The Somatic Coach
What is a somatic coach, or why should coaches be concerned with their somatic self?
There is a Zen saying: “the mind is a chattering monkey.” And Joyce referred to Mr. Duffy “lived a short distance from his body” http://www.online-literature.com/james_joyce/964/
The term “somatic” refers to the body usually the core rather than the limbs. As coaches we connect with our players on both an intellectual and emotional level. But I would suggest that there is a somatic dimension that helps us to connect, also. As coach we do our best work when we listen to the player and are present, really physically focused, on the player. A calm mind and still body send a powerful message of trust and presence to the player. The way to accomplish that is through a daily somatic practice.
So, what is a somatic practice? One could go off to the Himalayas and contemplate for several decades to achieve inner peace and wisdom. Another, probably more practical approach is a daily, brief, 15 minute mediation practice. A new (short, 140 pages) book by Mark Thornton “Meditation in a NY Minute: Super Calm for the Super Busy” is a place to begin. Gandhi famously said: on busy days he needed to find lots of time to mediate.
Other excellent self-awareness practices include Tai Chi, Aikido and breathing exercise. In addition to obvious health benefits, any of these daily practices will help us to still that chattering monkey, become centered and present for our player and to really be able to listen to and support our player.
This Blog is a service of The Six Sigma Coach, LLC. We provide coach training to experienced Six Sigma practitioners. Visit our website at http://www.TheSixSigmaCoach.com or contact us at info@TheSixSigmaCoach.com
There is a Zen saying: “the mind is a chattering monkey.” And Joyce referred to Mr. Duffy “lived a short distance from his body” http://www.online-literature.com/james_joyce/964/
The term “somatic” refers to the body usually the core rather than the limbs. As coaches we connect with our players on both an intellectual and emotional level. But I would suggest that there is a somatic dimension that helps us to connect, also. As coach we do our best work when we listen to the player and are present, really physically focused, on the player. A calm mind and still body send a powerful message of trust and presence to the player. The way to accomplish that is through a daily somatic practice.
So, what is a somatic practice? One could go off to the Himalayas and contemplate for several decades to achieve inner peace and wisdom. Another, probably more practical approach is a daily, brief, 15 minute mediation practice. A new (short, 140 pages) book by Mark Thornton “Meditation in a NY Minute: Super Calm for the Super Busy” is a place to begin. Gandhi famously said: on busy days he needed to find lots of time to mediate.
Other excellent self-awareness practices include Tai Chi, Aikido and breathing exercise. In addition to obvious health benefits, any of these daily practices will help us to still that chattering monkey, become centered and present for our player and to really be able to listen to and support our player.
This Blog is a service of The Six Sigma Coach, LLC. We provide coach training to experienced Six Sigma practitioners. Visit our website at http://www.TheSixSigmaCoach.com or contact us at info@TheSixSigmaCoach.com
posted by The Six Sigma Coach | 2/15/2006 11:48:00 AM
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