Googling about recently, I've noticed a growth in interest in Mindfulness recently. Bangor University is running several courses, and coaches Michael Chaskalson and Emma Donaldson-Feilder are starting courses next month at the British Psychological Society. Mindfulness attention is a highly commendable state for coaches, characterised by presence, curiosity, openness, compassion and acceptance.
Jul
31
Saturday
Positive Lives
Positive Lives is a professional coaching practice that offers career coaching, personal development and leadership coaching.
Tag >> Coaching
I am thrilled to be invited to take part in International Women's Day celebration at The Monastery, Gorton. I love conversations and connections that occur in very special environments.
The Monastery was designed by Pugin and built in 1863. It follows the principles of sacred geometry. Sacred geometry is an ancient mathematical system of proportions that uses basic geometry to create complex and beautiful architectural solutions. It has been used by different cultures around the world for thousands of years from the pyramids in Egypt to the Gothic cathedrals of Europe. It is a very powerful space.
Another Everyday Tale from your Roving Coach
(Leadership Coaching Principles: Use what's offered; Create from anything)
Made the effort on a very cold afternoon to walk into town, over the Dee Bridge and up to our nearest Post Office in Chester. There could be much to complain about from the outset, as we used to have a really handy local PO just five minutes walk away. However, I have been practising Gratitude all this week, so wasn't going to become a Moaning Minnie.
Our city post office has introduced a new computerised ticket system, somewhat along the lines of a supermarket deli counter. You wait until your number is called; then you stroll towards your LED designated counter and are served. OK, it was a bit confusing to start with, but there's always somebody to help you work it out. And it is a lot more restful on the feet. You can sit on a nice scarlet sofa and read a book if you want. Possibly the wait times have not changed, but the experience is generally more comfortable. It's been really quite a long time since the War, so perhaps we could move on now from the "Queuing Mindset"? (I've noticed that nobody, but nobody, queues abroad, especially in Italy and Spain!)
But old traditions die hard; queuing being entrenched as a british way of life. I've observed that the counter staff get a lot of earache about the New Fangled System. So each time I visit the post office, I tell them that I, for one, find the new system quite acceptable.
Modelling Positivity once more, I duly told the lady who served me with my book of First Class stamps "I like your new system". Whereupon she said "Well, you win a mug!" At first, I wasn't sure if she had actually said "Well, you are a mug!" but no. She went off into a Sanctum Sanctorum somewhere behind the bulging mailbags and came back smiling bearing my prize. I am now a proud owner of a "I (heart) my local post office" china mug.
Apart from be lucky (which I am), what did I learn? Well, firstly I was in a positive state of mind from my Gratitude exercises. Secondly, I am always prepared and open to embrace change. Thirdly, I attempt to appreciate the situation of those who have to manage change (not always easy). Fourthly, I like to encourage people on the front-line of change.
What might happen for you and others if you practised some of the above?
And now, I am going to put the kettle on for a cup of tea in my new mug… !
(Leadership Coaching Principles: Use what's offered; Create from anything)
Made the effort on a very cold afternoon to walk into town, over the Dee Bridge and up to our nearest Post Office in Chester. There could be much to complain about from the outset, as we used to have a really handy local PO just five minutes walk away. However, I have been practising Gratitude all this week, so wasn't going to become a Moaning Minnie.
Our city post office has introduced a new computerised ticket system, somewhat along the lines of a supermarket deli counter. You wait until your number is called; then you stroll towards your LED designated counter and are served. OK, it was a bit confusing to start with, but there's always somebody to help you work it out. And it is a lot more restful on the feet. You can sit on a nice scarlet sofa and read a book if you want. Possibly the wait times have not changed, but the experience is generally more comfortable. It's been really quite a long time since the War, so perhaps we could move on now from the "Queuing Mindset"? (I've noticed that nobody, but nobody, queues abroad, especially in Italy and Spain!)
But old traditions die hard; queuing being entrenched as a british way of life. I've observed that the counter staff get a lot of earache about the New Fangled System. So each time I visit the post office, I tell them that I, for one, find the new system quite acceptable.
Modelling Positivity once more, I duly told the lady who served me with my book of First Class stamps "I like your new system". Whereupon she said "Well, you win a mug!" At first, I wasn't sure if she had actually said "Well, you are a mug!" but no. She went off into a Sanctum Sanctorum somewhere behind the bulging mailbags and came back smiling bearing my prize. I am now a proud owner of a "I (heart) my local post office" china mug.
Apart from be lucky (which I am), what did I learn? Well, firstly I was in a positive state of mind from my Gratitude exercises. Secondly, I am always prepared and open to embrace change. Thirdly, I attempt to appreciate the situation of those who have to manage change (not always easy). Fourthly, I like to encourage people on the front-line of change.
What might happen for you and others if you practised some of the above?
And now, I am going to put the kettle on for a cup of tea in my new mug… !
All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go
OK, so I had no plan. I would just "do Art" and then something would show up. Couldn't wait to get to Art College. Had all the necessary accoutrements, portfolio, red hair, Doc Martens, a grant and a student rail pass. But not a Career Plan. Forgot to pack that somehow.
I'd always wanted to "do Art". I loved the mesmerising focus of being absorbed into texture and paint and colour and shape. I was good at it too. But the dream had been squashed in favour of something more sensible, and it had to go on hold for 20 years.
Early Days
I've been browsing through graduate career forums and I am struck by the lack of direction and feeling of futility. Our national talent seems to be stumbling about in the dark, equipped only with Huge Potential, and a clutch of Qualifications.
Yet, careers advisor is now an established career path in itself. Every school, college and university has a department where you can go for careers advice. So what's going on?
I've been browsing through graduate career forums and I am struck by the lack of direction and feeling of futility. Our national talent seems to be stumbling about in the dark, equipped only with Huge Potential, and a clutch of Qualifications.
Yet, careers advisor is now an established career path in itself. Every school, college and university has a department where you can go for careers advice. So what's going on?