9 Guidelines For Spiritual Coaching
Spirituality coaching is more than creating goals and holding someone accountable. Spirituality coaching takes into account the whole person, that is, mind, body and spirit. Spirituality coaching focuses on one's essential well being that can only be accessed from one's Inner Core, one's essence. The aim of spirituality coaching is true and lasting transformation, and a true congruence between one's inter behavior and outer behavior, allowing one to show up in integrity and authentically. The following nine spiritual guidelines can serve as a foundation for spirituality coaching.
1. I AM A CELL IN THE BODY OF HUMANITY. Like the acres of sage in a desert that are connected by a single root, I know that I have a connection with, and an impact on, on every other cell in this body called Humanity. I know my thoughts, words and actions affect all the cells in this body. I am aware my thoughts, words, and actions are either "healing" or "killing" these other cells. I operate on the belief that all of life is relationship, and that how I treat one person is reflected out to every individual on the planet in some way, shape or form. I know the planetary impact of my thoughts as I know a butterfly flapping its wings in Japan can cause a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico.
"How are my thoughts healing or killing someone right here, right now?" guides and makes me consciously aware of my spiritual responsibility in every one of my day-to-day interactions.
2. I EXPERIENCE ALL OF LIFE AS DIVINE. I respect the humanity of each person I know and meet; I am aware that everyone possesses a spark of divinity. I make warm and embracing eye contact and refer to each individual by name when referring to him or her directly and indirectly. I first choose to relate to each person as divine, and only then do I relate to them in their "role" as a client, a neighbor, a direct report, a manager, a leader, a clerk, a wife, a child, an athlete, a coach, a clerk, a repair person, etc. I refrain from referring to individuals as "my client", "my 2:00, "the guy who", etc.
"Am I seeing this person with the eyes of Spirit; am I speaking with the voice of Spirit; am I listening with the ears or Spirit?" guides me to consciously connect with another's divine humanity.
3. I MANIFEST AUTHENTICITY THROUGH HONESTY, SINCERITY AND RESPONSIBILITY. I am first responsible for "walking the talk," and so I consciously monitor my own behaviors and performance and refrain from judging another's motives, intentions or behaviors.
"Am I 'being' and 'doing' honestly, sincerely and responsibly right here, right now in my relationship with myself and with others?" guides me to be consciously conscious of living from a place of integrity and authenticity.
4. THE PRACTICE OF PRESENCE ALLOWS THE SPACE FOR EVERYONE TO BE HIMSELF OR HERSELF. Presence allows me to be in my body, inside rather than in my mind, to be in the moment, in the Now. In presence, I am not in the past or future. I am not judging, evaluating or being "mental". I am still and focused. In every interaction, I set my intention to quiet my mind and open my heart through the action of presence. I serve as the space in which coaching happens. "Out beyond the ideas of rightdoing and wrongdoing, there is a field; I'll meet you there." (Rumi)
"Is it OK to allow whatever arises in this space, in this moment?" allows me to "go inside" to find inner wisdom, inner knowing and understanding, and insights into my BE-ings and DO-ings in every relationship and interaction.
5. EVERYONE IS EXACTLY WHERE THEY SHOULD BE AT THIS TIME, IN THIS PLACE, ON THE PLANET. It is not my job, role or responsibility to "fix", "change" or tell anyone "what's best for her or him." Each person is exactly where he or she needs to be in the evolution of his or her consciousness right now. Each person has all the answers inside himself or herself. Everyone comes to find right action, right knowing and right understanding from within. My choice is to serve and support others to look inside to discover what they need to know. Whenever a client is in an "I don't know" situation, rather than tell or suggest, I ask: (1) "Is it OK not to know?" (2) "How does it feel not to know?" or (3) "What if you did know?" I have no wanting or needing to fix, make the "right" suggestion, have an answer, and be the coach-turned-consultant. For me, this is acting with honesty, sincerity and responsibility to myself and another to just be the space and be present, in the Now, and allow whatever arises in the other to arise, knowing that their "answer" or "solution" or next step" will naturally emerge.
"Is it OK to be where I am right now?" helps me discover and explore if my need for "control" forces me to gravitate away from my true and real self.
6. EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE OF MY LIFE IS AN INTERACTION OF SPIRIT WITH MY SOUL. I know there is no such thing as luck, circumstance or coincidence. Every thing happens for a reason. I am consistently receiving lessons and teachings.
"I'm curious about this," encourages my continued practice of inquiry and reflection to delve more deeply into conscious awareness and understanding of my self as I continue on my journey as a coach and Earth Human.
7. CIRCUMSTANCES HAPPEN "FOR" US, NOT "TO" US. I remove my self from a "victim consciousness" and "martyrdom" perspective. Blame, jealousy, defensiveness, and resentment are not a part of the fabric of who I am. I am grateful and appreciative of every circumstance, event and person that I meet on my path.
