Happy Wednesday! Apparently in the US today is Find a Rainbow day, so this seemed the time to have this quote as the quote of the day:
“Be thou the rainbow to the storms of life, The evening beam that smiles the clouds away, And tints tomorrow with prophetic ray!”(Lord Byron)
At its core, this quote resonates deeply with the imagery of a rainbow—a symbol of hope, resilience, and beauty emerging amidst adversity. Just as a rainbow is formed when sunlight refracts through raindrops, our inner light shines brightest when we navigate life’s storms with authenticity and grace.
Reflecting on the quote, I’m drawn to the symbolism of light—from both within and without. It reminds me that when we allow our inner light to shine, it refracts and reflects through our unique selves, touching the lives of those around us in profound ways. It’s when someone lights up, and those around them can feel the difference—a beacon of warmth and authenticity in a world often clouded by darkness.
Lord Byron’s words speak to the transformative power of authenticity and self-expression. It’s not about forcing positivity or happiness, but rather about embracing our true selves unapologetically. When we allow our souls to shine freely, we become beacons of light, capable of dispelling darkness and inspiring others with our warmth and authenticity.
In my coaching practice, I guide my clients to tap into their innate wisdom and resilience, helping them navigate life’s storms with grace and ease. Together, we explore the transformative power of perspective, recognising that our thoughts shape our reality. By cultivating resilience in the face of adversity and inner peace amidst chaos, my clients discover their capacity to envision a future filled with hope and possibility.
Does that mean that once you see this, you never experience insecure thinking again that dims or even seems to totally cover our inner light? Well, there may be someone particularly enlightened in the world that never experiences insecure thinking, but I’ve yet to meet them, and it certainly hasn’t been my experience.
What this understanding does do is make it easier to recognise any insecure thinking for what it is and that it only takes one fresh thought to appear instead and to fall back in touch with our own authentic self.
As far as I can gather, the invite for Find a Rainbow day is to look up into the sky and look for a colourful ray of hope across it. My additional invite is to look for that colourful ray of hope in yourself and others as well.
About Jen Waller
Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.
As an experienced coach and trainer, Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.
“A hen is heavy over a long distance.” (Irish proverb)
At first glance, when we take this proverb literally, it makes sense that if we carry anything over a long period of time then it does indeed seem to get heavier.
The first memory that sprang to my mind was from when I used to walk an elderly small dog. On one occasion, she decided she was tired and had had enough of this stroll. Which meant I ended up carrying her back home down the road. She was delighting in this regal treatment, and insisting she paused to let anyone passing admire her at this new vantage height. The road usually seemed like a short stretch, but she seemed to get heavier, and the road longer, the longer I carried her!
At its core, the Irish proverb “A hen is heavy over a long distance” offers profound wisdom that extends far beyond the literal interpretation. It speaks to the weightiness that accumulates with prolonged carrying or holding onto something, whether physical or mental.
Reflecting on my experience of carrying the elderly dog down the road, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the burdens we carry in our minds. Just as the dog seemed to grow heavier with each step, our thoughts, especially the repetitive ones, can weigh us down over time. These thoughts, often labelled as beliefs, have a way of becoming heavier and more burdensome the longer we hold onto them.
In coaching, we recognize that beliefs are not static truths, but rather habitual patterns of thought that we’ve given significance to. They can shape our perceptions, emotions, and behaviours, influencing our experience of reality. However, the beauty of the human mind is its innate capacity for fluidity and change.
When we begin to see our thoughts for what they are—transient mental events rather than concrete realities—we open the door to freedom and transformation. Just as the dog became lighter once I put her down, our burdensome thoughts lose their weight when we release our grip on them.
It’s a simple yet profound shift in perspective: from being controlled by our thoughts to recognizing that we are the thinkers engaging with them. This realization empowers us to let go of unhelpful beliefs and embrace a lighter, more fluid way of being.
So how do we release the weight of heavy thoughts? It starts with awareness. By becoming mindful that even though our thinking can seem so real at times, it has an illusory nature, we can observe them without getting entangled in them. We can choose to step back and question the validity of our beliefs, recognizing that they are simply mental constructs, not immutable truths.
In the coaching process, we guide our clients in this journey of self-discovery and liberation. We help them see beyond the illusion of their heavy thoughts, encouraging them to explore new perspectives and possibilities. Through compassionate inquiry and gentle guidance, we support them in letting go of limiting beliefs and embracing a mindset of openness and curiosity.
