GITA COACHING

(EXTRA)ORDINARY

2012-01-30T13:46:00.002Z

We can choose to live ordinary or extraordinary lives. Here are some tools and examples for extraordinary:

EXTRAORDINARYQUESTIONS (EQ)

Whatextraordinary things I could do:

· to improve mycharacter?

· to improve mycompetence?

· fordevotees/family/colleagues/neighbours?

EXTRAORDINARYTHINKING

Thinkinghow to:

· please Krsna

· give

· help devoteessucceed

· benefit others

· inspire others

· invoke people'sfaith in Krsna

· add value to thelives of others

· help otherstransform their lives

EXTRAORDINARYGOALS

Attentivejapa every day

ReadingPrabhupada's books every day

Devoteecare system in every ISKCON temple, with hundreds of dedicated and competentSpiritual Guides

EXTRAORDINARYACTION

Exceedingexpectations

Pleasantsurprises

Giving incharity what is most dear to us

Givinguntil it hurts

Sacrificingfor the welfare of others

Servingthose we do not like

Goingbeyond our limits

Leavingour comfort zone

Takingrisks

Doingsmall things with great love

EXTRAORDINARYRESULTS

Devoteeand people care functioning everywhere on this planet

Collectivecare (care by more people for one person)

Excitementwith applying Srila Prabhupada's books for success

PROMISE

2012-01-30T13:22:00.001Z

If you want to become spiritually and mentally strong and confident, make a promise to yourself about some area of your life every day and KEEP IT.

It may be a habit you want to develop, it may be something you want to avoid, it may be focusing on your top priorities, it may be getting up early, it may be being more kind and patient with people. Choose one thing.

This simple technique will help you more than anything else. And pray to Krsna for strength.

GREAT

2012-01-30T13:14:00.001Z

One who is not grateful is a great fool.

HOW TO BE GRATEFUL?

2012-01-30T13:05:00.001Z

Every day, make a list of people you want to thank for something they have done for you.
Contact them and thank them (by email, phone, in person, by letter, etc.).

HOW TO PLAN YOUR DAY?

2012-01-30T13:03:00.000Z

Every day make a list of the most important things you have to do that day.
Do them.

Alternatively, you may plan the day before in the evening.
Whatever suits you.

WE WILL FIND

2012-01-29T00:08:00.001Z

If we really want to do something, we will find a way.

If we don't, we will find excuses.

COACH

2012-01-28T22:58:00.002Z

One ofthe ways to develop leadership character and skills is to have an experienceddevotee as a coach.

Your coach is your spiritual partner who assistsyou in living the spiritual life you know you can and should live, personally, and related to yourfamily and service.

He or she is someone you place your trust in tohelp you hold yourself accountable for your life and to make sure you live up to your full potential.

By helping you define your varna andasrama, he helps you focus on what's most important in your spiritualadvancement and on responsible roles in your family, temple, congregation, team ororganization.

See our free questionnaire "Are You Ready For Coaching?" here:
http://www.vedicilluminations.com/gitacoaching/areyoureadyforcoaching.htm

DISCOVERING YOUR HIDDEN TREASURE

2012-01-28T21:21:00.001Z

DISCOVERING YOUR HIDDEN TREASURE
Workshop at ISKCON Zurich, 28 January 2012, 5-8pm.

Workshop Content
· What the hidden treasure could be?
· Possibility thinking
· Acres Of Diamonds
· Expanding options (What/How/Who else?)
· BG 2.29 ascaryavat / sat cit ananda
· Expand thinking
- Problem-opportunity
· Abundance vs scarcity
· Connect to the Supersoul (inspiration, ideas, intelligence)
· Questions that release potential, increase intelligence
· Gita Cards
· What helps access treasure? Chanting, reading
· E: What you are not taking advantage of?
· E: Hidden treasure of the body, mind, heart, spirit
· E: Best thing you can give to Krsna/others/yourself

E=exercise

"GOODMAN AND COMPANY"

2012-01-27T11:55:00.002Z

Sometimes they put the signboard, "Goodman and Company," businessmen. The signboard is "Goodman," but he is cheating simply, from business point of view.
That kind of signboard will not help you. If you actually believe in God, then try to understand what is God. Otherwise how you can believe? If you do not know the person in whom you have to trust, how you can trust Him? ...
I say, "Trust in Him," but if I do not know that man, how I can trust? You must explain that "This man is in this way trustworthy." Otherwise what is the meaning of my trust? This science should be understood, what is God and what is trust. That you discuss thoroughly, threadbare. Otherwise how you will be able to preach?
Ask all questions. I will answer. But you must be thoroughly conversant that there is need of God and everyone must trust in God. This is the standard of civilization. God is there. Without God, there cannot be anything existing. This is first point. And we must trust in God.

Srila Prabhupada

HEART AND FAITH

2012-01-27T11:48:00.000Z

Our faith comes from the mode of goodness.
As long as our faith is not completely in pure goodness, our faith is subject to contamination by the modes of material nature.
The three modes of material nature expand to our heart. Therefore according to the position of the heart in contact with a particular mode of material nature, our faith is established.
If our heart is in the mode of goodness, our faith is also in the mode of goodness.
If our heart is in the mode of passion, our faith is also in the mode of passion. And if or heart is in the mode of darkness, or ignorance, our faith is also thus contaminated.
This is why we find different types of faith in this world, and there are different types of religions due to different types of faith.
The real principle of religious faith is situated in the mode of pure goodness, but because the heart is influenced by the various modes, we find different types of religious principles.

NEVER THE PROBLEM

2012-01-25T22:13:00.001Z

The problem we face is never the problem.
Our response to the problem is our real problem.

BE CAREFUL

2012-01-25T16:29:00.003Z

Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words.
Be careful of your words, for your words become your actions.
Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits.
Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character.
Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny.

Author unknown

TRUSTWORTHINESS IN ISKCON

2012-01-25T08:51:00.000Z

"Who are the devotees in ISKCON we trust? Whom do we consider to be worthy of our trust?"

Since ISKCON has such high knowledge and standards, most of the people expect to see at least some excellent examples. Such devotees are trustworthy because they practice what they preach, they live what they teach, they walk their talk. Caitanya Mahaprabhu had pointed out the principle of acar-pracar. Excellent saintly behaviour, both public and private, is necessary for highly effective preaching. That's integrity.

We can ask ourselves and put down on paper the names of devotees we trust. And then write down the reasons why we trust them. Perhaps someone is regularly attending the Temple Morning Program, seriously chanting his rounds, respecting devotees, not criticizing, doing steady service. Or he also has decent behavior, does not lose his temper, talks reasonably, makes thoughtful, sane decisions. And he tries to be a good role model - the change he seeks.

