It's fair to say that in today's higher education environment, engaging in contemplative time and spaces occurs less frequently than it used to a generation ago. The rapid speed of technological change and modern life in general sends a tacit message that learning and skill building can and should happen quickly in a full-steam-ahead mode. However, the brain needs space and time to process what it takes in.
A coaching session provides an opportunity for students to experience the mindfulness of sitting with a question or problem, generating thoughts and potential plans, contemplating possible pros and cons, and making a more thoughtful decision about how to move forward. Coaching is an effective "mindfulness container" if you will, where students can gather and contemplate thoughts that may hold meaning and possibility for them.
Coaches, when you sense a student pushing forward toward a quick answer, trying to get you to provide the answer, or simply not perceiving the utility of the time spent in the conversation, you can ask questions that spark mindfulness and contemplation:
- Take a moment to let your mind arrive – what thoughts come up for you?
- If you have, or were to make, a list of your top priorities for the week, what is truly most valuable to you in this moment? How might you plan your time to reflect that value?
- What action or inaction of yours is getting in your way the most right now? How might you shift it this week?
- How do you want your Sunday night self to feel this week? What can you do today to help that desire come about?
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