Sometimes, the act of letting go happens spontaneously, like a heavy burden slipping off our shoulders when we least expect it. Other times, it requires patience and persistence as we gradually loosen our grip on ingrained patterns of thought. But with each moment of release, we experience a newfound sense of lightness and freedom.
In essence, the proverb “A hen is heavy over a long distance” serves as a poignant reminder to examine the weight of our thoughts and beliefs. By acknowledging their transient nature and cultivating a mindset of openness and fluidity, we can lighten the load we carry and move through life with greater ease and joy.
About Jen Waller
Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.
As an experienced coach and trainer, Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.
“Any plan is bad which is not susceptible of change.” (Bartholomew of San Concordio)
I’ve got a course coming up in a few months where the organisers offer the option of attending virtually or in person. For this particular event, the current plan is that I attend in person. However, I’m also aware that there is a possibility that the plans I’ve put in place for that may change given some other logistical aspects in other areas of my life. I did check before booking that if necessary I could swap to the virtual option if circumstances changed, so the providers are also aware it’s a possibility.
I was talking to a friend recently saying how much I was looking forward to the trip, and they basically asked, “Don’t you find it stressful not knowing if you’re going or not?” It’d never occurred to me that was a situation that couldn’t be flexible. My priority is the learning and know this provider is great at providing a fantastic experience to those also attending virtually, so if I can’t go in person, I will be there that way. If an unexpected situation arises preventing me from being at my computer, I’ll simply plan to catch up on the recording later. Whilst that wouldn’t be my preferred option, but it’d still be a workable solution.
It doesn’t seem a big deal to me that for this plan, there’s a plan A, plan B, and so on. I trust that whatever other twists and turns of life has happened between now, and then I’ll just adapt the plan accordingly, or just create a new one all together.
In the world of coaching, there is often an emphasis on the importance of setting goals, making plans, and working diligently towards achieving them. However, as Bartholomew of San Concordio astutely observed, “Any plan is bad which is not susceptible of change.” Getting attached to one route to a specific destination can then create unnecessary pressure if circumstances would suggest a diversion or alternative route to get to that same finish spot.
Life itself is dynamic, constantly presenting us with new opportunities, challenges, and circumstances. Therefore, any plan that rigidly adheres to a fixed outcome or path is inherently flawed, as it fails to acknowledge the inherent fluidity of both our inner world and the world around us.
One of the aspects of how I coach now is about encouraging clients to approach planning with a spirit of openness and adaptability. Rather than viewing plans as rigid blueprints for the future, see them as dynamic frameworks that can evolve and unfold in response to changing circumstances. This shift in perspective frees our clients from the constraints of perfectionism and fear of failure, empowering them to embrace change as a natural and inevitable aspect of life.
Our thoughts shape our perceptions, emotions, and actions, ultimately influencing our experience and even our outcomes. From this vantage point, we recognize that the quality of our plans is not determined by their adherence to a fixed structure, but rather by the clarity and wisdom of the thinking behind them.
In practice, this means that rather than striving to create the perfect plan, our focus as coaches is on helping our clients cultivate a deeper understanding of their own innate wisdom and resilience. We guide them in accessing their inner guidance and intuition, trusting that they have the capacity to navigate life’s twists and turns with grace and confidence.
Moreover, we encourage our clients to adopt a mindset of curiosity and experimentation when it comes to planning. Instead of viewing setbacks or deviations from the original plan as failures, we see them as valuable learning opportunities. Each unexpected turn presents an opportunity for growth, adaptation, and course correction.
So I shouldn’t have been surprised that a training provider who also has this same understanding of life should be unconcerned at potentially having numbers change at the last minute. Adaptability to me currently looks like the ability to respond to what’s in front of you – which is so much easier if you haven’t got a lot of thinking around how that should be.
Maybe you’ve had the experience of driving and realising that there is a diversion ahead. Perhaps sometimes you will find you are caught up in thinking around how this will add time onto your journey, how everything else will need to adjust, how this is so typical etc etc. You’ll probably notice, that because we are living in the feeling of our thinking, that you then start to feel pressure, tension, and anxiety with all that revved up thinking.
