Advanced Art of Mindful Coaching

Embodying Purpose as a Coach

Welcome to our retreat!

I’m delighted with the extraordinary group of people that will be coming together for this retreat, and about the work that we’ll be doing together. The retreat is full, with sixteen participants attending.

My intention is for you to internalize a whole person coaching approach in a way that you come to see your own development as integral with the coaching you do with others, and become able to more fully embody your purpose in life.

On this page is the information that you’ll need to get yourself to the Lodge, and to prime yourself to benefit the most from the work that we’ll be doing together. Here, you can find:

A welcome letter, with information about the Lodge, arrival, and departure.

Some pre-work for you to do:
1.  Please read this brief chapter, For the Sake of What?, from Richard Strozzi-Heckler’s book, Being Human at Work.
2.  Then, absorb the poem, The Journey by Mary Oliver.
3.  Then, do this self-observation, called A Week of Life. This may well feel a little overwhelming when you look at it. Please be reassured that it should only take about 5 minutes once during each day, and 10 at the end of the day, for a week. There is no need for extensive notes or complete sentences. The last day, there are some additional questions that will take a bit more time.

In the spirit of mindfulness, please notice your reaction to this request. Then, find a relationship with this self-observation that you’re comfortable with. A reminder… a self-observation doesn’t ask you to change anything, or do anything differently. Simply put, you’re invited to bring mindfulness and attention and self-acceptance to a week of your life, and to consider the question of what you’re up to.

If you wish, I've included two additional wonderful articles that are relevant to the topic of purpose. There are not required, but I offer them for inspiration. Both are taken from What Is Enlightenment?, a provocative periodical exploring the edges of spirituality and culture. Vimala Thakar explores the inseparable nature of personal development and social responsibility. Brian Swimme takes a big picture (think, WAY big!) perspective on the evolution of the universe and our place on the edge of that evolution. Both articles will challenge you to consider your purpose.

Please bring:

• Warm clothing and walking shoes.
• Retreat workbook from your first retreat, and your copy of The Mindful Coach.
• A journal book for writing.
  
• A loose, comfortable, special outfit in which you can move freely and feel spectacular at the same time.

With a full retreat, most everyone will have a roommate. If you know another participant that you would like to share with, please let me know by Nov. 6. Ditto for any dietary restrictions or special needs. 

Please feel free to call or email with any questions!

See you soon!

Doug