Ending
This is the initial stage of the transition where people face with the changes. This phase the client may go through fear, denial, anger, sadness, disorientation, frustration, uncertainty and a sense of loss. This is where something ends, people need to accept it before they can begin to accept the new. Plenty of communication is needed this time so people can understand what they are going through. They scan their emotions and feelings and it is important that they are emphatically listened to.
Neutral Zone
This is a bridge phase between the old and new, the time of lostness and emptiness. People may be still attached to the old while they are trying to adopt to the new situation. This phase may seem unproductive but people are ready to consider other ways of being and doing. Spending some alone time is important, the essence is to pay attention to dreams and thoughts.
New Beginning
It happens when the personal psychological and behavioral change takes place and people take on new behaviors and identities. There is fear involved as a beginning signifies the past is really over. This is a phase of acceptance and energy and this is the time when people start to explore their options, looking for the future and start to act.
Coaching application to Transition
The International Coach Federation defines coaching as
partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. (ICF:2012)
The new membership system in HSKCON is created and slowly implemented. Still this is a major transition and coaches with their tools can be a valuable help to make this transition smoother and easier.
Coach’s role
The coach should be aware of the value and individual culture orientation that influences the client’s self-concept. The coach needs to educate themselves about those values so they can easier understand the situation and can choose what to ask and decide what tools to use.
Even if the coach’s self-belief is different from the client’s a neutral, non judgmental atmosphere, free from assumption is needed so clients feel safe and comfortable to express their ideas, thoughts and emotions.
Support for devotees through different zones
Ending phase
In this period of the transition lots of emotions are involved. Devotees may grieve the present situation and express their worries and fears of change. Sometimes they feel that moving out is a step back for their spiritual lives. There is even an expression “fall down” which means falling down from their spiritual position. They might feel destabilized, confused. Loved ones may question their decision because they don’t understand why they made it. They might even attempt to make them feel guilty. Though it is essential during the whole process the main role of the coach at this time is to actively listen to the clients. Just let all those thoughts, feelings out and many times by just talking about it in a safe environment decrease the pressure. Through talking clarity also arise and devotees may understand more of their present situation. To overcome fear and lamentation a new perspective can be framed. Clients can explore their values and examine how this decision is according to their self-believes.
They can understand that it is not that important where one lives but how they follow their spiritual practices. (Sivarama:1993)
During this phase there is an identity negotiation in the devotees. They can confirm their decision to move forward or through these discussions they may even decide to continue their present temple lives.