Then there are other occasions when you may hit the same diversion, but you are in such a good mood that you don’t give the time of day to any thoughts around how much time this will add to your journey – maybe the sun is shinning, and you’re enjoying listening to new music by your favourite artist etc, etc. Without all that thinking piled on top of each other, there’s not the tension, and you can happily go along this new diversion.
The diversion is still the same -it’s the thinking that we have around all that which is the difference.
Ultimately, the true measure of a successful plan lies not in its ability to adhere rigidly to a predetermined outcome, but in its capacity to facilitate growth, learning, and evolution. As coaches, our role is to support our clients in cultivating this mindset, helping them to embrace change as a natural and necessary part of their journey towards fulfilment and success.
In conclusion, Bartholomew of San Concordio’s words remind us that in a world characterized by constant change, any plan that resists adaptation is inherently flawed. As Three Principles coaches, we invite our clients to embrace change with open arms, trusting in their own innate wisdom and resilience to navigate life’s ever-shifting landscape with grace and courage.
About Jen Waller
Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.
As an experienced coach and trainer, Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.
“Old mismanagement is no excuse for the continuance of it.” (Albert, Prince Consort)
In the realm of coaching, the pursuit of growth and transformation is paramount. We strive to guide our clients towards realizing their full potential, navigating obstacles, and fostering positive change. However, entrenched patterns of mismanagement can often hinder progress, holding individuals back from achieving their goals. As coaches, it’s imperative that we embrace this principle and empower our clients to “break free” from the shackles of past mismanagement.
Many more traditional coaching methods may focus solely on external strategies and behaviour modification, my coaching tends to delve deeper, addressing the root cause of mismanagement by gaining an understanding of how thought underlies that mismanagement. It only takes one fresh thought to see a better way and for change to naturally follow.
When we encounter clients who are grappling with the consequences of past mismanagement, whether in their personal or professional lives, it’s essential to approach the situation with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to fostering positive change. Rather than dwelling on past mistakes or assigning blame, personally, I invite clients to explore the innate resilience and wisdom within themselves, guiding them towards new insights and perspectives. It just seems a far more pragmatic and practical way forward.
One of the fundamental principles of my current coaching is the recognition of the ever-present capacity for insight and transformation within each individual. Regardless of past mismanagement or perceived limitations, every person possesses the innate ability to tap into their inner wisdom and chart a new course forward. By fostering a supportive environment grounded in trust and authenticity, coaches can empower their clients to break free from the cycle of mismanagement and embrace a path of growth and renewal.
Sometimes, individuals may find themselves stuck in patterns of mismanagement simply because they haven’t questioned the status quo. Whether it’s accepting a situation as unchangeable or implementing strategies that offer only temporary solutions, the key lies in taking a fresh perspective. By encouraging clients to re-examine their circumstances with curiosity and openness, they can unlock new insights and creative solutions. This shift in perspective empowers clients to recognize that change is possible and that they possess the innate wisdom and resourcefulness to navigate challenges effectively.
As a coach, it has always been important to me to lead by example and embody the principles of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. By embracing our own capacity for growth and self-improvement, we can inspire and motivate our clients to do the same. Through ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement, coaches can create a nurturing environment where clients feel empowered to take ownership of their lives and create positive change.
To me, this perspective underscores the notion that tradition should not hinder progress. While change for the sake of change may not always be beneficial, it’s essential to reassess established practices when they no longer serve their purpose. If something isn’t working, it’s pragmatic to approach it with fresh eyes. But I’m curious, how does this quote resonate with you? What insights or reflections does it inspire?
About Jen Waller
Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.
As an experienced coach and trainer, Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.
“In scattering seeds of kindness, do it by hand and not by machine.” (George Ade)
As coaches, our primary aim is to nurture growth, foster development, and inspire positive change in our clients. We strive to empower them to reach their fullest potential, guiding them through challenges and celebrating their successes. However, I think that particularly when you are first starting coaching amidst the plethora of techniques and methodologies you come across, it’s easy to lose sight of the fundamental essence of coaching: the human connection.
George Ade’s timeless quote, “In scattering seeds of kindness, do it by hand and not by machine,” encapsulates a profound truth that resonates deeply with the philosophy of how I now approach coaching. In a world driven by efficiency and automation, it’s crucial for coaches to embrace the significance of being human in their practice.
