IAC Mastery #2 Perceiving, Affirming and Expanding the Client’s Potential
September 2, 2013
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.
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.
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