This is one way to understand how we can become trustworthy - by seeing what induces us to trust others. Srila Prabhupada had given us the principle of love and trust. Trust is only possible between trustworthy individuals.

Action: One question a leaders might ask himself is: Do I consider the trust of the devotees whom I lead important for my service to them and my service to ISKCON?

GITA COACHING FOR DEVOTEES' DEVELOPMENT

2012-01-24T16:16:00.001Z

Gita Coaching is becoming one of the powerful tools in devotees' development. It is used in temples for temple managers, leaders and teams to improve service and preaching. Also, devotees are using Gita Coaching to help them get a better spiritual life, to be more happy, to have better relationships, to plan their service and career and even to achieve financial success.

What is Gita Coaching and why is it so powerful?

The essence of Gita Coaching is to help a devotee change in the way they want to change and helping them to go in the direction they want to go. Gita Coaching supports a devotee at every level in being the best devotee they can be and in doing what they want to do for Krsna. Gita Coaching is based on the success principles of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is.

Gita Coaching mainly concentrates on the present and the future. It helps a devotee evaluate their present life in the light of Krsna conscious principles and their desires and actions. They explore the present and then design the future they want.

Gita Coaching helps devotees with what they want to do, or, in other words, to set goals both in the short and long term.

Gita Coaching helps devotees with why they want these things – to connect with their deepest values and become motivated.

Gita Coaching helps devotees with how they achieve their goals – to make a powerful action plan.

There are three main reasons why Gita Coaching is significant for devotee development.

First, the devotee owns the result. Devotee and Gita Coach are accountable for the process, but the devotee alone takes responsibility for the result.

Second, Gita Coaching is based on action. Gita Coach and devotee agree how the devotee will think and act differently.

Third, the Gita Coach helps the devotee learn rather than teaching them.

Coaching is different to training or teaching. It is different to mentoring and managing. It is also different to counselling and therapy, because in coaching, the client does not have to focus very much on what's wrong. They focus on what can be improved.

Gita Coaching helps devotees release their highest potential.

Coaching has traditionally been associated with sports. Now, it is becoming quite normal for someone to see a coach to help them achieve their goals in their life and work.

Gita Coaching has many benefits. A devotee will be more productive, more creative. They will have a more balanced life. It is very important to balance service and personal needs.

Leaders and preachers in particular can benefit a great deal from Gita Coaching. When a top leader is more focused and effective, this will make a big difference to the temple or the project. Also, top leaders are sometimes a bit lonely, they have no one with whom to talk things over, they are supposed to know all the answers and they have great responsibilities. So having someone to talk to in confidence could be helpful.

Providing coaching services is also evidence of the temple’s commitment to developing its devotees and contributes to a supportive community culture. Coaching is also an effective way of investing at places and in individuals that need it the most.

Considering all this benefits, it is no wonder that by Krsna's and devotees' mercy more and more devotees and projects worldwide are taking advantage of Gita Coaching.

IF YOU CANNOT LOVE THEM, LEAVE THEM!

2012-01-24T12:56:00.001Z

If we cannot lead, organize, coordinate, facilitate, teach, guide, coach or advice people with love and care, it is better to leave them alone.

It is better to work with things than with people.

ENCOURAGING THE HEART

2012-01-23T12:27:00.001Z

The heart of a leader must be a caring one. Without this heart, his
leadership will be without purpose. This is the premise of James M.
Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner's book, Encouraging the Heart, A
Leader's Guide to Rewarding and Recognizing Others.

Believing that a leader's heart is the one that bridges the connection
between him and his constituents, the authors invite leaders in all
areas of business to live by and practice the principles of
encouraging the heart which they unselfishly share in this new
book.

They argue that a leadership filled with values that
encourage the heart speaks directly to people's deeply held
values and beliefs, to something beyond the material and
contributes to creating meaning in the workplace. Through this
book, the authors aim to enrich the discussion of soul and spirit in
the workplace.

Everything starts within you as a leader. Take the journey towards
an organization that nurtures an encouraging heart among its
members and create a workplace that gives new meaning and
purpose to everyone involved.

bizsum.com

THE SECRET OF LIFE

2012-01-23T11:49:00.001Z

Many people know that the secret and the magic of life is - giving and receiving love.
Although we know it, we do not live it, we do not understand it.
We do not apply it daily.
Therefore our life is not full.
There is always something lacking.

Therefore we live in the land of "if only" and "some day".

We miss the opportunity to appreciate other people's expressions of love for us.

And we miss the opportunity to give and express love.

We do not have to do big things.

We can do small things with great love.

Thus they become big.

GITA COACHING: SOMEONE

2012-01-22T22:32:00.000Z

GITA COACHING: SOMEONE: Imagine if there is someone to whom your life is so important that he or she: - Prays for your success and protection every single day - Li...

APOLOGY

2012-01-22T22:08:00.001Z

"Ifwe disturb or offend devotees, we cannot be successful in what we do, no matter how important it is."

When I was serving in Ireland, around year 2000, with few devotees, we went on a travelling party. Some were sellingpaintings, some were selling books while some chanted on the street. The leaderof the party came to meet two others at a set time in the evening.

Since thepaintings went well, he was in a hurry to go back, but he wanted to bring twosomewhat tired devotees to a place where they would spend the night and recover from an intense day.

Theleader was somewhat insistent that they hurry up and enter the car and packthings up, etc. They were not disturbed by his rushing mood since he wanted togo back and sell more paintings. Most ofthe money of the collections goes to develop the temple projects.

Nextmorning he apologized to the other twodevotees for being insensitive. He said that if we disturb or offend devoteeswe cannot be successful in what we do, no matter how important it is.

WHAT DO I THINK OF SELF-HELP?

2012-01-22T01:29:00.000Z

For those of you who thought I am a lover and a follower of self-help books, here is some thoughts about self-help.

Self-help or personal development or success is a new global religion. See my blog about it here:

http://gitacoaching.blogspot.com/2008/03/new-religion.html

Many people try to find shelter in it because religions have become corrupted and people do not trust them.

But they will be left empty-handed.

Why?

Because this is all incomplete knowledge, and it does not free us from our sinful reactions.

It does not free us from our being conditioned by the 3 modes of material nature: goodness, passion and ignorance.

It does not free us from our false ego.

It helps us to be even more conditioned by the mode of goodness, mixed with passion and ignorance.

It helps us to remain attached to this material world and remain in the cycle of birth and death.

