mindfulness Archives - Tom O'Leary

15 09, 2021

Is There a Place for Mindfulness in Coaching? [Long Read]

Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T10:37:14+00:00

Reading Time: 10 minutes Introduction In popular parlance, mindfulness is often reduced to a buzzword far removed from its Buddhist roots. Mindfulness-based techniques can be used as a quick fix for overworked employees to paper over cracks rather than explore underlying issues in what critics call McMindfulness (Purser & Loy, 2013). To achieve transformational coaching, however, it is arguably necessary to go beyond such quick fixes and for coaches to consider incorporating mindfulness training into daily routines as part of a journey of self-exploration as individuals and as coaches. As Kabat-Zinn succinctly observed, mindfulness is “simply about being yourself and [...]

Is There a Place for Mindfulness in Coaching? [Long Read]Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T10:37:14+00:00

20 05, 2021

Where is your safe space?

Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T10:33:51+00:00

Reading Time: < 1 minute Living on an island at the edge of the Atlantic means getting on with things no matter what the weather. Staying inside is not the healthy option. At the same time it makes sense to have some safe spaces where you can go when things get wild. This is one of mine. It got me thinking more broadly about safe spaces we can go to not only when the outside weather is wild but also when we're feeling that bit overwhelmed and need space to centre ourselves. Where is that safe space [...]

Where is your safe space?Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T10:33:51+00:00

2 02, 2021

First Flower of Spring

Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T11:18:07+00:00

Reading Time: < 1 minute Just having a crazy fun chat with my daughter when we noticed the newest addition to the family. First flower of the season in our garden - officially spring here at 52° North. And then the photo led to an exploration of the colours and what particularly drew my attention were the water droplets resting inside. Just imagine, what must it be like to be one of those water droplets? Just taking a minute out before the next mission.

First Flower of SpringTom O'Leary2022-01-17T11:18:07+00:00

26 05, 2020

Ask yourself “What is my intention?”

Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T11:24:55+00:00

Reading Time: < 1 minute I recently had a coaching session where I shared the concept of Intention with the coachee. Intention is a fundamental concept in Mindfulness but is also something that we can apply to pretty much everything in life. Each day, I write down my general intentions for the day. They differ from goals in that intentions are about the direction of travel whereas goals are a destination. They keep me honest during the day and allow me to ask myself “What is my intention here?” - in essence “Why am I doing this?” However, after the [...]

Ask yourself “What is my intention?”Tom O'Leary2022-01-17T11:24:55+00:00

Tom’s innate ability to listen and empathise enabled me to relax and really explore the issues that were causing me some anxiety. Our sessions provided me with an enhanced sense of self-awareness and a considered plan of action. The benefits in terms of relationships and self-confidence this process has given me are invaluable, in both work and life in general!

Testimonial from Sean, Ireland

I went for coaching with Tom, without knowing what I wanted but knowing that I needed some help after having a number of setbacks with interviews. By the end of the first session, I was beginning to realise my problems. By the end of the second session, I was beginning to realise what I wanted. In our final two sessions, Tom helped me to identify a strategy for achieving my goals.
I thoroughly enjoyed our sessions. Tom listened without judgement, guided without being opinionated and ultimately helped me to help myself. You can’t ask more from a coach.

Testimonial from Paul, Ireland

I didn’t think I had a specific need for a coach, however, having met Tom outside of our professional roles we decided to set up a coaching programme. I’m delighted we did. Tom’s approach is based on taking it slow, listening first and asking questions you won’t have thought of second. The latter always result in positive actions to take away and implement immediately. Now, I’m really looking forward to continuing our working relationship.

Testimonial from James Crothall, Account Director at AMO DIGITAL