"So, what's the learning here?" guides my responses to life and enhances my personal and professional growth and development.
8. GREET EVERYONE WITH A WARM SMILE. A smile of greeting is a gift of appreciation. There are no "little people", anywhere, who I can ignore or be insensitive toward.
"What seems to be separating me from you?" reminds me that I am in alignment with everyone with whom I come into contact.
9. SPIRITUALITY IS A LOT LIKE BEING PREGNANT. Either I am or I'm not. I can't be "a little bit" pregnant, nor can I be "a little bit" spiritual. If I'm not coming from a place of spirituality, i.e., my Essential Self, what's getting in the way? Ego? Limiting thoughts and beliefs? Sabotaging self-images or self-concepts? Regret because I'm living in the past, or fear, anxiety and worry about the future?
"What will it take for me to come from my essence and align my outer behavior and inner behavior as one?" reminds me to let go of my ego and "little self" as I continue my journey toward transformation.
So, spirituality in coaching and being coached is not a matter of convenience. One needs to be aware of the discrepancy between genuine spirituality (which comes from Essence and divinity) and counterfeit spirituality (which is an "ego ideal" of what it means of be spiritual) that one puts on like a robe when meeting with a person being coached, or in fact, with anyone.
These spiritual guidelines for coaching serve to inform one's coaching practice and one's life. When individuals make an honest and sincere effort to allow these spiritual guidelines for coaching to be the beacon that drives the direction of their practice, they and their clients most often experience greater inner peace, harmony, balance and well-being at work, at home and at play.
Peter G. Vajda, Ph.D, is co-founder of SpiritHeart, an Atlanta, GA firm specializing in coaching, counseling and facilitating. Peter focuses on personal, business and relationship coaching. He can be reached at 770-804-9125 and pvajda@spiritheart.net
 Google News Updated : Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:50:04 GMT McCain, Obama discuss possible Treasury secretary picks - Reuters
Reuters - NASHVILLE, Oct 7 (Reuters) - US presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama both mentioned investor Warren Buffett as a possible pick for Treasury secretary on Tuesday but both spoke in only general terms about the qualities they would seek ... McCain, Obama agree that Buffett could lead US treasury (Extra) A Strong eBay, A Strong Government Publ.Date : Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:06:13 GMT Study Shows Weak Circumcision/HIV Benefit for Gay/Bisexual Men - WebMD
WebMD - By Daniel J. DeNoon Oct. 7, 2008 -- Circumcision offers little HIV protection to gay/bisexual men -- overall. But it might cut HIV risk in predominantly insertive partners. Circumcision HIV impact doubted AIDS Benefits of Circumcision Are Limited, Study Finds Publ.Date : Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:24:47 GMT Uneasy calm in Bangkok after day of deadly riots - Reuters
Reuters - BANGKOK, Oct 8 (Reuters) - An uneasy calm settled over the Thai capital on Wednesday after the worst street violence in 16 years the day before, when two people died and nearly 400 were injured in clashes between police and anti-government protesters. Video: Raw Video: Tear Gas Fired at Thai Protestors Two dead as Thai troops battle protesters Publ.Date : Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:18:31 GMT With Outlook Dim, Bernanke Says Fed May Act on Rates - New York Times
New York Times - By DAVID STOUT and EDMUND L. ANDREWS WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve chairman, Ben S. Bernanke, said on Tuesday that the turmoil in the financial markets had increased the risk to overall growth and that federal regulators would have to be vigilant to ... Video: Bernanke signals possible rate cut Bernanke hints at possible interest rate cut Publ.Date : Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:40:38 GMT Tehran confirms seizure of aircraft - Financial Times
Financial Times - By Thomas Escritt in Budapest and Najmeh Bozorgmehr in,Tehran Iran yesterday revealed that it had forced a Hungarian-crewed transport aircraft to land after it strayed into the Islamic republic's airspace at the end of last month. Iran Withdraws Claim on US Plane US Military: Tense Encounters With Iran Occur Almost Daily Publ.Date : Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:08:03 GMT ACORN office in Vegas raided in voter-fraud probe - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - LAS VEGAS (AP) - Nevada authorities seized records Tuesday from a group they accused of submitting fraudulent voter-registration forms - including for the starting lineup of the Dallas Cowboys. Non-Profit Raided In Voter Fraud Probe ACORN Nevada Office Raided Publ.Date : Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:01:25 GMT Nashville Knockout: What To Watch For - Washington Post
