IAC Mastery #2 Perceiving, Affirming and Expanding the Client’s Potential

by
Martha Pasternack

It is unmistakably late summer here in the high country. It actually snowed
on the pass last night. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, this is my favorite season
of the year. Change is sneaking up on me, as usual, and I like it. For example:

The goslings born in the early summer have molted and re-grown their flight
feathers. These geese are now big enough to fly south, but it is not time yet.
So they are having what I call “flight lessons” and practicing the
“V” drill.

Being the birdwatcher that I am, I pay attention to this sort of thing. When
I see a gaggle of geese take flight and hear the flock honking above me, I naturally
look up. What I see these days is anything but a “V” formation.
I see a tangle of geese flying every-which-way honking at each other. Silly
goose/geese.

All this makes me smile and feel so happy to be witness to the mystery of migration.
They are “harbingers of winter” and “They get the urge for
going. They've got the wings to go,” as Tom Rush sings so beautifully.

They have many tools to eventually master the skill of the “V”
formation other than their wings. They have size, entrainment to follow their
parents and the instinct to fly south when the light changes. It is their second
nature, yet by the looks of the “V” so far, they still need to practice.

As life coaches, we introduce and re-introduce our clients to the tools they
need to go forward into life as well. Some are personal growth and development
tools like journals, clear communication, decision-making, meditation, time
management, curiosity, insight and intuition. Focus is a particularly powerful
tool.

We have focused conversations with our clients about fear, limiting beliefs,
forgiveness, self-love, gratitude, appreciation and self-acknowledgement. This
list can go on for miles.

Yet our clients need our support to develop the skills to use these tools.
For example, a journal doesn’t help awaken insight very much unless our
clients understand how to utilize journal writing skillfully. As they practice
the skill of journaling they get better and better. As confidence builds by
actively practicing journaling effectively, it will become integrated into each
unique life experience. This facilitates the intention of IAC Mastery #2.

An array of different tools enables these skills to soon become second nature,
not dissimilar to a flock of geese learning how to form the “V.”
It is a skill the geese develop by using their tools and practicing.

So how can we support our clients to learn how to use personal growth tools
to develop skills mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually for their
unique unfolding?

Homework, spirit work, fieldwork or whatever else you prefer to call it. When
we send our clients off into what I call the laboratory of their life, each
person learns firsthand what they need to experience.

Homework like:

Going to the old fashioned bookstore to see where they naturally end up
discovering their passion.
Taking 3 entire minutes (aka eternity) to massage the hand lotion they put
on everyday to practice patience in the present moment.
Beginning a new exercise routine slowly and incrementally, to practice listening
to their body.
Meditating on specific questions to practice focus.
Starting a compliment journal to practice deep listening.
Taking a purposeful adventure into the grocery store to practice discernment.
Un-cluttering a space in their office (I call this making space) to practice
business organization.
Choosing a simple art or craft project to practice creativity.

This list can go on forever, especially if you are willing to share your favorite
“homework” ideas with us.

IAC Mastery #2 invites us to perceive, affirm and expand our client’s
potential. We can offer the tools needed, yet we cannot do it for them. With
our support and their willingness to venture out and practice, like the young
geese ready to migrate, our clients will develop the skills they find useful
at the perfect time and in the perfect way.

Martha Pasternack, MMC www.CircleofLifeCoach.com

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.