rest

True Silence: Rest for Mind and Spirit

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / mind / quote / rest / silence / spirit / William Penn
This has a dreamlike animated feel to the image, It is a serine forest woyj a green mountain in the distance. The sun is setting behind the mountain and the sky is mainly reds and yellows as the night rolls in. In the foregoround is a tranquil lake with the greens of the mountain and trees reflected on its still surface. The text reads: "True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment." (William Penn)

Happy Friday! Today’s quote is:

“True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.” (William Penn)

Silence is not merely the absence of sound; it is a space of being—a sanctuary where the mind can find respite from the relentless chatter of thoughts and worries. Just as sleep rejuvenates the body, true silence offers a space for the mind to rest, recharge, and regain clarity.

Sometimes, it can feel that in the chaos of modern life, finding moments of true silence can be challenging. Our days are filled with constant distractions—from buzzing smartphones to overflowing to-do lists. Yet, amidst the noise, there exists a sacred stillness waiting to be discovered.

In the midst of external chaos, true silence provides an opportunity to reconnect with the innate wisdom and tranquility that reside within us.

When we quiet the incessant chatter of our minds, we create space for insight, creativity, and intuition to emerge. It is in these moments of stillness that we can more easily listen to our inner wisdom and find answers to life’s most pressing questions.

Moreover, that space that Penn is describing as true silence has a profound impact on our spiritual well-being. Just as nourishing food sustains the body, silence nourishes the spirit, providing sustenance for our innermost being. In the absence of external distractions, we can cultivate a deeper connection with our true selves and rest within that space. True silence allows us to access this innate wisdom and resilience, empowering us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and equanimity.

Yet, sometimes we resist embracing silence. We seek solace in distractions or external stimuli, unaware that true peace lies within. We’re often accustomed to relying solely on our +tellect. So, it can feel counterintuitive to give our intellect some time off—to send it on a spa break, if you will—and simply rest in that space.

There’s whole practices that allow you to embrace that silence intentionality. It can means carving out time for solitude and reflection, away from the noise and distractions of the outside world. Its also possible to take a moment at any time to let your mind quieten as best you can because that space is always available to us – even when we dont seem to feel it. I think it does means cultivating a willingness to sit with discomfort and uncertainty, or at least not resisting an of that feeling as the intellect wants to figure everything out. Instead trusting that true wisdom will emerge in the silence.

As we journey through life, may we remember the profound wisdom of true silence—a sanctuary for the mind and spirit. May we cultivate moments of stillness amidst the chaos, allowing nourishment and refreshment to wash over us like a gentle breeze. And may we embrace the transformative power of silence to awaken our true selves and illuminate the path forward.

About Jen Waller

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.

Finding Inner Peace: Reflections on Pythagoras’ Wisdom and Self-Acceptance

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / Pythagoras / quote / rest / self-acceptance
This is an illustration of a boat floating on a calm lake. In the distance on the skyline you can see some rolling hills whick are reflected on the lakes water. A warm glow is coming from the sun in a clear blue sky with the occasional whispy white cloud. The text reads: "Rest satisfied with doing well, and leave others to talk of you as they please." (Pythagoras)

Today’s quote is:

“Rest satisfied with doing well, and leave others to talk of you as they please.” (Pythagoras)

Three elements lept out at me with this quote. First I wonder how many read this and focused upon their feelings towards the author? Did your mind wander to any familiarity with mathematics and Pythagorean theorem? If so, did your feelings towards that overshadowing the message behind the quote itself?

Half of my universary degree was in mathematics. For some people hearing that would produce an almost comical reaction – it was as if I had grown an extra head or something. They just couldn’t comprehend why I would voluntarily have chosen that as a subject. Whilst I could write a lot about my opinions of how many education systems turn kids off from mathematics, thats not the topic of today’s post. I will stick to saying I know that many people have negative connotations with the subject. So I wondered if the quote was by someone who many associate with the mathematics schooling, would it “hit” differently?

I suspect that could be a topic for a blog post in its own right. But for today I’m just going to highlight it as a possibility and invite you to take a second, fresh look at the quote and notice what occurs to you.

Secondly, the notion of ‘rest’ in Pythagoras’ words struck a chord within me. It reminded me of those moments of tranquility, where the cacophony of thoughts fades into silence, akin to the serene moments before drifting into sleep. In these instances, there’s a sense of neither satisfaction nor dissatisfaction; rather, it’s a state of pure being.