Washington Post - Riggers lift scaffolding into place in front of the Curb Events event site at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Oct. 6, 2008, as preparations continue for Tuesday's presidential debate. WRAPUP 5-Obama, McCain battle over taxes, economy Presidential debate: minute by minute Publ.Date : Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:08:13 GMT Amazon RSS |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Online counseling may be the latest and greatest improvement in... Read More The promises of THE AMERICAN DREAM (to have it all... Read More Passion is a feeling of excitement and intensity. The energy... Read More In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on... Read More In my speaking engagements I have often compared coaching today... Read More Work addiction is very common in our society today, yet... Read More Successful people have always had clear, focused goals that guide... Read More What does it mean to forgive?One of the first things... Read More Are you maximizing your strengths and promoting your talents at... Read More If you do any significant amount of driving, a simple... Read More Most people have no idea where their money goes. They... Read More Every human feels anxiety on occasion; it is a part... Read More I've told people for a long time that one of... Read More You can either choose to dwell on what happened and... Read More Technically, there are two types of grief groups. Informational and... Read More Have you ever laid in bed trying to fall asleep,... Read More Preparation: If you desire advertising the group, announcements need to... Read More Recently, I have received several emails asking me about coaching... Read More Helen Keller once remarked that there was one thing she... Read More The intriguing Human psyche - more complex than the metamorphosing... Read More How many more servings of the daytime self-help salad will... Read More Sometimes life can seem like one long series of unsolvable... Read More The world is full of phonies and scammers these days.... Read More Not long ago, I traveled back east to Ohio and... Read More Playing Our Part:Sir Michael Costa was conducting a rehearsal, in... Read More
Adsense
websites
Online Counseling - a Timely Happenstance
The American Dream ? Are We Really Free?
Passport to Passion
Every Obstacle Always Presents an Opportunity
What in the World is Life Coaching?
Are You A Work Addict?
4 Steps to Successful Goal-Setting
Bringing Forgiveness Down To Earth
Top Ways to Maximize Your Talents at Work
Using Audio Programs to Increase Your Knowledge and Productivity
How to Get a Grip on Your Money
How to Deal Effectively with Anxiety
A Coaching Secret
Business Coaching - Ten Ways of Dealing with Mistakes You Made
The Role of Grief Group Facilitators
How to Slow Your Spinning Mind
Leading Grief Groups: The Preliminaries
What is Coaching?
Not Blind, Just No Vision
The Incredible Human Psyche
COACHING: When it?s Beyond Oprah and Dr. Phil
Difficult Challenges? -- What If?
Several Red Flags for Spotting a Phony or Scam
Our Perception Determines Our Experience
Empowering Vision
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
A Coaching Secret
I've told people for a long time that one of... Read More
What in the World is Life Coaching?
In my speaking engagements I have often compared coaching today... Read More
What Is Executive Presence?
Often our clients refer someone to us for Executive Coaching... Read More
The Role of Grief Group Facilitators
Technically, there are two types of grief groups. Informational and... Read More
Our Worst Enemy
Who do you consider as your worst enemy? The criminals... Read More
Think, Pause & Talk
There are two kinds of peoples we generally face in... Read More
Still Wondering About Coaching?
A friend called me the other day from Lower Alabama.... Read More
Curbing the Public Nuisance (Part 2)
Yes, that pillar of society that has been with us... Read More
Getting What You Need: Ask For Help!
"Fortune befriends the bold." - John DrydenI regularly work with... Read More
Could You Be A Workaholic?
If you need to put on boots and grab a... Read More
Coaching Skills
IntroductionThe question for leaders in organizations today is how do... Read More
Permission To Have FUN
? Have you been working long hours? ? Have... Read More
HR Professional in New Avtaar: HR as a Coach and Mentor
IntroductionThese days in corporate sector, everybody is talking about the... Read More
What is Coaching?
Recently, I have received several emails asking me about coaching... Read More
The Value of Career Coaching and Its Effect on Productivity
Athletes the world over have coaches. Yet, workers whose very... Read More
Moment of Magic
Laughter may or may not be a shock, relieved, but... Read More
What Do You Have To Give?
"Happiness is not a matter of good fortune or worldly... Read More
Can I Be My Own ADD Coach?
Quite often I am in contact with people who discuss... Read More
Attention! Thought Crossing! ? Or, The Secret of What?s Between Your Ears
What are you thinking - right now? 'I'm reading your... Read More
Unleash Your True Potential
Some time ago I attended a birthday party and met... Read More
The Rewards and Risks Of Personal Freedom
We all need to decide whether to "play it safe"... Read More
Trump University - Why Success Education Is Important
Trump University recently unveiled offers a bonanza of success secrets,... Read More
More Money & Less Stress?
At 2pm last Wednesday, I got a call from one... Read More
Finding Peace: A Taste of Mindfulness
When we are ill and don't know it, we are... Read More
Transform Your Office Into A Powerhouse Of Success
Did you know that the area that you call your... Read More
Coaching |