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February 05, 2010
Mindfulness in Coaching
This subject is becoming very topical in the field of coaching. And of course, people have been practising this for thousands of years.
However, with fellow facilitators from the AC Co-Coaching Forums in London, we jointly ran an open learning event last night. For me it was the first time that I actively and overtly shared my tai ji and meditation practice with colleagues as I facilitated a couple of short sessions doing walking meditations.
I have been working with my teacher, Ad Brugman, for 15 years now (see Touching Stillness calendar in the What's On Section of my web site). Through the practice, I have really appreciated how developing my mindfulness has informed how I work with my clients, particularly in terms of being present. And when my attention wanders, as it inevitably can, I have learnt how to 'bring myself back'!
I chose to share walking meditation last night because for me it is a very powerful informant of what's happening within me. I find that when my attention wanders during this practice, my steps wobble, my balance is unsteady. For me, I find there is a strong connection between this and what may be happening at a mental or emotional level too. So, by attending to my physical balance, I may bring 'the rest of me' into balance at a literal and metaphorical level.
I enjoyed the evening and especially how everyone responded with curiosity and appreciation of how powerful the work can be. Maybe I'll do it again as facilitator, and maybe too I'll just stay with the practice and appreciate how it supports me and subsequently those around me.
Posted by Alison at February 5, 2010 03:03 PM
