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February 5, 2012
LifeTrek Readers' Forum
(selected feedback
from the past few weeks)
Editor's Note: The LifeTrek Readers' Forum contains selections
from the comments and materials sent in each week by the readers of LifeTrek
Provisions. They do not necessarily reflect the perspective of LifeTrek
Coaching International. To submit your comment,
use the Mobile Feedback Form.
Thank you for your latest Provision:
Your Brain on Dialogue. It is a fascinating topic and since my youngest
daughter has epilepsy, everything relating to mind/body, brain and healing is
especially interesting to me.
My background is in massage and body work and my training in Asian disciplines
has taught me to focus my attention on the "emotional foods" we are consuming.
You were referring to emotional resonance and considering that we are about 75%
made up of water (our complex internal chemistry relies on this
solvent/conductor) it is truly amazing that all our thoughts (and associated
emotions) carry a measurable frequency that imprints our cellular make-up.
During my work with Dr. Emoto (The
Hidden Messages in Water) I realized that dis-ease and all the joys in
life are connected to our internal thought pattern and equally responsive to our
emotional environment. My daughter is my greatest teacher to this day. We don't
know what each day holds, she has taught me to be flexible and to go with the
flow, she has taught me gratitude for all things in life and to embrace my sense
of humor.
Perhaps this is why I am so connected to your work with
Evocative Coaching,
because its foundation is rooted in appreciation of what is, focusing on the
positive aspects of people, organizations, and life. It is transforming people
and systems because it resonates with people on all levels, not just a theory.
Scientist have shown that all thoughts and actions translate into frequencies
and our thoughts leave a measurable pattern on an MRI. Measurable in terms of
blood flow and electrical output. Scientist are now able to "read" our thoughts
in this way.
Our thoughts effect our bodies in many ways; non-verbal communication and the
energy it carries is far more powerful than the spoken word. They effect our
sense of well-being. Thoughts and words change the molecular structure of water
and thus our internal chemistry. Therefore, leaders who set out to transform
need to be instrumental in creating a positive climate and culture within their
organization to fully leverage everyone's true potential.
Thanks so much for all you do. Every week, I am looking forward to the next
issue:) With gratitude and cheers. Top
Your last Provision on
the power of goals was exactly what I needed. Thanks! It gave me the nudge I
needed to set some goals for myself. Top
When you suggested in your last email that we click to confirm our address, I was happy to do
it. Your writing is always meaningful and we appreciate it. We hope to meet you
in person again. Top
As I read through your Provision on
Our Organizing Minds
this morning, my mind wandered and I paused. I found myself thinking, "When would I find the time to organize with everything else on
my plate? I really liked the advice on focusing on one domain at a time, have
faith, approach it as a challenge, and remember the constant of change. I found
this Provision appropriate for this time of the year when many of us are
reflecting and setting New Year's resolutions and trying to keep them. Thank
you for another great Provision and your recommendation of another book. It
really is the journey and making it happen.
Your
Provision
was helpful for me, and to be honest I haven’t been reading them,
mainly because my own mind and life has seemed to be on autopilot. It’s been a
crazy year, and the stress level has been high. In times like these I tend to go
with the flow and procrastinate.
The biggest help, however, is that I am now running 30-40 miles a week. I’ve lost 30
pounds and am in the best shape of my life.
So what is interesting is that as I have taken control of my life stuff and feel
great, I now feel a need to translate the same effort into my calling as a pastor. I feel like
I’m in that mid-career, fall into the routine, deal with the institution mode.
But I also have set a goal of this year being the year when we as a church set
some goals for the future, and I believe that will help both the church and me.
Your Provision will help with this, as well as our past work together.
As I was reading the Provision, I finished and can see the takeaways, but I was
wondering how you deal with the balance between being so “organized” that the
Spirit is quashed. Maybe it’s my touch of ADD, but my mode of ministry has been
one of fluidity where I try to stay attuned to the Spirit’s movement, and it
leads. I guess the way to approach this would be to stop and write it down for
later, as indicated in the Provision, or maybe there are times when one knows
that the Spirit’s movement takes precedence. (Ed. Note: I hope today's follow-up
Provision will help! Thanks for reaching out)
I am looking for information on mentoring for new coaches – coach to coach.
