Most people who read the SPARK and come to coaching do so because they want to make a change in their career, performance, relationships and/or personal life. Getting clear on what you truly want and striving for it is empowering, energizing and truly life changing.
 
However, in the process of building the life we want, it's easy to miss out on the beauty that is all around us. We can be just like a mountaineer, intensely focused on the summit - but missing out on the spectacular view and sweet berries along the way.
 
At times, it is important to slow down, rest, take in your surroundings and appreciate all the things that are part of your present moment.
 
When you pause on your own personal mountain-climbing adventure, you may notice that your feet are sore, your body is weary, you need water and food, and your longing to reach the top is intense. Simply accept all these sensations as part of your current reality.
 
When you stop resisting these discomforts and simply accept them as part of your present moment, they magically diminish a bit. This is because resistance and avoidance actually make the pain worse, while acceptance soothes it.
 
Take a moment now to reconnect with your experiences of this moment: 

• Take in the scenery around you, as if you were on a hike in the mountains.
• What are you seeing, feeling, smelling, tasting? 
• What are your physical sensations? 
•  If you like, jot down the things you are noticing about your life in this moment. 
• Now, relax and allow yourself to fully accept this snapshot of life, just as it is. 
• Recognize that this moment is a perfect part of your personal journey.
• Appreciate this moment, increasing your acceptance bit by bit, until you fully embrace what is here, now.

Please share your comments and learning with other readers on my blog.

• Do you feel anxious?
• Do you think about the past with regrets?
• Do you think about the future with worry?

Then it's time for you to relax and recharge your batteries - before you drain yourself completely!
 
Here are a few tips that will help you manage stress and maintain a happy, healthy, productive state of mind:

Feel your feelings and notice the physical sensations in your body. Accept that this is how you are feeling right now and trust that your feelings and physical sensations can change without any effort on your part.

Push your feet into the ground like cats do before they settle down for a nap. Enjoy the feeling of security that comes with feeling the ground underneath your feet.

Write down three things you are grateful for right now.

Take a Guided Mini-Retreat (available on CD or for download), such as Breath Centering, to relax and recharge yourself fully. Even a short retreat can make a huge difference in your energy, attitude and ability to relate with others.

Guided Mini-Retreats reveal a variety of ways to stimulate deep relaxation in your mind and body - in just a few moments! Give them a try; you'll be glad you did. 

 
Take the first step today to reduce negative stress in your life... order a Guided Mini-Retreat CD!
 




Relax, Recharge, Refresh
Audio CD $21.95
MP3 Digital Download $15.95

• Increased self-confidence: 80%
• Improved relationships: 73%
• Better communication and interpersonal skills: 70+%
• Increased work performance: 70%

 
Virtually all clients (99%) indicated they were satisfied with the coaching experience. Almost all clients (96%) said they would repeat the coaching process if faced with another situation similar to that which led them to seek a coach the first time.
 
My conclusion: Coaching works! I strongly encourage you to find out for yourself just how powerful and satisfying it can be.
 
Source: ICF Global Coaching Client Study, April 2008