All I said so far does not mean ideas from those books cannot be used in devotional service. The Nectar Of Devotion says:

"One should not give up anything which can be utilized in the service of the Lord. That is a secret of devotional service. Anything that can be utilized in advancing Krsna consciousness and devotional service should be accepted." (NoD 14: Devotional Qualifications)

If a good time management system can be used, why not (we don't like to waste time)?
If how to build trust can be used, why not (remember "love and trust")?
If giving up limiting beliefs (thinking big) can be used, why not ?
If stopping self-sabotage can be used, why not (remember the "real self-interest")?

Srila Prabhupada mentions that you must know how to catch a fish without getting wet. So we can use these things with caution, making sure they do not become our new religion.

COOL FRIEND FROM SKOPJE

2012-01-21T22:21:00.004Z

Here are two cool thoughts from my friend Ishana Chaitanya dasa from Skopje, Macedonia. He is an upcoming inspirational speaker and life coach.

Mystical is what works.

To minimize is to maximize.

QUALITIES AND HABITS OF A LEADER AND A COACH

2012-01-21T21:25:00.001Z

Listens attentively and deeply
Asks powerful, relevant questions
Believes in people and their potential
Has people's best interest at heart

GITA COACHING BLOG AT KRISHNA.COM

2012-01-21T13:28:00.003Z

Gita Coaching blog is now listed at krishna.com:

http://links.krishna.com/category/Blogs

And here is a direct link:

http://links.krishna.com/gita-coaching-akrura-dasa

SOME BENEFITS OF ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

2012-01-21T00:41:00.002Z

"Better questions lead to better choices."

Awareness is the key to changing any limiting pattern or behavior.

The power of unconcealing what is truly happening in our lives is a transformational process because as soon as we can admit to what's keeping us stuck or trapped, we are able to allow new possibilities to manifest.

The right questions will increase our awareness of where we are, where we want to be, and what is stopping us.

The right questions will bring us clarity and a power to make the right choices every hour of every day that will bring us closer to our Krsna conscious goals.

YOUR STORY

2012-01-20T23:23:00.003Z

"You have your set of beliefs and self-imposed limitations."

Your story is what you say and believe about yourself. It's like living inside a clear capsule. Inside that capsule you know who you are. You know what you can and cannot do.

You have your set of beliefs and self-imposed limitations. Your story is about what happened to you, in the past, and why you are the way you are. Your whole family can tell you your story. We have stories about our money, our bodies, our careers, our creativity. Stories limit us.

The problem is, we don't think it's a story. We think it's who we are. It's me. The object is to identify as it not being you. ... I heard everybody telling the same story: “My father left me;” “My boyfriend doesn't love me.”

I wanted to scream, “Don't you get it? It's just a story! That's not who you are!”

The biggest shift people can make is to write it down. What's that story you've been telling yourself?

Debbie Ford

NURTURING ISKCON LEADERSHIP

2012-01-20T18:16:00.000Z

Since inour movement many leaders made many mistakes, we presently have a lot ofmistrust and criticism of leaders, but that will not be helpful in gainingexcellent spiritual leadership as Srila Prabhupada desired. Whatever we want todevelop and improve, the only way is gradual cultivation and nurturing - togain long-term quality results.

In myunderstanding, the duty of each ISKCON member is to contribute to thedevelopment of good leadership. It's not very hard to criticize, but it'snecessary to contribute to a positive change. If we want good leaders in ISKCONwe have to nurture them as valuable plants - give them attention, care,nurturing, facilitate their development, skills building, education.

A fewideas how to assist in this endeavour:

- Developsincere relationship with a leader

- Wishhim or her success in his service

- Giveand receive feedback, both negative and positive

-Appreciate his/her willingness to accept responsibility

- Inducehim/her to develop skills and constantly learn in order to improve

- Befriendly but firm when he/she makes mistakes or is criticized

- Attendto his/her needs or induce others to do so

I am sure devotees could come up with more ideas, but the main point is to start withthe understanding that it requires time and cultivation. Leaders must havearound them people who will support them and assist them in their leadershipservice. Assistants should be nonenvious and friendly.

We may wish success toour leaders. Someone has to be a leader. So if one cannot take up a position ofa leader himself, one may help them in some way to serve as leaders - better and better.

EXCELLENCE

2012-01-18T01:10:00.003Z

EXCELLENCE is a

personal choice

… not an

institutional choice!

EXCELLENCE is not

an “aspiration” —it’s

the next five minutes!
tompeters.com

I WANNA TALK BUT ...

2012-01-18T00:30:00.000Z

Devotee said:
I want to talk.
I want to preach.
I want to give advice.
I want to give tips.
I want to give people success tools.
I want to give people ideas.
I want to give people solutions.

Gita Coach said:
That is nice.
But if you really want to help people, you have to SHUT UP.
You have to listen to people first.
You have to understand them first.
Understand what they want.
Understand what they are going through.
Understand what they think.
Understand how they feel.
Understand what they need in order to succeed.
And in order to understand, you have to first LISTEN attentively and deeply.
Not talk.

LISTENING IS THE CORE COMPETENCE

2012-01-18T00:19:00.004Z

Click on this link:

http://www.tompeters.com/docs/TLBTSynopsis_32_Listening.pdf

THE BEST WAY TO LEARN IS TO TEACH

2012-01-17T14:04:00.001Z

Source: http://learnthis.ca/2008/03/the-best-way-to-learn-is-to-teach/

If it’s not already obvious by the new site title here at Learn This, I hope this site will be a resource for people to learn from. While I plan to publish a lot of articles on many topics (the planned queue is getting larger every day), I do this primarily to help others learn some of the things I’ve learned myself. Now some I’ve learned by watching others, some by trial and error, some I’ve learned by talking with or reading articles from others, and some I’ve learned just by practice and observation. In doing this over the years, I’ve learned that the best way to really learn something is to teach that same thing to someone else. Anytime you have to teach something, you are forced to plan, think and act on what you learned which really drives it home.

There is a LOT of other personal learning benefits to teaching and sharing what you know. Here are some of the advantages in teaching for the purpose of learning:

- When teaching you review content which refreshes your memory of the content
- You get asked questions so need to understand it in order to respond
- Teaching it often makes you ask questions and research or study things in more depth
- Its wonderful to have others appreciate your help and to see them learn
- Makes you feel great to share with others
- Teaching and learning exercise you memory which keeps the brain healthy longer in life
- Commit things to your long term memory to increase your knowledge
- Helps you give advice or information in various situations (depends what you teach)
- Provides great conversation starters talking about things you teach
- Most people are more interested in a person who can teach them something

Take this site for example, while it does take a lot of time to publish a site like this and I’d love to have people think it is simply generous to do so, its not all for the benefit of others, as you can tell from the list above. What are some other things you get out of teaching?

