We’ve been talking about healing as an important part of my coaching practice and how each client’s symptoms lead me to discover the underlying issues that need to be addressed. But you’re probably still wondering how I go about the process of healing. That’s a good question! One healing tool that’s friendly for beginners and holds even more potential when practiced with an experienced coach is meditation.
In Western culture, the most common reason we meditate is to relax. Yet there are a variety of meditational practices, some calming and others invigorating. Let’s take a closer look at meditation, one of the most flexible tools and richest resources I use in the coaching process.
Focus to Clear Your Mind
The basic concept is to focus on something specific. For example, stare at a candle, but not the whole flame: just the very tip of the flame. Whenever your mind wanders—and it will, hundreds of times!—acknowledge it without judgment and bring your attention back. It’s important to recognize that the wandering mind is completely expected and normal, and if this happens, it doesn’t mean you are doing anything wrong. You’ll get better and better at meditation as you practice. Start out small, maybe 20 minutes, and increase your time as you become more comfortable. You may find that you want to meditate for an hour or more as this tool becomes part of your skill set.
Hear Your Inner Truth
Over time, the practice of meditation allows you to quiet the busy mind and hear the more subtle promptings of self-awareness. You learn to release judgments and prejudices. Meditation helps the mind to “get out of the weeds” and see things through a larger, more nuanced lens without the filters of beliefs and opinions. You learn to focus while ignoring distractions, which builds your ability to hold a train of thought, envision and explore it, and discern your inner voice at its deepest levels. Because you are learning to ignore the distractions of the busy mind, you are able to hear the promptings of your deeper Truth and discern it from other people’s “truths.” This brings confidence because you are sure that you know what you know.
Keep Exploring!
There are many variations of meditation, including Zen, Tibetan Buddhist, Taoist, and so many more. I encourage my clients to find the path that works for them. Some people prefer an active or movement-based form of meditation such as Tai Chi or Yoga. Some find it easier to meditate with sound. I’ve been meditating all of my adult life, and I have lots of ideas to help you find the practices that are the best fit for you.
You may be wondering how indigenous healing arts like meditation mesh with the cutting-edge scientific aspects of my coaching practice. My approach to healing is influenced by mainstream psychology and western science and enhanced by Solution-Focused Life Coaching, which gives me a skill set that is goal-oriented, forward-thinking, and scientifically based on what works for successful people. Like many things in life, it’s not black and white, one option or another. It’s a balance of both. I’ve blended all of these modalities to create my own style that is unique, dynamic, and responsive to the needs of each client.
As your coach, I’m able to meet you where you’re at, listen to what you want, and adapt to best serve you, rather than fitting you into a set program or process. Everyone is different, and I respect and trust you to know what is right for you and to make your own choices. The tools I bring to our work are time-tested, safe, and highly effective. Some will be more resonant with your individual process than others—which is why it’s great to have options.
Ultimately, the meditation practices I shared here are all about uplifting, calming, and awakening to the world around you and to your own inner truth and wisdom. If you’re ready to learn more about meditation and other tools we can use together to discover more who you are and how to live your best life, schedule a Discovery Session today!
Warmly,
