Category Archives: Spirit

We can find Awe, then in eight wonders of life

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“We can find Awe, then in eight wonders of life: moral beauty, collective effervescence, nature, music, visual design, spirituality and religion, life and death, and epiphany.”

—Dacher Keltner, American professor of psychology at UC, Berkeley

Image from Unsplash by Christopher Ruel

Keltner’s research suggest that the eight categories mentioned in today’s quote represent the most common sources of awe in people’s lives.

He emphasizes that while we often think of awe as arising from grand, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, it can actually be found in everyday moments and surroundings.

By being more aware and mindful of these “wonders” in our daily lives, we can potentially increase our experiences of awe and its associated benefits for well-being and connection.

EXERCISE:

In what ways have you experienced some of the everyday moments of awe through Keltner’s eight wonders of life?  If this topic piques your interest, consider reading or listening to his 2023 book Awe.

“I will study and prepare myself, and someday my chance will come.”

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“I will study and prepare myself, and someday my chance will come.”

—Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

Perhaps no other event personifies today’s quote than the Olympic games. This summer over 10,000 athletes will compete in their chosen sport after spending the majority of their lives preparing for this moment.

When not physically practicing, they are also conditioning their minds and their indomitable spirits to take on the best in the world — which includes themselves.

EXERCISE:

In what ways have and are you taking the necessary steps to be prepared for life’s opportunities?

Who are the coaches and other people supporting you to grow and stretch to be your very best?

One small crack does not mean you are broken

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“One small crack does not mean you are broken, it means that you were put to the test and you didn’t fall apart.”

—Linda Poindexter, @PoindexterLinda on Twitter

Image from Unsplash by Johnny Cohen

In professional sports virtually all athletes play hurt on some or many occasions. Aches, pains, strains, and sprains are the price of their efforts to excel. We loyal fans cheer them on as they continue to test themselves and pursue victory.

Over the past two months I’ve been going to physical therapy to strengthen my right knee, which has been causing me some pain and instability.

During my regular visits I’ve met dozens of other patients who also have experienced a variety of physical setbacks.

It’s been nice to see all of them progressing with the targeted therapies and supportive staff assisting their efforts.

EXERCISE:

Where are you noticing a few cracks in your personal armor?

Where and how is life testing you?

How can you acknowledge the champion spirit within that has you continue to suit up and get back in the game?

“Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art.”

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“Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art.”

—Leonardo Da Vinci

Image from Unsplash by Gary Tresize

One of my clients is a master fisherman. Last year, he kindly took me out on his boat to share his joy and the artistry of his passion. Over the course of our six-hour adventure, he coached me to catch a single fish – meanwhile, through his mastery of the skill, he brought in many.

Think of the times in your life you experienced a sense of flow, or a feeling of complete engagement.

Examine your personal and professional worlds for examples of times in which there is great satisfaction in the doing, and significant anticipation of upcoming activities.

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways can you more fully engage your spirit in your personal and professional pursuits? How might this bring you a more beautiful and artistic life?

No problem of human making is too great to be overcome

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“No problem of human making is too great to be overcome by human ingenuity, human energy, and the untiring hope of the human spirit.”

—George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States

Image of George HW Bush

Image from Huffpost

Do you watch the news and follow current events? If you do, my guess is that you may see the world is in quite a mess, with problems around every corner.

We don’t need to look at just the global, national, or regional events presented to us by the media. We need only look to our own back yards, within our communities and families to see our immediate challenges.

Would you believe me if I told you that there is fact-based evidence that the world as a whole is in many ways far better off than at any other point in human history?

Imagine a media outlet focused exclusively on the power and impact of human ingenuity, energy, and the hopeful efforts of the human spirit.

EXERCISE:

Do some research for yourself into how mankind is actually coming together to solve some of our most pressing problems.

A few books you may consider reading on this subject are:
Abundance by Peter Diamandis
Factfulness by Hans Rosling
Thank You for Being Late by Thomas Friedman

 

A Warrior does not need to prove

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“In order to have faith in his own path, a warrior does not need to prove that someone else’s path is wrong.”

—Paulo Coelho, Warrior of the Light

If you are a loyal reader of The Quotable Coach, or even if you are somewhat new to this resource, I’m sure you have surmised that I am a win-win, positive, and life affirming individual.

For me, looking at what is right and what is possible inspires me to be a coach and support others in pursuing extraordinary lives for themselves.

I do, however, get discouraged at times, particularly when I see how often some people think that in winning the game of life for themselves, others must lose or be proven wrong.

EXERCISE:

How can you tap into your own warrior spirit to achieve what you desire, without needing to vanquish your foe, or prove others wrong in the process?

Keep a green tree in your heart and a singing bird may come

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“Keep a green tree in you heart and a singing bird may come.”

—Chinese Proverb

Image of a singing bird on a green tree

Image from Unsplash by Ray Hennessy

If you were a bird, what would cause you to visit a particular tree? Perhaps it was a good place to find food, protection from predators, or maybe a mate and a place to nest.

Your own song would be an announcement of sorts, letting the world know that you are here, looking to attract that special someone or something.

EXERCISE:

What are your heart-centered qualities that represent the growth and aliveness of a green tree?

What do you have to offer the world? Which of these qualities are most worth singing about?

Friday Review: Spirit

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FRIDAY REVIEW: SPIRIT

How do you define “spirit”? Here are a few posts about spirit you many have missed. Click the links to read the full messages.

“Rain and sun are to the flower as praise and encouragement are to the human spirit.”

 

 

 

 

“Youth is eternal to those with a curious, loving, joyous spirit.”

 

 

 

 

“Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.”

 

 

 

 

Examine the service you render

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“Examine the service you are rendering, and especially the spirit in which you are rendering it.”

—Roger Babson, 20th Century American Entrepreneur

Image of a hand holding a flower

Image from Unsplash by Lina Trochez

A few months ago, I attended a seminar on family business, along with about 40 consultants, coaches, and other trusted advisors.

The program was a combination of a panel discussion and group interactions, with a lively Q&A session.

As I listened carefully to the experience some participants shared, I found it difficult to see any dramatic difference between the information, and the scope of the services they provided.

I did, however, notice a considerable level of difference in the energy, enthusiasm, and passion some of these experts expressed. This had me leaning into their comments with greater interest and receptivity.

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways can you upgrade the services you currently offer with a more energized and enthusiastic spirit? How might that upgrade make you stand out from your competition, and put you at the top of the list in your profession?

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.

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“Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.”

⏤Lao Tzu, Ancient Chinese Philosopher

Image of musical notation against splashes of color

Image from os-ivanovec.skole.hr

If you were a musical instrument, which one would you be? If nothing comes to mind immediately, consider your favorite artist to see what instruments get your toes tapping, body moving, or has you singing along.

Consider your values, beliefs, and most cherished qualities and abilities as aspects of your soul. How often and how loudly do you express these in your personal and professional worlds?

EXERCISE:

How and in what ways can you more fully broadcast your own soulful music throughout the universe?