If a client presents with “if….then” worries regarding the future, there is an opportunity to ask them:
- Is that situation likely?
- What is the worst case scenario? Is that likely?
- What actions can you take now to provide a positive outcome?
You may support your client in developing their mindfulness by asking them to do exercises in being present that suit them. For example:
A client that enjoys journaling may benefit from a brief “I AM” exercise. An example would be: I AM…thirsty, joyful, at work, by a window…and so forth. This gives them an opportunity to tune into their thoughts, their emotions, their bodies and their surroundings in that particular moment.
A client who leans toward the kinesthetic may practice mindfulness by playing a sport that requires their attention and focus. They may enjoy noticing how worried thoughts cannot exist while they are concentrating on winning a squash match.
A client who enjoys music may benefit from listening to a piece and paying attention to the notes or lyrics as they unfold. The piece will unfold one moment at a time. It cannot do otherwise.
Coaching Application
By bringing the client to the present moment and applying mindfulness to the thought process, you are providing a space for them to be proactive about how they view the situation. This enables them to stop placing themselves in the past. Often, clients remember things worse than they really were. They “embellish” on a perceived failure over time and make it much bigger than it really was.
In addition, neglecting to be mindful means a client may not take responsibility for their former actions and want to blame others or situations for a negative outcome. Bringing mindfulness creates room for a client to learn from a perceived failure and apply that knowledge to the current situation and move forward.
By developing a habit of mindfulness, clients have the skills they need to release judgments of their past performance and perspectives. They are spending their energy in the present moment to recognize where they are instead of where they were or want to be. Lastly, they are empowered and supported to set goals and plan for the future with a worry free mind.