Nature teaches us about awareness every day. For example, when we first become conscious that the sun has shifted its position on the horizon at sunset or sunrise we realize a new season is underway.
Likewise, when we notice new blossoms in the spring, or ripened fruit in the garden for the first time in the autumn, or that a holiday or birthday is fast approaching calling for us to celebrate, or when we hear a new birdsong for the first time in months, we become aware change is at hand.
In my part of the world I become aware of the passage of time from winter into spring when the frozen river thaws, freeing the water that has been trapped in ice. The ice suddenly breaks up starting its eager flow toward the Rio Grande.
Often people seek coaching because they feel stuck on an issue, subject, or in a situation and seek support to moved beyond. The first step for them to take is developing awareness.
In the coaching relationship awareness can also be thought of as consciousness and understanding of an issue, subject, desired change or situation. Awareness does not require change. It does require acceptance.
Before our clients can get clear so that they can forward, they must first become aware, or in some cases explore their awareness further. With masterful coaching they open to their conscious connection with, and deepen their understanding of an issue, subject, change or situation. They become aware of the pros and cons, costs and benefits, and desired results of taking a specific action, which may include doing nothing.
Until our surrender to awareness in the present moment, they are mired in uncertainty. They don’t surrender in terms of defeat, rather in terms of acceptance.
A downside of awareness is that once aware, always aware. The good part of awareness is that options emerge. The better part of awareness is that our clients are now empowered to get unstuck with the support of the coach and all the IAC Coaching Masteries.
Awareness is implicit in all of the IAC Coaching Masteries.
In my understanding of the IAC Coaching Masteries; Mastery #3, engaged listening, belongs in the center of all of them.
Not only do we listen deeply to our client’s words, tone of voice and overall energy, we support them to listen deeply to themselves. We ask questions that will open our clients to how they feel, think or act in the situation being explored. Awareness is deepened by the clients’ sensitivity to the value inherent in awareness.
This clarity clues them into their desire for a particular outcome, which, in my experience, begins with self-acceptance in the present moment. When they become aware they have all their faculties at hand; body; mind; spirit; emotions and possibility and can go deeper into where they want to focus their energy, their desired outcome. This makes Mastery #4, processing the present, equally as helpful.
Once they are aware of the desired outcome our client is now free and empowered to choose change… or not, as the case may be. This is a choice that opens the doorway to possibility. This is how awareness supports our clients.
Martha Pasternack, MMC; My passion for witnessing the beauty and mystery of life, healthy healing and the promotion of Peace on Earth are integral to my daily life. I have been life coaching since 2004 as a Fearless Living Coach after working 30 years as a health care professional.
www.CircleofLifeCoach.com
