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Gifts from the Desert: Musings on the Gift of Graduating from the Mindfulness Coaching School

Dec 2, 2019

By Gretchen Larsen (Hochstatt, France), MCS Senior Student

I have graduated twice now, once from high school and again from college. Both times, I was handed a book, the same one each time: Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (another A.M., hmmm). So, as I get ready to graduate a bit more by completing my training hours at the Mindfulness Coaching School in Santa Fe, NM, I wanted to share some thoughts on the gifts I have received from this school in the desert, much like Anne Morrow Lindbergh shares her gifts from the sea.

For any of those who have lived or traveled in the Southwestern U.S., particularly N.M., you know that there is a special quality to the light there. I call it long light. Objects and mountains seem to be lit from far away by seemingly long, full, mature beams of light. It illumines trees and rocks, sand and adobe walls so you feel you can see them well from a distance. I feel like I have been given some of this long light, that illuminates my future as a coach out in front of me, keeping it warm and ready for me until arrive in it.

In this light so many worries and concerns seem to melt away, and I am left with “just this.” Another gift, in the form of a meditation, from Ann Marie. Just this: my knowledge, my skills, my enthusiasm and my curiosity, all bubbling together as I connects me, back to myself and back to the earth. It keeps me steady as I step start my business. This meditation, like a rock from the desert, grounds me, forward into my future.

Lastly, there is the cactus, with all its prickly bits, it wakes you up, brings you to the present, and can surprise you. I continue to be surprised by all the small bits I learned at the school, that similarly prick me into awareness: laughing meditation, “getting the wiggle out,” being called on to be lean and lasered, butterfly hugs and the flash technique. I used to think we had to go through everything, slowly plodding to unearth the past and that all the answers were in understanding ourselves up until now. Now with the prick of the cactus I awaken in a place where we can flash past it, leap frog over it, and act in the present to build our futures.

Thank you to Ann Marie, all my teachers at the school, and all my fellow students who were also my teachers – for shining the long light, reminding me of the rock of meditation and for all the surprising cactus pricks that continue to bring me awake and alive.

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In this class, the “engaged” piece of Engaged Mindfulness is just as important as the “mindfulness” piece. I was inspired by this dynamic exploration of the subject of mindfulness, from the evidence-based, scientific arena — where we learn about the measurable, practical benefits to humankind of mindfulness practice — to the deeply personal space — where I clarified and re-engaged my own meditation practice both on the cushion and in how I move through the world
Ilse ThompsonStudent CoachAuburn, Maine
[Right Speech] highly resonated with me and my current needs for growth. I cannot be more thankful for the support of this community, and our instructor Meg…With the guidance and support of the Mindfulness Coaching School I can see that I am closer to a life of purpose and meaning. Thank you Ann-Marie, instructors and fellow coaching students for creating this wonderful community.
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I’ve been a therapist for years now, but still get the jitters every time I begin to work with a new client (probably the “fixer” in me). It was a joy to watch Ann-Marie in action [during Skillful Means: The Coaching Skill Set] and realize that we don’t need to feel like we have all the answers for the client!
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S-T-R-E-T-C-H! Becoming The Incredible Coach You Truly Are presented new and experienced coaches the opportunity to learn, apply and refine life-changing skills to better the lives of people. I learned new mindfulness applications that I could immediately apply in my life and roles as a leadership coach and adult educator. I really enjoyed the interaction, meeting new friends, and the freedom of expression. Aloha and mahalo MCS!
Char WilsonCapeesh Consulting
I came away from [The Art of Engaged Mindfulness] with the value of a blended learning program (virtual class, partner discussions, superb reading material, mediation approaches/tools, mindfulness practice applications), many classmate connections from around the world, a regular mediation practice, and a sense of a calm and compassionate world.
Kellan Beck, CEC, PCCToronto, Ontario, Canada
Someone said “coaching starts from the 1st breath” and I truly experienced it during this class (Becoming A Mindfulness & Wellness Coach: You at Your Best). Ann-Marie’s authenticity, vivid approach and dancing in the moment impressed me very much. I can sense her true love and compassion through each discourse. Her true coaching presence was not only reflected by the one-on-one coaching demonstrations, but also through each moment… A living example of a master coach.
Joy ChenICF ACC
I not only enjoyed this course (The Art of Engaged Mindfulness) but have personally benefitted from the techniques and behaviors that were introduced in the class which I in turn introduced in my life. I am a true beneficiary of this program.
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Susan PlucknettStudent CoachClarks Summit, Pennsylvania
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Wayne King
Right Speech is not only something you can take into your coaching practice but it’s something you can take into your personal life as well. These skills have already been extremely helpful in my everyday life from encounters with family to encounters with strangers and everything in between. You won’t regret taking it, I promise!
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