adapted from an article by Joanne Susi
“Work as if it doesn’t matter.” John Gray made this statement in his book “How to Get What You Want, and Want What You Have.” When I first read this, I wondered how I could possibly do that because I care about my work.
One day on a coaching call I realised I was so intense on the listening that nothing else around me mattered. This is what he meant. This was being in the moment and not concerned about doing.
The concept of being versus doing can be difficult to grasp. Yes, we think about what we want to do, but how do we just be, as that requires us not to think? Activities that allow us to connect with our hearts and our feelings help us learn how to just be.
Perhaps a helpful way to engage your being-ness would be to make a comfort list. A list of things that can bring you joy and peace, and so, keeping you out of mind, not thinking. Your list may include things like:
- listening to calming soothing music
- walking along a beach, in the woods, or ???
- taking a warm bubble bath, a sauna, getting a massage
- reading a great book, listening to audiotapes, watching a good movie
- listening to the wind, chimes, the birds, what’s “there” at any one moment
- watching a fire or candles flicker
- listening to the silence
- spending time in a bookstore
- talking with friends, associates, friends
- watching the sunrise, the sunset, the waves break, a cloud
- giving/getting a hug
- collecting your favourite things
- JUST BEING IN THE MOMENT
The more we allow ourselves time for these comforting activities, the more connected we will become with our center, creating greater balance within ourselves. Being in the now, or in the moment can then be realised as pleasurable.
When we coach as if it doesn’t matter…in other words, coming from being and not from doing…the flow can become magical and we can coach with ease.
Remember, as important as it is to work as if it doesn’t matter, it’s perhaps even more important to play as if it doesn’t matter, too.
And that’s worth thinking about…
