True Balance Life Coaching

I wrote this post 6 months ago for a friends blog. I think it’s perfect for the True Balance community. Enjoy.

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities. In the expert’s mind there are few.” -Shunryu Suzuki

Shoshin is a concept in Zen Buddhism meaning Beginner’s Mind. It refers to the openness, eagerness, and lack of preconception a beginner brings to their study of a subject.

When we practice Shoshin, we can experience learning just as a beginner would, even when studying at an advanced level.

For me Beginner’s Mind means allowing new experiences to unfold without grand expectations; to be immersed in the experience, rather than in my thoughts about what the experience should be.

This openness allows me to indulge my curiosity, jump into uncharted waters, and remain a dedicated and interested student of life for the rest of my days on this planet.

As the mother of a young daughter, I witness Beginner’s Mind every day.

This maternal observation, coupled with the fact that I am an experiential learner, supports a natural state of wonderment—a way to squeeze even more sweetness out of each day.

Beginner’s Mind is nourished by being open, curious, and fearless. When you have no preconceptions, there is no room for internal competition or an overactive ego, and no need to be fully proficient. It’s more about showing up and seeing what happens next.

Here are some examples of how Shoshin shows up in my life. As you read through these examples, draw parallels to your own work, activities, and interests. You may be surprised by what you find!

Photography

I love taking photographs with my new camera. The G10 is my creative partner when exploring the beautiful countryside of northern Michigan. Each time I capture the rich textures, light, and colors of a natural landscape, it takes my breath away. Whether I’m fooling around with artistic reflections, or lying on my belly to take a sweet shot at the beach, I get a charge out of experimenting with new lenses, settings, and shots.

Every time I venture outdoors with my camera, Beginner’s Mind is part of me. I am not an aspiring professional photographer, but I truly enjoy the experience of seeing a stunning image emerge from within a sea of photos.

Playing the Piano

I and my family have become the stewards of a baby grand piano for a newly married couple who moved across the country. For more than two years, this piano has been nothing more than a gorgeous piece of furniture. Taunting me with her ivory keys, she reminds me daily that I have an unspecified window of time to learn to play her before she is reclaimed.

Just last week I received some basic instruction manuals, and now I am learning to read music. Using numbered fingers and a posted key guide, I learned to play “Old McDonald Had a Farm.” Someday, if I keep my Beginner’s Mind open, I know I’ll be able to play anything I wish.

Cooking

I am a fearless cook, thanks to growing up with a mother who was always experimenting with new recipes. Mom taught me how to prepare, and enjoy, good food. When I find new recipes that sound delicious, I go for them.

When I learn about new ingredients and cooking methods, I just have to give them a whirl. My current mission is to learn new techniques for preparing healthier foods. It’s an exploration, and my family has suffered through a few lousy meals, but I’m staying open to the possibilities. After all, anyone can learn to cook if they’re willing to make a big mess and eat a few less-than-appetizing concoctions.

Writing

Writing is something that snuck up on me a few short years ago, and when it did, it spun me around like a whirlwind. Since then, I have co-authored two successful books and authored Life on Your Terms.

Thanks to Beginner’s Mind, I was able to take small steps, and ask for support along the way from technical writers and copy editors. When preparing the final manuscript for Life On Your Terms, Beginner’s Mind made all the difference.

I still have a lot to learn to hone my craft, and my book isn’t perfect, but I find that the more I write, the more clearly I communicate in all areas of my life. I still put commas in the wrong places and get my tenses fouled up, but I don’t need to be perfect. It’s enough for me to be a writer in the process of improving her skills.

Archery

I have a beautiful longbow that I shoot at a target stacked on a bale of hay. Sometimes I even hit the target more than I miss. I don’t shoot to hit the bull’s eye, though: for me, it’s about the process, and being in the moment. Slowing down my breath, setting up the shot, pulling back on the string as I inhale, then releasing with a whoosh on the exhale; it’s a lot like yoga.

What’s more, every shot that’s released has a chance of hitting the target, and the chances get better the more I breathe and focus—kind of like life!

Life Coaching

Transition coaching is my passion and professional calling. One of the reasons why I love the business of life coaching is because each client session beckons me to be fully present and curious.

Even though I have loads of hours of coaching experience, I am humbled by how much there still is for me to learn. I treat each new client with kindness and respect, because they know themselves better than I ever could.

My job is to show up without any preconceived notion, listen and learn. Staying in Shoshin helps me do my best work for others.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but in seeing with new eyes.” -Marcel Proust

All you need to enjoy Beginner’s Mind is the courage to step forward with an open mind and allow your curiosity to unfold. There’s no need for perfection. You don’t have to be great at everything you have an interest in. Instead, become a student of life. You deserve to sample, investigate, and experience life with unfiltered enthusiasm!

Questions:

When have you experienced Beginner’s Mind? How did it feel?

What are you most curious about?

What is stopping you from sampling a new interest? How can Shoshin help you overcome this block?

How will you infuse Beginner’s Mind into your expertise?

Ready to accelerate your life on your terms? Hire a life coach!

Here are ten reasons why you may want to partner with a well trained professional life coach or business coach.

1. You will clarify your goals and priorities

2. You can create a bigger vision

3. You will be held accountable for your dreams

4. You will get a new perspective on your situation

5. You can put an action plan in place to reach your goals

6. You will create growth in your business and personal life

7. You will learn better time management skills

8. You will be supported and encouraged while experiencing or significant transition

9. You will learn how to get out of your own way

10. You can discover and fully live out your passion

If you want to read more about the benefit of professional coaching, check out this study from the International Coaching Federation.

If opening the door to a highly productive cycle of activity sounds good, you will want to read on…

As a professional transition coach, I have the tools, training and experience to help you overcome anxiety, get clear about your desires and move forward on the path of your choosing.

You are invited to experience a one-on-one “Get Focused Now” coaching conversation with me at no cost to you.

In this session we will create a crystal clear vision for you to free your scattered mind, clobber overwhelm and get back on track by honoring your core values so you can do what you love, and love what you do.

We will uncover hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your success, choose your direction and develop action steps to bring your big ideas to fruition.

You will leave this session renewed, re-energized and inspired to take action to reclaim your focus with workable solutions to accelerate your life on your terms.

To take advantage of this no cost 30 minute one-on-one private coaching session, all you need to do is respond now and claim your session.

Click HERE and you will be transported to my personal scheduler and can claim your appointment immediately. It’s easy!