The last article in this series discussed that perfect storm at the outset of coaching, where you have your goals and what you hope to achieve, and those “other” challenges. You could guess these other challenges will arise, but at first they may be in the shadows or sidelines. Holistically handling the shadows alongside your coaching goals, is an approach that’s less than common. Understandable, it’s a jungle in there!
Yes it’s mindset work, but the way it’s all connected to your history, and how the shadows can sabotage things – it’s part of that wonderful complexity of transformation. These might be seen as the positive side effects to the big picture shift, when you are achieving your most important steps toward increasing meaning and purpose in life. But it isn’t easy to work with these complex shadow themes, or finally erase them from being able to stuck you up, at the worst times.
The thing that amazes me in report after report from coachees is how fast shifts can happen once there is honesty and accountability. When procrastination has dominated, small steps change the landscape dramatically. When the way forward gets a wee bit more clarified, and they have that green light from being aligned and more confident, SHWOOM! Actions slay the deadwood. The path is clear, and in weeks, it can feel like years of progress have been made.
THE “REPORT FROM THE FIELD”
One of the main ways movement and momentum are maintained in coaching programs is via email, and what was called a session prep form, or as I call it now, Report from the Field. There are actions to take between sessions, or exploration/awareness practices. Here are some words from a 2nd session after the clarifying start up work in session one. Listen to this transformation already taking hold by session two:
How are you doing? “…doing great. Lots of movement. Lots of discoveries. I feel ready to roll up my sleeves… I think I did a lot!” What you’re appreciative of/grateful for: “That if I do the work I get the rewards. Even small actions pay off big. The clarity I have received.”
Another unique thing in Soul Savvy programs are the ways that old fears get faced. Valuable insights take place in these shifts. Often, what seems like generations of healing can take place. Take the female client who realized there were no positive role models of powerful, wealthy women in her lineage. The men always held the power. This knowledge helped her realize she was a pioneer – a way shower. No wonder it felt hard at times to blaze her trail with soulful financial strength, and a non traditional focus.
CLARITY HAPPENS FAST
Some clients come in not being completely sure what they hope to achieve. As one client said, “I knew I was going to need something…be part of something bigger…I wanted someone to coach me – removed enough from me, to not be shy about saying, “Hey, this is what I’m hearing”…A different kind of relationship.
She adds: “I appreciated that you had a spiritual component that felt kind of essential to where I was coming from, because it’s not separate – work and personal, my view of the world, and spiritual concepts – so it’s the holistic approach that I was drawn to, and to your openness. At the time, I just wanted help, I didn’t even know what I wanted – but needed to get started, just get on the horse.”
In the end, this client summarized: “The thing that I loved was you felt so open and approachable and that you really knew what you were doing. It wasn’t like you said, I’m a life coach; you know your stuff. One word to describe the experience of the work: heart centered and soul centered. One word about results: Phenomenal. It’s compelling really to think about – makes me believe in the process. I feel incredibly happy. After our time, I felt really, what’s the word – I felt “at peace”. The core values piece – when you’re trying to manifest core values in life – it takes time, it’s not a quick fix.”
FINALLY, REGAINING MOMENTUM
Yes, deep change takes time. Holistically handling the shadows alongside coaching goals is complex. And yet, small steps “pay off big”. It can sometimes seem like a tangled web here, yet there is an intelligence that is unleashed when invited in. Even with brief programs, the clearing of that current dross and turning toward the true deal gets that momentum back. That momentum dispels your confusion and lack of confidence in a jiffy.
The result? Clarity, more peace (less anxiety); and eventually, the joy of being on the right path for your true self – shall we say, your soul, your deeper self. And take heart, another client noted: “It was a lot more playful and engaging than I expected”.
To your awesome next steps!
Denise Barnes, Soul Savvy Colorado