Saptaswara Framework: A Deeper Coaching Path
Author: Yamini Kandpal
The practice of coaching demands a level of depth and expertise that often goes unseen. In the second episode of Coacharya’s Saptaswara Coaching Framework webinar, we began by exploring the true nature of professional coaching, drawing inspiration from a compelling article titled 'Coaching is Not a Hobby' by Heresy Consulting. Steve Correa, one of our esteemed panelists, opened the discussion by highlighting the article's insistence on the profound seriousness and professional rigor required of effective coaches.
This wasn't a pep talk. Instead, drawing upon the insights from the 'Coaching is Not a Hobby' article, Steve outlined three critical pillars that form the foundation of genuine coaching mastery: rigorous training, deeply lived experiences, and continuous development. The article emphasizes that true coaching necessitates a comprehensive understanding of human psychology, potentially including areas like trauma. Further, the importance of coaches experiencing coaching or psychotherapy firsthand was underscored, suggesting that personal journeys contribute invaluable insights. And, of course, the ongoing pursuit of honing one's skills, a cornerstone of professional standards like those set by the ICF, was deemed indispensable. But Steve didn’t stop there. He also touched on the vital role of supervision, a practice that offers essential emotional support, ensuring coaches themselves are well-supported in their demanding work. This introduction set the stage for a conversation that delved into the Saptaswara Framework, exploring how it aligns with these critical principles of professional coaching. What does it mean to move beyond the surface and engage with the complexities of human development??
The Yogic Echo: Inner Freedom and the Coach's Role
Building upon Steve's introduction, Raghu Ananthanarayanan expanded the conversation by drawing parallels between the principles highlighted in 'Coaching is Not a Hobby' and the profound wisdom of Yogic philosophy. He began by recapping the idea that a truly effective coach, akin to the 'Vitaragavishyam' described in the Yoga Sutras, must possess a deep level of inner work.
Raghu explained that 'Vitaragavishyam' refers to an individual who has diligently worked on themselves, releasing internal anchors of aversions, desires, and fears. This resonates strongly with the article's emphasis on coaches having 'real lived experiences' and addressing deeper psychological aspects. In essence, both perspectives underscore the importance of a coach's own internal landscape. The Yogic view posits that our reactions to the external world stem from our internal conditioning. When this conditioning remains unchecked, we resist the natural flow of life, clinging to desired outcomes and fearing unwanted ones.
This internal struggle, often manifesting as 'Dukka' (suffering), is what brings individuals to coaching. Raghu emphasized that coaches must be acutely aware of their own and their clients' conditioned responses, avoiding the pitfalls of reactivity or being drawn into these patterns. He pointed out that 'Dukka' often triggers familiar reactions: victimhood, fight, judgment, or flight. The coach's role, therefore, is to create a space where these patterns can be observed without judgment, allowing the client to move towards greater self-awareness and freedom.
Raghu concluded by asserting that this Yogic perspective is entirely convergent with the principles discussed in 'Coaching is Not a Hobby.' Both emphasize the necessity of a coach's inner work, their capacity to remain grounded, and their ability to facilitate a space where clients can explore their conditioning and cultivate inner freedom. This connection highlights the timeless relevance of ancient wisdom in contemporary coaching practices, offering valuable insights into the depth required for true coaching mastery. The Saptaswara Framework, as we explored further in the webinar, provides a structured approach to fostering this very depth in both coaches and their clients.?
The Dharmic Compass: Coaching Beyond Self-Interest
The discussion eventually shifted to the third ‘swara’ (aspect) of the Saptaswara Framework: 'Dharmic' action. Steve introduced this concept as action that simultaneously serves the self, others, the context, and the planet. This isn't always easy, as Steve acknowledged, noting that coaches sometimes focus on areas of interest that may not immediately benefit the entire ecosystem. Raghu responded with a powerful analogy from the Mahabharata, highlighting the example of Drona, a respected teacher who, despite his skills, operated with a personal agenda. This led to a key insight: even in coaching, there's a danger of a 'dominant narrative' that prioritizes extracting value for a select few, rather than focusing on the collective well-being.
