We are born into the great expanse of the universe as beings of unity, undivided from the vast tapestry of existence. In our nascent moments, we knew no boundary between ourselves and the world around us. The light that illuminated our vision was not distinct, nor did it betray any separation. Our mother was our essence, and we were but extensions of her being.

In those early days, we were akin to the deer in the forest, creatures of pure instinct and primal intuition. Discomfort drew forth our cries, while delight summoned our smiles and laughter. As passive observers, we perceived no division between “self” and “other.”

However, the inevitable day dawned for most when the veil of unity was lifted, and we became acutely aware of our separateness. Perhaps it was the reflection in a mirror or a word spoken by another that unveiled this truth. This awakening to our individuality is a rite of passage that humanity cannot evade.

In our present state, we remain creatures bound by the biology shared with all mammals. Our primal urges and fears persist, yet we are now burdened with the acute awareness of our separateness. We perceive the world through lenses that distinguish ‘us’ from ‘them’ and ‘it.’

This ancient journey of individualization has bestowed upon us great gifts but has also exacted a heavy toll. The world now appears as a series of threats to be guarded against, desires to be fulfilled, and ambitions to be attained. We no longer perceive ourselves as a unified whole but as fragmented beings. No longer the tree adorned with myriad colored leaves, we have become solitary leaves, tenuously connected to a vast and mysterious tree, covered with countless other similar beings.

Coached 2 Reconnect

The term ‘coach’ may seem devoid of profound meaning, yet it conveys a fundamental truth: all living beings are self-contained and need nothing external to themselves. This belief in the inherent completeness of all beings leads us to ponder: what is truly required? Perhaps the answer lies in recognizing that a being who has naturally lost its connection to self merely needs support and guidance to rediscover and reconnect with the signals of its true nature.

This belief underscores that another being requires nothing from me regarding their essence. They alone possess the knowledge of themselves and seek only to regain the signals from their true center. One may lose one’s way in the forest for a time, even for a prolonged period. This does not imply however a need for another’s entire sense of direction, perspectives, and beliefs. However, a connection with a fellow forest dweller can illuminate our own signals for a time.

As a coach, my purpose is to listen, understand, and reflect that understanding back. This act of reflection, akin to a mirror, can help one perceive their own connectedness to their foundational essence. When we feel alienated from the world and others, we also feel estranged from ourselves. Reconnecting with those who practice intentional reflection can help us see ourselves anew, enabling us to reconnect with the world and our true selves. Through this reconnection, we can once again be guided by our own innate, timeless essence.

This journey, once embarked upon, grows ever more vivid and present. Like approaching a distant mountain, it looms larger and more magnificent before our eyes with each step.