Often in seminars and workshops (and even therapy) people have "peak experiences".   They get an insight or a new understanding that seems helpful and empowering and then after a day or week, it fades.   A momentous insight can be a beautiful thing ... but we want to make certain that it doesn't just make for a good moment.  We want to be certain that the change is sufficient to address the issues of the past ... and resilient enough to transform the future.  In today's video, Michael speaks about how reimprinting is a powerful way to ensure that the change is sufficient to take care of what has gone before, and how it can lead to a more satisfying and successful future.

We hope that you're enjoying our mini-series.  If you have an interest in Core Transformation training, follow the link in the right hand column (or just click here) to get the details of our upcoming program in Orlando (Feb 7-9).

When it comes to our potential, sometimes it seems that we live at the tip of the iceberg and are barely scratching the surface.  And it's as if there is such depth to our being that may never see the light of day.  But what if I were to tell you that it wants out.  And that, in fact, it's been taking a lot of effort to hold it all in.  But hold it in we do. Because it hasn't been out much, and it just doesn't know how to act in a socialized, sophisticated world.  And yet I'm convinced that the greatness within us is striving to emerge, and that when it does we can truly be ourselves.  Giving expression to our deepest longings, once we discover what they REALLY are, will bring us to life.  

In Core Transformation, we discover what our Core Outcomes are. What the deepest part of ourselves wants to bring forth.  It's been giving us clues all along.  In the moments of tragedy and despair, of challenge and frustration, of disappointment and hurt we learn something about what matters most to us.  And in those experiences of triumph and deep joy, of success and satisfaction, of richness and awe we see what's ultimately important.

We learn that it isn't really things that we seek ... or even the right set of circumstances ... but those states of fulfillment and resourcefulness and self expression that are within all of us.  Tapping into that richness and bringing it out into our lives offers a transformational experience that can resolve those situations that we've been struggling with and open us up to a creative flow of inspired possibilities.

In today's video lesson, we'll explain to you how we get to the core outcome beneath a presenting situation (in this case, "road rage" and then we'll show you a clip from a live Core Transformation Training where we apply the core outcome to the issues that led us there.

This short video is the second of five focusing in on the Core Transformation process. To get the whole set, subscribe to our blog (using the link in the right hand column). You can also read about Core Transformation and how to use it in Connirae and Tamara Andreas' brilliant book:Core Transformation: Reaching the Wellspring Within
And of course, when it comes to learning, nothing can compare to the experience of a LIVE, hands-on training which are available from time to time through us, and other organizations.  Michael Watson is proud to be one of a handful of licensed US trainers authorized by Connirae Andreas to present this program.  Here are the details of our next Core Transformation Training. 

I like to make introductions, and this time of year offers lots of opportunities to meet new people, try new electronic gadgets (thanks, cyber Monday), and explore new ideas.   And as the new year approaches, people are resolving to make changes in their lives and expand into the future (especially after being introduced to all of that holiday food).

And we are expanding.  As we put another year behind us, we are either getting wiser and better and finding more fulfillment in our lives, or we are growing more complacent and compliant and learning to put up with ourselves or our circumstances.  Or of course, there is that third option - some of us may be growing more frustrated in our attempts to change.  Frustration is made out of two elements.  "Want to" and "Can't".  Put 'em together and waddya got?  Frustration.

But when it comes to personal growth, there's another name for it.  I like to call it Divine Discontent. It's the raw stuff that change is made out of.  It's the "kick in the ass" or "nagging feeling" or maybe a "deep longing" that lets us know it's time for a change.  This is the driving force behind evolution, and when we know how to use it, it can open us up to richer, fuller expressions of ourselves.  We ARE evolving. 

One sure way to become frustrated is to try to ignore those inner urgings ... to stuff them down, medicate them, keep ourselves distracted, dissociated.   We try to stifle it, when we can let it guide us and lead us to more fulfilling lives.

In therapy and coaching we find that symptoms (everything from anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, even angry outbursts and unwanted behaviors) are often the impoverished expressions of some aspect of our being that is trying to evolve.  The frustrated attempts of some emerging self that wants out.

Core Transformation is a brilliant process that gets to the heart of the matter, gently and easily, and by connecting you with your own deeper self, helps to bring you to a life of greater self awareness, self acceptance and self expression.

I'm happy to be offering this training here in a mini-course as well as in live venues.  After learning Core Transformation back in the early 90s from Connirae Andreas, I've added words like  "richer", "resonant" "fulfilling" and "expansive" to my vocabulary.  I've come to know myself in new ways ... and I'm coming to BE myself in new ways, thanks to this brilliant process.

And of course, when it comes to learning, nothing can compare to the experience of a LIVE, hands-on training which are available from time to time through us, and other organizations.  Michael Watson is proud to be one of a handful of licensed US trainers authorized by Connirae Andreas to present this program.  Here are the details of our next Core Transformation Training. 

