Wisdom
Emotional mind – when we are in emotional mind we are guided by emotions and core psychological and physical needs such as; hunger, fatigue, the need to be loved, to please and to gain reward. Emotion driven thoughts include: “I cant do this, “what if I fail,” “I’m not good at…”, “I feel worthless”, “I am so angry at…” I should be better at…”, “things should be different.”
When in emotional mind, people often experience “hot” emotions e.g. anger, frustration, fear, doubt, anxiety, embarrassment, shame & guilt. Actions and decisions that are directed by emotional mind are usually aspiring for relief from discomfort.
Rational mind – information, facts and figures, Directions, instructions and automatic, over practiced ability, that requires no emotion.When an individual is in rational mind, they experience “cool” emotions, if any at all. E.g. satisfaction, confidence, happiness and comfort. They like what they are doing and it comes with very little effort , e.g. driving a car. Behavior driven by rational mind is directed towards getting “from A to B”
Wisdom is the fusion between Emotional Mind & Rational Mind.
It is the ability to “think under pressure.” The ability to solve problems, make decisions or respond in an effective way, to a situation that requires calculated thought, while experiencing intense emotions.
Everybody experiences Wisdom. It can be the ability to perform while nervous, or solve a complex problem while tired.The ability to juggle work and home-life, balance study and work, face a difficult problem or, volunteer to solve a problem without direct access to the solution, are all examples of Wisdom.
Intuition
“The little voice inside my head.” Intuition is a “gut feeling”, brought on by Wisdom. I often say “sometimes we do our best problem-solving with very little thought.”
Intuition occurs as an effect of Wisdom and guides our decision making, behavior and expression of emotion, during difficult circumstances.
Intuition occurs when commitment is strong and an individual’s attention is focused on growth and improvement. It is always present, but sometimes is in focus and sometimes is out of focus. When in focus, an individual follows their “gut” in an attempt to be successful. When intuition is not in focus, an individual is usually in emotional mind and is striving to be in rational mind only, in order to solve problems or make decisions.
Self Respect
The definition of which is “a feeling that one is behaving with honor and dignity.” It is an important goal when one wants to experience true satisfaction with the choices that they are making, and create minimal adverse consequences for themselves and others. Examples of Self Respect include:
Emotional Expression
Expressing one’s feelings creates emphasis, focus and can be used to communicate commitment, growth and success.
The communication of one’s emotional experience can become the platform for evaluation, introspection and growth.
Emotional expression is often a component of decision making. A coaching example:
“I want to decline a job opportunity because it makes me nervous, anxious and I am worried that I wont succeed.”
What makes you nervous? “ I am worried that the location is too far from home. It is a long commute. I am fearful of my safety on the train and the distance from home. I worry that if I am unable to get there on time in the mornings will reflect poorly on me – I am nervous.”
This becomes an opportunity to align the Client’s perspective with their commitment and goals. Helping the client make a decision that is consistent with their goals, will provide an opportunity for growth.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness strengthens attention, concentration and focus (Segal et al. 2002).
There are numerous forms of mindfulness practice, however the essential components are:
Mindfulness is a skill and some helpful mindfulness exercises really strengthen this skill when practiced regularly.
Mindfulness of the breath 5 minute Meditation (audio guide) can be found at:
Compliments of the Mindful Awareness Research Centre – Free guided meditation.
Mindful Raisin Activity 5 minute exercise (audio guide) can be found at:
Compliments of Professional Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Online Training.
Introspection
Introspection is the examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings. Developing an awareness of one’s typical responses, thoughts and feelings can be a direct result of being mindful and is important information to have, when making decisions.
Methods of introspection include:
Need
- What does the individual Client need as opposed to what they want?
- What does an individual Client need to nurture themselves?
- What structures do they implement for their own self care?
- Why is self care important to them and their situation?
- How does self-care enhance commitment, growth & success?
Increasing energy and improving well-being significantly helps maintain focus on goals and commitment. Self care can add to self-satisfaction and can enhance a more effective and healthier perspective of success. Self care has many forms. It can be in self-talk, creating space, showing and receiving kindness, sensory pleasure, social interaction, intimacy, spirituality and activity the improve health. Satisfying the need to rest, eat and address health problems is an important part of self-care.
Decision Making
When a coach is supporting a client to deliberate difficult decisions they may both consider:
- Doing what works and what is consistent with the
- Client’s commitment, goals, self respect.
- Deciding on actions that still honor the relationships that they have or need.
- An effective decision is one that is handled well despite the outcome.
- An effective decision can be evaluated and the outcome used to move forward.
Coaching Application of the WISE MIND Model
Commitment is at the backbone of both self improvement and goals setting and attainment.
Commitment is understood as more than motivation. There are many internal and external obstacles that can prevent individuals from honoring their real commitment(s).
This can create a struggle and the client can feel tension and anxiety.
A Coach can be effective by exploring those obstacles with their Clients and help them to find structures to overcome them.
A Coach can use the WISE MIND model to help their Clients make effective decisions that facilitate commitment, growth and success!
References & Sources
Chapman, A., Gratz, K.,Tull,M., Keane,T. (2011) The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook for Anxiety: Breaking Free from Worry, Panic, PTSD & Other Anxiety Symptoms. New Harbinger Publications: NY, USA
Grossman, P., Nieman, L., Schmidt, S., & Walach, H. (2004) Mindfulness based stress reduction and health benefits: A meta analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 57, 35-43.
MBSR Training Online http://www.mbsrtraining.com
McCone, D., Reibel, D., Micozzi, M. (2011) Teaching Mindfulness: A Practical Guide for Clinicians& Educators. Springer: NY, USA.
Moore, A., & Malinowski, P. (2009) Meditation, mindfulness and cognitive flexibility. Consciousness & Cognition, 18(1), 176-186.
Segal, Z.,Williams, M.,Teasdale, J., & Kabat-Zinn, J. (2012)Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression, . Second Edition. Guilford Press: NY, USA.
UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Centre http://marc.ucla.edu