Thought

Simplicity: Discovering the Real Meaning of Things

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / Constantin Brâncuși / now / present / quote / simplicity / Thought / truth
The image features a background of soft yellow and light green tones, evoking the feeling of a sunny autumn day. On the left, a thin branch extends, holding several leaves in various autumn shades of orange, yellow, and green. The quote by Constantin Brâncuși is displayed in black text on the right:"Simplicity is not a goal, but one arrives at simplicity in spite of oneself, as one approaches the real meaning of things."

The quote of the day is:

“Simplicity is not a goal, but one arrives at simplicity in spite of oneself, as one approaches the real meaning of things.” (Constantin Brâncuși)

Constantin Brâncuși, one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century, believed in stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essence of his subjects. For me, his words point to simplicity isn’t something we chase; it’s what remains when we peel back the layers and connect with deeper truths. These truths aren’t always hidden—they’re often right in front of us. Yet, in our rush to understand and solve, we sometimes overlook them.

In coaching and personal growth, I often think of an insight as seeing something new—a fresh understanding or perspective. Sometimes, it’s subtle, like noticing a different way of responding to a familiar situation. Other times, it feels profound, as though the whole structure of my understanding has shifted. What’s consistent, though, is this: the closer I get to these deeper truths about how we function as human beings, the more I find myself saying, “Oh, it can be even simpler than I was making it.”

The Deeper Truths Beneath Complexity

Life can feel complicated, and it’s easy to assume that complexity is inherent to solving problems or making progress. But when I look more closely, I often see that complexity is something I’ve added—through layers of overthinking, analysing, or trying to control outcomes I’ve no way of actually being able to control. Beneath that complexity lies something far simpler: the deeper truths that govern how we experience life.

As I see it, one of these truths is that our thoughts create our experience of our reality. What I mean by that, is that our experience isn’t determined by circumstances themselves, but by how we interpret them. This understanding doesn’t just simplify life—it transforms it. Suddenly, I don’t have to fix everything in the outside world to feel at peace. Instead, I can look inward, look to the underlying quiet and recognise that clarity often comes when I stop wrestling with my thoughts.

The Present Moment as a Gateway

Another truth I’ve seen is that simplicity often arises when I’m present—when I’m here, in this moment, instead of lost in stories about the past or projections about the future. Being present allows me to step outside the loops of mental effort and see life as it is, without the filters of worry or judgment. In this space, the unnecessary drops away, revealing what truly matters.

And here’s the paradox: the intellect, as useful as it is, often makes things more complicated in its attempts to solve or control. But when I’m present, I’m no longer relying solely on intellect. I’m tapping into a deeper intelligence, an innate wisdom —one that works effortlessly, providing insights and solutions that feel obvious in hindsight. This is where the real meaning of things often becomes clear.

Simplicity and the Real Meaning of Things

Simplicity, then, isn’t something to be forced or achieved. It’s what emerges naturally when we align with these deeper truths. It’s the clarity that comes from understanding how our minds work and from being present with life as it unfolds. This doesn’t mean life is always easy or straightforward. Challenges and uncertainties are part of the human experience. But even in those moments, simplicity is available—not as a goal, but as a by-product of seeing life more clearly.

So today, I invite you to pause and reflect: What truths about life or yourself might already be present, waiting to be uncovered? Where might you be adding complexity that isn’t needed? And what might you see differently if you allowed yourself to step back and simply be?

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller

Jen Waller is a transformative coach dedicated to empowering individuals to get out of their own way and make a meaningful impact in the world. With an impactful, nurturing coaching style, Jen supports clients in unlocking their potential and achieving their goals. As an experienced coach and trainer, she guides clients from self-doubt to success.

Discover how Jen can support you to get out of your own way here.

