Be a childlike coach

In Scotland we get great weather. 
Lot's of rain is the usual weekend fare so we are a hardy race - at least in our imagination - but that's another story.

Now normally I belong to the school of life that says there is no such thing as bad weather - just unsatisfactory clothing - so I am often to be seen walking out in pretty unpleasant conditions. Nevertheless, I have to admit that last Sunday was very fine indeed with a full day of sunshine tempting people out into their gardens.  It was a rare chance to share a glass or two with our neighbours who have various small children. 

The great thing about watching young children play is that they care not at all for the past or the future. Their whole attention is just on the present time and these guys were fully "in the moment" all right.  They are for the most part wild and carefree when at play, and not at all burdened by the responsibilities that adults tend to use as an excuse for their miserable demeanor.

When you really think about it, adults are generally not too good at this "living in the present moment" stuff.  Even though the only time we can truly experience feelings, whether good or bad, is in the present moment, it is rare that these feelings seem to be linked to present events. 

We tend to look back and agonise about past events and hurts that we just can't let go of - and we hallucinate too about the future; all to generate bad feelings here and now,  spoiling relationships and retarding businesses by eliminating our resourcefulness. 

Most people are not aware that we do this and even when they do become aware will spend a lifetime seeking the keys to find peace and freedom.

This is one of the big issues we must deal with as humans if we want to enjoy life to the full and escape the fear that Miguel Ruiz described in "The Four Agreements" as part of the domestication of humans.

If this strikes you as a serious thought to have on a sunny Sunday you are right.  I watched the children playing and noticed that the tone of their play had suddenly changed.  The children were now playing "adults" and their little faces were stern, voices gruff and their bodies stiff and tense.  Sadly, the process of domestication seems to be well underway.  Just so you understand, Duncan, one of my neighbours is a lawyer and his partner a legal secretary.

My friend and business coach Michael Breen told me a couple of years ago about his tactic of dealing with the miserable CEO.  He has been known to take them to the nearest toy store and get them to choose a favourite toy.  It's a part of inducing a bit of childlike behaviour to allow a more resourceful human to emerge again.  Living in the present moment is a powerful key to being resourceful in businesses and joy and peace in life.

Now.. where is my nearest ToysrUS?