Sub-Modality Calibration

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Sub-modalities:
Experience Intensity
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The Neutralizer

Elsewhere in the Library:
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Introduction
First Aid: Individuals
BluesBusters
Anxiety Relief
First Aid:Relationships
The right stuff
Tool Room I
Parting Thoughts

Calibration

Even in the visual modality, alone, there are a great many sub-modality distinctions. I invite you to take a few moments to explore, for yourself, the effects of just a few of these. Sub-modality distinctions can be either digital, taking on discrete values (such as color vs. black/white or associated vs. dissociated), or analog, taking on any of an infinite (continuous) number of values (such as position in the visual field or distance from the viewer). Try the following exercise: recall a pleasant memory until you get a fairly clear picture of the event. Vary each of the following sub-modality distinctions, one at a time, and determine what impact, if any, changing the sub-modality has on the feeling, or emotional meaning, that accompanies the picture. Be sure to change each sub-modality back to its starting value before proceeding to the next sub-modality.

	Color vs. Black/white	If your picture is in color to begin with, change it to black & white and notice if that changes your feelings (if black/white, change to color). Return picture to starting values.
	Location	Change the location of your picture. If it is straight ahead at first, move it far to the right, left, up or down and note how that affects the feeling or meaning of the picture. Return picture to its starting location.
	Distance	Change how far your picture is away from you. If it is close, move it far away... or vice versa. Note any change in feeling/meaning and return picture to its starting distance.
	Size	Change the size of your picture and note any changes in feeling/meaning. Return to starting size.
	Brightness	Turn the brightness in your picture up and down, noticing any changes in its feeling/meaning. Return picture to starting brightness.
	Movement	Is your picture actually a movie? Experiment with changing the rate of movement in your movie. Try running your movie backwards. Does that make a difference in your feelings? If your picture is a still picture, turn it into a movie. Does motion affect the feeling/meaning in your picture?

Some sub-modalities seem to be more important than others. If we change these critical sub-modalities, they seem to drag other sub-modalities along with them. For example, it might be the case that changing a picture from color to black and white automatically changes other sub-modalities such as distance, brightness and contrast. Critical sub-modalities will differ from one person to the next, so the only way to know yours is through an exercise like the one above.
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