An Idle Mind is the Devil's Workshop

Every day that starts and ends with coaching is a great day. If I could wish anything for you it would be that you could begin and end every day with a team meeting or a coaching session. Whenever I can begin my daily journey by checking in with a compassionate coach or a curious client, my mind bounds into the game of life with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose.

Unfortunately, I am not a morning person. By the time I wake up and start my day, it seems that Egor (my ego has a name) has already been up stirring up trouble. There are arguments to win, people to blame, cases to try, opinions to blather, fears to avoid, grudges to settle, and worries that desperately want to grow into obsessions. My mind is so heavy that it hurts my body to carry it around.

Other people seem fine. When I ask them how they are doing, they all say, "Fine". I don't know whether to believe them or not. They look fine. Maybe it is the reflection in the spoon thing. When I see my distorted reflection on the shiny surface of cheap silverware, I don't look all that good. Everyone else looks better. I can only hope that the reflection is false. When I see my reflection in my turbulent mind, I don't look that good, either. I can only hope that things are better than I think.

Meditation helps. I have a friend in Honolulu who has meditated every day without fail for years. ‘Sure enough, she is one of the most delightful people I know. Her effectiveness as a coach is inspiring to me. But meditation is boring for me. I do it two or three times a week, but it seldom quiets my mind or brings much illumination.

Coaching, on the other hand, almost instantly silences my mind. It changes my brainwaves so strongly that I can feel the difference immediately. It is one field where is truly is better to give and better to receive. For me, it’s more compelling than the legendary distractions of sex, drugs, and rock & roll. The moment I ask or am asked, "What do you really want?" my attention shifts. Worries dissipate like exhausted rain clouds before the bright sunshine of a warm summer day. Compassion seems to be born anew in my heart. I actually love people. Every time is like the first time.

Once my heart is awake and my mind clears, I can see many interesting things that I would love to share. So I am starting this series of essays to connect with those of you who are interested in a coaching perspective. I hope you enjoy the essays, and more importantly, I pray that you enjoy your day.

--Martin Sage