Would you have any information that you would be willing to share with me?
(Ed. Note: You can find coach referral directories at
www.certifiedcoach.org and
www.coachfederation.org. I would
also encourage you to look into the
evocative coaching training program
as a way of buffing up your skills.)
Top
Your poem, Unbidden,
is Simply and elegantly beautiful. Thank you!
Deep thought! Thanks for contributing.
I'm loving this brain kick you're on with your Provisions. More ingredients
for my soup! :)
In your Provision,
The Subtle Energies of Intelligence, you mention the five minds of Howard Gardner.
Well, in my opinion, you are a brilliant example of "having it all"! You represent
so amazingly the balance of a disciplined, synthesized, creating, respectful, ethical
mind. Your Provisions bring the greater world of knowledge and contemplation to
those of us that are not quite so well rounded in the five minds.
I am not sure if you saw the article by Atul Gawande, "Personal
Best," recently in The New Yorker where he talks about taking on a coach in
his surgical practice. About one third of the article looks at the use of coaches
in schools. (Ed. Note: Yes, I am familiar with the article and Jim Knight, the
instructional coach mentioned in the article, is a friend and colleague. Spoke
at his Conference last fall. Small world!)
Thanks so much for your leadership with the
International Association of Coaching. I’ve personally gleaned many insights
from your writing, including the Provisions you send every Sunday, and you have
added to the history and literature of the field. Thank you for this service to
coaching and coaches. Top
I was just referred to this site about “Nine
Stubborn Brain Myths That Just Won’t Die, Debunked by Science” and I thought of you.
You may have already seen it, but if not, you may enjoy it’s presentation.
Blessings on your Christmas season. Top
Great work on today's Provision,
Repetition Rewires the Brain. I always enjoy what you share, but I was
especially blessed by what you wrote this weekend, and I wanted to let you know.
Blessings on your work.
What an excellent and helpful Provision. Thank you.
Happy birthday! We delight in your growing wisdom as you age! What a wonder you
are. Keep blessing and being blest.
Happy birthday to you!!! Many greetings to you and Megan from your friends in
Germany!!! Sorry for not using your "early-bird-offer" with the
evocative
coaching training. I suppose, my English would not be good enough. Even to
study your weekly Provisions is a big task to me and, I admit, I don't always
read them to the very very end - although sometimes I find myself thinking, it
not only would be a good English-exercise but also would be good to learn a
little bit more about leadership every time.
Happy Birthday!!!! Today is MY birthday too! (53rd). I'm not available to take
the evocative coaching training, but I wanted to tell you that I am currently
taking the Wellcoach Training and I really appreciate your teaching. I really appreciate
Provisions as well. There is always much to learn. Thank you for
sharing your knowledge. Your enthusiasm is contagious!!!
Top
Thank you for another fascinating issue of LifeTrek Provisions,
"It's
Not All In Our Heads." As a former massage and body worker, trained in Asian
disciplines, I never cease to be intrigued about the magical wonders of human
behavior, what manifests in our physical bodies and how we can heal physically,
emotionally and spiritually. As a more Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
oriented practitioner, I share the believe that the heart is truly the
transformer in our bodies. In terms of brain, Asians will always talk about the
two brains, which later in 1996 Dr. Michael D. Gershon, the author of
The Second
Brain and the chairman of the department of anatomy and cell biology at
Columbia, expanded upon. The brain and the colon connection.
By now we know that each cell has its own capacity to produce neurotransmitters
or what Candice Perth, author of
Molecules of
Emotion, calls "information messengers." Her book is another good
source, illustrating that each emotion has its own amino acid strand and if we
look at the function of the colon, e.g. small intestines are responsible for the
quality of the blood (you are what you eat) while the large intestines represent
our second brain (around the 'hara' or belly button, the seat of we call our
'intuition') manifested in our language: " I have this gut feeling…".
In any case, TCM is my world because there is no organ that is 'outranking' the
other:) It is about well balanced team work of all organs, if there is excess
activity in one area, then there is deficiency somewhere else and, often, it
manifests in a physical symptom that is not necessarily the source. This outlook
on body work serves me well in the educational world. :) In any case, just
wanted to mention these two books and can't wait to read your next edition!
