Why Mindful Coaching and Consulting?
Naming my business was a challenge. How can the name represent me, my work ethic, and my values? I was clear about who I am and what I can offer clients, but how could I label this with a representative and authentic name? I first started looking outside of myself. Who can I ask? Who can give me advice? What do I need to research to make the “right” decision?
Well, I did all that and still didn’t have a name. So I set time aside just for me, sat down, picked up a pen and my favorite notebook, took some deep breaths and turned within myself. As soon as I let go of the noise, the fear, and the self-imposed pressure of perfection - it was clear. I was doing coaching and consulting (like so many others do) but I was coming at it with a perspective of mindfulness. A commitment to being fully engaged, a contract free of fear, and a charge to thoughtful and deliberate action.
Practicing “mindfulness” has the power to transform how you think and operate. Is your mind consistently jam packed full of to-dos , worries, things you don’t want to forget, and judgement of yourself and others? How does operating in this type of “mind full” mode make you feel? Is your decision making clear-headed and focused? How confident do you feel about your actions? How does jam packed thinking impact the way you interact with others? Are you satisfied with your tone, your patience, and your connection with others? A commitment to mindfulness supports a commitment to yourself, focusing on the present, and empowering you to create a future that you intentionally design.
Below are some strategies that encourage my mindful living vs. mind full existing.
Breathe. Take just one minute. Close your eyes. Listen to your breath. Let the oxygen move through your body. Return to the task at hand with renewed focus.
Treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend. As my best friend says when she catches me going down the negative self talk road, “don’t talk about my friend that way!”
Notice when your brain is obsessing, ruminating over the same topic over and over, and engaging in endless worry. Notice what you are doing and notice how this makes you feel.
Each day write down something for which you are thankful or proud, or cheer for someone else. Focusing on gratitude and extending this to others supports our state of mind and our connection to community.