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Mindfulness, Balance and Confessions of a Life/Work Coach

Mindfulness, Balance, and Confessions of a Life/Work Coach

I readily confess that on some days I wake up feeling less focused than I would like to. Yet each morning, I pull myself out of bed, put one foot in front of the other, and get moving. Some days this is easier than others.

What typically helps me get going? Practices for balance and well-being. Exercises that engage mind, body, spirit. For me, these practices include mindfulness, gratitude, spirituality, yoga, and physical exercise. These habits provide a basis for life balance that I can fall into, especially when I feel less than ready to sprint into the day.

Lately, mindfulness has been a popular topic in life and work. Mindfulness involves purposefully paying attention in the present moment without judgment. There is mounting evidence indicating the benefits of mindfulness practices for improving well-being.

Mindfulness is simple: “Think of mindfulness as the habit of seeing things in an uncomplicated way,” ( Boorstein, 2015).

Mindfulness is as basic as pausing, noticing the breath,
and paying attention to what we are experiencing.

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“You come to realize that thoughts come and go of their own accord; that you are not your thoughts. Mindfulness is about observation without criticism; being compassionate with yourself” (Williams & Penman, 2011).

Mindfulness can happen in an instant and can be practiced for a moment, a few moments, or longer. We can intentionally decide where we want to focus attention. When the mind wanders (which it always does), we can gently bring it back without judgment.

Did You Know: Mindfulness dates back to ancient practices that the Buddha taught over 2,500 hundred years ago!

I’d like to take a moment to connect mindfulness and balance to life/work coaching…

I have lived a lot of life. Thankfully, I have rich relationships with family, friends, and community. As a life-long learner and seeker, my work in coaching culminates rewarding vocations including as an educator, trainer, and leader. I have invested and continue to engage significant time and energy in gaining specialized training as a coach.

I don’t have all of the answers in my own life, let alone anyone else’s. This is frankly one of the reasons I am so passionate about the energy and value of life coaching.

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Coaching is based on the premise that you are the expert and leader in your life and work. Nobody can answer the questions about what’s right for you except you!  

As a coach, I strive to ask questions to help you to mobilize your internal strengths and external resources. Coaching offers you a space to explore and create a vision and goals for what you want to achieve, and how you want to get there. Working with a coach helps you hold yourself accountable for what you say you will do. When obstacles get in the way, you and your coach look at them to figure out how you can move them aside or get around them.

The true leader in your life is you.

For those who want to learn more about mindfulness, here are a few resources:

  • Boorstein, S (2016). Sylvia Boostein’s Dharma Talks (Recorded) http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/174/
  • Kabat-Zinn ( 2012). Mindfulness for beginners: reclaiming the present moment – and your life. Sounds True. CO.
  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (2002). Guided mindfulness meditation (4 Practice CD’s). Sounds True, CO.
  • Salzberg, S. (2009). Guided meditations for love & wisdom (2 CD’s). Sounds True, CO.
  • Williams, M. & Penman D. (2011). Mindfulness: an eight week plan for finding peace in a frantic world. Rodale Books.
And here’s a resource that can help with moving toward goal achievement:  
  • Klauser, H.A. (2000). Write it down, make it happen: knowing what you want and getting it. Simon & Schuster, NY.

Discovery Coaching Consultation

During this FREE telephone consultation, we become acquainted, explain what coaching is, and mutually establish if we would be a good fit as a coaching team. We discuss your objectives, your current life circumstances, and obstacles you’ve been facing as you strive to reach your most important life goals. Click here to contact Ilene.

In light and empowerment,
Ilene

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