ゆとり

One thing I love about languages is the possibility they offer to understand and perceive the world through a different lens. Sometimes one word in another language can conjure up a multifaceted concept or feeling that would take an entire paragraph to express in your own language.

When I came across the word ‘Yutori’ in Japanese, it expressed so beautifully what I feel coaching can offer, and what I strive to provide for my clients in our sessions.  ‘Yutori’ essentially means spaciousness. Creating space to simply be, an invitation to slow down, holding a safe space for whatever needs to be revealed and allowing space to reflect on what is important to you. It can also mean savouring a moment, such as when you read a poem or hear a piece of music that touches you. In that moment you are almost floating, travelling to wherever it takes you, and allowing yourself to do so.

As with all languages, context is everything, and other meanings of ‘Yutori’ interestingly include ‘pressure-free education’ as well as ‘twice-boiled rice for sick people’. I don’t currently offer boiled rice in my sessions, but it could be an interesting add-on. And now I’m questioning my once-boiled rice method, too.

So what is the Yutori method in coaching?  It is holding a safe space for clients to simply be themselves without judgment, to act as a mirror to allow for reflection, asking the right questions that will reveal what needs to be revealed. Listening. Holding silence and space for the answers to come. Starting the session with a few minutes of breathwork or guided meditation which acts not only as an invitation to connect with our inner self, our spirit, but also to start to shed the layers of protection and persona that we project to the outside world. Just for this brief window of coaching time, we are free from the noise and chatter of the outside world, and we have a chance to allow space for ingenuity, inspiration, creativity and resourcefulness to come to the surface.

The first step is to gift yourself this space. Slow down. Notice. And maybe, this slowing down could set you up for greatness, to refocus in a new direction. Whether it’s in your professional or personal life, you could be looking at reaching new heights of productivity and purpose simply as a result of this opportunity you are giving yourself to realign.

There are different styles of coaching, and the key is to find the coach and style that feels right for you. If the Yutori method resonates, I would love to hear from you.