I happened to read this quote at the end of a “long day”, it prompted me to take a moment to “rest” in that stillness, as best I could and see what I knew to do. Amidst the chaos of a busy day, finding solace in these quiet moments can offer valuable insights into our inner needs and desires.

Self-Acceptance: Reflecting on Pythagoras’ Wisdom

Today’s quote by Pythagoras invites us to explore the concept of self-acceptance and find contentment in our actions. Which is why the third aspect that stood out to me in Pythagoras’ quote is the fear of judgment. It’s a sentiment that seems to resonates deeply, especially in today’s society where the fear of being scrutinized and criticized often holds us back from fully embracing ourselves and our potential. In my interactions with clients, I’ve noticed a recurring theme recently of apprehension towards judgment, whether it be from peers, colleagues, or even from within themselves. This fear of judgment can be paralyzing, hindering our ability to express ourselves authentically and pursue our passions wholeheartedly.

As coaches, I feel that its an important part of my work that I do what I can create a safe and non-judgmental space for our clients, where they feel empowered to explore their thoughts, emotions, and aspirations freely. By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, we can help alleviate the fear of judgment and encourage our clients to embrace their true selves even if it seems to them they need confidence and courage to do that.

In conclusion, Pythagoras’ timeless wisdom serves as a reminder to find contentment in our actions, that self-acceptance, regardless of external opinions or judgments. It encourages us to cultivate moments of stillness amidst the chaos of life and to confront our fears of judgment with resilience and self-assurance. Let us rest satisfied in our endeavors, and leave others to form their opinions as they may.

About Jen Waller

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.

Embracing Rest: The Importance of Downtime for Coaches

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / idleness / productivity / quote / rest / self-care / Sir John Lubbock / time
A empty green bench is in the bottom left corner surrounded by green grass and a couple of trees on the edge in the foreground. In the distance is a stretch of blue water with a distant tree line on the far bank. The sky is blue with fluffy white clouds. The text reads: "Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky, is by no means waste of time" (Sir John Lubbock)

Today’s quote is:

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky, is by no means waste of time” (Sir John Lubbock)

As coaches, we’re accustomed to giving our all to support others in their personal and professional growth. We’re often passionate about our work and dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals. But in our quest to empower others, we mustn’t overlook the importance of caring for and listening to ourselves.

Rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for our well-being and effectiveness as coaches. Here are a few reasons why embracing rest is essential:

  • Renewed Energy: Just as our clients need breaks to recharge and refocus, so do we. Taking time to rest allows us to replenish our energy reserves and approach our coaching sessions with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.
  • Enhanced Creativity: Rest provides space for our minds to wander and explore new ideas. When we give ourselves permission to step away from our work, we create opportunities for inspiration and innovation to flourish.
  • Improved Focus: Constant busyness can lead to burnout and diminished cognitive function. By prioritising rest, we can sharpen our focus and attention, enabling us to be more present and engaged in our coaching sessions.
  • Stress Reduction: Many find the demands of coaching and running a business can be taxing, both mentally and emotionally. Incorporating regular periods of rest into our routine can help alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

So, how can we embrace rest in our busy lives as coaches?

  • Schedule Downtime: Treat rest like any other important appointment in your calendar. Block off time for relaxation and leisure activities, whether it’s a leisurely walk in nature, reading a book, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection.
  • Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to activities or commitments that drain your energy and leave you feeling overwhelmed. Prioritise self-care and honour your need for rest, even if it means disappointing others temporarily. I often find setting expectations at the start of working with someone helps – For example I ensure that clients know I reply to emails within 48 hours – usually much faster but there will be times when I’m not reachable every moment of the day. It may be that you are happy to be “on call” 24/7, it’s just not something that works with my other commitments – and its easier to be transparent about that up-front. Any client that is looking for that level of support and its a deal breaker then I’m not the coach for them – I feel its better for us both to find that out quickly.
  • Listen to yourself: We spend a lot of time in coach trainings looking at listening to others – how much do you actually listen to yourself? What do you want to do right now? What do you know to do?
  • Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it. Whether it’s leaning on friends, family, or fellow coaches, having a strong support network can help you navigate the challenges of coaching while prioritizing your well-being. You don’t have to do everything on your own!

In conclusion, rest is not a luxury reserved for the idle; it’s an essential component of a healthy and balanced life. As coaches, it’s important to honor our need for rest and relaxation, recognizing that it’s not only beneficial for our own well-being but also essential for our effectiveness in supporting others. So, let’s embrace rest as a valuable tool for self-care and recharge our batteries so we can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients.

About Jen Waller

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.