Coaching Information

Budda In Your Back Pocket


The other day I was late for something. Not very late. In fact, I was actually on time but an angry voice berated me anyway, saying, "You are late! There will be no seats left. You wouldn't run late if you were more organized!" It was a terrible feeling, especially because the voice was partially right.

Who was this voice yelling at me? It was my nemesis - the Shrew who lives in my head.

We all get annoyed at ourselves from time to time; it is only natural. But for some of us, it can become an unrelenting bother. There can be no contentment when the Shrew is on the scene!

Some call it a gremlin, others an inner critic, others negative self-talk. I call her the Shrew. No matter what you call yours, you know who I mean. She's fierce, she's damning and she's quick to pounce on every mistake you make, turning them into capital offenses. The Shrew exaggerates our flaws, smashes our self-esteem, ruins our confidence, distracts us from what we are doing and makes us miserable.

I am choosing not to live with it anymore! I invite you to do the same. There is a force which can tame the Shrew: The Buddha in Your Back Pocket*.

Think of a time when you witnessed a stranger being scolded and felt badly for them. Perhaps it was a worker being accused by an angry boss of "screwing things up" for something you knew wasn't their fault. Did you wish you could go up to that worker and say, "Don't pay any attention to them. I saw what happened and I know you are a doing a good job!"

This softer side of you is the anti-Shrew. It is empathy and compassion. The Shrew is afraid of it because she fears you might offer it to yourself. It is a skill to learn to apply this loving, tender, supportive side of ourselves to ourselves. Many of us, me included, are not in the habit of it.

The morning I was late, Ms. Shrew was in full force. But, before she could ruin my day, I was able to ward her off by pulling out the Buddha in My Back Pocket. It felt a bit like Luke Skywalker yielding a light saber against Darth Vader. "Luke, use the force!"

I let the powerful voice of the Buddha in My Back Pocket counter the accusations of the Shrew. He asked, "What were your reasons for making the choices you did this morning?" and "Would you make these same choices again?" Then he reminded me of two universal truths: "You are doing the best you can" and "Growth involves observing one's actions and then learning from them." Under this influence of love and a genuine intention to seek understanding, I was able to temporarily silence the Shrew, objectively analyze my "lateness" and gain valuable personal insight. Within a few minutes, I felt relieved, re-engaged in life and able to peacefully continue with the rest of my day.

Unfortunately, we can't eradicate the Shrew completely. But we can learn to access this equalizing force: the pursuit of empathetic understanding - a loving friend that takes your side and helps you learn about yourself in a safe and protected way. The Buddha in your Back Pocket is always with you to calm your mind, forgive your errs, and remind you of the growth in your life. As you cultivate your relationship with the Buddha in your Back Pocket, you will experience more self-love, confidence and peace.

Life is too short to spend time unnecessarily berating ourselves with critical self-talk! Go forth into your day and bring the Buddha in Your Back Pocket with you. You never know when you might need it!

*I do not wish to offend anyone by using the title Buddha. I have the utmost respect for the Buddhist tradition. In this article, I refer to Buddha as a representation of an enlightened teacher offering guidance to those who chose to listen.

Deirdre's coaching is an accelerant that helps produce results. Through scheduled teleconferences, Deirdre creates a structured environment where you can work towards your goals. Using practical analysis, active listening and brainstorming, she challenges you to improve your quality of life immediately.

Looking for a topic and speaker for your next meeting? Why not: "How to Create Exceptional Work-Life Balance" based on Deirdre's upcoming book Intensely Content: Seven Steps to Experiencing More Joy in Your Life? Work-Life balance is always a crowd-pleasing topic! Call Deirdre today to discuss the details of your event: 207-439-4280.


MORE RESOURCES:
Google

Boston Globe

WTA tour to allow on-court tennis coaching
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - Sep 4, 2008
On-court coaching will be allowed at all women's tournaments next season, apart from the four grand slams, in a move that will not please the ...
WTA to Feature On-Court Coaching Washington Post
WTA approves coaching during matches San Francisco Chronicle
WTA Tour allows on-court coaching next year The Associated Press
SINDH TODAY - New York Times
all 232 news articles


Ex-RPI forward Barr may join Union coaching staff
Schenectady Gazette, NY - 4 hours ago
Union coach Nate Leaman wouldn?t confirm a US Hockey report late Saturday that Barr join the Dutchmen as an assistant coach, replacing Bill Riga. ...


Western Illinois sweeps Chicago State, McKay moves up in Western ...
Western Illinois University Athletics, IL - 8 hours ago
The win moves head coach Kym McKay up to the No. 3 spot in the Western Illinois coaching records for most wins with 72 (surpassing Jolene Vinson, 1993-98), ...
Westerwinds move to 1-1 in weekend tournament play Western Illinois University Athletics
all 6 news articles


Washington Post

Beavers to face coaching legend today
Statesman Journal, OR - 20 hours ago
By Gary Horowitz ? Statesman Journal It was a moment that speaks to the legend and longevity of Penn State coach Joe Paterno. When Lyle Moevao was asked ...
Fly Sweep leads to big plays for Rodgers, Beaver offense The Daily Collegian Online
Saturday in the Pac-10 Arizona Republic
Big win raises expectations at Penn State GatorBait.net (subscription)
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com - Pittsburgh Post Gazette
all 444 news articles


The coaching conundrum
Irish Independent, Ireland - 3 hours ago
O nce upon a time in one of the established rugby playing countries, an aspiring coach sought advice on a job offer he had received. ...


Lawson not insecure about his Pak cricket coaching job
Thaindian.com, Thailand - 9 minutes ago
Karachi, Sept.7 (ANI): Pakistan cricket coach Geoff Lawson has said that he is not feeling insecure about his job, saying that he overlooked several ...


Boston College - Sound Off!
Atlanta Journal Constitution,  USA - 8 hours ago
Coaching: This team is extremely mentally tough and that?sa direct result of a mentally tough and confident coaching staff. We are going to be scary good in ...


Vols football: Cooper earns coaching staff's respect
Jackson Sun, TN - 20 hours ago
Cooper began preparing for a bigger role during the Vols' fall camp, but coach Phillip Fulmer was still concerned with his consistency during the offseason. ...


Golden prospect: Van's the man to get Britain back on track
Independent, UK - 8 hours ago
I felt we needed a higher level of coaching input across the board and Dave wasn't able to give that." Indeed not. Collins was never an athletics coach or ...
British athletics ?in for rude awakening? Times Online
all 2 news articles


Patriots plan to adjust
Boston Globe, United States - 23 hours ago
His name was bandied about for head coaching positions. But in the biggest game of the season, Super Bowl XLII, the symphony of offensive precision the ...
Patriots Beat: McDaniels is back on the offensive MetroWest Daily News
Patriots offensive coordinator McDaniels says offense is ahead of ... Providence Journal
all 9 news articles

Coaching - Google News

home | site map
© 2006