My coaching now comes from the grounding of the understanding that our experience of life is created from the inside out, through the interplay of thought, consciousness, and mind. Unlike traditional coaching approaches that often focus on external strategies and behaviour modification, my coaching now delves into the core of human experience, emphasizing the innate wisdom and resilience within each individual and use that understanding to get new insights on actions to take etc. I’ve found that such understanding also allows life to be navigated in a much gentler fashion so that when unexpected challenges do appear they can be handled with more grace and patience.
While my coaching approach prioritises understanding the internal dynamics of the human experience, it doesn’t imply passivity. Instead, it encourages us to trust our intuition, wisdom, and creativity, allowing us to navigate challenges with grace and patience. By aligning with our inner guidance rather than imposing external strategies, we find a harmonious balance between productivity and personal fulfilment. I find it’s a kinder way for us to treat ourselves and still get things done.
In essence, it does seem to me that coaching is about sowing the seeds of kindness, understanding, and compassion in the fertile soil of human consciousness. It’s about cultivating an environment where clients feel seen, heard, and valued for who they truly are, beyond their roles, titles, or achievements.
If we are to look at the whole quote in the context of coaching, what does it mean for coaches to “scatter seeds of kindness by hand”? For me, it means approaching coaching with a genuine spirit of empathy and presence, where every interaction is imbued with warmth, sincerity, and respect. It means taking the time to truly listen to our clients, not just to their words, but also to the deeper currents of their thoughts and emotions.
In practical terms, this might involve creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable expressing their vulnerabilities and exploring their innermost thoughts. It might mean offering words of encouragement and support, not as empty platitudes, but as genuine reflections of our belief in their potential for growth and transformation. It’s about allowing the conversation to unfold naturally and authentically, rather than relying on pre-determined directions or habitual questions. By staying present and attuned to the client’s needs, we can foster a deeper level of understanding and connection.
Moreover, “scattering seeds of kindness by hand” entails recognizing and honouring the unique humanity of each individual we work with. It means seeing beyond their surface behaviours or presenting problems and acknowledging the inherent worth and dignity within them. It means embracing a coaching approach that is holistic, inclusive, and deeply respectful of the diversity of human experience.
In a world that often values speed and efficiency above all else, the practice of coaching offers a powerful antidote—a reminder of the timeless wisdom that resides in human connection and within our authentic selves. As coaches, we have the privilege and responsibility to nurture this connection, to tend to the garden of human consciousness with care and compassion.
About Jen Waller
Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.
As an experienced coach and trainer, Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.
“Now everybody who knows anything at all knows perfectly well that even a business letter does not deserve the paper on which it is written unless it contains at least one significant phrase that is worth waking up in the night to remember and think about.” (Eleanor Hallowell Abbott)
I pick these quotes for a variety of reasons, they jump out at me sometimes because I love the way something is worded and what it is pointing towards. Other times it may be because I agree with some of what’s said and there’s a part that feels slightly off and seems to be screaming to have a blog post written about it. Then there are the quotes that fall into the category of what do I need/want to hear about, the ones on an area I’ve been pondering about. There’s an element of that in today’s.
What makes a message something that is worth waking up and thinking about?
In the past I think if I’d been writing this I’d have talked around eloquent and eloquence language use, but then I’d have missed out on something before that.
Abbott’s insight challenges us to look beyond the surface of language and into the heart of communication itself. While eloquence certainly has its place, the true power of a message lies in its ability to resonate deeply with its recipient. It’s about more than just stringing together impressive words or phrases; it’s about conveying meaning, evoking emotion, and sparking thought. In essence, it’s about crafting messages that touch the soul and linger in the mind long after they’ve been received.
I think that there are two angles that are likely to prompt someone to wake up at night and think about your communication. The first is when the communication deliberately plays to and stirs up insecure and fearful thinking. It’s the sort that goes one step further than just describing a situation – it’s the sort of messaging that if it was a real life person would be that individual that likes to over dramatise, burning sausages becomes burning down the house etc.
Speaking from Truth
The second is when you speak from Truth.
For me, the first angle highlights the importance of ethical communication that uplifts and empowers rather than manipulates or instils fear. When messages deliberately play on insecurities or exaggerate situations for dramatic effect, they may grab attention momentarily but ultimately erode trust and authenticity. In contrast, speaking from Truth involves communicating with integrity, honesty, and compassion. It’s about sharing insights and perspectives that resonate with our deepest values and beliefs, fostering connection and understanding rather than division or fear.