Choose Your Adventure: Navigating Life’s Big and Small Journeys

 in quote  tagged adventure / coach / coaches / coaching / J. M. Barrie / quote / thinking / Thought
The image depicts a tranquil outdoor camping scene by a lake, surrounded by lush green hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. In the foreground, there are two tents: one orange and one yellow, set up on a grassy area. A campfire with flickering flames is situated on the ground, encircled by a ring of stones. Above the fire, a black pot is suspended on a tripod, suggesting that something is being cooked. To the side of the fire, a bright orange backpack and a rolled-up sleeping mat are placed on the grass. A wooden chair is nearby, providing a place to sit and enjoy the surroundings. An axe is resting on a log, indicating preparation for chopping wood. A lantern is also visible, adding a warm ambiance to the scene. At the top of the image, there is text that reads: "Would you like an adventure now," he said casually to John, "or would you like to have your tea first?" This quote is attributed to J.M. Barrie's Peter and Wendy.

The quote of the Day is:

“‘Would you like an adventure now,’ he said casually to John, ‘or would you like to have your tea first?'” (J. M. Barrie, Peter and Wendy)

J.M. Barrie, the Scottish author and playwright, is best known for creating Peter Pan, the boy who refused to grow up. His novel Peter and Wendy (1911), a follow-up to the play that introduced Peter Pan, immortalized the boy who wouldn’t grow up for readers everywhere. The story is filled with adventure, youthful wonder, and the tension between staying forever young or embracing the journey of growing up.

If you were given that choice—an adventure now, or tea first—what would your gut response be?

Barrie’s whimsical quote invites us to think about adventure as a choice—one that’s often right in front of us, waiting to be made. But how often do we, like John, hesitate, preferring the comfort of the known over the allure of the unknown? Whether it’s the fear of failure, doubt in our abilities, or simply the cosiness of routine, we often delay the adventures life offers. Yet, when we pause to consider, we might ask ourselves: What are we waiting for?

What Is an Adventure to You?

Adventure means something different for everyone. For one person, it’s travelling to distant lands; for another, it might be starting a business or even learning a new hobby. Depending upon your situation, it may be what to other seems so ordinary, like a trip out to the shops. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures—it can be found in the small, everyday decisions that push us out of our own personal comfort zones.

Does stepping into the unknown require courage and thoughtfulness? Sometimes, absolutely. Adventure isn’t always about leaping without looking; it’s about intentional exploration, knowing there are risks but stepping forward anyway. Does it have to feel that way? I think, how we feel in any given moment is down to what our thinking is doing, so no, I don’t think we have to feel that. At any moment we can let go of any specific thinking and new thought will flow, bringing its own feelings. So, when faced with a new opportunity, ask yourself: What would it look like to embrace this adventure, however big or small?

Perhaps the better question is: Is it possible that adventure is less about where you go and more about who you become through the process?

The Power of Thought: How We Shape Our Adventures

Our perceived world is shaped by how we think. The idea of an adventure—whether it’s a grand expedition or simply a shift in routine—demonstrates how we use our thoughts to interpret and create experiences. A mundane task can become an adventure if, for example, we approach it with curiosity and openness.

As coaches, part of our role is to help individuals notice their thinking and explore insights. Often, resistance to adventure isn’t about the situation itself, but how it’s being framed. For example, are they focused on the risks or the possibilities? Do they trust the unknown, so there is more excitement and less fear, or do they feel it can only be safe if their intellect has figured everything out in advance with absolute certainty?

Balancing Adventure with Regular Life

Barrie’s quote subtly reminds us that adventure doesn’t mean abandoning our regular lives. After all, Peter offers John a choice: adventure or tea? Perhaps both? You don’t have to choose between bold steps and daily routines—there can be a balance to be found. You can embark on new journeys while still making time for the familiar comforts of life.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones that seamlessly integrate with the rhythm of everyday life. A small change in your routine, a new project, or even a shift in perspective can bring a sense of adventure into what might seem mundane.

Taking Bold Steps and Reflection

How do you know when it’s time to take bold steps and when it’s time to pause and reflect? Adventures often require action, but they can also call for moments of reflection. Boldness without introspection can lead to reckless leaps; reflection without action can leave us stuck in place. There’s wisdom in knowing when to move forward and when to pause.

