A Research Paper By Francesca Lanni, Cancer Patients and Families Coach, MALTA
Mindfulness
According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, mindfulness refers to being mindful and practicing a non-judgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis. The practice of meditation has its roots in ancient Eastern religious traditions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism. The current approach to mindfulness in the Western health system is a way to achieve a state of mind that is aware and focused, which in turn can assist with reducing stress, improving physical health, and creating greater harmony in life.
Coaching with mindfulness is an approach that combines the principles of coaching with mindfulness meditation practices. This approach emphasizes the importance of being present at the moment, and fully aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. By cultivating mindfulness, clients can gain greater self-awareness, improve their focus and attention, and enhance their ability to manage stress and difficult emotions.
Benefits of Coaching with Mindfulness
Coaching with mindfulness can have a range of benefits for clients. For example, it can help clients:
- Develop greater self-awareness: By practicing mindfulness, clients can learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help them develop a greater understanding of their patterns of thinking and behavior, and make positive changes in their lives.
- Improve their focus and attention: Mindfulness meditation has been shown to improve focus and attention. By practicing mindfulness, clients can learn to better focus on the present moment, which can help them be more productive and effective in their personal and professional lives.
- Manage stress and difficult emotions: Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. By incorporating mindfulness practices into coaching sessions, coaches can help clients manage stress and difficult emotions more effectively.
- Cultivate compassion and empathy: Mindfulness meditation has also been shown to increase compassion and empathy. By practicing mindfulness, clients can develop greater empathy for themselves and others, which can improve their relationships and overall well-being.
How to Incorporate Mindfulness into Coaching?
There are several ways that coaches can incorporate mindfulness into their coaching practice. Here are a few ideas:
- Start each session with a brief mindfulness practice: At the beginning of each coaching session, invite clients to take a few moments to practice mindfulness. This could involve a simple breathing exercise or a guided meditation.
- Use mindfulness-based coaching tools: Several coaching tools and techniques incorporate mindfulness, such as the Wheel of Life and the SMARTER goal-setting framework. These tools can help clients develop greater self-awareness and set meaningful goals.
- Encourage clients to practice mindfulness outside of coaching sessions: In addition to practicing mindfulness during coaching sessions, coaches can encourage clients to develop their mindfulness practice outside of sessions. This could involve practicing meditation or simply taking a few moments each day to focus on the present moment.
- Model mindfulness in coaching sessions: Finally, coaches can model mindfulness by being fully present and attentive during coaching sessions. By embodying the principles of mindfulness, coaches can create a safe and supportive environment that encourages clients to develop their mindfulness practice.
Incorporating Mindfulness Practices into Coaching Sessions
Coaching with mindfulness can be a powerful approach for helping clients develop greater self-awareness, improve their focus and attention, and manage stress and difficult emotions. By incorporating mindfulness practices into coaching sessions, coaches can help clients cultivate greater compassion and empathy, and improve their overall well-being. Whether you are a coach or a client, mindfulness can be a valuable tool for achieving personal and professional goals and improving your quality of life.
References
“The Mindful Coach” by Doug Silsbee
“Mindfulness-Based Coaching: The Mindful Coach Approach” by Marc M. Brush
“Coaching with Mindfulness: Transforming Coaching Practice” by Laurie Cameron
“Mindfulness and Coaching: A Literature Review” by Shauna Shapiro, John Teasdale, and Mark Williams.
“Mindful Coaching: A Mixed Methods Exploration of a New Coaching Approach” by Jennifer J. Campbell and Kathryn W. Schafer