I understand that this isn’t everyone’s perspective. I do think it explains why so many I speak to find the idea of marketing as “yuck”, they usually feel like it’s some sort of dirty thing that they need to do in order to do the thing that they love – coaching. They usually have a lot of thinking about how it should be done, and it feels like it’s a constant struggle to get the energy and motivation to do any communication that falls under the category of marketing or sales communication.
What if you can flip the script on traditional marketing and instead focus on authentically sharing your truth and value with others? What if marketing became an opportunity to connect deeply with your audience, to inspire and uplift them rather than manipulate or instil fear? By embracing Abbott’s insight and speaking from Truth, you can transform your communication into something that resonates on a profound level, leaving a lasting impact on those who receive it.
Imagine crafting messages that not only capture attention but also touch the hearts and minds of your audience, prompting them to reflect, engage, and take meaningful action. Instead of resorting to flashy tactics or empty promises, you can authentically share your passion, expertise, and vision with the world. This shift in perspective can turn marketing from a chore into a powerful tool for connection and transformation.
So, how do you speak from Truth in your communication? When you communicate from a place of authenticity and alignment with your core principles, your message naturally resonates with sincerity and integrity. I suspect that depending upon your own coaching approach, you may already know how to do that – maybe by getting clear on your values, beliefs, and the unique contribution you have to offer. Or just by getting really quiet and letting your own wisdom and creativity guide you. It will let you become a beacon of light in a sea of noise, drawing in those who resonate with your message and repelling those who don’t – and that’s okay.
Many years ago, I had a conversation with someone who didn’t go on to become a client. In fact, at one point during the call, I was seriously wondering if someone was pranking me. They said that they were having problems finding anyone who wanted to coach with them.
Upon questioning, it became obvious that they hated coaching, they didn’t like questioning people, in fact I suspect that in that moment they’d have broadened it to they didn’t really like people and couldn’t see any value in coaching. They really didn’t understand why anyone would voluntarily be a coaching client, let alone pay for it. When asked why they wanted to be a coach, they were honest and said it was because they thought it was an easy way to get money. If I had to guess, I’d say their potential clients were picking up on all of that and being repelled.
Moreover, speaking from Truth doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers or be perfect. It’s about being genuine, transparent, and vulnerable, acknowledging your humanity and inviting others to join you on the journey. When you approach communication with humility and openness, you create space for authentic connection and collaboration, fostering relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
I’m in the process of transitioning how I work to solely working as a Transformative coach, as opposed to any other type of coaching I’ve blended in the past. It’s been how my coaching has naturally evolved, and eventually it became evident to me that it was time to work completely in this form. Which means the way that I’m talking about my work is also transitioning to be a truer reflection of what I now do.
The way I’m doing that is to give myself permission that for a bit it won’t be as eloquent or diligent in my use of language as I try and find the way that is the best description of how I work now and what that is all about.
I’m guessing that if you’ve read this far, you could be in a similar situation and hoping for inspiration to strike. If so, I invite you to do two things:
i) to give your permission for this to seem clunky at first – don’t set yourself the expectation that it’s got to be perfect on the very first draft.
ii) let yourself get as quiet as you know how, and start by “fishing” for words that seem like they’re a fit. It may be that you think that the words that come up just seem really obvious and doesn’t that apply to everyone – without knowing the word then maybe, but in my experience what often happens is that words that come up that seem obvious are the ones that resonate must with how you work.
For example, nurturing is one that often came up for me. It’s always resonated and for me was an integral part of coaching – it took a mentor pointing out that not everyone coaches from that place that I came to recognise that for myself. And that can be modified and played with overtime – as I transition to completely being a transformational coach, what feels right as a description is impactful nurturing.
In conclusion, Eleanor Hallowell Abbott’s quote reminds us of the profound impact that meaningful communication can have on both the sender and the receiver. It challenges us to move beyond surface-level interactions and embrace the power of authentic expression. By speaking from Truth, we can transform our communication into a force for positive change, fostering connection, understanding, and empowerment. So, as you navigate your coaching journey, remember the importance of crafting messages that resonate with sincerity and integrity. Embrace your unique voice, share your passion, and invite others to join you on the journey toward growth, transformation, and fulfilment.
