Today’s quote is:
“Life is the wave’s deep whisper on the shore of a great sea beyond.” (Henry Abbey)
I think this quote beautifully captures the essence of life’s profound wisdom and interconnectedness. As a coach, I’ve found myself drawn to metaphors when talking about those invisible aspects, such as our own wisdom. Like the sea, with its vastness mirroring the depth of human experience, it helps to describe those things which we all refer to but can’t nip down to a local shop to buy, or physically put into a container. This quote, in particular, invites us to explore the whispers of life’s wisdom and their implications for our coaching journey.
So what is this quote pointing towards? For me, one aspect that jumped out at me was, what if life is not happening to us; it is happening through us? Just as the wave whispers its secrets to the shore, so too does life whisper its wisdom to us in every moment. When we listen deeply to this whisper, we open ourselves up to profound insights and understanding that can transform our coaching practice and our own lives.
The metaphor of the wave’s whisper speaks to the interconnectedness of all things—the ebb and flow of life, the rhythm of our thoughts and emotions, and the vastness of the human spirit. Just as the wave rises and falls in a dance with the sea, our thoughts and feelings also ebb and flow in a dynamic interplay of energy and our awareness.
Now, let’s consider how this quote’s imagery of life as a whisper on the shore of a great sea beyond can deepen our understanding of coaching. Just as the sea’s vastness mirrors the depth of human experience, coaching can also delve into the intricacies of our inner wisdom and interconnectedness. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the profound insights awaiting us in our coaching journey
In my coaching, embracing the ebb and flow means recognizing the transient nature of our thoughts and emotions. Just as the wave eventually returns to the sea, our thoughts can also naturally dissipate and dissolve when we don’t hold onto them. By understanding the fluidity of thought, it helps us, and our clients, navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience.
Moreover, the metaphor of the wave invites us to explore the deeper currents of consciousness—the vast sea beyond the surface of our thoughts. Beneath the surface noise of our minds lies a profound stillness and presence that is always available to us. By guiding and pointing my clients to tap into this deeper wisdom, my coaching can help them find clarity, peace, and purpose in the midst of life’s storms.
As coaches, we have the privilege of accompanying our clients on their journey of self-discovery and transformation. Just as the shore provides a stable anchor for the wave, so too can we offer a safe space for our clients to explore their innermost thoughts and feelings without judgment or fear.
The quote by Henry Abbey reminds us that life is not a destination; it is a journey—a journey of exploration, discovery, and growth. What does this quote point you towards? Does it resonate with your experience and approach to your coaching?
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.