Perhaps the key lies in being attuned to your internal signals. As a coach, you can help clients explore this balance. What feels like a bold step today? What’s the next small, adventurous action they can take, and how can they reflect on their progress along the way?

Encouraging reflection while in the midst of adventure allows for course corrections, learning, and growth in real-time. It can make it easier to notice and hear our own inner wisdom when we take a moment to listen and check what we already know to do, or not do.

In closing, Barrie’s question is both playful and profound: Would you like an adventure now, or would you like to have your tea first? It reminds us that adventure is always available if we choose to embrace it. Sometimes it’s about stepping boldly into the unknown; other times, it’s simply about shifting our mindset. Either way, adventure and tea can coexist—and perhaps, the best adventures are those that make space for both.

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller

Jen Waller is a transformative coach dedicated to empowering individuals to get out of their own way and make a meaningful impact in the world. With an impactful, nurturing coaching style, Jen supports clients in unlocking their potential and achieving their goals. As an experienced coach and trainer, she guides clients from self-doubt to success.

Discover how Jen can support you own your own adventures here.

When Was The Last Time A Potato Got You In Trouble?

 in Resource  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / Coaching from the soul / Thought

A short video from our Coaching From The Soul, 4th September live stream. Every 3-4 weeks myself and some coaching colleagues get together online to share a conversation with the broad brief of what we’re seeing about what it’s like to be human! As you may imagine, the conversation may go in any direction, I loved when Roisin shared this because of the light-heartedness of the story but also because I thought it illustrated her point so strongly.

How to Watch More Coaching From The Soul

To watch the whole live stream that this clip came from, you can see that here.

Join us for our next call, Wednesday 16th October at 6.15 pm UK live for our next call and see what topics come up for us this month

The Coaching From The Soul YouTube channel has lots of short clips taken from previous conversations, as well as the complete past chats.

The Mysterious Mind: Unveiling the Nature of Thought and Consciousness

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / Elsa Barker / quote / thinking / Thought
The image portrays a mesmerizing forest scene bathed in ethereal and magical light. The woods are dense with tall, slender trees, and the forest floor is carpeted with what appears to be a vibrant, pinkish-purple hue. Rays of light filter through the canopy, casting beautiful, speckled patterns of illumination and creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The scene is enhanced by floating particles or sparks that resemble tiny stars or fireflies, adding to the overall mystique and enchantment of the setting. Accompanying this visual feast is a quote by Elsa Barker: "Our minds are the most mysterious things about us."

The quote of the day is:

“Our minds are the most mysterious things about us.” (Elsa Barker)

This quote by the American novelist, Elsa Barker got me thinking about thinking and the nature of thought. So much of the self help industry is about controlling and manipulating our thinking. Sure, the techniques and approach to how that is done may alter, but at the heart it’s generally about looking at specific thoughts. I’m not criticising that approach, it can be helpful – I spent years becoming qualified in several modalities that address symptoms and were really helpful.

Certainly, the content of our thoughts can indeed be mysterious—even perplexing at times. For example, just the other night, I had a dream about vampire cats. It left me scratching my head upon waking—why on earth did my mind conjure up such an odd scenario? Was it something I ate? A hidden fear? Or perhaps my adorable feline tried to nibble me awake, seeking attention in the early hours.

Unveiling the Nature of Thought

This bizarre dream got me thinking about how unpredictable and enigmatic our thoughts can be. If my mind can produce such a peculiar image without any obvious trigger, it begs the question: Where do our thoughts actually come from? Is there a deeper source or mechanism at play beyond our conscious control?

A simple shift in focus from trying to interpret or control individual thoughts to exploring the very nature of Thought itself is part of the difference between how I coach now and how I used to coach. Instead of getting caught up in the endless complexity of thought content, I became curious about the origin of thinking—about how and why thoughts arise in the first place. At this level, I find that huge impact can happen without having to go and identify a “problem” thought and change that thinking.

