Lining Up Your Life

Last night I 'met' a woman who, like me, was trained in Nonviolent Communication, (or NVC) and as a life coach through the Coaches Training Institute. We actually met each other through a post for her teleclass on the internet, and I reached out to connect by phone about our similar lines of work. We had a lively discussion about combining NVC and coaching and how it plays out in both of our careers. 

I then spoke with her about combining another passion of mine, art, into my career. I have always thought it wise to have a niche, a specific way for people to identify what you stand for in any career. And this has been one of my biggest challenges. As an artist who loves to explore new things, I have sold my work in calligraphy, illustration for books and magazines, fabric art, furniture painting, murals, and ceramics. When I first became a coach, the process of coaching was so creative that I didn't feel the need to create in any tactile way. After about a year, I realized that I was neglecting an important part of who I am. People started asking me if I was creating new art, and it got me to thinking about how I could combine all of my passions into one. 

I began my first process painting class last August, combining coaching and art. I guided five women through a powerful visualization to call up their highest self. From that resonant place, they finger painted for an hour, meditative music playing in the background. We discussed the powerful feelings that came up through the primal painting process, where the focus was not on the end product but on letting go and being in flow. Some women had epiphanies, others had a deep relaxing experience, and one or two cried through the process. I realized I was onto something powerful and important.

Last fall, I launched my first series of process painting classes and workshops and the results have been incredible. Women have quit boring jobs, pursuing a resonant career for the first time in decades. Others have gotten clarity on relationships. And I received a huge gift from this process: a coaching niche, combining all that I love into one place. 

At the close of last night's phone call, my new coaching 'friend' said something lovely to me. "I thank you for this call, Sandy. I feel I have gotten much more from the call than you. I am inspired by your ability to add art to your coaching. It has gotten me to thinking about how I can combine aspects of my life into my coaching career."

When we are in alignment with our life purpose, there is so much alive for us. Let me know if I can help you get clear about how you can do that in your life!