concept of transference and counter transference acknowledges there is an interconnection between client and therapist. Lazer (2001) argues the non-verbal communication that occurs within the therapeutic relationship, supported by the developments in quantum mechanics, are important aspects to consider.

If ‘madness’ were considered in the light of an interconnected cosmos, points highlighted by the Anti Psychiatry Movement withstand. Laing (1987) points out that when connectedness is not acknowledged, and an ‘us and them’ scenario occurs. By taking this hierarchical, separatist standpoint one is not acknowledging the possibility that under dyer, even difficult circumstances, we may also suffer mental distress. Laing argues that through, in effect, alienating others, we are denying our own identity.

Graham, (1998) argued that Prigogine’s description of creating order from disorder is also applicable to Laing’s (1990) approach to psychological distress, in his book ‘The Divided Self’, whereby schizophrenia was seen as a splitting of the personality and the process of the illness allows for its re-assemblage. Szasz (1975) also saw mental ‘illness’ as a process of reintegration that should also be considered in context. Schizophrenia is an extreme example of mental distress and perhaps the same principle could be applied to other forms of distress.

By recognizing oneself, or ones potentiality in others, the illusion of separation dissipates.
Through going beyond labels, an ethical way of working is harbored. This is not to say that recognizing interconnectedness means abandoning boundaries. It is more a standpoint, a way of thinking, which as discussed (in the ‘scientific basis for interconnection’ section), can greatly influence in subtle and covert ways. It is proposed that interconnectedness is a way of being, rather than a skill or a tool to use within the therapeutic relationship, which may even be harmful (Spinelli, 2006).

Staying with the mystery of the human being, rather than assuming therapeutic knowledge, builds on the relationship (Spinelli, 2006), which is the predictor of a ‘successful’ therapy. It is often ‘therapeutic knowledge’ or expertise that creates separation between client and therapist and an ‘us and them’ scenario. Relational psychotherapy, existential psychotherapy, psycho synthesis and person-centered therapy all acknowledge this.

If the self is considered as comprising of interrelated, overlapping experiences and continuous processes (Welwood, 1985), ‘picking apart’ a problem and seeing it in terms of isolated units might be unhelpful. Recognizing interactions and the self as a process would motivate a more holistic way or working therapeutically.

Future Developments and Further Research: A Call For Change
Interconnectedness exists on many levels; from the relationship with context, to the power of thoughts, to quantum mechanics. The latter, challenges the pillars of classical science, with which Freud was closely affiliated (Morstyn, 1989). It is essential the therapeutic world acknowledges, and encompasses, this radical shift, as models of the mind are constantly based on dated scientific data (Lee, 1999). The recognition of interconnectedness would facilitate a step toward acknowledging the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and a move away from segregation and dismissal between different schools of thought.

Adopting an attitude of connectedness on the part of the therapist would harbor skills such as empathy, attuning, and tracking. It could emphasize a more ethical and encompassing way of relating through humility and sensitivity. A holistic view that adopts, not only the person as a whole, but also their context serves for a better-informed perspective, and may open up more possible entry points and offer additional ways of working (Zahner, 2006).

Taking into account the creative nature of the universe is also applicable when considering the self as a process: as humans give and receive from one another, generating and annihilating as each moment is reinvented. The self is a process just as the relationship is, and both simultaneously interrelate.

A Final Word
Interconnectedness has profound economic, political, social, moral, ecological, philosophical, scientific and psychological and therapeutic ramifications, of which a small amount has been discussed. Further research in the field of psychology, specifically the implication of quantum theory on the understanding of the psyche could be investigated. An awareness of current scientific developments and their implications for the therapeutic relationship is also of importance.

A narrow perception or reality creates spaces of distance, isolation and even alienation. The acknowledgment of parts as interplaying in a bigger whole, means personal, societal and cultural differences are transcend as the potentiality for commonality becomes reality. This allows a realization of the oneness of all things and an acknowledgment of the fundamental truth of unity.

Many thanks to Clair Marshall for her work on this fascinating topic

If you would like to see Interconnectedness in action, our two day course, The Secret Weekend, is an experiential journey into your connections with all areas of your life and how to empower what you want and drop what you don't!

If you an MP3 version of how to work with the quantum field, then take a look at our fabulous CD and MP3 on Quantum Linguistics

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