Exploring the Nature of Thought: Different Perspectives

We rarely pause to consider the origin of our thoughts – at least I didn’t until I started to look in this direction. Do they arise solely from neural processes in the brain? Are they influenced by something beyond our individual selves? Philosophers, scientists, and spiritual leaders have debated these questions for centuries.

  • Philosophical Perspectives: Philosophers like Descartes pondered the nature of consciousness, famously stating, “I think, therefore I am.” But what enables us to think in the first place? Is there a fundamental essence of mind that we all share?
  • Scientific Insights: Neuroscience tells us about brain waves and synaptic connections, mapping how thoughts may form. Yet, even with advanced technology, the exact moment a thought emerges remains elusive—a spark in the dark.
  • Spiritual Views: Many Eastern philosophies suggest that thoughts arise from a universal consciousness. In mindfulness practices, thoughts are observed as passing phenomena, not necessarily owned by us but flowing through us.

I’m not a Neuroscientist, so I will leave that avenue to those experts, neither have I got a doctorate in philosophy so I will leave that angle for others to tackle. The spiritual approach of how we seem to work as a human and the practical implications of that is what my work is all about, so I will focus upon that perspective.

The Nature of Thought in Coaching

By shifting our focus from the content of individual thoughts to the nature of Thought itself, we can begin to see our minds in a new light. Instead of viewing thoughts as problems to be solved, we can perceive them as waves in the ocean of consciousness—natural, ever-changing, and part of a larger whole. One aspect of my work is to guide clients to recognise that thoughts are transient and arise from a universal consciousness, which can lead to profound personal transformations.

This perspective can be liberating. People often find that, naturally and effortlessly, changes occur, such as:

  • Reduce Anxiety: When we stop trying to control every thought, we relieve ourselves of an impossible task.
  • Enhance Creativity: Openness to whatever thoughts arise can foster greater creativity and innovation.
  • Find Peace: Recognizing that not every thought requires action or judgment can bring a sense of calm.

Only recently, a client was telling me that a family member had got curious about what had happened because they could see such a difference in the way my client was now in their relaxed approach to life, yet with things positively unfolding quicker than before. My client was saying how powerful seeing this is, and the impact it can have.

Reimagining Reality: The Nature of Thought and Perception

What if, we live in the feeling of our thinking? It won’t have escaped your notice that if you are conscious that you are thinking a happy thought then a feeling of happiness accompanies it. But what if that was the case for all thoughts – even the ones that you aren’t conscious off having. Any feelings of pressure and stress are just our system’s way of drawing attention to, not the specific content of a thought, but that we are innocently grasping onto some thinking. A reminder, if you like, that we don’t have to hang on to that thought, the option to relax our grip on it is there.

What if, it’s the energy that thought is made from that is influencing how we feel. Does the intrinsic power of thought shape our emotional state?

What if, how we perceive the world is made up from our thinking – almost as if it’s forming a holographic projection around us, as determined by the power of thought. Is our reality is a reflection of our mental processes?

I invite you to consider for yourself – it may be that you can easily see that in some areas of your life that you easily see the influence that Thought has, whilst in others, that just seem really real. What if that it applies to those areas as well?

Our minds are indeed mysterious, but perhaps that’s something to celebrate rather than fear. By exploring where our thoughts come from, we open the door to greater self-understanding and compassion. Instead of wrestling with every thought, we can learn to observe them, appreciate the mind’s complexity, and embrace the mystery. I’d love to hear your perspectives. What are your thoughts on the origin of thinking? Feel free to share in the comments below.

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller

Jen Waller is a transformative coach dedicated to empowering individuals to get out of their own way and make a meaningful impact in the world. With an impactful, nurturing coaching style, Jen supports clients in unlocking their potential and achieving their goals. As an experienced coach and trainer, she guides clients from self-doubt to success.

Discover how Jen can support you to get out of your own way here.

