Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) Draws On A Whole Range of Concepts
If you’ve studied NLP with me or someone else, you’ll know that Neuro-linguistic Programming is a set of tools and techniques developed in the field of cognitive and behavioural psychology, rather than a philosophy. However, as with many psychological tools, there are a set of principles, or Presuppositions of NLP that we ask you to use as a foundation for your practice. In the same way Ancient Kahuna, somtimes called Huna is a philosophy thought to be based on ancient teachings from Polynesia and Hawaii.. Once again, it’s not a religion, and merely a collection of principles of life. Specifically, principles designed to help people experience life on a much deeper and more fulfilling level. I’m passionate about ancient cultures and philosophies and I am so interested in the 7 Ways Ancient Kahuna Aligns With NLP Mindset.
What Is Ancient Kahuna or Huna?
The Kahuna philosophy, steeped in a rich history spanning more than 3,000 years, carries with it a mystique that beckons us to explore its origins. While some attribute its roots to this ancient era, I hold a personal belief that it may trace its lineage even further back to the enigmatic Lemurian civilisation. Nevertheless, there is an undeniable allure to the Kahuna philosophy, firmly entwined with one of the world’s most ancient and profoundly spiritual cultures.
Within the heart of this philosophy lies the very essence of its name, “Kahuna,” a word veiled in secrecy. It stands as a testament to the profound concept that we are all co-creators with the universe, forging our own reality through the intricate tapestry of our beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and the unique lenses through which we perceive the world around us.
Advocates of Huna, the philosophy’s modern iteration, propose that mastering the skills inherent to Huna empowers us to consciously craft our own reality. Furthermore, it’s intriguing to note that many of its fundamental principles find resonance in the teachings of Thoth and Hermes as elucidated in ‘The Emerald Tablets,’ as well as within the Law of Attraction.
Originally named Ho’omana, Huna unravels its essence when dissected. “Ho’o” embodies the act of making, while “Mana” pulsates with the life force, akin to Qi, Ki, Chi, or Shakti in the Sanskrit tradition. When intertwined, “Ho’omana” forms a potent word that signifies empowerment in its purest form.
Have We Taken A Western Perspective and Created Something New?
Actually, the word Huna is a Hawaiian word adopted by Max Freedom Long in 1936 to describe his theory of metaphysics.
As is often the case with word of mouth teachings, passed down through generations, the work of Max Freedom Long and others has been labelled by some Hawaiians as a misrepresentation of the concepts of ‘Kahuna’ and ‘Huna’.
Dr. Serge Kahili King, an expert in the field of Huna, delivers a more in-depth explanation of the meaning of Kahuna in this article. He explains that “a basic translation of “kahuna” would be “a caretaker.”
The belief system really connects us to everything in creation. The close alignment with the natural world and the elements is unsurprising, considering the volcanic nature of both Polynesia and Hawaii.
However, it’s a powerful message that teaches us to respect everything and everyone equally in life, and through doing so you discover your real self and your ability to create from within.
I first encountered these teachings about 15 years ago when I read “The Sacred Power of Huna“, by RIMA A. Morrell, PH.D. If you’re interested in reading a book that will take you on a fascinating journey of discovery, I highly recommend it!
What Is Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)?
NLP is a collection of practical techniques, skills and strategies that are easily learned and can lead to a profound level of insight and understanding of self and others. Additionally, NLP identifies how we can modify our behaviour to create a life that’s enjoyable and aligned with our values.
Developed during the early seventies by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, NLP was conceived as a set of tools and techniques derived from the detailed study of the following therapists and psychological techniques:
- Fritz Perls – Gestalt therapy (See my article on Gestalt Therapy)
- Virginia Satir – Family therapy
- Milton Erickson – Hypnotherapy
In summary, NLP tools and techniques offer a path to self-awareness and ownership. It supports us in stepping out of the ‘blame-game’ and connecting with our personal power through authenticity. We begin to realise how we can create a life we want by learning to direct our thoughts and feelings in more empowering ways. You can read more about Neuro-Linguistic Programming in my article “What is NLP?”
What Are The 7 Ways Ancient Kahuna Aligns With NLP Mindset?
Dr. Serge Kahili King distilled the kahuna philosophy into easily explicable principles that you can use in everyday life.
Principle One: The World Is What You Think It Is
Effectively, our beliefs, values and perception defines the world we live in. That is to say, if we believe in the concepts of “good” and “bad”, that is what our world will contain. Essentially, what we think about we create.
This aligns with the idea in NLP that when we change our beliefs, emotions and thoughts, we change our behaviour. Moreover, this change in behaviour alters our reality, both in reaction and perception. The Eighth Presupposition of NLP states “You are in charge of your mind, and therefore your results.”