Top
Good morning! I haven't finished reading your Provision yet, but I was so
excited to learn about your recent interests in neuroscience. As you may
remember, I'm traveling back and forth to Chicago for my Muscle Activation
Therapy internship and
learning a great deal about the brain and nervous system and how it interacts
with the muscular system. Fascinating stuff and I wanted to be sure you were
aware of the book,
The Brain That Changes Itself. I just ordered one for myself,
per my teacher's recommendation.
You are probably already aware of
The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt.
I read that a few months ago and much of it reminded me of things I've read in
Provisions over the years. I've also been reading
From Brain to Mind: Using
Neuroscience to Guide Change in Education by James Zull. Good luck with your
writing! I look forward to seeing what emerges.
Another terrific article. I like the way you recognized the limitation of brain
research and its overemphasis on "just" the brain without attending to the
"brain" function of our other organs.
Thomas Moore has been a critic of neuroscience for some time. He said in
Care of
the Soul in Medicine: "Brain talk especially irks me.
It's popular today to explain experience by pointing out which parts of the
brain 'light up' in certain situations. In many places, neuroscience has the
frisson of modernity, being up-to-date, and irrefutable. I have no problem with
brain studies in themselves, and I'm sure they help many people who have brain
injuries or illnesses. What I object to is reducing human experience to the
activity of the brain. This tendency is just one more way in which we sink into
the apparently benign materialism of the times."
I've been strongly influenced by another book,
The Heart's Code
by Paul
Pearsall. In this remarkable book the heart is elevated to its proper place as
not subservient to the brain, but has its own memory functions as well as an
ability to radiate outside of our physical bodies.
I wanted to respond to this Provision. I'm not a teacher, I'm a production team
leader, added to your list through my wife who is very involved in your program.
Your Provisions provide me with coaching tips and skills I can be apply in my
job. Back to this Provision, I don't have any "favorite articles or books," just day
to day experiences. You hit home with Paul of Tarsus' quote, "I do what I don't
want to do, and I don't do what I want to do." Working with direct reports and
even managers, through all of our coaching training and skills there are still
times when the "Reptilian Complex" takes over and we forget the coaching and
revert to the "fight or flight" response. As soon as we do this we know it was
not the best response and have to either own up or try to continue to justify
(not usually the best). Sort of like the old saying, "Open mouth, insert foot."
What makes it even more challenging is when you get this same type same of
reaction directed to you from above or below and you have to learn how to
content with it without falling in to the same response. Makes for constant
learning.
It was fun to read your reference to the book I sent you in Provision. When I
cam to that part, I shouted to my husband, "I am in Bob's Provision!!" and
performed a dance :)
What an encouragement you are to read! Your enthusiasm is not just
conversational, it is interestingly refreshing. It seems you're having a form of
unabashed fun that uplifts the reader as well. To be sure, it is what makes
Evocative Coaching such an engaging and powerful read. Kudos! I await
The ABC's of
Leadership. Top
I like the idea you have for transforming your
leadership Provisions into a book. I wish
you great courage when you have to re-visit each Provision, and edit for book
purposes. The result will be taking something that was really good to start with
and making it really great.
I thought of a couple of additions as you requested. How about something
concerning "serendipity" or "happy accidents"? These are the times when
something valuable happens that can't really be explained or rationalized as
coming for deliberate actions. Maybe this concept is covered in an existing
Provision, but if it isn't, it could be a fun stand alone.
Congratulations on such an excellent series and completing this phase of your
process. I love the idea of the book and I think you should keep it all in one
book. I like the title,
The ABC's of Leadership, and think it would be great to have it all in one place,
sort of like a reference book on leadership quality. I've enjoyed reading this
series and Appreciate your effort and passion.
I suggest you consider publishing
The ABC's of Leadership as two books. I look
forward to reading the books. Cheers
I must admit first that I have not read all of the Provisions listed, so perhaps this word overlaps in another Provision, but I believe Compassion
Matters........... Top
Thanks for reminding us that
Uniqueness Matters. Too often I have tried to conform myself to the
expectations of others, even when that did not fit my personality. I know it's
important to be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, but your
Provision gives me the courage to do that without abandoning my own, distinctive
style. Thanks!
