Life has many beginnings and many endings. Yet, each is a transition from that which was ‘before’ to what comes ‘after’. And we need to consciously embrace these changes but often there will be obstacles holding us back. My job as an ‘Executive Coach’, using an integral approach, is to help individuals turn their ‘stumbling blocks’ into ‘stepping stones’. And here another kind of stone, the ‘touchstone’ plays an important part, too.
I have asked this question in many other articles: what are your ‘touchstones’? What are those smells, tastes, sights, sounds and feelings that bring out the best in you? What are those experiences that make you feel really good? Which are those situations which make you feel ‘whole’? And once you have identified those ‘touchstones’, what can you do to consciously incorporate more of these optimally every day of your life?
Let me give you one of my own examples: each day has a beginning and an ending. And sunrise and sunset, mark the start and end of daylight. And with their changing light sunrise and sunset are special ‘touchstones’ for me. Another ‘touchstone’ is my family whom I value so highly. Today, October 1 2013, I was privileged to enjoy both a beautiful sunrise and a magnificent sunset and be with both my son and daughter and their families. I started the day on an Alpaca farm at Broke in the Hunter Valley where I was ‘on holiday’ with my son and his family. And I experienced sunset after I returned to Sydney and went for a walk with my daughter and her family in St Ives.
Sunrise at the Alpaca farm in Broke, Hunter Valley, NSW.
Sunset in St Ives, Sydney, NSW.
We need to give priority to integrating our ‘touchstones’ into our lives wherever possible. For example, if I don’t wake up in time and go outside, I’m not going to experience the magnificent changes that sunrise brings. And the same applies at sunset. And if I don’t spend as much time as possible with my family, I’m also going to miss out on one of life’s greatest gifts. Pausing to appreciate these strengthens the benefits. The simple act of stopping to focus through the lense of a camera also adds a new dimension.
So, I’ll ask the questions again:
- What are your ‘touchstones’?
- How are you consciously incorporating them in your life on an ongoing basis?
- How often are you stopping so you can fully appreciate those things which make you feel really good?
- What else are you doing to create ‘space’ in your life so you can recognise and optimise opportunities for embracing your unique ‘touchstones’?
- How can you use your ‘touchstones’ to help you enjoy change?
For more information on ‘Executive Coaching’ or Keynote Speaking please contact Brenda on brenda@146.66.90.172 or +27 82 4993311.
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