ICW: Applied Mindfulness in Coaching

Key Takeaways
The power of being present and creating a compassionate space for clients
Exploring how much to delve into difficult emotions vs. allowing them without over-identifying
The importance of gratitude practices alongside difficult emotions
Applying mindfulness means bringing it into daily life, not just formal meditation

Topics
Mindfulness Background
Buddha's journey to alleviate suffering led to mindfulness practices
Two main branches: Theravada (sitting through pain) and Mahayana (joy/ease)
Thich Nhat Hanh's approach emphasizes mindfulness in daily activities
Research on Mindfulness
Positive/negative emotional attractors - importance of compassionate presence
Contemplative neuroscience - accepting difficult emotions increases wellbeing
Gratitude practices improve sleep, reduce inflammation
Applying Mindfulness in Coaching
Noticing physical sensations and allowing emotions without judgment
Savoring gratitude alongside difficult emotions
Bringing sounds/sensations from environment into the session
Potential for spiritual bypassing if avoiding pain completely

Coaching Demo
Explored client's sadness around an upcoming move
Uncovered limiting belief of needing to feel pain to learn love
Found grounding in "all is well, nothing needs fixing"
Invited gratitude for the coaching conversation itself

Next Steps
Practice mindfulness by noticing environment during coaching sessions
Consider BMC Academy mindfulness coaching programs
Stay connected and share experiences applying these practices