Owning Your Past: Insights and Questions for Coaches

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / past / questions / quote / Thought
It is not that I belong to the past but that the past belongs to me. Mary Antin600 x 400

The quote of the day is:

“It is not that I belong to the past, but that the past belongs to me.” (Mary Antin)

Questions For Coaches:

  • What connections do you see between this quote and coaching?
  • How do you help clients understand and integrate their past experiences into their present lives?
  • How do you view your past in terms of its impact on your present decisions and actions?
  • Do you use past successes to motivate and guide your future professional goals?

Bonus Questions

  • If your past is a collection of thoughts, what difference does that make for you in the present moment?
  • What past experiences have shaped your core values and beliefs today?
  • How do you integrate the knowledge and skills from past roles into your current coaching business?

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller

Jen Waller is a transformative coach dedicated to empowering individuals to get out of their own way and make a meaningful impact in the world. With an impactful, nurturing coaching style, Jen supports clients in unlocking their potential and achieving their goals. As an experienced coach and trainer, she guides clients from self-doubt to success.

Discover how Jen can support you to get out of your own way here.

Challenging Illusions: Thought-Provoking Questions for Coaches

 in quote  tagged coach / coaches / coaching / F. Scott Fitzgerald / illusion / questions / quote / Thought
The image shows an intricate pattern of tiles on the ground, creating a visually striking geometric design. The tiles are arranged in a way that forms an optical illusion of three-dimensional cubes or a zigzag pattern, depending on the viewer's perspective. The tiles are in shades of gray and off-white, enhancing the illusion of depth and dimension. The text reads: "Then I grew up, and the beauty of succulent illusions fell away from me." (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

The quote of the day is:

“Then I grew up, and the beauty of succulent illusions fell away from me.” (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

Questions For Coaches:

  • What do you think the relationship between coaching and being realistic is?
  • What role did illusions play in your earlier life, and how do you view them now?
  • Using an example of something you’d like to see more about, if you look at it as an adult, what do you notice? If you look at it from a child like perspective, now what do you notice?

Bonus Questions:

  • How have your perceptions of reality changed as you’ve matured?
  • How do you differentiate between thoughts created by your mind and the true essence of your experiences?
  • What business beliefs or ideals did you hold when you started your coaching practice, and how have they changed?

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller

Jen Waller is a transformative coach dedicated to empowering individuals to get out of their own way and make a meaningful impact in the world. With an impactful, nurturing coaching style, Jen supports clients in unlocking their potential and achieving their goals. As an experienced coach and trainer, she guides clients from self-doubt to success.

Discover how Jen can support you to get out of your own way here

Questions For Coaches about Action

 in quote  tagged John Locke / questions / Thought
On a black background, a stick figure is drawn in chalk. A thought bubble is above the figure, packed with lots of squiggles. The text reads: "I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts." (John Locke)

The quote of the day is:

“I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.” (John Locke)

Questions For Coaches:

  • Does it seem true to you that there is a connection between the action taken and thought?
  • As a coach, how do you help clients recognize the connection between their actions and thoughts?
  • What do you think your recent actions say about your priorities?
  • How do you interpret the actions of others in understanding their intentions?

Bonus Questions:

  • What role do client interactions and feedback play in helping you interpret the thoughts and sentiments of your audience?
  • What measures can you take to ensure that your marketing efforts accurately reflect the thoughts and needs of your ideal clients?
  • How do you observe and interpret non-verbal cues and behaviours to gain insights into others’ thoughts and intentions?
  • How do you navigate situations where there may be discrepancies between what someone says and what they do?

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.

Beyond Belief: Discovering Freedom in Thought

 in quote  tagged belief / burden / coach / coaches / coaching / proverb / quote / thinking / Thought
This is a drawn image of a hen on a white background. The hen is stood and has light grey feathers and orange beak and feet. The eyes are drawn as if closed and with eyelashes. She has red plumage on the top of her head and under her beak. The text reads: "A hen is heavy over a long distance." (Irish proverb)

Happy Tuesday! Today’s quote is a proverb:

“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

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.