Raghu then shared a compelling story from his work with a sugar industry leadership group. Through a simple exercise of visualizing their organization's importance, the leaders realized the profound interdependence between their factory and the entire local economy. The general manager, initially focused on control and extraction, had a transformative experience, recognizing the far-reaching impact of his work. This story illustrated a crucial point: true success arises from recognizing and honoring the deep interdependence between oneself and the world. As Raghu stated, “Nobody succeeds anywhere... without collective effort.” He further underscored this by mentioning how Satya Nadella’s compassionate leadership at Microsoft, against initial skepticism, brought the company back from the brink, proving that a service-oriented approach trumps extraction in the long run.
The Saptaswara Advantage: Building a Holistic Coaching Practice
"This dialogue illuminates how the Saptaswara Framework provides a powerful lens for coaches to move beyond individualistic or transactional approaches. By emphasizing 'Dharmic' action, the framework encourages coaches to consider the broader impact of their work, ensuring that their interventions serve the entire ecosystem. This isn't just a philosophical ideal; it's a practical approach that can lead to more meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
For coaches, this means:
The Inner Vessel: What the Coach Carries
"Steve and Raghu stressed that a coach's capacity to truly connect with a client hinges on their own inner depth. As Steve said, self-encounter dictates the ability to encounter others. Raghu illustrated this with a Zen story: what spills when you bump someone depends on what's in your cup. A coach's internal 'contents' – biases, issues – will inevitably influence the interaction. He and Steve shared stories of monks to highlight the importance of acting with presence and letting go of judgments.
Essentially, coaches must do deep inner work. It's not just about techniques, but cultivating self-awareness and compassion. The Saptaswara Framework supports this, urging coaches to address their own internal 'contents' to create a space for genuine client transformation.
The Sticky Emotion: A Live Coaching Moment
The webinar also featured a live Q&A session, where attendees could directly engage with the panelists. One attendee shared their experience of encountering a 'sticky' emotion during their yoga practice that they felt resistant to letting go of.?
In response, Raghu emphasized the importance of understanding the potential 'payout and payoff' of holding onto such emotions, suggesting that honest introspection can lead to a more natural release. He cautioned against forcing the process, prompting the attendee to reflect on the idea of 'hanging with it' until it was ready to go. Raghu likened this to a fruit ripening on a tree, explaining that premature plucking can cause harm. Through this discussion, the attendee came to the realization that she could allow the emotion to exist without resistance, trusting in its eventual release. This exchange highlighted the continuous journey of self-discovery and growth, even for experienced practitioners, and reinforced the Saptaswara Framework's emphasis on self-awareness and acceptance as crucial elements of the coaching process.
A Call to Deeper Coaching
The webinar conversation between Steve and Raghu revealed that effective coaching transcends mere skill application; it demands a deep commitment to personal growth, ethical practice, and a recognition of our interconnectedness. The Saptaswara Framework, with its emphasis on rigorous training, lived experience, continuous development, and 'Dharmic' action, provides a comprehensive roadmap for coaches who aspire to make a meaningful difference. It challenges us to move beyond surface-level interventions and engage with the complexities of human experience, fostering a world where coaching truly serves the greater good.
Deepen Your Coaching Practice with Coacharya
Inspired to explore the depths of professional coaching and the transformative power of the Saptaswara Framework? Coacharya offers a range of programs designed to equip coaches with the knowledge, skills, and inner awareness needed to create a profound impact.
(This blog post is based on the latest Coacharya webinar, Saptaswara Coaching Framework, and aims to provide a general overview of the key takeaways. For more in-depth information, please refer to the original webinar recording.)
Webinar: Saptaswara Coaching Framework