The Forecast – IAC Master #4 Processing in the Present

by Martha Pasternack

The “forecast” was for a clear sunny day. Well, it thunder-snowed. In May.
The “forecast” was for home birth. Well, the baby was born in the hospital. By C-section.
The “forecast” was for a smooth ride. Well, the tire went flat. In the middle of nowhere.
The “forecast” was for a beautiful, light, fluffy soufflé. And you guessed it. The soufflé fell flat. Minutes before serving time.

You get my drift. Sometimes the forecast plays out. Sometimes it does not.
When we dare to forecast the future we are open to “life on life's terms” and disappointment. We may even believe something is wrong. Something is not necessarily wrong. In fact, something within our client may be guiding him or her to the next grandest version of what is possible for them.
In comes IAC Mastery # 4. Processing in the present.

When we forecast the results of our coaching and of our client’s manifestation of their goals, as smart as they may be, we are open to “life on life's terms.” If we focus on the result, to the expense of the process and what is happening in the present moment, we may very well miss precious coaching moments. We may miss the opportunity of coaching to reveal the higher potential for our client’s dream. We may overlook the opportunity to empower our clients and their inner resources to weather a storm.

Our vulnerability to get lost in the destination rather than the journey is what brings a tender humanity to our relationships with our clients. As agents of change we can get mesmerized by what that change should look like. A chorus of Angels, a KABOOM or even a BAM does not always herald shifts!

Sometimes the indication of a shift is a quietly exhaled breath that tells us something just happened within our client’s inner sanctum. Here is where deep listening in the present moment becomes one of our other valuable coaching skills.

If what just happened for our client is not on the radar, in the forecast or announced with gusto, and we are not listening, the soul’s song can go unheard. That is not the end of the world, as my mom would say when my childhood world seemed to shatter. Nevertheless it is a missed coaching opportunity that need not go by the wayside.

I am including part of IAC Mastery #4 here for your ease. Take a moment and read it mindfully. It will offer you so much that will support you to develop your masterful coaching.

Processing in the present

Definition

Focus full attention on the client, processing information at the level of the mind, body, heart and/or spirit, as appropriate. The coach expands the client’s awareness of how to experience thoughts and issues on these various levels, when and as appropriate. The coach utilizes what is happening in the session itself (client’s behavior, patterns, emotions, and the relationship between coach and client, etc.) to assist the client toward greater self-awareness and positive, appropriate action.

Effect

1. The client is free to express and engage with present reality.
2. The client is unencumbered by past or future preoccupations or concerns.
3. The client benefits from coaching insight and support on all levels.
4. The coach is highly attuned to subtle communications from the client.

Key Elements

1. The coach is aware of the dynamics occurring within the session, within the client, and between coach and client, and understands how the dynamics are affecting the client and the coaching.
2. The coach has a simultaneous and holistic awareness of the client’s communications at all levels.
3. The coach is able to discern whether the client is communicating from the past, present or future.
4. The coach allows the client the opportunity to process and clarify the coach’s questions and comments.
5. The coach allows the client the opportunity to process his or her own thoughts and responses.

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.