Principle Two: There Are No Limits
Even though we are trained from birth to think in terms of separation, categorisation and difference, there is more connection and sameness than we can perceive with our eyes. At an atomic or energetic level, there are no real boundaries anywhere. Thought is energy, our body is energy and no boundary exists between the two. In the same way, no boundaries exist between people or a person and mother nature or the universe.
When we learn to think of everything in our world as interconnected, a part of a larger flow, everything begins to make more sense.
This Kahuna Principle aligns with the ‘holographic universe’ principle adopted by NLP. As Matthew Headrick explains “the holographic principle is the idea that the universe around us, which we are used to thinking of as being three dimensional — we have three dimensions of space — is actually at a more fundamental level two dimensional and that everything we see that’s going on around us in three dimensions is actually happening in a two-dimensional space.”
Specifically, in laymen’s terms, this means that our perception of reality is an illusion and we can change it at will, when we know how. If you’re learning NLP, you’ll study this at the NLP Master Practitioner Level.
Principle Three: Energy Flows In The Direction Of Attention
When we become aware of our thought focus, by being in the present moment, we can direct it. In fact, we have incredible power to direct our thought energy where we choose. Moreover, when we focus on the positive and we see the world as we want it to be, we can create in the same energy. Conversely, when we see the world as negative, we create at a vibrational match to that energy.
In the world of Neuro-linguistic Programming we work to remove what we call ‘away-froms’ from the client’s mind. That is to say, rather than focusing on moving away from what they don’t want, we work with the client to focus on moving towards what they do want. We appreciate that whatever is IN YOUR FOCUS simply magnifies in your world.
Principle Four: Now Is The Moment Of Power
Now is the moment for everything. We create our future in the now. Moreover, by living in the present moment we can see our past as a story and our future as our creation. Essentially, there is only NOW.
Similarly, in NLP, we know that everything happens in the now. Firstly, to release emotions, we must bring them into the present. Secondly, change happens in the now, hence we cannot follow a process for coaching. We can work with what presents in the now, because that is what is real. Thirdly, the now is what creates the future. Specifically, what we can perceive of now IS our future.
Principle Five:To Love Is To Be Happy
In Huna philosophy, love is what creates happiness. Nurturing and paying attention to feelings of love will allow you to vibrate at a higher frequency. This frequency allows you to create in alignment with positivity and love.
In NLP we identify LOVE as the only REAL emotion in our experience. We consider FEAR to be the non-mirror image reverse of love and any other negative emotion as a lower representation of fear.
Principle Six: All Love Comes From Within
The universe is love. You are an active channel for the universe, and the sooner you truly realize this the sooner you can use that power to its full potential.
In Neuro-linguistic programming, love is in alignment with wholeness. As we integrate our parts (concepts of separation), we connect with who we truly are. Beings of love and wholeness. Moreover, we know that everything begins in the mind. What’s more, by directing our thoughts and acknowledging our emotions, we work towards the frequency of love, connecting us to the broadest and highest possible perspective. The tenth Presupposition of NLP states “All procedures should increase wholeness.” and the ninth states “People have all the resources they need to succeed and to achieve their desired outcomes.”
Principle Seven:Effectiveness Is The Guide To Truth
In Kahuna teachings or Huna there is no absolute, objective truth. Instead, the truth is subjective and relative. Truth must be effective or appropriate for you. In reality, this suggests that you can treat knowledge and, in fact, life as a buffet. Curate wisdom from anywhere you choose, based on what works for you. If it doesn’t work for you, discard it! There is no right way.
In NLP, the objective is ALWAYS effectiveness. In fact, there are 2 Presuppositions (numbers 13 and 14) that align with this idea. The first is “The Law of Requisite Variety: the system of person with the most flexible behaviour will control the system”. The second is “All procedures should be designed to increase choice.”
We Want To Consider A Broad Range of Concepts When We Study Consciousness
Nearly every psychological technique is designed to increase empowerment. What’s more, I believe that effectiveness in treatment comes from insights and knowledge from a wide range of sources. Everything is connected and enlightenment can come from anywhere. Explore everything and find a common theme. More often than not, you’ll discover everything encourages us towards wholeness, love and a higher level of thought frequency.
If you’re interested in how ancient wisdom and teachings connect with NLP, I train this in-depth on my Master Practitioner NLP Training.
Find Out More About Working With Me
To find out more about coaching with me, or if you’d like to arrange a call to see if we’re a good fit for one another, please send me an email to sarah@sarahmerron.com.
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