I was really pleased to see your announcement about the
January
training program in evocative coaching. I've attended several workshops with
you guys and I impressed with your skill, know-how and especially your empathic
conscientiousness. Aiming this program at teachers and educational
administrators as well as personal coaches and consultants is a perfect
combination. Our schools need this! Thanks for bringing it forward. Top
I loved your last Provision, "Uniformity Matters." Thanks! Top
My routine for Sunday mornings is to get my coffee, cuddle up in a
comfortable chair with a blanket, and proceed to turn on my laptop to read the
weekly Provision. I am amazed at how many times I feel you are talking directly
to me. You seem to know my needs and exactly how to phrase the words to answer
questions or to respond to my thoughts regarding a topic. The Provision
"Understanding
Matters" touched me and has helped me so much today with answers I needed.
Thank you for your commitment to all of your readers. Top
Kindness Matters. Again I have been inspired and enriched deep within. I'm
sure my teachers will appreciate purposeful "kindness" as we close our first
term. Busy, yes, but not too busy to take time to show kindness. As they review
progress data, creating progress reports and diligently planning learning for
the weeks ahead, experiencing kindness – purposefully directed toward their
needs, I know they will be refreshed and enriched. Thanks. I sometimes let the
work overshadow the needs of the workers.
How uplifting and inspirational! You orchestrate and connect these stories so
that they powerfully highlight the significance and implications of kindness
lived out. What a wonderful testimony of your purpose and passion to influence
the heart motives of leaders on our planet.
Kindness Matters was a great Provision. Stories always contain that
wonderful ability to include us in their world through the surprising
transformation of our imagination. Thank you for choosing and sharing these four
stories on kindness.
Not sure where kindness fits into the Somali situation but we would greatly
appreciate your prayers for one of our God-daughters, Blanca, who works for
Doctors Without Borders and was kidnapped last Thursday. Such a long journey to
move from desperation, anger and faith to kindness and respect and finding ways
to solve such huge problems. (Ed. Note: I'm passing this on to our readers. May
we all keep Blanc in our thoughts and prayers.) Top
Your recent Provisions on W. Edwards Deming,
Kaizen Matters and
Knowledge Matters, have been fascinating. I had heard the name, and even
once knew something about the man, but I had forgotten about Deming entirely. With
the growing "Take Back" protests around the world, targeted on the wealth disparities
in this country and around the world, it would appear that Deming's Principles should
be retrieved from the dustbin of history. Thanks. Top
I really enjoyed reading the poems this week by Maura and Dave! "Where
We Live" reminded me that you are probably getting some great
birds flying through your yard this time of year during fall migration! Enjoy.
I read that poem and thought it was beautiful and was wondering if I could use
it in the Church Newsletter that I do once a month? I got a lot of comments on
the other poem that you allowed me to use and I thought this one was really
lovely too.
Thank you for another week of joyful reading. October 1st was a special day
for my family as well, since my husbands sister also got married that day. The
experience made me realize more than ever that living from the heart, being
centered within, so one can be of service to others is where we live. I cherish
my family and friends for sharing their values of community and love of life
with each other and thank you for reminding us that all this "warm and fuzzy"
stuff like caring and relationships is so important in leadership and life. Have
a great day!
I thought you might enjoy this article by
Atul Gawande that a friend shared with me (if you
haven't already seen it)....I still enjoy your weekly Provisions immensely and I
hope all is well with you and your family.
Top
As pastors at our church, we are leading a counseling-type course titled
"Spiritual Freedom Journey." We have a battery of personal profile sheets and
forms we have developed over the years. As a way of helping the 20-30 people in
this 10-week course best express themselves we will be offering them a list of
"Feeling Words." Although your resource,
Understanding
Needs & Feelings, communicates much the same content as what we currently
use, your format and breakdown of the content is very well executed. Would you
please consider extending a (written) blessing to photocopy these forms to pass
out to those taking the course? That would be such a gift. (Ed. Note: Permission
granted! Many blessing to you both.) Top
Your last Provision,
Experiments Matter, reminds me of the book
Failure of Nerve:
Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix by Edwin Friedman. He discusses how when
a nation becomes more concerned with safety than adventure it is on a downward
spiral. He highlights Europe before the Renaissance, that until the explorers
dared to defy the cartographers of the day society was stuck in a hopeless rut.
