Recently I’ve been re-reading the wonderfully inspiring book, The Tao of Pooh, written by Benjamin Hoff. I first read it when I was 16 years old and over the years I have referred back to it for inspiration, focus or to reconnect with the simplicity of life. Every time I re-read it I discover a new lesson or have another “aha” moment.
Whilst reading the chapter titled “Cottlestone pie” which investigates and explains the meaning of one’s Inner Nature. It struck me that this can so easily be aligned to life coaching. Exploring alternative options and paths within our lives as well as understanding our true selves.
Coaching provides us with the space and time to explore these options which we wouldn’t necessarily consider.
The following are a few excerpts from The Tao of Pooh, which I would like to share with you.
Cottlestone, Cottlestone, Cottlestone Pie,
A fly can’t bird, but a bird can fly.
Ask me a riddle and I reply:
Cottlestone, Cottlestone, Cottlestone Pie…
“Let’s start with the first part: “A fly can’t bird, but a bird can fly” Very simple. It’s obvious, isn’t it? And yet, you’d be surprised how many people violate this simple principle every day of their lives and try to fit square pegs into round holes, ignoring the clear reality that Things Are as they Are. …”
“… In other words, everything has its own place and function. That applies to people, although many don’t seem to realise it, stuck as they are in the wrong job, the wrong marriage or the wrong house. When you know and respect your own Inner Nature, you know where you belong. You also know where you don’t belong. One man’s food is another man’s poison, and what is glamorous and exciting to some can be a dangerous trap to others.”
I am sure there are many unique messages in the above paragraphs, and depending on what you are focusing on in your life, certain themes will be more prominent than others. However, from a coaching perspective it confirms very clearly that if we want to be true to ourselves we need to choose what’s best for us and decide on our own personal goals. What truly drives us? Taking ownership of other people’s goals eventually causes frustration and we tend to lose interest and become despondent. We end up wondering why we haven’t moved forward in our lives.
We need to honestly ask ourselves, are the goals we are working towards our own or someone else’s? What do I truly want in my life? What makes me happy? What motivates and inspires me? How do I know I am adding value to myself? To reiterate “When you know and respect your own Inner Nature, you know where you belong. You also know where you don’t belong.” This knowledge is extremely empowering and opens your eyes to so many wonderful possibilities. This is when life gets exciting!
Take ownership of your own lives. Choose what’s right for you!
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