As I reflect on the communities I am surrounded with at my monthly Breakthrough Workshops and at the recent Heart Centered Leadership Retreat, I am filled with gratitude. Each time these communities come together there is a buzz of genuine connection that creates an uplifting energy which sustains me long after we part ways. There are hugs, laughter, and sincere interactions of interest and concern. This occurs whether attendees are meeting for the first time or reconnecting.
What creates the fertile soil for this garden of people-on-the-grow; people who are embracing self-development to improve their professional and personal lives? I believe this environment is grounded in four fundamental coaching principles that seed and nurture our evolution.
The first practice is non-judgment. In so many areas of our lives we are encouraged to compare ourselves to others, whether that “other” is someone in the media, someone in the office, or someone in our families. In these communities, however, no one is being compared to anyone else. Acceptance occurs for who you are and where you are in your life. This acceptance is based on the recognition that a dedication to lifelong learning means that we will always be a work in progress and in that belief we find both peace and anticipation.
A second practice is respect. We see and appreciate every person’s unique strengths, and we encourage one another to use these strengths in an ever-more intentional manner. Moreover, we respect the process of growth, and trust that each of us will take away what is most important for ourselves from the new information being offered. We don’t ‘should’ on one another, telling each other what to do or dictating our opinions. We stay focused on our own growth while allowing others to discover their own insights.
A third crucial practice is listening deeply to what is being said as well as to what is left unsaid. Intuitive listening is a skill that we coaches have invested significant energy to master. The more time people spend in these communities, the more they develop the skill themselves. In this busy world it is becoming more and more unusual to have occasions of deep connection with ourselves and with others. We are bombarded with an almost continuous stream of information and opportunities to connect via various technologies. These workshops and retreats allow for in-person connections where we are able to make eye contact, focus on what is being said, and let go of distractions to allow for more fulfilling interactions. The result is that we feel uplifted rather than depleted.
Each of these coaching practices of non-judgment, respect, and deep listening contribute to create an overall positive environment for self-discovery. Consciously using these practices we develop trust that leads to the final, important, practice: finding and using our voices. This safe space for sharing allows people to get out of their own heads and risk telling others what their challenges are, and what insights are being learned as they approach their own growing edge. This edge is the place where we are mentally, physically, spiritually, or emotionally stretching and discovering new truths or ways of being. We coaches model continual growth and encourage like-minded folks to do the same.
After co-hosting five retreats and nine Breakthrough Workshops, I can easily say that these are the qualities that make these two communities uniquely special. I encourage you to find a way to connect with these communities so that you will reap the benefits throughout the year. Attend a workshop, work with a coach one-on-one, or become a member of the Wholistic Woman Community and surround yourself with a dynamic, growing group of people.
The Breakthrough Workshop topic in October is “Find Out What’s Holding You Back” where you will learn four effective strategies to break free from the thinking that keeps you stuck and start moving forward to reach your goals. The workshops will be offered at two times: an evening workshop for men and women on Tuesday, October 15th from 5:30-7:00 PM, and a morning workshop for women on Wednesday, October 16th from 8:00-9:30 AM.. Click here for details or to register .
Carol deLaski is a certified leadership coach, author, and speaker. You may contact her at [email protected] or 301-371-7460.