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

2012-01-17T10:55:00.001Z

Once one mataji asked her nine year old daughter to bring her a puri from a prasadam room. Since it was cold in the prasadam room, the puri was cold. The girl decided to heat it up in a microwave. Happily she brought it back: "Mummy, I heated the puri for you!"

This is a small example, but here we see an excellent attitude - to voluntarily do more than you are expected.

YOU MATTER

2012-01-16T02:14:00.000Z

One simple proof that you matter is that both maya and Krsna do a lot of marketing to draw your attention and get you on their side. Krsna (God) cares about you and wants you to be happy. Maya wants to distract you from Krsna and will ultimately leave you empty-handed.

HOW TO EAT?

2012-01-16T02:09:00.000Z

We should not eat more or less.
Better eat less than eat more.
You'll not die by eating less.
But you may die eating more.
People die for overeating, not for undereating.
This should be the principle.
Here... Medical science always forbids not to eat more than you require.
Voracious eating is the cause of diabetes, and undernourishment is the cause of tuberculosis.
This is the medical science.
So we should not take under, neither more.
- Srila Prabhupada

STEPPING UP

2012-01-15T23:19:00.001Z

• The keys to stepping up are accepting personal responsibility
and focusing on what can be changed.
• We must all realize that we have tremendous power to
influence the “five rows” around us. In order to create
change, we must act locally (in our own workplaces,
homes, and communities) with the understanding that
local change is as important—if not more important—
than global change.
• The responsibility ripple is the way our stepping up encourages
others to step up.
• Aggregate influence reminds us that when we act, our
single act combines with those of others to create great
power.
• Be naive and optimistic. A key component to stepping
up is believing you have the ability to make a difference.
• Accept 100 percent responsibility with zero excuses
(the 100/0 principle). Focus on how you are contributing
to the problem instead of what someone else is doing.
When you accept your portion of responsibility in the
matter, the other person will invariably meet you halfway.
• You don’t have to be special to do special things.
• You can’t not lead. That is, we have influence over others
whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.
Leadership is a posture and a choice, not a role that
must be bestowed on you. Step up and be a leader
when no one is watching or expecting you to do so.
• Leadership does not require official authority. As I said
before, many of us are waiting to be in a position of
influence before we influence. The opposite is more representative
of reality. The more we influence, the more
we will get the opportunity to influence.
• Do something, do anything! A perfect plan does not
need to be in place before you take action.
• Take a single step, and the rest will follow.
• People find it easier to stand up when they know they
won’t be alone.
• Focus on what you can control, not whom you can
blame.
• You are the only one you can control.
• Work through setbacks rather than use them as excuses
not to proceed.
• Step up in the moment you are in, using the skills you
have. You do not have to go out looking for ways to
step up; the opportunities are right in front of you.
• Speaking up, without blaming or complaining, is a key
component to stepping up.
• Skill, talent, and resources are overrated compared with
drive, determination, and vision.
• When implementing changes, give all employees/family
members a seat at the table. They will step up when
they feel their input is valued and appreciated.
- Stepping Up, John Izzo

NEW YORK INTERVIEWS

2012-01-15T23:16:00.002Z

"Exceedingexpectations is an exciting paradigm."

OnceBhakti-tirtha Swami had a radio show at WBAI 99.5 FM with Haptse Selassie,radio station located on Wall Street in New York which is the only publicstation in New York and is supposedly the best public radio station in America.

Hediscussed many topics from his Leadership book and tried to share severaluplifting points. As he was finishing this particular show, Caitanya Priya dasihad caught the attention of one very popular radio host who had interviewedSrila Bhakti-tirtha Swami the previous year. She mentioned to her that he wasin the studio and arranged it so that at the completion of his first interview,His Holiness could do a tape interview for her show, to be aired at later time.

Kathy isa very powerful personality in the radio field and her show has millions oflisteners.

As Swamiwas getting ready to leave, Caitanya Priya had talked to another radio host inthe same studio who has his own show and convinced him that he should also airBhakti-tirtha Swami. So he requested that Swami come the next day in the latemorning for some live discussion, but as His Holiness's schedule was quitetight, he thought that it would be impractical. However, the host said thatMaharaja could call in and he would interview him over the telephone.

So the nextday he was able to have some live discussion where he could once again explainthings about leadership and some of the topics of his new books.

This isexcellence. A preaching assistant doesn't become self-complacent but looks formore and more opportunities for bringing the message across. Caitanya Priya dasiis a shining example of highly effective assistant.

APPRECIATION

2012-01-15T09:49:00.003Z

"Catchdevotees doing things right."

There aremany ways to show appreciation for the devotees' services in the temple. Hereare some ideas. We can put sticker messages on their door or closet or bed. Wecould write: "Thank you very much Krishnadas Prabhu for taking care nicelyof the temple garden." Or: "Many thanks Srimate Gaurangi dasi forcooking so nicely for our wonderful Deities."

The message may be decoratedaccording to your imagination and may be anonymous or not. Just imagine howwould you feel if here and there you find signs that your service andcontribution in a temple or a Yatra is appreciated by 'someone'.

Then wecan write something on a bulletin board or in the temple newsletter. We canpraise individual devotees on National COM Conferences and on Sunday Feasts. Itis good for a leader to glorify devotees, and the devotees will also becomeinspired.

We don't have to be afraid they will become puffed-up if we praisethem appropriately, according to their contribution and sincere effort. Themessage of a leader is: "I like you. Just go on. I appreciate yourservice very much. Your service is valued in this temple or Yatra."

Thatmay inspire devotees to develop their service to Krishna.

PRABHUPADA CARES

2012-01-15T08:11:00.001Z

A small but significant incident at New Vrindaban on June 26 1976

illustrates Srila Prabhupada's care for devotees:

"Shortly after eight thirty he [Prabhupada] brought the meeting to an end.

As he prepared to retire to the house, he looked at one of the women,

Gopalasyapriya dasi, who was rather under dressed considering the chill of

the evening. He was concerned and he turned to Kuladri, the temple

president. "Um hmm. This girl? This cloth is sufficient? So you have no

covering? They do not require covering?"

Kuladri was casual about it, trying to explain it away to assuage Srila

Prabhupada's disquiet. "It is warm for us, Srila Prabhupada."

But Srila Prabhupada wouldn't allow it to be passed off lightly. "No, if

they require, they must be supplied. You must ask them what you need, and

provide them. Because they do not say, you'll also keep silent -- that's not

good. Every month they should be asked what they need. Necessities, they

must be supplied. We have already discussed this point. The women, they

require protection, children, women."

Transcendental Diary, Hari-sauri dasa

THAT WILL HELP

2012-01-15T00:20:00.000Z

Accept complete responsibility for every part of your life.
Refuse to blame others or make excuses.
That will help you succeed.
And that will attract Krsna's attention.

