Ask the Coach - The Importance of Mindfulness

Ask the Coach: The Importance of Mindfulness

Part of my coaching includes advising clients on how best to work through difficult challenges and obstacles as well as helping them to see an objectively clear picture of what they may be facing.

Over the years I have discovered the importance of being mindful.  We hear the term mindfulness everywhere – but what does it really mean, and how can it help us get through challenging times?

Defined, Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment, using techniques like meditation, breathing and yoga. It helps us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings so that, instead of being overwhelmed by them, we're better able to manage them.

I have seen extraordinary benefits of becoming aware of our breathing and being present to our surroundings as a means of resolving issues and creating an opening for clearer thinking and better coping mechanisms.  

Mindfulness does not require one to sit cross-legged while chanting a mantra.  It can be done anywhere and at any time.  The only requirement is that you are without distraction and can be in the moment.  Your mind will wander, and that is normal but with specific emphasis on breathing, you will find you’re able to clear your mind and bring yourself back to your focus.  Takes practice but anything worthwhile always does.

Mindfulness provides a simple but powerful route for getting ourselves unstuck, back in touch with our own wisdom and vitality.  Research data also has found a marked improvement in health of those who practice mindfulness regularly. 

 It is a way to take charge of the direction and the quality of our own lives – including our personal relationships, family, friends, our relationship to work and our relationship with ourselves and to the larger environment – our planet/ our world.

With all the disruption around us we must find a means of becoming grounded.  We become desensitized and unconscious as we move through our day-to-day activities.  

For me personally, I like to think of mindfulness simply as the art of living consciously and a means to have us feel more appreciative and nurturing to ourselves and to those around us.

Remember wherever you go there you are – so why not plan to arrive there happily?

Best,

Merrill

We have the pleasure of joining forces with Merrill Pierce, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by Corporate Coach U, and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She is also an accredited member of Society of Organizational Learning (SOL), and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediator certified by the ADR Institute of Canada.

Merrill has spent over 20 years working at a number of Fortune 500 companies, of which 10 years were at the senior executive level. This background provides her with a solid and practical understanding of personal and professional issues, challenges, and concerns. Merrill is also a regular contributor to the media and has published several articles and white papers on business related topics.

Merrill is ready to tackle YOUR questions! Whether they are personal, or professional - she can anonymously answer your submissions, and help you navigate any relevant challenges occurring in your life. Doing so could help others in similar situations and scenarios. Merrill will also be presenting advice on relevant, general topics to help our readers. If you want to send a question to Merrill, please submit to submissions@explorefenelonfalls.com before the Monday of each week (otherwise your question may be held til a following week!).