About Jen Waller
Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.
As an experienced coach and trainer, Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.
In honour of today being #WorldTheatreDay, today’s quote is:
“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages.”. (William Shakespeare)
I’m going to be looking at this from thoughts it’s sparked for me in relation to coaching, rather than analysing this as you may have done in an English class!
Upon reflecting on Shakespeare’s profound words, what strikes me most is the intricate web of roles we assume throughout our lives. These roles come with a set of implicit rules, dictating our behaviours, expectations, and limitations. We often find ourselves bound by societal norms and personal beliefs, shaping our actions based on perceived obligations and responsibilities tied to each role.
Consider the roles we inhabit daily: parent, partner, employee, friend. Each carries its own script, a preconceived notion of how we should perform and what we should prioritise. Yet, it’s not merely the external expectations that influence us; our internal dialogue, thoughts, and beliefs also play a pivotal role. They shape our perception of these roles, colouring our interactions and experiences in subtle yet profound ways.
Our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions act as the playwright behind the scenes, crafting the narrative of our lives. They determine which roles we embrace wholeheartedly and which ones we resist. They influence the choices we make, the paths we take, and the relationships we cultivate. In essence, our inner world shapes the stage upon which we play out the various acts of our lives.
Similarly, it’s crucial to ponder what roles we assume that aren’t inherently ours. Often, we find ourselves shouldering burdens and responsibilities that exceed our domain. This self-imposed pressure and tension serve as red flags, signalling that we may be venturing into territory beyond our rightful sphere of influence.
Upon closer examination, we may discover that these perceived obligations lie outside the realm of human control. Attempting to manage or fix situations beyond our purview only leads to frustration and disillusionment. Recognizing and relinquishing these misplaced roles liberates us from unnecessary stress and empowers us to focus on what truly matters within our sphere of influence.
This notion prompts us to delve deeper into our essence beyond the roles we enact. Who are we when stripped of all roles, including the constructs of self-image and identity? Exploring this existential question unveils the core of our being, free from societal expectations and personal narratives.
If we were to wield the pen as the playwright of our own lives, unbound by external scripts or preconceived notions, what narratives would we craft for ourselves? What dreams would we dare to pursue, and what aspirations would we fervently chase? Embracing this creative autonomy empowers us to shape our destinies authentically, guided by our deepest desires and aspirations.
It’s a common misconception to view our thinking as akin to a movie reel, playing out in a linear and predetermined fashion. We often believe that once a thought sequence begins, we’re obligated to see it through to its conclusion, as if it were etched in stone. However, what if we were to reframe our understanding of thought as more akin to a live theatrical performance?
In this metaphor, our thoughts take on the fluid and dynamic nature of a play unfolding on stage. Like actors delivering their lines, our thoughts emerge spontaneously and interact with one another in real-time. However, unlike a movie with a fixed script, a play offers room for improvisation and spontaneity. Just as actors may deviate from the planned dialogue or encounter unexpected plot twists, our thoughts can veer off script, leading us down unanticipated pathways.
Moreover, the theatrical analogy invites us to consider the behind-the-scenes elements of our thinking process. Just as a theatre production has its backstage areas where the mechanics of the show are at work, our minds harbour a realm of subconscious processes and unseen influences. Sometimes, these “backstage” workings manifest in our conscious awareness, offering glimpses into the inner workings of our minds.
Furthermore, technical issues may arise during a theatrical performance, disrupting the flow of the show and revealing the artifice behind the illusion. Similarly, in the realm of thought, we may encounter disruptions or glitches that challenge our assumptions and disrupt our habitual patterns of thinking. These moments of cognitive dissonance or uncertainty serve as opportunities for growth and insight, prompting us to question our ingrained beliefs and perspectives.
Just as a theatre production may be interrupted by unforeseen circumstances, such as a power outage or a medical emergency, our thought processes can be disrupted by external events or internal triggers. These interruptions force us to pause, reassess, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of our inner world.
Then there is always the option of us voluntarily leaving a performance at any point – though with a thought there is no other audience members toes to avoid standing upon in an attempt to creep out without disruption. In this instance, you can confidently just leave the thought performance and go and watch another instead – even picking an immersive interactive thought performance if you wish.
