Holistic Coaching-Need of the hour in these stressful times? How's it different ? Cherian Kuruvila

Holistic Coaching - How it's different ? Is it counselling, therapy, life coaching, wellness coaching, leadership/executive coaching ? Or a balanced combo of some of them?

Why do I use the word Holistic Coaching as my approach? Cause that is exactly what it is – beyond just leadership development or work related but covering all aspects of professional, physical and mental wellness as a Holistic whole to #transcend to a new level as these are not water tight compartments.

The word Transcend resonates with me on more ways than one. Firstly as a daily practitioner of Transcendental Meditation for over 45 years now and experiencing its transformative power through the different phases of life and each day. And secondly by us making "Transcend" a part of our organisation name and mission in our quest to empower organisations and leaders to rise and evolve to a new level beyond what they ever had.

In our journey as a Mentors and Coaches over the last 13 years, the fun part of being able to do our little bit to help make life and work become so much more holistic and complete for a variety of people across roles, levels, gender and age groups.

Every person one coaches is so unique and so diverse in their experiences, biases, insecurities, self limiting beliefs, past baggage etc. And their true and deep Self Awareness on their own Strengths, qualities and Development areas are so often limited and influenced by the constant feedback or criticisms they have got over time, right from their early days or in their current relationships at work or at home.

There is a quote that talks about how "self reflection" is about having an intimate date with oneself.

Somewhat like meditation where you go deeper into your ME Zone :)The unconscious mind is a treasure trove which if tapped through honest self reflection and acceptance can turn the flow onto newer possibilities.

As we evolved as Coaches over the years, we also brought in a Holistic Health Barometer  or Wheel of Life that delves deeper into areas that cover different facets of professional and personal life including health, relationships, finances, making time for people and interests that matter.. that make us feel whole, or part of whole depending on how balanced we are across the areas that matter to our wellness and happiness. 

When it is explained how a change of approach, or what is called “ rewiring of old habits “ can make such a huge difference with a newer way of doing old things there is usually a spark of interest.

And also when the consolidated feedback from colleagues, friends, spouses are compiled and shared with them, they suddenly realize others see more strengths in them than they in themselves and that is such a huge aha moment for them.

Is that not common – having self doubts, limiting beliefs, burning ourselves or playing victim ? Our role as holistic coaches is simple - Spread the light and be the candle or the mirror that reflects it across all areas of life that make one feel whole.

3 feed backs from a senior leader and 2 entrepreneurs I have worked with reflect what they experienced or are experiencing.

• Experience 1 - "Coaching has trained my brain to focus on possibility over problem. I am a more composed, well balanced self now. People are able to see the change, a positive change. You not only helped me find my goals but also showed me direction on how to stay aligned with the same and deliver. My focus has gone up, my ability to make decisions with a composed self has gone better. I was able to understand my weakness and get rid of them. My focus on strengths has gone up multifold."
• Experience 2 - " Coaching has been as enjoyable as my early midlife!! Midway through the process, it is all finally making sense. Like a jigsaw puzzle falling into place to create a beautiful picture, I can now see my work, life and everything that matters to me coming together to make my life more meaningful and BALANCED.

I've put all dates on Google Calendar as well for me to track and complete the various activities. My Google calendar for this journey is titled - Delightful Transformation:) There's a long way to go, so much for me to do, but you make it so 'doable' through the process. 

“Nothing is more creative than a brilliant mind with a purpose.” ― Dan Brown, Inferno "

• Experience 3 - A video share by a woman entrepreneur

The thought that often goes through my mind often is how 1: 1 Coaching as a Holistic development tool can become more a way of life here as more progressive leaders ,entrepreneurs and individuals seize the moment and make this a critical add on personalized intervention in addition to the other workshops and trainings they are often exposed to. Or by introducing more Holistic workshops into their agenda for employees.

In a recent article we also broke a few myths that often hold individuals back from deciding on coaching or a coach. Will be happy to share that with anyone interested :)

These approaches and feedbacks represent the power of the Coaching process for leaders across all levels that can help bring back the mojo, the energy, the clarity of purpose and sense of control in one's life.

To me that is Holistic or Transcendental Coaching at work. Do feel free to reach out to me or my colleagues and being able to answer your queries or remove the doubts will be a pleasure. Our joy comes from making a difference with our 13 years and countless hours and lives impacted !

If you like this article or have different thoughts on this topic do share your like and comments to help build a discussion around it.

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