DEVOTEE FITNESS

2012-01-14T14:06:00.003Z

1. Dance and jump in kirtana
2. Rise early
3. Eat less
4. Eat less sweets
5. Have last meal 3 hours before sleep
6. Visit Krishna conscious farms
7. Chant and be happy

WHY LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE?

2012-01-14T02:17:00.001Z

(This article was originally published in the Leadership Excellence Journal. All 78 issues of LEJ can be found in the Bhaktivedanta Vedabase 2003 and 2011)

Maybe youwere wondering how Leadership Excellence Journal came into being. From 1992 Istarted to study leadership books and articles, both from devotees and others.I came to realize that leadership is most important for personal and collectivesuccess.

By studying I saw that Srila Prabhupada gave us all principles foreffective spiritual leadership in his books, lectures, conversations, articlesand letters. Somehow I felt the need to make it more easy for devotee-leadersto focus on these topics and thus become better servants as leaders and alsomore happy in their devotional life.

It is not easy to be a leader in aspiritual organization. First one has to be a good example, which is itself abig task. Then one has to develop trusting relationship with devotees. One mustrespect each devotee and facilitate his service. Then one must know how tolisten and deeply understand. That is very demanding.

Knowledgeis empowering, especially when applied consistently and with faith. If we knowthe principles of spiritual leadership and sincerely put them into practice,then we will be better protector and facilitator of the people we lead. Theidea with Leadership Excellence was to facilitate leaders' service.

Leadership Excellence Journal is concise and focused on higherprinciples. It is meant to recharge your batteries weekly and give you newimpetus and ideas on how to perform better for Lord Krishna. If after readingLeadership Excellence weekly you come a step closer to becoming like a patient, loving father of devotees you lead, then Leadership Excellence is accomplishingits mission.

LeadershipExcellence's main message is that leadership means you are constantly workingon your heart and your motives and striving to gain the mercy of the devoteesby serving them as a leader. My hope is that Leadership Excellence will alsogive you solace, so you can persist to lead in spite of all challenges.

Leadership Excellence should give you a sense that Lord Krishna and hisrepresentatives know what you are going through as a leader and that they appreciateyour struggle. We wish you all the best in your leadership journey. Pleasenever exploit your position but always serve and facilitate. That will bringyou greater rewards.

MAHA COACH

2012-01-14T01:11:00.002Z

Lord, make me a channel of your peace, that

where there is hatred, I may bring love;
where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
where there is error, I may bring truth;
where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
where there is despair, I may bring hope;
where there are shadows, I may bring light;
where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather
to comfort than to be comforted;
to understand than to be understood;
to love than to be loved;
for it is by forgetting self that one finds;
it is by forgiving that one is forgiven;
it is by dying that one awakens to eternal life.

- St. Francis of Assisi

MUMMY'S BOY/GIRL TO SPIRITUAL HERO

2012-01-14T00:44:00.001Z

Is it possible?
Can mummy's boy or girl become a spiritual hero?
What would it take? How long would it take?
Are you interested to explore these questions?
If you are, let us look where are we on a scale of - mummy's boy to spiritual hero. Here are 4 ways to measure:
1. MB whines ................................................................. SH shines
2. MB waits ................................................................... SH creates
3. MB is depressed ......................................................... SH is impressed
4. MB is a great fool ....................................................... SH is grateful

A POEM FOR A FRIEND

2012-01-14T00:21:00.003Z

When I close my eyes
And look at you I see
A little child who wants to play

If I could
I would give you
All the toys you want

But I know
These toys
Will not make you happy

If I could
I would give you
All the love you want

But I am too selfish
A conditioned soul
Just like you

If I could
I would give you
All the protection you want

But my arms are weak
And my mind
Is restless

If I could
I would give you
All the fame you want

But what is the use
When people will forget
Very shortly

So what can I give you
That will stay with you
And benefit you eternally

I know what it is
It benefited me and many
Since the beginning of time

It is
The holy name
Of the Lord

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna
Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare

May God's love reach you
In the sound of His name
As the ocean reaches the shore - always

His name is His love for us
In the form of a pure
Blissful sound

Chant as much as you can
And you'll be happy
More and more and more

It is simple
And it is true
Krsna loves you!

NO TIME TO LOVE

2012-01-13T15:11:00.004Z

If you judge people, you have no time to love them.

― Mother Teresa

DO NOT WAIT FOR LEADERS

2012-01-13T15:02:00.003Z

Do not wait for leaders. Do it alone, person to person.

- Mother Teresa

PREREQUISITE

2012-01-13T08:54:00.003Z

"Without controlling the mind, without the mind being not disturbed, nobody can make any spiritual progress ..."

- "Bhajahu Re Mana", composed by the pure devotee and poet Govinda Dasa

A PERFECT GENTLEMAN

2012-01-12T22:47:00.000Z

Srila Prabhupada was once asked by a TV interviewer, "How would I be able to tell a devotee of Krsna?" Prabhupada replied, "He would be a perfect gentleman."

"A devotee is perfect gentleman. Why? Now, because he has developed all good qualities. That is bhadra. A devotee cannot be abhadra. He must be bhadra. That is perfection. Therefore a devotee is never rude to anyone."

Interviewer: How would I recognize a true follower of the Krsna consciousness movement by his behavior? What would his traits be? What would his outward expressions be?
Prabhupada: Yes. His behavior, he's a perfect gentleman. That's all. You cannot find any fault in him.

"Brahmana means perfect gentleman. A rogue, thief, cannot become brahmana. Brahmana is perfect gentleman. Who feels for others, that is gentleman."

WHAT THEY HEAR

2012-01-12T21:19:00.001Z

It is not what you say but what people hear that counts for them.

MIRACLE STORY

2012-01-12T21:07:00.001Z

Yasoda Mata’s 85-year-old foster father passed away two months ago. During his stay in the hospital, Yasoda Mata prepared a tape recorder and played the Hare Krsna Maha Mantra all day long in his ward. Her foster father was actually in semi-coma, but miraculously when he heard the Maha mantra, gradually he awoke and with closed eyes he appeared to enjoying the music and the sound vibration. He started to follow the tempo by tapping his hand on the edge of his bed. His finger ring made the sound like “don, don don” “don, don don ... ” He looked like he was totally meditating on the Maha mantra.

Suddenly he spoke, “Look! There is a huge 5 clawed man, and his head looks just like a lion’s, he is coming into my ward. Don’t you see him? He is coming ….” The foster father still with eyes closed said “Oh, yes, I forgot you all cannot see him, but he is really here. I do not know who He is?” At that moment Yasoda Mata and her daughters looked at each other in great surprise and answered. “Father, He is Lord Nrsimhadev”. “What dev ??? I don’t know Him. But He is nodding His head to tell me that He is.”

