Summer, 2003
Coaching
Mastery News is a monthly newsletter for professionals committed
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Being Present
“Be present as the watcher of your mind -- of your thoughts and emotions as well as your reactions in various situations. Watch the thought, feel the emotion, observe the reaction. You will then feel something more powerful than any of those things that you observe: the still, observing presence itself behind the content of your mind, the silent watcher.” Eckhart Tolle
This summer I had the pleasure of participating in an advanced coach training program with Kathy Pike*. The focus of the training was Mind-Body coaching, and during the eight-week program, the coach-participants learned how to incorporate the wisdom of the body into their coaching relationships. The basic premise of Mind-Body coaching is that “the human body carries a wealth of information and knowledge that can direct us in a manner that our intellect cannot. By using the body and the intellect to access a person’s truth and knowing, decisions and action steps come forth that reflect one’s true nature or authentic self.” (Pike, 2003) The power of Mind-Body coaching is transformational. As one focuses one's attention to body sensations and feelings in response to a situation, energy is released and a shift occurs. As a result of the shift, the individual gains greater awareness and is better able to make conscious life choices.
For many coaches and clients, bringing the awareness of the body into a coaching conversation feels foreign. Many of us are accustomed to ‘being in our heads’ rather than being attuned to our bodies as we move through our day. Coaches who use this model with their clients must first learn to apply it in their own lives. A key ingredient to using this model is being present.
What does it mean to ‘be present’? According to Kathy Pike, being present means “we are in full awareness and have the ability to focus our attention where and how we desire”. When we are fully present with our client during a coaching conversation, we create a safe space that allows the client to reveal himself without fear of judgment or criticism. As a result the client feels seen, heard and understood. The challenge for the coach is to develop the skill of being present, not only when she is coaching but in all areas of her life. As part of Mind-Body coaching, Kathy Pike provides us with a valuable four step process to being present in any situation.
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Focus on the breath*: As you breathe, pay attention to the quality of the breath. Perhaps it is expansive and full or shallow and thin. Tracking your breath for several moments allows you to be present. |
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Focus your attention on your body: Notice where your attention goes in your body. Does it go to your head, your abdomen, your chest, or more than one area? By moving from the breath to the body, you become more present with yourself. |
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Observe the feelings and sensations in your body: If your attention goes to your abdomen, what sensations are you experiencing? Perhaps you feel warmth, churning, or tightness. Or you may experience a dull ache on the top of your head or a throbbing vibration in your temples. Simply observe the sensations and the quality of the energy of the sensations. |
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Bring your awareness to your mind: Now that you are aware of the sensations in your body, ask yourself the question –what am I thinking? By connecting your thoughts to the feelings and sensations in your body, you train your mind to be present to what you are experiencing in the moment. |
Here’s an example of how a coach used this process during a coaching conversation:
During the past year, Coach Jane and her life partner, Joe, have been experiencing considerable stress and tension in their relationship as a result of Joe’s job loss and inability to find work. They are worried about finances, especially since Jane resigned from her full-time position only six months prior to Joe’s lay-off to launch her coaching business. Jane recently began coaching Diane, a self-employed massage therapist who hired Jane to assist her in building her business. Today, Diane comes to the coaching call in tears and announces to Jane that her husband has just been laid off from a company where he worked for over ten years. As Jane listens to Diane’s devastating news, she becomes aware of tightness in her chest and churning in her belly. She realizes that Diane’s news has struck a chord in her, and she wants to separate her own situation from Diane’s. She takes a deep breath into her chest and belly and consciously shifts her focus back to Diane.
*Suggested reading: Breath by Breath by Larry Rosenberg, 1999.
*For more information about Kathy Pike and Mind-Body coaching, visit www.pathwaystoradiance.com Kathy’s next Mind-Body Coaching program begins in October. Questions? Contact Kathy at Kathy@coachpike.com.
COACHING MASTERY UPDATE
Coaching Mastery, facilitated by Lisa Kramer, an experienced coach and veteran coach training leader, provides coaches with a safe learning environment to further develop their coaching excellence. Coaches can choose between individual, duo or group Coaching Mastery, depending upon your learning preference. The next Coaching Mastery telegroup series will begin in September, 2003. For more information and to schedule a complimentary Coaching Mastery session, contact Lisa at lisa@livingwithintention.com or (610) 527-4511.
"The
Coaching Mastery Group was fabulous! It was a great opportunity
to hang out and share with masterful coaches. I appreciated the
unique perspectives that each coach brought to a situation and how
we were able to build on each others strengths. Lisa's skillful
facilitation and leadership skills gently invited everyone to participate
while challenging all of us to step into the mastery of coaching."
Pat Kilgannon, PCC www.coaching4success.com
Offerings for Fall, 2003
Two Part Series: The Complimentary Session and the Intake Session
Part I - Enroll Clients with Complimentary Coaching Sessions: Master the complimentary session and fill your coaching practice. This fun group will provide participants with information, handouts and a chance to practice their coaching skills. Monday, September 15 at 12 noon EST.
Part II - The Intake Session: Design the Coaching Alliance using the Wheel of Life, Values Clarification Exercises and more! Monday, September 22 at 12 noon EST.
Total Investment: $79 (includes handouts)
Coaching Mastery Level I and Level II Telegroups for Fall, 2003:
Level I: This group is best suited for professionals who have been coaching for a year or less. The group provides structure and support to assist you in gaining confidence and clarity in your coaching relationships.
Four Mondays: September 15, September 22, October 6, and October 13
Time : 1pm EST Investment: $159Level II: This group is best suited for more experienced coaches who are looking to raise the bar and take their coaching to the next level. Four Mondays: September 15, September 22, October 6 and October 13
Time: 2pm EST Investment: $159Combine the Two Part Series and Level I OR Level II Coaching Mastery Group for only $199 (save $40)
To register for the Fall offerings and for more information about Coaching Mastery, contact Lisa Kramer at lisa@livingwithintention.com or (610) 527-4511
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