As a bodyworker, and yoga teacher, I have always had an interest in anatomy and physiology- that is, simply put, how the body is designed and functions. So, as a life coach, it is not surprising that I have been drawn to neuroscience. Neuroscience is the study of the brain, its systems and functions. Neuroscience is a vast field, and is not my area of expertise. It is, however, a fascination and inspiration. What excites me about neuroscience is how I, as a coach, might use the brain’s own miraculous mechanisms as tools for the good of my clients’ growth, understanding and resilience. 

Three ways that neuroscience-inspired coaching, as well as my experience as a bodyworker and yogi have helped me help my clients:

1.  The body and the brain are inseparable. Our most powerful learning happens when we lean into our body’s wisdom! 

I am thrilled to discover (and not surprisingly) that the most effective form of learning almost anything- coaching is ideally a form of learning- is consciously linking the body with the brain. The brain and body are already anatomically linked through the Central Nervous System- the brain and spinal cord as well as the nerves which travel throughout the entire body, sending and receiving sensory information, and ennervating every movement we make. Using these vital connections, integrating movement, and/or noticing what our bodies are experiencing - are very important forms of learning and growth. 

When I work with folks, I will often ask, “what are you noticing inside your body right now?”, or “Put your hand on the place where you feel the most open or expansive”. I might also ask my client to “embody what you envision”. In other words, to explore physically embodying a new way of being in the world. (See exercise below). This isn’t just a silly exercise. It is actually a way for your brain to learn something new from your body. Your body can teach your mind to move in the ways that you wish to be. And, in turn, the brain gives the body new signals for moving in the world. Our brains teach our bodies, and our bodies teach our brains. I find that my most powerful coaching includes experiential body focused explorations, so often mentioned by my clients as the biggest “takeaway” at the end of their session.

Exercise: Inner Ally Work: 

Envision a way you’d like to be in the world. Perhaps bolder, happier, more proactive or authentic. Your vision could come straight out of your imagination, or could be a person or creature, entity, or form you know and admire and would like to emulate. Now actually “try this on”:  What would this being look like? What are their surroundings, and how do they take up space there? How do they move? What gestures do they make? How might they walk into a room? What does their voice sound like? What are they wearing? What qualities of theirs can you take on in your movements? What would you name this being? 

Really notice how you feel when exploring this exercise. Get as specific and exploratory as possible. How do you notice this work serving you?

2.  Form follows function- you strengthen and become what you focus on.

Neurons that fire together wire together. 

Our brains love habits and routines. Once the body/brain learns how to do something, it will be happy to do it over and over again, to the point where we don’t actually expend much brain energy on the habitual activity. Our bodies don’t judge what is “good” or “bad” for us. So, we can just as easily form bad habits as good ones. Coaching is a powerful tool for shining the light on habits that don’t serve us. Coaching also helps us to recognize, then choose, new and more positive routines and habits, making it more possible to move towards our passions, visions and goals. The more you pay attention to something, and the more you repeat it, the more deeply it gets rooted in your nervous system, and into reality. It takes courage and even risk to choose something unfamiliar, so all transformation begins with a desire for something different!

Exercise: Notice Your Judge:

We all have a judge within us. We judge ourselves, others and circumstances. Often we don’t even notice that we are judging. It is a deeply seated habit, and we as humans all do it! I encourage you to take note of the moments you are harshly judging yourself, others or circumstances. This might take some practice! It is like surfacing a powerful invisible; often present, but not recognized. Once you’ve brought the judge to the light of your consciousness, say hello, and take a pause. A big breath is a nice pause! You might ask this judge if and how it is serving you in a positive way. If you can’t find a positive, discerning reason for this behavior, you may wish to choose another, kinder attitude towards yourself or another. Empathy and shifting perspectives are examples of powerful antidotes to our judge within. The more you practice empathy, the more it will be wired into your life.

3.  An open, relaxed mind is where lasting and powerful change is most possible.

This statement may seem obvious- and, it is grounded in scientific study. Our nervous systems are wired for a full spectrum of experiences, from deep rest and renewal (the PNS, or parasympathetic nervous system)  to high stress and quick problem solving (the SNS, or sympathetic nervous system). As humans, we need all of these options available to us. If you are someone desiring to grow, shift and become, practicing rest and resetting are vital. Coming from a place of renewal, openness, positivity, and sustained change are more possible. Why? Our nervous systems are actually wired that way!

As a bodyworker, yoga teacher and coach, this is the heart of my work! I believe in the power of renewal, body, mind and spirit. Mindfulness, yoga, dance, exercise, feeling hopeful, love, laughter, joy, play and time in nature are all proven, studied techniques for resetting our systems, prepping us for growth- for flowing into wisdom. (please practice any and all as often as possible!)

Exercise: Visioning!

In addition to practicing renewal (see above), practice opening your mind! Reflect upon this inquiry: if life were absolutely fantastic, say, 10 years from now, what would that look like? Dream big! As a matter of fact, dream outside the box, with no logistics to consider. This may not be a self-centered vision. It could involve ways that the whole planet might be.

This might be a challenge or a stretch. Give yourself permission to open up. You may notice that a state of being is a good way to begin with this inquiry. Get creative and have fun with it. Imagine your mind expanding like a hot air balloon, rising up and floating above the earth…just let go!

Implementing the principles of neuroscience into the coaching experience is powerful, transformative and fun! Connecting to somatic wisdom, focusing on renewal, and shifting to more positive ways of being are all within reach and absolutely worth the effort. I am excited to explore this work with you if you are interested.

Robin Shaw is a life coach, yoga teacher and massage therapist. She brings a somatic approach to her coaching and is passionate about the way that the body and brain support one another in deep transformational growth towards a fuller, happier, more balanced life. You can visit her website, www.flowingintowisdom for more information.