Unlock Your Coaching Potential: The Power of Spirituality for Coaches

Author: Silvester Jacob

"True joy is not found in seeking it, but in realizing it has always been there."  - Eckhart Tolle

Do you feel like there's a deeper dimension to coaching you haven't tapped into yet? What if we told you it could be a journey of self-discovery, for both you and your clients? In Coacharya’s recent webinar on "How Spirituality Fits into Coaching?" author, speaker, and executive coach Dr. Srikumar Rao shed light on this powerful connection.

What is Spirituality in Coaching, Anyway?

Dr. Srikumar Rao doesn't see spirituality as some separate thing you add to coaching. He believes coaching itself is a spiritual act, because it helps clients find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond external achievements.

Think about it. Have you ever met someone who's chasing a big promotion or a fancy title, but deep down they're just looking for a feeling of accomplishment or validation? A good coach can help them see this and explore what truly matters to them.

Building Extreme Resilience: Bounce Back Like a Champion

Life throws curveballs, that's a given. But what if you could bounce back from setbacks so quickly, that people wouldn't even know you were down? That's the power of extreme resilience.

According to Dr. Rao, the key lies in not labeling things as "bad" or "adversity." When you see a challenge as a negative experience, it creates suffering. But if you approach it with an open mind, you might discover a hidden opportunity for growth.

Becoming an Instrument, Not a Control Freak

As a coach, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to have all the answers. However, Dr. Rao suggests a different approach. He says the best coaches see themselves as instruments, guiding clients to tap into their own inner wisdom.

Imagine yourself as a tool helping someone unlock a door. You don't need to force it open, you just provide the key and let them take the lead. This fosters trust and empowers clients to find their own solutions.

Letting Go: The Power of Surrender

We all try to control things – our emotions, our circumstances, even the weather! But as the pandemic showed us, life rarely goes according to plan. Dr. Rao emphasizes the importance of surrender, accepting that we don't have control over everything.

This doesn't mean giving up. It means letting go of the need to control and trusting that the universe has a plan. Like the famous quote from the Bhagavad Gita, "Be thou my instrument," we can become vessels for something bigger than ourselves.

Taming the Monkey Mind: Dealing with Our Inner Chatter

Our minds are like busy chatrooms, constantly throwing thoughts and opinions our way. Dr. Rao compares this mental chatter to clouds – they come and go. The problem arises when we get caught up in this chatter, believing everything it tells us.

The key is to learn to observe your thoughts without judgment. With practice, you can become detached from this internal noise and focus on what truly matters.

Is Coaching Already Spiritual?

Dr. Rao argues that coaching and spirituality are not separate things. At its core, coaching is about helping people connect with their inner selves and live more meaningful lives. Isn't that what spirituality is all about too?

The Takeaway: Make Coaching a Spiritual Journey

So, how can you integrate spirituality into your coaching practice? Here's the secret: you don't have to! Just approach coaching with a sense of awareness and openness; make your entire life a meditation. Let your own inner journey guide you, and it will naturally translate into a more powerful and impactful coaching experience for your clients. Approach everything with conscious awareness, including your coaching sessions. Let your coaching emerge from a place of authenticity and connection, and watch the magic happen.

By embracing the spiritual dimension of coaching, you can create a ripple effect of positive change, not just for your clients, but for yourself and the world around you.

Ready to explore the intersection of coaching and spirituality and take your coaching practice to the next level? Check out Coacharya's upcoming events calendar for webinars & programs designed to help you develop your skills!

ICW 2024 Webinar: How Spirituality fits into Coaching

Like to listen instead? We have a podcast!

Cover photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash