| Reviewed
by WJC
Michael Colgrass, a Toronto composer well known internationally
for his work on neuro-linguistic programming, has created
a book on the subject that is both informative and charming.
Written in novelistic form, it features a despairing mid-life
New Yorker called Nick who has been through a painful divorce,
has a difficult relationship with his adult son and has just
been fired unexpectedly from his job with a computer video
firm. On a friend's suggestion he, somewhat skeptically,
embarks on a trip to a remote cabin in Montana to consult
with a man called Kumi.
Identifying his major difficulty as stage fright, especially
when giving presentations, as well as general problems with
communication, Nick reluctantly begins to engage in Kumi's
somewhat unorthodox journey into self-understanding. Part
shaman, part cognitive behaviouralist, Kumi proves to be
a wise and compelling teacher, and Colgrass uses their relationship
and the ground they cover in the lessons to teach the fundamentals
of neuro-linguistic programming. The context is Nick's struggle
and resistance in the mountains as well as the dynamics with
the significant people in his life when he brings Kumi to
New York for sessions with them as a group.
It's a fascinating and effective way to absorb material,
and the theories come alive as they emerge in the words of
Kumi, Nick and his family and friends. There's a depth of
comprehension emerges as each character is presented from
a different background of age, culture, gender, and personality.
At the end of the novel, each concept is covered
comprehensively in notes and exercises matching the chapter
topics. Many of the notions presented are familiar: sequencing
and rehearsing are similar to cognitive techniques; the tuning
dance and the cat have elements found in yoga; and “in
the moment” reflects mindfulness. Eye positioning,
spatial learning and a variety of other techniques combine
in a package of unique ways to free the spirit, enhance confidence
and spontaneity and increase awareness of oneself, other
people and the environment surrounding us.
This book is clear and simple enough to serve as an introduction
to the complexities of neuro-linguistic programming, but
offers perspectives and richness that will satisfy a more
experienced person also.
|