By embracing the metaphor of thought as theatre, we invite a sense of playfulness and flexibility into our relationship with our own minds. Rather than rigidly adhering to fixed scripts or resisting unexpected plot twists, we can approach our thoughts with curiosity and openness, exploring the rich tapestry of our inner experiences with a spirit of adventure.
In doing so, we cultivate a greater sense of agency and autonomy over our thinking, recognizing that we are not passive spectators but active participants in the ongoing drama of our lives. By embracing the fluidity and spontaneity of thought, we empower ourselves to rewrite the script of our own narratives, forging new pathways of understanding and possibility.
So what about you? What thoughts did this quote prompt for you?
About Jen Waller
Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.
As an experienced coach and trainer, Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.
“A guest sees more in an hour than the host in a year.” (Polish proverb)
At first glance, the proverb may seem paradoxical. How can a guest, who spends only a fleeting moment in a host’s domain, possess greater insight than the host, who dwells within it year-round? The answer lies in the power of perception and perspective. A guest enters a situation with fresh eyes, unencumbered by preconceived notions or biases. They notice the subtle details, observe the interactions, and absorb the ambiance in a way that the host may overlook in their familiarity.
I think this proverb points to one of the aspects that many find really powerful about coaching. The coach acts a trusted pair of fresh eyes upon a situation. What may just seem to a client that something has always been the case, and it’s never occurred to them to question may be obvious to a coach to question. It’s from this coaching perspective that we can have impact.
In the realm of coaching, this proverb takes on a deeper significance. Coaches often serve as trusted guides, offering insights from a coaching perspective on their clients’ experiences and challenges. Like the guest in the proverb, coaches approach each coaching session with a sense of curiosity and openness, ready to explore new insights and perspectives alongside their clients.
One of the unique aspects of coaching is the ability to create a safe and supportive space for clients to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or criticism. In this way, coaches act as facilitators of exploration and discovery, helping their clients uncover hidden truths and insights that may have eluded them in their day-to-day lives.
Moreover, the proverb underscores the importance of presence in coaching. By remaining fully present and engaged during coaching sessions, coaches can pick up on subtle cues and nuances in their clients’ words and behaviours, allowing for a deeper exploration of their experiences and perceptions. This heightened level of awareness enables coaches to provide more targeted and impactful guidance, helping their clients navigate challenges and obstacles with greater clarity and confidence.
A different coaching perspective
From another coaching perspective, looking at our own coaching and coaching business with new eyes can also be revealing. How easy is it for an interested client to get in touch with you? What information does someone new to your coaching need? By adopting the perspective of a guest in our own coaching practice, we can uncover areas for improvement and refinement that may have gone unnoticed in our day-to-day operations.
For example, imagine stepping into the shoes of a potential client visiting your coaching website for the first time. Are your services clearly outlined? Is your contact information easily accessible? Do you demonstrate the value of your coaching? By considering these questions from the perspective of an outsider, you can identify opportunities to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of your coaching business.
Furthermore, the proverb encourages us to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth in our coaching practice. Just as a guest brings fresh insights and perspectives to a host’s home, so too can ongoing education and professional development enrich our coaching skills and offerings. Whether through attending workshops, seeking mentorship, or engaging in peer-to-peer learning, coaches can expand their knowledge and expertise, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their clients.
By adopting the perspective of a guest in our coaching practice, we not only gain valuable insights into our own blind spots and areas for improvement but also cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the transformative power of coaching. Just as a guest sees more in an hour than the host in a year, so too can we uncover new possibilities and opportunities for growth by approaching our coaching with fresh eyes and an open heart.
As we continue on our coaching journey, let us embrace the wisdom of the proverb and strive to create dynamic and enriching coaching experiences that inspire growth, insight, and transformation for ourselves and our clients alike.
Ultimately, the Polish proverb “A guest sees more in an hour than the host in a year” reminds us of the transformative power of perspective and perception in coaching. By embracing humility, curiosity, and openness, coaches can create dynamic and enriching coaching experiences that foster growth, insight, and self-discovery for both themselves and their clients.
As we reflect on this proverb, let us remember to use our coaching perspective as the wisdom of the guest and strive to approach each coaching session with fresh eyes and an open heart, ready to explore new insights and possibilities together with our clients.
About Jen Waller
Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.
As an experienced coach and trainer, Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.
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