Definition: Reduce/eliminate confusion or uncertainty, increase understanding and confidence of the client by Martha Pasternack
I live in Indian Country. Our culture here is diverse and enriched with sacred history; a dynamic present and a promising future of possibility. The month of June is a time of many gatherings and ceremonies bringing families and distant communities together. June heralds a summer of joy and celebration among people.
As a non-Indian, being included in many Native American ceremonies over the years has honored me. I have learned a lot about respecting others and life on our Mother Earth.
One of the many lessons I have learned is how to pray. In our ceremonies, it is not about reciting a memorized prayer, which is what I learned as a child. In our ceremonies, prayer is about centering in our hearts, speaking from our hearts, and listening with our hearts.
Many times I’ve heard: "I will now pray in my own language." This language is not English, but the mother tongue of the person praying out loud.
I do not understand the depth of a prayer spoken in this way mentally; rather it is made available to me somatically when I listen with my heart rather than my mind. This enables me to join the sentiment and the power of the prayer. This is beautiful.
I use this wisdom of "praying in one's own language" with my coaching clients that speak English as a second language. When my clients become stuck in trying to "translate" their confusion, insight, wisdom, dreams, goals and desires into English, I ask them to pause and take a refreshing breath. I ask them to center themselves in their hearts. I ask them to speak to me in their own language. This may be Spanish, German, Mandarin, Russian, Finnish or Italian. I can't understand what they are saying, but I can feel what they are saying. Only when they are complete do I ask them to translate the parts that they most want me to hear into English.
A sense of calm envelops our session and deep person-to-person connection ensues. My client is centered with the power their native language, rather than being stuck in the mental exercise of translation. This helps them create the meaningful changes they yearn for. By encouraging them to "pray in their own language,” their:
Thought is brought to consciousness
Words are deeply expressed in their own language
Deeds emerge from deep peace and understanding of what they care about and what they desire
Next steps are embodied in deep knowing
And I have done my job.
IAC Mastery #6 guides us to remember that as we engage in life coaching relationships internationally it is important to support our clients in moving forward into purposeful action.
Inviting the client to “pray in their own language,” meaning speak in their own language, helps the coach avoid some of the ineffective behaviors associated with Mastery #6, such as:
Missing or ignoring what is most important
Making assumptions
Being distracted by the client’s chaos or confusion
The effect is then more likely to be that:
The client and the coach move forward in a direct way
Possibilities are increased
Uncertainty is decreased
The unknown can be discovered
As evidenced by:
Key values and needs are identified
The coach can support the client to align purpose, vision and mission
A potent block to progress is addressed
And you and your client are free to move forward together.
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 after working 30 years as a health care professional.
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