I thought you might find it interesting if you are not already familiar with
him. Thank you for your Provision. Top
I was wondering what you were going to do for Provision titles when you came
to the Xs. Now I know! Very creative.
I found
Qualms Matter insightful and thought-provoking – most assuredly a worthwhile
rumination for leaders and coaches of any sort. I am in the process of introducing
myself to your resources. I've ordered the book and am looking forward to
starting the reading in preparation for the course on coaching in leadership.
I was in Chicago when I read your Provision,
Qualms Matter. As you know, my appreciation for you and Megan and all of the
creations the two of you produce is immense. Independently, you and Megan shine
so bright, but together you light up the world! Your partnership is such an inspiration
to me and my husband and I just wanted to say, "Thank You" for all the ways in which
you lead and guide us! Top
We missed today's Provision. Assume that was because of Hurricane Irene. Hope
you are OK! It just didn't feel like Sunday without your Provision.
I remember your Provisions in the wake of Hurricane Isabel, in 2003. Apparently
this time you weren't so fortunate. I'm look forwarding to your reflections on
this natural disaster! Hopefully it won't be too long until you're back with
another Provision. (Ed. Note: Interested readers can still read those Provisions
in the archive:
Lessons from
Isabel and
Listening to Isabel.)
Hope is went well with Irene! I heard you were without power. How much water
did you to take on? (Ed. Note: No water, just trees! See today's Provision.)
I found
Qualms Matter insightful and thought-provoking – most assuredly a worthwhile
rumination for leaders and coaches of any sort. I am in the process of
introducing myself your resources. I've ordered the book and am looking forward
to starting the reading in preparation for the course on coaching in leadership.
And happy anniversary!
I'm in Chicago right now reading your Provision. As you know, my appreciation
for you and Megan and all of the creations the two of you produce is immense.
Independently, you and Megan shine so bright, but together you light up the
world! Your partnership is such an inspiration to me and my husband and I just
wanted to say, "Thank You" for all the ways in which you lead and guide us!
Your Provision,
Quality Matters, was an excellent piece of work! I have been developing a
consulting practice for the past 8 years based on action learning and
strengths-based principles, and your comments really resonate with me. I would
add from experience with over 60 such projects that there's no need to ignore
problems and gaps to drive strengths-based improvement. Rather, it's the cycle
of discovering root causes, testing new tools and techniques for addressing
them, reflecting on the impact of those new approaches, identifying lessons
learned, and strengthening what's working that leaves our clients in a strong
place. Keep up the great work!
I never before thought about the power of questions to shape our conversations.
Thanks for the reminder to pay careful attention to our questions in your last
Provision.
Your Provision on how and why
Memory Matters was a real eye-opener. I never thought that I could
strengthen my memory by working my imagination. Thanks for making that
connection.
You have probably written a post about morality, but it would have fit right
into your recent series on how
Mindfulness,
Moods, and
Memory matter when it comes to leadership. Morality Matters!
Check out this post
on a CEO who takes morality to heart.
Thanks for reminding me about the importance of
moods. I don't pay attention to that enough. It's easy for me to slip
into a bad mood and not even notice, until someone points it out. The idea that
we can cultivate a good mood through our daily practices is a rather new one to
me. I will have to think about that. Top
May you be filled with goodness, peace, and joy.
Bob Tschannen-Moran
President, LifeTrek Coaching International,
www.LifeTrekCoaching.com
CEO & Co-Founder, Center for School Transformation,
www.SchoolTransformation.com
Immediate Past President, International Association of Coaching,
www.CertifiedCoach.org
Author, Evocative Coaching: Transforming Schools One Conversation at a Time,
Online Retailers
Address: 121 Will Scarlet Lane, Williamsburg, VA 23185-5043
Phone: (757) 345-3452 •
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Skype: LifeTrek •
Twitter: @LifeTrekBob
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