The Transformative Power of Deep, Embodied Presence in Coaching (and in our everyday life)

Coaching is a transformative and dynamic process that is actually felt and experienced in ways that are unique for everyone who understands there has been a profound shift in their life. Coaching empowers individuals to unlock their inner truth and highest potential, and the foundation of the coaching process is the power of presence.

Deep presence is the ability of a coach to be engaged and attuned with themselves and their client paying attention to words, energy, the soma, all of the senses, intuition, breathing, sounds (inside and outside), and the heart and gut 'brains'.

It sounds like a lot to take in, but when we are truly present and listening out for what is beyond the client's words, we can support our client to become aware of different perspectives by sharing what we specifically notice or by asking questions to support the client's curiosity about what is showing up for them.

When we are truly present, we can support our clients to become more grounded, centred and present with themselves,?and therefore, expand their conscious awareness about who they are and what they?are experiencing.

We will not be deep in presence with our client if we are:

• Thinking of other things not related to the coaching session
• Attempting to formulate a question while our client is sharing
• Asking lots of questions
• Trying to solve the challenge for our client
• Asking questions that elicit a lot of details,?
• Focusing on just our client's words

A deep, embodied, heartfelt presence can be a catalyst for change. It is an expansive approach that can significantly enhance the coaching experience, fostering greater awareness, growth and transformation in many powerful ways.

By setting up a safe and open place with our clients and by being curious and supporting them to explore what is coming up underneath the surface of what they bring into a conversation, our clients can discover their thoughts, feelings and aspirations without judgment or interruption. Deep presence allows for a profound connection between coach and client, which can lead to breakthroughs and insights that may not be accessible in everyday conversations.

A heartfelt presence also supports the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in coaching which can support the building of trust and rapport and the ability to be vulnerable and courageous.

Coaches will have their own unique way of coming into presence. There is no right or wrong way. Below are some of the ways coaches support themselves to become grounded and centred:

• Actively listening to the client and self, holding space, paying close attention to the client’s words, tone, energy, sensations, body language, emotions, physiology, and intuition – paying attention to the minutest of changes occurring for the client and themselves.
• Mindfulness practices enhance self-awareness and presence which can support you to stay fully engaged in the coaching session and reduce distractions. These practices can be experienced in a range of different ways: meditation, walking in nature, conscious breathing, listening to music, artistic practice and so on.
• Preparation and focus before each session to prepare mentally. Setting aside any distractions and committing to being fully present during the session.
• Using silence to encourage the client to reflect more deeply and share meaningful insights.
• Share appropriate experiences as they come up in the moment when they can provide valuable insights or empathy. Authenticity fosters trust and rapport.
• Utilising a reflective practice before or after each coaching session by taking time to reflect on who are as a coach and your practice.?

Developing presence in coaching is not something you achieve overnight; it's an ongoing practice that evolves over time. By consistently applying different strategies and being mindful of your client’s needs, you can create a coaching environment that is conducive to deep presence and, in turn, fosters meaningful personal and professional growth.?

A deep, embodied, heartfelt, and catalytic presence in coaching is a powerful combination that can lead to profound personal and professional growth. It's also a wonderful way of living our life day-to-day and making deep connections with the people we love, work with, support, serve and want to connect with.?

Coaches who cultivate these qualities of presence not only create a supportive and nurturing environment for their clients but also facilitate sustainable positive change.

Be empowered.

Jeanine and Marie

www.empower-world.com