?? The Corkboard | Our Bodies Know
Hello Friends -
Last June I went back to school! I wouldn’t say that was a clear goal, it felt more like a “dream”. Flash forward 8 months and I’ve just received news that I am on track to write a thesis! When I received the email and they shared “This is a significant milestone on your scholarly journey! Well done.” I immediately felt like I had accomplished a lifelong goal that I didn’t even think was possible. My Thesis topic is focused on ways that Somatic Coaching can influence a leader's impact. I found many scholarly articles sharing data and research about the impact on being present with the sensations in the body and how one can show up more powerfully, fully present and truly able to lead people in an organization. Not a big surprise however, it supports the importance of working on the sensations and putting value on what we are feeling.?
I wanted to share some of the research I found to plant some seeds this spring around the importance of not avoiding what’s happening in your mind and body. The most subtle moments can impact how we show up in the world. I recently was hit in the calf while walking some dogs and have been limping with a long bruise on my leg for 10 days and counting. My takeaway is watch out for dogs running in the forest. On a deeper level: slow down, take care of yourself and show up as you are in this moment. My saying is “lead authentically”. When a leader is present through a mind and body connection they have access to their fullest selves. This requires developing the skills to anchor in the present moment, connecting to purpose, beliefs, values, and understanding of the body (Baron & Parent, 2015; Boyatzis & McKee, 2013; Goleman, 2013; Purser & Mililo, 2015).
Let’s break down what it means to have access to our fullest selves. Is this saying that when we are not present, we don’t have access to our full selves? YES! When we are not listening to ourselves, our aches, our stomach butterflies (our second brain) or our intuition, we override what we are thinking and feeling. Imagine a world where we are tuned into our feelings and sensations and know that when our shoulders are by our ears we are stressed and the answer may be NO. Or when our body retracts, we are not aligned with what is being shared in the room and can voice that. A world where leaders are very mindful, present and can sense their mind-body and what’s showing up in the room.?
In her book Bodyfullness, Christine Caldwell reinforces the point that we are our bodies; the body is not separate from our brain and the body is the main and central part of everything. So why do we as humans and leaders in organizations shy away from “being” in our bodies when it’s the root source of how we show up? Our bodies are the center of how we show up, how we think and feel about ourselves and how others perceive us.?
I approach my life and my work with a somatic lens, if you haven’t noticed! There is more than meets the eye with everyone. We must be receptive to the energy of all of our relationships, and there are subtle shifts the body can make that reveal the way to proceed in any situation. To truly understand how we show up, we must witness ourselves in the present moment and how we act and react. If you don’t know what I mean, I’m here to work with you on finding out how you are acting and reacting. Look for those moments where you feel a fire in your belly, tongue tied, or where you go home and can’t shake a conversation off.?
“The way a person is being can translate to who they are.”?
The way a person is being can translate to who they are, and from that place, that is where we can co-create sustainable change. In the “being” is where real transformation can occur rather than in the doing. Therefore having a mindbody coaching approach may activate curiosity, and enhance leaders' strengths and awareness, leaving a long-lasting impact (Horstmeyer 2018).
Taking on this goal is already having an impact on my leadership. Continuing to invest in my development and in your coaching journey brings me great joy and purpose. I can feel it in my body!
Let’s work together,
Cecily + Team Corker
I have space for 3 more clients before July.?
Coaching is a space for you to explore what is true, where there are some challenges that you want to overcome and to spark inspiration. It can feel like it’s time to connect when you don’t know which way to turn and want an outside objective space to explore your life. In any case, you are safe, heard, respected and then supported when you join our coaching programs. We are here for you, which is the hardest part, you investing in YOU. Brian Tracy?shared that the most challenging part of every day is investing in yourself.
Facilitator Lab - May 1 + 2, via zoom.
This is for anyone who leads meetings, facilitates rooms of people online or in-person and wants extra skills to engage, try new things and work on their confidence.
Curious? Pop in to join Cecily on Wednesday April 17th at 12pm PST for an open office hour conversation about Facilitator Lab or any Coaching offerings! Sign up here?and the zoom link will be provided.
Manager Essentials is rolling strong in-person and online. Next condensed community cohort will begin in time for summer school - July/ August. Join the waitlist here.?
Primal Leadership, With a New Preface by the Authors: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence
What are you reading these days? We want to know!