Yashoda mata felt great ecstasy in hearing this for in her house she keeps a model of the Nrsimha Deity from Mayapur and had been offering heart felt prayers to Him so that her father could leave the body without any attachment and that his soul can become Krishna’s devotee in his next birth. Continuously her father said, “Look, He is smiling to me and starting to speak again . Oh, He is telling me that I have to learn to chant what you are chanting now…. what exactly are you chanting ?”

He said. “It is a mantra to call the holy name of Lord” Yasoda Mata replied. ” I don’t know what mantra, but please teach Me.” he said. “All right father, please repeat after me and listen carefully — Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna………” Yasoda Mata taught her foster father word by word patiently. Without taking a long time, he learned and tried to chant…. and chanted so nicely. The next day he passed away with tranquility.

During that weekend, we devotees here congregated together to do the kirtan for Yasoda Mata’s father at the memorial service. Yasoda Mata prepared the prasadam garland, Ganga water, tulasi, and put tilak on her father, which have all been done nicely and properly according to her guru maharaj H. H. Giridhari Swami’s telephone instruction. Her foster father’s face looked so peaceful, his cheeks were a little pink, and his body was soft. After some customary ceremonies the body was sent to the incinerator.

A Few hours later the people who work in the memorial service came to us and exclaimed in amazement - “We have never seen anyone’s ashes look so white and beautiful like jade as your father’s! What happened to him? What were you chanting for him?”

“Could you write it down for us? We want to learn and we think we can also chant while doing our service here.” Why the Lord Himself personally appeared before someone who we consider is not a devotee proves the sastric statement - that if one is always engaged in the devotional service of the Lord, their family members will be benefited as well.

From Lin Tulip, Taiwan, 20th March 2006

MAKE THE SEX YOUR EX

2012-01-12T12:46:00.000Z

(message to a friend)

You may have sex with hundreds of people
But it will not fill your heart with joy

And when all is said and done
Your heart will still be empty

And you will lit up another cigarette
And time is passing
And death is coming

And the GEMS of life are just
Slipping through your fingers

THE POWER OF GIVING 5

2012-01-12T12:25:00.001Z

Corporate giving
• optimizes customer and client growth
• attracts and helps retain talented employees
• enhances credibility and trust
• makes the company socially responsible
• benefits all stockholders

THE POWER OF GIVING - key points of chapter 5

THE POWER OF GIVING 4

2012-01-12T12:20:00.004Z

It is better to give than not give. However, how and what
you offer can give your gift a greater impact.
You have enormous capacity to give.
Give wholeheartedly.
Give of yourself, not just your possessions.
Give with respect, humility, and compassion.
Give unconditionally.
Give even in hardship. There are other things to give
besides money.
Consider tithing—money, time, ideas, or intrapersonally.
Consider escalator giving.
Be balanced in your approach to giving and to life.

THE POWER OF GIVING - key points for chapter 4

THE POWER OF GIVING 3

2012-01-12T12:19:00.001Z

Charity begins at home. Start by loving yourself. It is not
wrong to give to yourself. To look after others, you have to
look after yourself first.
Make a conscious effort to give daily to your family. It
forms the foundation of your giving.
Children hold the power to make our world better and
our future bright and peaceful. The best gift we can give
our children is to teach them to give.
We build heart fiber in our children by giving them the
values and virtues that build a strong character.
Extend your giving to your community.
Give to nonprofit social organizations. There is an
incredible variety of options for giving.
Give to the planet—it has been given to us in trust. We
must take care of our environment to be able to pass on
to our children what our ancestors gave us.

THE POWER OF GIVING - key points of chapter 3

THE POWER OF GIVING 2

2012-01-12T03:31:00.001Z

Everyone can give something. Even if you can’t give
money or material objects, you can give time, knowledge,
wisdom, skills, leadership, attention, touch, advice, hope,
laughter, or love.
Love is a universal need and spans all countries,
cultures, and faiths.
Those who are blessed with knowledge and wisdom
have a responsibility to share their knowledge and
wisdom.
Time and money are both valuable resources. Give as
much as you can of them both.
If you give people skills, you empower them.
When you give an attentive ear, you are giving utmost
respect.
Give what you need most in order to experience the real
power of giving.
Take a balanced approach to life and to giving.

THE POWER OF GIVING - key points of chapter 2

THE POWER OF GIVING 1

2012-01-12T03:27:00.001Z

There is much sadness in the world, but there are also
unlimited ways to make a positive difference.
You can gain tremendous benefits from giving. Among
these benefits are new friends, a feeling of security, better
health, happiness, and a sense of pride. You are at your
best when you make a difference and contribute.
Passion for a worthwhile cause helps you tap into your
creativity.
You need only so much as an individual to be happy.
Therefore, to live to your potential and create abundance,
you need to do something larger than yourself—thus the
need to give.
You are a conduit—the more you allow giving to flow
through you, the more abundance flows back into your
life. The more you give, the more you receive.
Giving is a beautiful experience.

THE POWER OF GIVING - key points of chapter 1

RESPONSIBLE KING

2012-01-11T16:03:00.000Z

Rajarsayah. Formerly the king was responsible, responsible king. Responsible government means responsible king.
So what is the responsibility of the king?
The responsibility that all the citizens, all the inhabitants of the state, they should live very comfortably and develop Krsna consciousness. This is the responsibility of the king.
He has to see that everyone is free from anxiety, everyone is feeling secure, everyone has no disease, no mental anxiety, and in peaceful condition they are executing bhagavata-dharma.
It is the responsibility of the king to see that the citizens are happy in every respect.

- Srila Prabhupada

REQUEST EVEN THE DRUNKARDS

2012-01-11T13:13:00.001Z

When Krsna describes Himself in Bhagavad-gita, He says, raso 'ham apsu kaunteya: [Bg. 7.8] "I am the taste of liquids." So one can remember Krsna by tasting water.

Even if one is drinking liquor, if he thinks, "The taste of this drink is Krsna," he will one day turn out to be a great saintly person. So I can request even drunkards to become Krsna conscious, what to speak of others, because Krsna says, raso 'ham apsu kaunteya: "I am the taste of liquids."

Generally in this context "liquid" is taken to mean water. But liquor is also liquid; it is only sugar and molasses or some other combination fermented and distilled. Of course, it is bad because it creates intoxication. Although in one sense nothing is bad, liquor is bad because it creates bad effects.

In America there are many drunkards. There is no scarcity of them. But I may request even the drunkards, "When drinking wine, kindly remember that the taste of this drink is Krsna. Just begin in this way, and one day you will become a saintly, Krsna conscious person."

