Recently I got hold of a pile of Learning Strategies’ Paraliminal recordings for next to nought. I’ve been using a couple in particular, and found them to be very impressive products, so I thought i’d mention them here.
“Para” is the Latin prefix meaning “beyond”. “Liminal” refers to the “limen” or “threshold” of conscious awareness. The term literally means, “beyond the threshold of conscious awareness”. The Paraliminal technology can be most readily identified as an application of Accelerative Learning and Teaching methodologies. The essence of this set of instructional methods uses an unusual combination of physical relaxation exercises, mental concentration and suggestive principles. These are intended to expand a person’s mental capabilities while material to be learned is presented dynamically with relaxing music.
The CDs also apply NLP techniques in several ways. First, in the development of language patterns designed to ensure ideal suggestions are presented. Second, in the creation of specific therapeutic patterns to enhance the process of learning and change. Third, in the actual delivery of messages on the CDs. This includes the choice of voice qualities, music phrasing and tonal marking, as well as the selection of sensory specific language.
Over the 15-20 minutes, the recordings guide you in to a relaxed state of alertness and then communicate their message in 2 forms; positive reinforcement that is likely acted upon by your conscious mind, and a message in metaphor for your unconscious mind. These messages are communicated simultaneously, one in to each ear. The idea of the dual voices is to create confusion in the conscious mind, and as we all know, confusion is a “back door” to the unconscious mind. Whilst initially somewhat distracting, I found that after a few listens I stopped trying to listen to them, and now I just let the words wash over me.
The CDs also include Holosync technology. Audible as a quiet hum, it is designed to bring your mind to the most productive state for learning. This works on the natural phenomenon of entrainment, where naturally ocurring frequencies in close proximity synchronise over time. With the brain, if you play differing frequencies in to each ear, the brain harmonises on a frequency of the difference between the two ears. This means that the brain can be synchronised with very low frequencies (lower than the human ear can detect), bringing the mind in to a relaxed state of accelerated learning (alpha and theta waves). Holosync is a technology from Centerpointe, who do some very popular, if expensive, meditation programmes.
The end result is both some very relaxing 15 minutes, but also some positive reactions from the programmes. I’ve been using the memory supercharger paraliminal and I am definitely seeing improvements in my memory. The 10 minute supercharger is also very good for giving yourself a caffeine free caffeine injection before a big meeting.
You can buy them from www.learningstrategies.com or, more locally, from www.ebay.co.uk. In fact I’m flogging off some of the ones I don’t need there myself, so take a look.
The full list is below, annotated with a “*” if I’ve listened to it. Drop me a line if you would like to know more.
Anxiety-Free, Automatic Pilot, Belief, Dream Play, Deep Relaxation*,Get Around To It, Holiday Cheer, Ideal Weight, Instantaneous Personal Magnetism, Memory Supercharger*, New Behavior Generator, New History Generator, New Option Generator, Personal Genius*, Perfect Health, Positive Relationships, Prosperity, Sales Leap, Self-Esteem Supercharger, Smoke-Free, 10-Minute Supercharger*,Youthful Vitality
