Being mindful, present, and emotionally available in coaching sessions is essential for fostering an environment conducive for personal growth and development. The coach’s ability to cultivate a calm and present mindset directly influences both the quality of the coaching relationship and the effectiveness of the process.
When a coach is fully present, they can attentively listen to the client without distractions, assumptions or judgments. This creates a safe space for the client to express their thoughts and feelings openly. The coach’s focused attention allows them to listen more deeply and intuitively and pick up on subtle cues, facilitating a deeper understanding of the client’s perspective, barriers and motivators.
Being present and emotionally available enables empathy. The coach’s genuine emotional engagement fosters trust and rapport, essential elements for a successful coaching relationship. Clients are more likely to explore their behaviors and challenges when they feel the coach is fully present and is listening with curiosity and without judgment.
When the coach presents as calm it can have a calming effect on the client, reducing anxiety and promoting a conducive atmosphere for looking deeper. In this state, clients are more inclined to delve into the roots of their behaviors, beliefs, and goals, leading to more profound insights and personal discoveries.
The coach’s emotional availability also extends to their ability to regulate their own emotions. By remaining composed and non-reactive, the coach models self regulation, emotional intelligence and resilience, encouraging the client to approach challenges with a similar mindset. This modeling sets the tone for a collaborative and growth-oriented coaching journey.
In essence, the coach’s mindfulness, presence, and emotional availability create a foundation for effective communication, trust-building, and transformative exploration. These qualities not only enhance the coaching experience for the client but also contribute to the coach’s ability to guide and support the client on their path to personal and professional development.
Here is a simple mindfulness activity to practice between clients:
1. Find a Quiet Space: Sit comfortably in a quiet and peaceful space, ensuring minimal distractions.
2. Get Comfortable: Sit with your back straight and feet flat on the ground. Place your hands on your lap, palms facing up or down, whichever feels more natural.
3. Focus on Your Breath: Close your eyes and take a few d
eep breaths to center yourself. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold briefly, and exhale gently through your mouth.
4. Body Scan: Start by bringing your attention to the top of your head. Slowly scan down through your body, paying attention to each part. Notice any areas of tension or discomfort without judgment.
5. Release Tension: As you identify areas of tension, imagine breathing into those spaces and releasing any tightness with each exhale. Let go of any stress or negativity you may be holding in those areas.
6. Mindful Awareness: Continue the body scan, moving down to your neck, shoulders, arms, chest, abdomen, hips, legs, and feet. Be fully present in each part of your body.
7. Gratitude Check: As you conclude the body scan, take a moment to express gratitude for your body and the work it does for you. Acknowledge the sensations, whether pleasant or neutral.
8. Return to Your Breath: Bring your focus back to your breath. Take a few deep breaths, gradually becoming aware of your surroundings.
9. Open Your Eyes: When you’re ready, gently open your eyes.
This short body scan mindfulness activity allows you to quickly centre yourself, release tension, and promote a sense of calm before, during and between client sessions.
Regular practice can contribute to enhanced focus, empathy, and presence which will benefit both yourself and your client.