Stop and Do Nothing!

Stop and Do Nothing!

Welcome to another edition of the Coaching Corner! Right now, I’m in a lovely guest house in Botosani, Romania, coming towards the end of a ‘Stop and Do Nothing’ experience.

Being a Life Coach with a growing list of Clients means that not only is my energy used in operational activities, it is extended into the human relations aspect of the practise. Up to ten days ago, my intense activities meant that I was fast becoming counter-productive, at a time when it is vital to maintain balance for greater productivity.

It’s all good and well to be dedicated to your fortnightly coaching sessions, set powerful goals, commit to completing your journey steps and remain focussed. Yet sometimes, the thing we actually need to do is - Stop and Do Nothing!

Start right now! Take a deep breathe, switch off your mobile, turn off the TV, shut down your FB. Chill. And here’s the reason why... (by the way, if you’re finding it hard to start slowing down just yet, fast forward 20 seconds into the video):

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Oprah-and-Gayles-Girls-Getaway-Arriving-at-Miraval-Spa-Video

“Reclaim the You that Needs to be more Empowered.”

Oprah Winfrey

Did you notice that Oprah's Getaway was for WOMEN? Mentally list the reasons why. We've just come out of International Women's Month, yet we are the last to celebrate self. We do for everyone else first! We can all associate with 'The Woman who does Too Much ''.

Getting into a state of ‘BE’ing in which I am relaxing my mind and body has resulted in amazing creativity, a feeling of peace and calm, as well as seemingly reduced strands of grey hairs!

In slowing down, I have strengthened the bond with myself and others! Making the effort to have physical social connections with friends, has re-affirmed that it is imperative for us all to examine our actions and put them into perspective.  For example, there is a place for FB, LinkedIn and Twitter, wherein we should not allow what can be argued to be 'artificial' communication to invade or substitute meaningful interaction with another human BEing.

Doing nothing, is about giving yourself permission to step off the treadmill and re-set the pace, in which you appreciate more of the present. You can then step into the calmness of the centre of SELF, whilst the whirlwind of 'crisis, doom, austerity and disaster' is whipping up a glorious storm all around.

Stopping has affirmed what I can start doing more of, that is equally and vitally important:

1. Start a Self-Awareness Journal!

In my ‘busy’ life, I was fast beginning to not see the wood for the trees. Taking time to stop and reflect can help you look objectively at your life. Do this task now:

Write down a list of your accomplishments so far this year, as opposed to what you want to get done for the remainder of 2012.

Has this raised your awareness that:  “Actually, I'm doing very well thank you!” This is the plain obvious fact that can remain hidden behind the ‘busyness’ of work, where there is little rest or play. 

So congratulate yourself! Ease up off the 'activity pedal' and press the brake of 'progress monitoring'.

2. Start diarising time for Social BEing.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the 'off duty' conversations in the company of friends. Establishing connections on that level where it’s less about work, business, Social Media and is more about BEing, is so refreshing.

This reminds me of my friend Maureen’s regular ‘Get Togethers’ in the 1980s. She would invite her many girlfriends round, in which we would all engage in deep intimate conversations for hours, dance to 80s Soul records and Lovers Rock, eat ‘Mrs M's Original Lick Finga Cooking’ and just BE ‘together’ having fun!

3. Start a Social Media Revolution!

At this time of rebirth and revitalisation that Spring is all about, I have had the urge to have a Social Media Revolution. By spring cleaning my accounts, letting go has created room for letting more in!

In the space of 24 hours of my FB blitz, I reconnected with a few friends in Ghana, whom I had not spoken to for at least 2 years! This was a reminder that all it takes is 'stop time' to transfer energy into building 'quality tiime' before it's too late.

It's ok to be focussed on the DOing. Yet, by slowing down, we step into the centred space of BEing, where it is easier to see the habits that can lead to self-sabotage. Stopping provides an opportunity for your sustained momentum along the journey.

I know that you are so committed to your goals and actions. I would just like to remind you to Stop and Do Nothing once in a while. From time to time, find the time to BE. You may choose to include this as an action step towards your goal, in addition to the actions you set in your last coaching session with me. This will enhance your well-being and work-life balance, making you more focussed and productive when you get back on task.

Here are some ideas to help get you started:

• Begin and end the day with prayer, meditation, reflection.
• Cry. Crying can restore chemical balance in your body.I did this a few days ago and it was great! If you want to know why - just ask.
• Let someone else drive. I did this a few weeks ago. Being in the passenger seat of my own car was 'revealing!'
• Breathe—deeply and often.
• Set aside one day a week for rest and renewal.
• Start pleasing yourself.

Read more:http://www.oprah.com/health/StressIts-All-in-Your-Approach_2/4#ixzz1qcN8UBr8