Life Coaching
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
- Howard Thurman,
American theologian, 1899-1981
We live in uncertain times. So much of the world seems broken. Disconnected from what sustains life in real people and real communities.
If you’re like me, you aren’t willing to put up with it! But where do we begin, you might ask. What do we do?
We begin with ourselves
In the Buddhist world, those who live to help others are known as bodhisattvas. There’s a classic text for training bodhisattvas written by a great 8th century master named Shantideva. It’s interesting that the whole teaching is about building up inner qualities — like inspiration, confidence, humility, energy, patience, and wisdom. It’s not about doing good.
He points out that we can’t expect to change the world. Or as he puts it, we can’t protect the whole world by covering it with leather. But we can put shoes on our own feet. The only thing we can change is ourselves. That’s what gives us the strength to go out and act. When we stand on our own firm ground, everything else flows from there. Naturally.
My coaching is about helping you put sturdy shoes on your feet and then take your caring energy out to the world.
There are really only two things that hold us back: fear and habits. Actually, it’s not knowing how to manage them that gets us in trouble. But it turns out that both can be great allies. Fear shows us where we need to focus our attention. Habits — as in helpful routines — move us forward with ease. My coaching helps you start using these natural forces to work with you, not against you.
What clients say they gain from my coaching:
- more clarity, inspiration, and sense of purpose
- a feeling of being more self-directed
- improved ability to stay grounded and steady in the face of fear and uncertainty
- more compassion and forgiveness for themselves and others
- better capacity to navigate life’s ups and downs with poise and grace
- more appreciation for life as it is now, while on their way to their envisioned future
Buddhist perspective
Everything I do is based on my Buddhist practice. But let me explain what that means. What’s important to me is finding how we can become kinder and more effective people. It’s all very practical and commonsense. It makes no difference to me if you’re a Buddhist or not. Of course, if you want to go into Buddhism or meditation specifically, that’s great. But the choice is entirely yours.
Complimentary session
If you’d like to explore the idea of coaching with me further, I invite you to contact me for a complimentary session. I work by phone and Skype, so we can talk no matter where you’re located.
