A Coaching Model Created by Gayle Nobel
(Life Coach, UNITED STATES)
A Life Coaching Model for Wellness, Transition and Transformation
The Breathe Coaching Model is a circular and fluid model just like the cycle of breaths and life itself. I support my clients in creating change. We ebb and flow together, to the rhythm of the coaching dance. Small shifts and changes have a ripple effect that begin during the session and then flow out into the client’s life. One pivotal moment, a single insight, has the power to change everything.
Breathe
Breathe:
to inhale and exhale consecutively, drawing oxygen from the air, through the lungs
Of course we are always breathing, but when was the last time you paused and took a deep breath?
Respiration is the only system that is both autonomic AND in our control. In that way, it can be a linked to other autonomic systems in the body affected by stress, such as digestion, heart rate, and cognition. Back in the days when we were fighting the wooly mammoth, our bodies were designed for fight or flight. In the midst of one of these, our bodies were pumped with adrenaline. Our elevated heart rate gave us the zip we needed to take care of ourselves. Though the wooly mammoth is long gone, our physical response to stress is often still the same.
Breathing is, indeed, very powerful, when we use it fully. Unfortunately, when we are stressed, agitated, or overwhelmed, our breath tends to be short and shallow. We use only a tiny fraction of our lung capacity to nourish ourselves with life’s fuel – oxygen.
The breath…..
I begin by inviting the client to take 3-5 deep breaths through the nose filling the belly, diaphragm and lungs with life force, beautiful breath, and then letting it out with a sigh. With each mindful breath, thoughts begin to slow and quiet, and the client moves closer to present moment awareness. Immediately afterwards, I usually hear and feel an immediate shift in energy.
Over time, after the client is confident with this basic breathing exercise, we may move on to other breathing techniques. These include the 4,3,8,1 breath where the client inhales to a count of 4, holds for 3, exhales for 8, and holds for 1. I offer a toolbox of several breathing techniques for interested clients.
The breath serves as a bridge into the coaching conversation. It helps center, quieting and calming the mental chatter and creating a platform from which to dive deeper. It prepares the client for the coaching session by creating enhanced focus. This leads to heightened awareness enhancing readiness for mindful exploration on the road to selfdiscovery. Often a commitment to regular and mindful breathing is a key part of the client’s action plan at the end of the session. A commitment to incorporate a mindful breath into the day can create a powerful ripple effect in the client’s life.
From my book, Breathe:
The breath is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, tools you own. Take five. Allow yourself a breath break. Breathe consciously. Breathe deeply. Breathe into your belly. Breathe with awareness. Put your own oxygen mask on first. Then you can be there for others.
bReathe
Reflect:
think deeply or carefully about
As a coach, I invite clients to take time to engage in powerful reflection. This includes gratitude, acknowledgement, appreciation, and celebration.
Verbally celebrating accomplishments, wins, what’s going well, and awareness is an opportunity to make gratitude tangible. It offers the client the space to slow down, savor the moments, and treasure life. Noticing and paying attention to what is working is a powerful step in creating change.
Reflection…..
Questions:
Gratitude is a state of mind, a state of being. When we are in this state of mind we create increased energy. In a state of gratitude, we feel stronger and more confident. Research has shown that daily gratitude exercises lead to increased levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism, and energy. What a beautiful and powerful way to begin a coaching conversation.