Research Paper: Radiating Spheres Of Influence

The relevance of these concepts to the Expanding Spheres of Influence concept and the wellness coaching context at the centre of this article is two fold:

Expanding Spheres of Influence in practice

Acknowledgement and consideration of the impact of social, environmental, and system level determinants of wellbeing does not substitute or invalidate personal, cognitive & behavioural focussed coaching. Viewed as intended, this knowledge provides an “auxiliary lens” through which the coach and client can view and explore current states and future aspirations. In the attempt to account for systemic influences on health and wellbeing within a personalized coaching it is not desirable to dwell on factors which may well be outside the control of the client. It is however proposed that the coaching process provides an opportunity to raise awareness within the client of how these factors might be impacting on a client’s life, and shine a light on the domains which can be attended to in order to overcome limitations and flourish.

Proposed Coaching Practice

The following outlines a model of coaching currently being developed for practice within MORPH Complete Wellness. The MORPH Life Atlas is an attempt to translate the complex information presented in this article into a practical and empowering coaching tool. It is based on three key principles:

1. Health and wellbeing are holistic concepts which are dynamically influenced by a broad range of cognitive, physiological, emotional, behavioural, spiritual, interpersonal and environmental factors
2. Health and wellbeing are personally defined and constructed concepts, experienced and interpreted uniquely by each individual
3. Health and wellbeing are resources for living, and not just ends in themselves. Their enjoyment supports human potential, the achievement of life goals, and quality of life generally

The MORPH Life Atlas is a physical tool designed to be used by clients during their coaching sessions to support them consciously navigate their own explorative and developmental process. This process commences early in the coaching session, when the client is invited to turn the cog, locating themselves and their chosen area for discussion within the Atlas.

This occurs via two steps:

1. The client identifies the Domain (one of the 6 broad axis) or Sub-Domain (found on the circumference of the cog) that they wish to discuss
2. The client identifies their Present and Desired States in relation to the Domain (The seven “A words” surrounding the cog)

From here, clients share their thoughts, feelings and perspectives about their identified Domain and State, and an explorative coaching conversation unfolds. With powerful listening and questioning, the client often finds themselves transitioning from one Domain to another, as the interrelationships between them are exposed and the client’s personal and situational awareness increases.  The client may also witness themselves manoeuvring the Atlas Cog, as they process and shift toward their expressed Desired State, or toward another unanticipated State.  As they move through various Atlas configurations, the client is encouraged to reflect on and celebrate their process and progress.

Life Domains

The Life Atlas offers six domains which are commonly associated with holistic definitions of health and wellbeing. These domains are also purposefully broad enough to be inclusive of most topics likely to arise, and can be interpreted as literal, abstract or symbolic representations of the client’s topic of choice.

The domains are as follows:

Further, Sub-Domains which are commonly raised within the literature on social determinants of health are offered as potential topics of conversation within the coaching sessions:

Self Care	Spirit	Relationships	Purpose	Resources	Places
Food	Mindfulness	Family	Career	Finances	Home
Movement	Fun	Friends	Contribution	Time	Workplace
Balance	Faith	Lovers	Sport	People	Community
Me Time	Meaning	Colleagues	Hobby	Services	Environment

Seven States

The Seven States which circle the cog on the MORPH Life Atlas provide an opportunity for the client to reflect on where they currently see themselves in relation to their specified Domain or Sub-Domain, to acknowledge their Desired State, and set their intentions for realizing that State within or across coaching sessions.

Importantly, the Seven States are not designed for the linear progression from Awareness to Actualization. Rather, the client may find themselves identifying with any of the Seven States in their present moment, and in relation to any of the Domains. Similarly, clients may choose to progress toward any State they wish to prioritise within or across coaching session. The Seven States are as follows:

1. Awareness

During Awareness, the client is focussed on becoming conscious of their: circumstances; values; desires; priorities; thoughts; beliefs; feelings; behaviours; strengths; and saboteurs.  At this stage, the client is engaged in exploration and discovery

2. Acceptance

During Acceptance, the client is focussed on non-judgement of themselves, of others, and of situations they are experiencing or witnessing.  At this stage the client is engaged in observation

3. Aspiration

During Aspiration, the client is focussed on the acknowledgment and expression of the desire for change. At this stage, the client is engaged in visioning and intending

4. Alignment

During Alignment, the client is focussed on achieving congruence between values, beliefs, thoughts, desires, intentions and behaviours, and reconciling discordance. At this stage, the client is engaged in integrating and awakening

5. Affirmation

During Affirmation, the client is focussed on the expression and fortification of serving beliefs and intentions. At this stage the client is engaged in committing and embodying

6. Action

During Action, the client is focussed on the planning and enactment of commitments to self. At this stage the client is focussed on acting and creating

7. Actualization

During Actualization, the client is focussed on recognising progress and acknowledging themselves for manifesting intentions. During this stage the client is engaged in recognizing and celebrating.

Authors note

This article is the summation of 6 months personal reflection and yet it only scratches the surface of my processing and reconciliation of these issues. Many questions remain unanswered:

I will continue along my path of understanding and contribute any learning and perspectives that might benefit other coaches grappling with similar questions.