The Importance of Being Here not There

I discovered the beauty of Yoga late in life. When I was younger, raising two children and running a business, taking time out to do something for ME seemed like too much of an indulgence. As I have learned the value of self-care through life experience and professional training, I have come to regard my weekly Yoga classes with the wonderful Tracey Gutman of Simply Yoga in Atlanta, as an essential part of my routine.

The other day, during class, Tracey said “be here, not there”. When she first said this, I thought “what a simple way to say: be present and don’t let all the outside noise and distractions keep you from focusing on this moment”. Throughout the class, she gently said the same simple phrase two or three more times. This didn’t feel like a correction but like an acknowledgement of how hard it can be at times to remain focused on where we are. I admit, I found myself thinking about finishing work on my website before my granddaughters came over and how much time I had before my next appointment with a certain client. I may also have been wondering if I had watered the pot of geraniums on the front steps. The gentle reminder brought me back to “here”.

In coaching, I do much of the same work with my clients. They are often torn between their commitments to family and work and forget to focus on being “here”. Sometimes in our lives we are so focused on what others expect or need from us that we don’t even know where “here” is. I begin my journey with my clients by focusing on what is truly important to them. What makes their heart soar? What makes them feel whole? Then we explore how to bring that sense of fulfillment and satisfaction into their daily lives, designing a NEXT CHAPTER that highlights the strengths, skills, accomplishments, values and desires that make each client unique.

Namaste!