I am often asked what brings particular clients to me. Some wish to journey into higher realms for guidance, get grounded, transform troubled relationships, identify and release limiting beliefs, or increase capacity to heal their bodies. Every individual is unique. I share this recent exchange with Maria for the benefit of you who are seeking answers to your own questions.
What prompts you to open up to me?
Maria: To be honest, I was not looking for a coach with specific credentials. I am trusting my gut. In speaking with you, I felt a real connection. It just felt right to take the next step. I explored your website. What I read on the internet confirmed this is the right choice for me.
Have you had coaching expectations?
Maria: Well, before beginning, you asked if I had specific intentions, whether I have any experience with hypnosis, remembering my dreams, past life regression, various therapies and healing practices. I suppose my point of reference for our sessions began with the idea I could add to what I have experienced. I want to learn to trust myself more, get to the root of obstacles I am facing, to shift patterns I see that are holding me back, get clearer on where to go from here. If I ask you what you feel you can do for me, what would you say?
I am not here to answer your questions, I am here to help you stop asking them. As a sound-board, I help you to notice when you think and feel the way through life. I also help you to begin to recognize and take responsibility for each of your choices.
Maria: That says a lot. I ask loads of questions. Answers are not always clear to me. I am told I am too emotional and wish to get a handle on that, take more time for me and get over my fears.
Whatever you fear invites you to get-to-know yourself differently. As you change the way you see things, what you see changes. Noticing anything about filters?
Maria: I am seeing obstacles differently. I am more aware of lessons and options to respond to what life throws me. The way I react emotionally to people and events my life is not always helpful. I also notice emotions I am not really in touch with and resist feeling. I still take some things personally and wish to change this. I do not like losing control.
Some perceptions are helpful and empowering, while others keep up negative patterns. A shift in perspective starts with an increase in awareness. Do you relate?
Maria: Yes. As I grow aware of the my judgements and beliefs, I begin to grow aware of what and who triggers me. I really want to stop losing control over my emotions.
Indeed. As we progress with sessions, are you noticing any shifts?
Maria: I am noticing that my reality changes based on how I feel about it, who I hang around and how I use my time. I am also more aware that making the unconscious conscious is one path to healing. My own ignorance, indifference and inaction only perpetuates discomfort and keeps dreams out of reach.
You may have heard the idea, 'you are becoming like the five people you spend the most time with.' Personal reality is based on beliefs, expectations. Experiences reinforce beliefs. So, if you want to change your reality, changing perception is key.
Maria: In my case, re-training the mind for change takes practice. I work on self-discipline.
Letting go gets easier. Of all the practices we are exploring so far, what stands out?
Maria: The breathwork, different mental processes and ah-ha moments that I have after our open dialogue.
Why are you receptive to breathwork ?
Maria: What you offer are techniques that enable me to gain deeper insight into myself, my resistance. It hits I allow myself to hinder or speed up self-healing. I am more aware of core beliefs that have been running me and the reasons why my life brings me to where I am. It feels good to take steps to shift my focus and priorities.
Why has your most recent session helped you?
Maria: You give me opportunity and space to explore things that I do not make time for by myself. I am more aware than ever before that I get wrapped up in the day-to-day tasks of being a wife, parent, student and doing my best to juggle it all. Until today, I had no idea the deeper source of my patterns. Making the unconscious conscious is already changing how I feel about myself and how confident I am about where I am headed. You guide me to recall what I forget.
I'm sure you have a theme: the theme of your life. You can embellish it or desecrate it, but it's your theme, and as long as you follow it, you will experience harmony and peace of mind. - Agatha Christie