Teachings Of Queen Kunti

LITTLE GEMS OF WISDOM

2012-01-11T06:38:00.002Z

Stop and think.
Listen to your conscience.

LEADERSHIP TIPS

2012-01-11T06:26:00.000Z

1. Go to bed by 10 pm.

2. Rise by 4 am.

3. Complete 16 rounds before 10 am.

4. Be abee, not a fly.

5.Dedicate time to listen to devotees' concerns.

6. Bepeople-oriented and results will come - from the people.

FEARLESSNESS

2012-01-10T21:57:00.000Z

Fora sannyasi , the first qualification should be fearlessness.

Because a sannyasi has to be alone without any supportor guarantee of support, he has simply to depend upon the mercy ofthe Supreme Personality of Godhead.

If he thinks "After leavingmy connections who will protect me?", he should not acceptthe order of renounced life.

One must be fully convinced thatKrsna or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in His localizedaspect of Paramatma is always within, that He is seeing everythingand that He always knows what one intends to do.

One must havefirm conviction that Krsna as Paramatma will take care of a soulsurrendered to Him.

"I shall never be alone", one shouldthink.

"Even if I live in the darkest regions of a forest I shallbe accompanied by Krsna, and He will give me all protection."

That conviction is called abhayam , without fear.

Thisstate of mind is necessary for a person in the renounced order oflife.

Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 16.1 Purport

MOTHER VISAKHA AND THE GITA

2012-01-09T22:49:00.000Z

http://news.iskcon.com/node/4124

HOW DO WE SPEND OUR TIME?

2012-01-09T22:40:00.002Z

Are you acting on the important, and not only reacting to the urgent?

Are you going for the extraordinary, or you settle for the ordinary?

Are you scheduling "big rocks" (activities that bring extraordinary results, activities that are important but not urgent), instead of sorting gravel (activities that are unimportant or a waste of time)?

Are you sacrificing great for the sake of "good"?

Are you using your gadgets to your best advantage or they are using you and steal your time and energy?

Are you fueling your fire or burning out?

COOL PROJECTS: FREE FOOD RESTAURANT IN SEATTLE

2012-01-09T22:17:00.002Z

http://news.iskcon.com/node/4123

CHASTISED

2012-01-06T14:50:00.003Z

It is not desirable that in grown-up ages also you should be chastised.
That is not desirable. That is also difficult, because when the disciple or
the son is grown up, if he is chastised, then he breaks. So before being
chastised, you..., we should be conscious that "This is our rules and
regulation. We must observe." Therefore it is advised by Canakya Pandita,
prapte tu sodase varse putram mitra-vad acaret: "After sixteenth year of
the disciple or the son, he should be treated as friend." Because if you
chastise when he's grown-up, then he'll break up. That is also another
risk. So our request is that instead of chastising, with folded hands I
request you, don't you become hippies again by growing hair. Keep your head
cleansed at least once in a month. That is my request. Neither I can
chastise you. I am also old man; you are young men.

Srila Prabhupada lecture, Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.6.3 -- Vrndavana, November 25, 1976

AN AMAZING "WRONG" BIRTHDAY

2012-01-02T23:06:00.000Z

I just have to share this with you.
I am in Manchester with an Indian devotee family.
These people are so kind to me that they made me a birthday prasadam (raw) cake and celebrated my birthday 8 months in advance.
They said I might not come back before my birthday so they want to make sure I get a cake and a candle.
And this was all orchestrated by their 14 year old daughter. She said they are celebrating my birthday, Christmas, New Year, and my departure from Manchester - all at the same time.
Their 10 year old son is very affectionate to me and wants to be with me all the time.
What can I say?
I know I do not deserve it. It is a pure mercy of the Lord and his devotees, and their children.
I pray that I can serve them for a long time to come and reciprocate in many, many ways.

THE VALUE OF WRITING

2011-12-31T19:47:00.002Z

"Writing is a refined thinking."

MOTIVATIONAL QUESTIONS

2011-12-31T14:58:00.000Z

1. Do youhave someone who inspires you the most to take up and persist in your key roles in life?

2. Do youread every day to learn how to become a better devotee and professional?

3. Areyou ready to be patient until people you assist are sufficiently grown up and developed so they canstay on their own feet?

4. Do yousee people in terms of their potential or in terms of their faults?

SHOULD COACHES GIVE ADVICE?

2011-12-30T00:36:00.003Z

Posted by: The Coaching Academy In: Coaching Articles

Giving advice to clients denies them the joy and satisfaction of personal discovery, says The Coaching Academy’s former Managing Director Lesley Matile.

Almost every new coach who I meet at training events asks the question,

‘Do coaches give advice?’

I reply there are many coaches who do and there are many coaches who do not. The question that often follows is,

‘Should coaches give advice?’

My reply is that it really depends on the coach’s definition of coaching and where that coach sits on the continuum of coaching from directive to non-directive.

I would not tell another coach that s/he can or cannot give advice; that is a matter for each individual coach. I do however have a clear view as to where I sit on the continuum and some of the reasons for that positioning.

My starting point is that there is a massive difference between using coaching skills and actually coaching. Many people come to coach training events because they want to add coaching skills to their portfolio. Coaching skills are, after all, great life skills to have. Who wouldn’t see the benefits of attentive listening, asking powerful questions, goal setting, challenging limiting beliefs and helping others to move toward their desires? Many interventions – consulting, advising, mentoring, therapy, counselling – all share this skill set and a desire to see others achieve the maximum from their lives. For me, the difference lies in the finer detail of the way in which the user applies these skills.

My favourite definition of coaching is from Myles Downey:

‘The art of facilitating the performance, learning and development of another.’*

At its simplest level, the coach enables the client to define clearly where they want to be, (perhaps need to be in corporate coaching!) and then to work with the client to identify the steps forward. Coaching is goal-centred, client-centred and focused on results. The distinguishing factor of great coaching is that clients learn a huge amount about themselves and their situation as the coaching develops, but very importantly, the coaches are not teaching the clients. It is the sequenced, probing and purposeful questions from the coach that allow pertinent insights from the client to surface. Those moments offer clients the greatest value and give coaches the ultimate reward and satisfaction for their efforts.

In the purest form of coaching, which I also believe is the most beneficial to clients, there is no room for advice giving. That is a bold statement. My belief is that coaches with great skills, used in non-directive ways, can help their clients achieve fantastic results without input, advice, stories and prompts. There is a place for all these ‘assists’, but I believe too often coaches resort to these aids too quickly. This denies clients their opportunity to discover those insights for themselves, to really tap into the potential they possess and to enjoy the satisfaction of discovering their own great steps forward.

