Life Coach Training
Lesson 19
Getting to “Ahhh”
A Course in Miracles defines healing as “release from fear.” One of the most significant roles of a coach or healer is that of a soother or reliever from pain. If your client leaves your session feeling less afraid and more peaceful or confident, you have done your job well. The sound “Ahhhh” is a universal note of relief. When you lie down to rest after a long day, taste delicious food, receive a massage, or hold your lover in your arms, you spontaneously exude this sound of release and homecoming. You will find this same sound hidden like a code in the names of spiritual masters, chants, and uplifting words—for example: God. Yahweh. Jehovah. Jeshua (Aramaic name of Jesus). Rama. Krishna. Buddha. Mohammed. Mama. Papa. Lao-tzu. Shalom. Aloha. Aum. Yoga. Hallelujah. Amen.
If you or your client are struggling with an issue, ask, “What would it take to get to ‘Ahhhh’”? What way of seeing the situation or course of action would help you feel more relaxed, peaceful, and hopeful about the outcome? People often struggle because they focus more on possible negative outcomes than positive possibilities. Or they are so caught up in the mechanics or complexities of a situation that they overlook the vision that originally inspired them. If you can put your client back in touch with the big picture and soothe him away from his current upset or short-sighted sense of lack, you will guide him to his true power and joy.
Here are some questions you might ask and statements you might make to help your client find relief:
“Is there any way you have looked at this situation, even for brief moments, that makes you feel more relaxed and trusting, or even hopeful?”
“What is the best way this could turn out? If you could write the script with a positive outcome, what would it be?”
“Have you had any situations like this come up before? How did you handle that situation in a way that worked?”
“Who is your role model or mentor? How would he or she approach this?”
“What would you be doing differently if you were not afraid?”
“You may be doing better than you think you are.”
“I’m sure you will figure this out. You are smart and your intentions are good.”
Keep feeling around for where your client’s “Ahhh” lives until you find it. When you do, you will see obvious signs: her shoulders will drop; his face will lighten; she will spontaneously let out a long deep breath; he will laugh; she will start to talk more about possibilities than roadblocks; tears may come. Or you will sense an energetic shift.
Some approaches to healing suggest that exaggerating tension or focusing on pain leads to improvement. Yet most people have enough stress, conflict, and contrast in their lives to keep them moving along and learning. When a client comes to a coach or counselor, he is seeking relief and positive direction. If you can help your clients find release from fear, they will feel better, their circumstances will improve, and they will count their time with you well spent.
Exercise:
1. Consider an issue you may be struggling with or about which you might be afraid. Apply the questions and statements below specifically to your own situation:
Is there any way you have looked at this situation, even for brief moments, that makes you feel more relaxed and trusting, or even hopeful?
What is the best way this could turn out? If you could write the script with a positive outcome, what would it be?
Have you had any situations like this come up before? How did you handle the situation then in a way that worked?
Who is your role model or mentor? How would he or she approach this?
What would you be doing differently if you were not afraid?
2. When speaking with friends, family members, colleagues, or clients who are upset, ask them one or more of the above questions or make the statements suggested. Notice when your friend or client gets to “Ahhhh.”
3. In your practice coaching sessions, what signs have you noticed that indicate your client has gotten to “Ahhhh?”
Affirm:
I am a soother and a reliever from fear.
My clients feel released and empowered as a result of
my interaction with them.