I spent the weekend at the Ultimate Self-Actualization workshop with L. Michael Hall, renowned speaker, psychologist, specialist in self-actualization psychology, author of over 35 books and creator of Neuro-Semantics (just one of the systems I use through Mindworks Coaching).
Hall picked up where Maslowe left off and has created a system of practical tools and patterns that can be used to self-actualize. His work leaves theory in the past and reveals the “how” of self-actualization. And indeed, it was quite the weekend.
Hall sent us into a personal crucible of transformation; our own inner space where we took old “meanings” and transformed them. One of the themes of Halls works is that the meanings we give things determine our experience. Meaning does not exist out there in the world; things have no inherent meaning. Everything we experience is processed through our mental filters and we give it an interpretation based on our experiences, our values, and the perceptual lenses we wear. When we access higher parts of ourselves, we can give things new and empowering meanings. Hall revealed this to us by asking the question, “What does that mean to you?” The quality of our life is the quality of your meanings. And what is an emotion? An emotion is the feeling of a meaning; any emotion can be backtracked to an interpretation. When we take ownership of our interpretations, things take on a new sense and life changes.
I could see the changes in others as the weekend went on. By Sunday night, people seemed more at peace with themselves, more accepting, more appreciative of themselves and more empowered.
Hall will be back in Montreal in May of 2009 giving two workshops: one on accessing personal genius and the other on reprogramming the mind and body for optimal health.