Several years ago Steve and Connirae Andreas, then co-head honchos of NLP Comprehensive, wrote a helpful article titled "A Consumers Guide to Good Training"  (follow the link at the end of this post if you'd like to see it).  In that article they drew upon their own considerable skill and experience.  They explored the criteria that you might want to use to select among available training programs.  As a trainer, I've referred to that article as a regular reminder and occasional admonition to keep me at my best.  Students have choice about where they go to learn and explore and it's important that they know how to get information and how to make an informed decision
 
Last night I returned home to Orlando from a month away in the UK where I participated in a module of Christina Hall's excellent Trainer Training and then presented a course in Neo-Ericksonian Hypnosis.  Both were offered by Salad Seminars.   As I reflect back over the wonderful experiences of the last few weeks, I realize that trainers have choice too.  If you're a trainer, you may have your own criteria .... Here are mine:

GET SOME TRAINING YOURSELF - Do you think you know everything about everything?  Can't imagine sitting down and shutting up long enough to hear what someone else might have to say? (If the shoe doesn't fit, I'm just joking.  And if the shoe DOES fit, I'm just SAYING ...)  There's always more to learn and if the field you train in has any life in it at all, then you'd better "be there or be square" when new and cutting edge material is being presented.  And as a trainer, you can get twice the value ... because you just might learn something new about your field AND something new about training.  In fact, you can have TRIPLE VALUE when you let yourself learn about the experience of being a participant in training.  Calibrating your own students' responses is vital ... but  spending some time on the other side of the loop ... is the BEST thing you can do for yourself and for your training.  As I mentioned earlier,  I've just been in the last module of Christina Hall's SNLP Trainer Training and the experience has been a rich and rewarding one - offering new perspectives, watching training excellence in action and being immersed in a special learning community.  Do yourselves a favor, trainers ... keep learning.
 

SHARE WHAT YOU LOVE - You're not going to be able to pass on a torch if you don't have some fire of your own.  Yes, I know some trainers are forced by their employers or the needs of a particular market to present material that they aren't fascinated with. And to  those trainers I say ... "I am sooo sorry."  And I really hope that they, too will get to have the thrill of spending their time sharing and exploring their fascination with others.  When you do that you find yourself on a great adventure.  Not just a training, but a lifelong journey, where you can enjoy the camaraderie, share discoveries and spark the interests of other travelers through the territory
 

GATHER SUPPORT - Some trainers produce their own programs while others of us are often contracted to train by sponsoring organizations. I do it both ways, but prefer to do sponsored programs.  Producing trainings is a big job .. and so we often find ourselves functioning as web designers, campaign managers, reservations clerks, sales associates and barterers,  travel agents, logistics coordinators, video and sound engineers, taxi drivers, dishwashers, caterers... and ... and .... ENOUGH ALREADY!  If you want an excellent training, then find someone to support you in delivering it.  It's not that I'm allergic to hard work ... and in my own local organization I still DO all of those functions.  But my vocation is to train ... and all of these additional tasks are distractions.  It's a wonderful thing to have a sponsor, or at least a good core of assistants to support you, so that you can focus your attention on giving your best contribution and training at the highest quality. NLP Comprehensive, The UP Hypnosis Institute, IACT/IMDHA and others have all provided excellent training support for me in the last decade, yet and I'm especially appreciative of the "special relationship" that I have with Salad Seminars in the UK.  I've been with them since their earlier days with the charismatic and dynamic Jamie Smart and through their recent handover to chief Tim Considine who brings a fresh perspective and new energy to Salad.  I'm honored to be affiliated with the Salad brand and particularly grateful to Tim, Debbie Cook, and Damian Perry for their hard work and support during the just-completed hypnosis course in the UK. 

SECURE A GREAT VENUE - Although this is a luxury and not always available ... it's really great when you've got a state-of-the-art training facility with internet, projection and music systems, great sound and video recording capability.  And Salad has a great new place in a scenic country town with all the trappings - including bed and breakfasts and Inns and Pubs that make the stay special. For those who need a more urban experience, they're only minutes away from historic Winchester with it's great cathedral and home of the famous Round Table of King Arthur.  Yep, you can't always get a location like that.  And it really contributes to the training experience.

GET GREAT STUDENTS - Now this is especially important.   Your niche market, the character of your promotional material, your positioning in the community, all play some part in defining your audience.  And the footprints you leave on the road will make some difference as to who will follow you.  But you don't always get to vote ... and that means you can always be surprised when you let yourself recognize the specialness of ALL the fellow travelers you meet along the road.  Recently I heard about a husband and wife who were participating in two different NLP trainings with two different organizations in two different cities AT THE SAME TIME.  One evening the wife called her husband to discuss the great time she was having in the vibrant mid-sized group she was training with.  During the call, her husband grew extraordinarily quiet and then said, "It sounds like you're having a great time with lots of wonderful people who really LIKE each other and will be friends for years to come!.  I'm here lost, lost in the crowd in this group of 150 people who could care less if they ever see one another again!"   So remember this rule - it's easy to get great students ... especially in NLP and hypnosis, as you explore and discover how special each of them already is.  Get great students because they're all great ... and prepare to fall in love.  In the last eight days, I've fallen in love with 8 very special people.

Lots of gratitude and affection to the 2013 Trainer's Training , the Neo-Ericksonian Hypnosis Training and Salad Seminars

*Connirae and Steve Andreas Article ... http://steveandreas.com/Articles/consumer.html