NLP Performance Coach on Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs in Dyslexia

I recently had an open-hearted conversation on my podcast with Bevis Moynan, a performance coach who has experience with dyslexia both personally and professionally. Although not dyslexic himself, Bevis’ 9-year-old daughter Ellie was recently diagnosed, sparking much reflection on the unique strengths and challenges those with dyslexia face in society.  

We explored eye-opening concepts like complementary cognition, dyslexic thinking patterns in sports, and most impactfully for me - finding joy through unstructured creative expression, as exemplified beautifully by his daughter’s profound love of dance.

The Freedom of True Self-Expression

Bevis animation grew as he shared how his spirited daughter Ellie fully comes alive and shines brightest when freely dancing, embodying the music in the moment without set routines or rules. Yet in more formal dance classes requiring memorization, you may catch her occasionally double-checking steps, slightly less organically immersed in joyful flow. 

This seeming dichotomy epitomizes a classic dyslexic advantage: removing expected constraints and narrow norms frees dyslexic minds to improvise, think laterally, and dynamically problem-solve based on the situation at hand. Rules may support structure, yet also limit this flexibility.  

He fondly recalled an early personal victory for determined Ellie. At a local competition, a caring friend unexpectedly pushed the initially hesitant girl on stage to dance alongside mostly older girls from her school. Yet instead of freezing, she trusted her instincts and fully expressed her unique artistry, courageously being “the music” in the euphoric minutes she had. And beautifully, little Ellie won the entire event that day by deeply connecting with her authentic self! A triumph of freedom over fear. 

Nurturing Natural Diversity: Unique Minds, Unique Genius  

In our discussion, Bevis insightfully shared how daughter Ellie processes life differently than most, needing more patient space and gentle guidance built on mutual cooperation rather than control. Yet despite kind intentions, pressuring one-size-fits all rigid ways of “doing education” often creates resistance and anxiety in those like Ellie, closing their openness to learning as a creative adventure fueled by passion.  

Conversely, when organically given secure opportunities for dynamic hands-on self-directed exploration intrinsically aligned with her interests, young Ellie dives into activities with an almost spiritual zeal, discovering inner vitality and purpose. As Bevis wisely put it from the heart, “she’s got her own genius.” The responsibility of nurturing and cultivating that innate genius with wisdom, empathy and faith rests on the shoulders of we who care for all children, dyslexic or not. 

By sincerely providing enriched environments and experiences primarily driven by dyslexic children’s innate strengths and creativity instead of reflexively trying to “fix their flaws”, we allow their inner light, wonder and untapped talents to fully shine through at their own pace and in their own unique way. What a gift!

The Transformative Power of NLP

When asked about his NLP experience, Bevis lit up sharing how deeply it impacted his life. After childhood setbacks, old stories left him feeling frequently inadequate despite outward wins. Through NLP, Bevis learned to create empowering interpretations. He highlighted techniques like Timeline Therapy for processing stuck negative emotions and parts integration for unblocking past wounds.

I resonated where Bevis explored NLP improving dyslexics' wellbeing. Releasing emotional baggage and limiting self-beliefs brought on by misunderstanding at school can open fresh possibilities. As for that inner critic, Bevis uses NLP to embrace "not knowing stuff perfectly yet" - relieving pressure to freer creation.

While aspects like excessive jargon rightfully draw skepticism, the heart of NLP seems to be expanding self-awareness to author richer life narratives. With insight and courage, we needn't be prisoners of history's shadows. Each breakthrough begins a new journey.

The Broader Takeaway

On reflecting back, I realized my biggest personal takeaway was simply remembering how for those whose minds are wired to nimbly  make unexpected connections and grasp the whole before the parts, creating regular chances to “dance to their own inner music” without judgment, analysis or reward is absolutely vital for nurturing self-awareness, resilience, dignity and realizing highest potentials. For only in such freedom do their true colors vibrantly shine.

Therein lies a more enlightened society where all creatures feel safe to playfully honor their diverse array of talents in community with others. May we all listen carefully and champion the necessary societal changes still required to allow the dyslexic minds of tomorrow to create, explore and unlock their greatness without fear. If Ellie can bravely learn to honor her rhythm, so too perhaps can we all. I’m thankful to Bevis for this vital reminder from the heart.

This podcast is sponsored by: http://dyslexiaproductivitycoaching.com/ 

If you're inspired by Bevis' story and want to explore more about embracing different ways of thinking, join us for the full Dyslexia Explored podcast. It's time to celebrate the incredible potential within each of us and empower those who think differently to shine.

[Listen to the Full Dyslexia Explored Podcast Here] 

Bevis Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevis-moynan-b468681b/?originalSubdomain=uk 

Magenta Coaching Solution: https://www.magentacs.co.uk/2011/05/learn-how-to-master-your-emotions/ 

ANLP - Bevis: https://anlp.org/members/bevis-moynan-12396 

Dyslexia Matters: https://www.dyslexiamatters.co.uk/team/ 

Elephant in the Classroom - Olive Chipmunk: https://a.co/d/fk0Ghtf 

Mental Ketchup - Jamie Edwards: https://www.trainedbrain.academy/store/3thPwMXY 

Dyslexia Quiz: https://bulletmapacademy.com/dyslexia-quiz/

Dyslexia at Work: www.ivvi.app

Bulletmap Academy Page: https://bulletmapacademy.com

Show notes: https://bulletmapacademy.com/blog/142/

Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]