The access to this level of coaching is for the coach to develop fantastic skills and then to use those skills in a non-directive manner and in my opinion, this is what sets the superb coach apart from the average. I believe that coaches do their clients a disservice when they ask questions to lead the client to discover what is already in the head of the coach, rather than accessing the client’s inner wisdom. Coaching is client-led with the credit for change resting with the client; it is not an opportunity for the coach to demonstrate their knowledge. There is a place for the sharing of knowledge, but not in coaching in its purest sense. The only knowledge that the coach should demonstrate is an in-depth knowledge of the coaching process that enables the client to achieve great results.

If the client is stuck for options, this suggests that there is more reality to unpack or perhaps the coach needs to help the client to step back and consider the issue from an alternative perspective. A fresh perspective gives new possibilities for the way forward. I use this phrase as my benchmark:

‘My coaching is only as a good as the options the client generates.’

As our belief and skills in the coaching process grows, so our desire as coaches to offer suggestions decreases.

There is a time factor here, you may say. Offering suggestions can speed up the process. True or false? It won’t surprise you to hear me say, ‘False’. The value of coaching lies not just in helping clients get to the end of a session with options, but in building motivation, raising awareness, generating ownership and commitment to change. All my experience suggests that giving advice hinders all the above and reduces the possibility of life-long learning. Now if coaches really want to add value… sustainable and life-long learning would feature very highly on the outcome list. A colleague uses a phrase I really respect,

‘It often takes longer to do things badly than to do things well.’

Advice often springs from the thought we have, ‘If I were the client, I would…’ We all spend much of our daily lives passing information we receive through the filter paper that asks, ‘What does this mean for/to me?’ As coaches, the art of being able to be a clean and clear space is a constant challenge. We need to remember that we are not the client. There are often huge differences – gender, age, experience, background, faith, to name but a few. Our advice is often from a different context, different culture, is historical and reflects our preferences. Once we get an idea, we can become less objective and at worst, may become focussed solely on that one thought. As a result, we adopt a whole variety of assumptions that accompany our opinion, most of which mean we take our attention off the client’s map of the world. Their map is always the key one.

You may think, ‘If the client had all the answers surely they wouldn’t need coaching?’ Wrong … they may have some great ideas but they haven’t found solutions yet that will work well for them to their satisfaction. Some clients can recite loads of options but that’s not the end. In these scenarios, the coach needs to find out what the client is really seeking for from the coaching. Is it to build desire, raise motivation, or face the fear? There is something missing or the client would spend their money at B&Q or in a great wine bar rather than on coaching. The coach needs to help the client discover the vital missing link to ensure their success! That comes from great questioning.

If you are sceptical about my comments, try two things. Firstly, listen to the reaction of the client in terms of enthusiasm when you offer a suggestion. Half the responses will be, ‘Yes, but…’ Contrast that with what happens when the client comes up with his or her own solution. Secondly, keep a log of actions completed and sustained by clients. Divide them into your suggestions and the client’s suggestions generated from your wisdom-accessing questions. It will make interesting reviewing.

I am not against every sort of input to clients. I personally do a mixture of coaching and mentoring on a small number of contracts on which I am engaged. I must admit however, I prefer the pure coaching approach. I recently undertook a piece of work with some relatively new managers. After my initial meetings with the sponsor, it became clear that there was likely to be some gaps in knowledge for the managers. There had been no formal training input to this group of first line (first time) managers. I offered the sponsor a choice – that I take a pure coaching approach or I offer some models and information as might appear appropriate. The decision was that I did a mixture of the two.

So I began by coaching out need, the client’s available skills, lessons learnt by them from their own previous experience and knowledge, their ideas from seeing and talking to others, barriers they had encountered and overcome in the past and those obstacles they anticipated encountering at this point. We identified a number of options for effective ways forward. Some clients were highly imaginative and resourceful in generating options and thought they had sufficient steps to go forward.

For some, there were some feelings of needing more options and some additional input. For those, I introduced a couple of models and some research findings to prompt their thinking. I described each piece of information and then, back to coaching mode, I asked questions about the potential value to the client of the information provided, with the primary focus being on what the clients thought this might add to their list of possible ways forward. Three important considerations arise. Firstly the timing of that input, secondly the neutral manner in which it was presented and thirdly that the provision of information (note, not advice) was previously negotiated with the customer.

It has been suggested that clients will not buy coaching because the process seems vague and ill-defined. Further, non-directive coaching demands the question,

‘What exactly am I getting for my money?’

The answer is not to tell clients of your expertise in any particular area to establish your credibility and a reason for being engaged but to explain with clarity and passion the incredible benefits of the pure coaching process. You may not like this statement but I feel that some coaches knock the idea of non-directive coaching when maybe the challenge is for those same coaches to develop their own skill set to the next level to enable them to deliver great results through such methods. Clearly, I am talking about sophisticated and well-honed skills. But for me, this is part of the definition of a profession: high level skills obtained through education and hard work.

In conclusion, coaching stands and falls on the results it achieves. Some individuals and businesses seem to only want immediate, short-term results. Maybe that will be enough for a coach to short-circuit the non-directive coaching process and offer their advice and supervise its application, holding the client to account. It is my view that not giving advice, but rather facilitating the client’s discovery of their own way forward is what distinguishes coaching from related professions. My own passion is to help clients achieve great results and sustainable, long-term personal development that is transferable from situation to situation. This is achieved through a non-directive approach …coaching in its purest form.

*Effective Coaching by Myles Downey (Texere Publishing, 2003)

EMPOWERING AUSTERITIES

2011-12-30T00:25:00.003Z

Bhagavad-gitadescribes three kinds of austerities in the mode of goodness. Practicing theseausterities may give a strength to any spiritual leader for pursuing hisleadership and preaching duties successfully.

We maypractice the 'austerity of the body' by forcing our body to rise early and engage in hearing and chanting.

'Austerityof the mind' may be done by reading Srila Prabhupada's books every day to learnthe art of caring and leading others, and being a good example; also thinkingalways of doing good to others and how to help them start or develop theirspiritual life.

'Austerityof speech may be practiced by making sure that we speak uplifting and wisewords, based on sastra and emanating love, patience and care. One has togenuinely want to help others, otherwise they will feel it when we speak tothem. "I don't care how much you know until I know how much youcare."

Dailyconscious practice of these austerities will give us leadership strength inmany challenges that we encounter. And above all, attentive chanting of 16rounds every day (no 'preaching excuses') is the most important purificatoryand empowering austerity. These austerities are purifying for the intelligenceand so one can serve with the help of spiritual intelligence.

Action:Remember from time to time that 'Austerity is the wealth of the brahmanas.' Andtry to apply it intentionally.

AN OLD SIOUX LEGEND

2011-12-30T00:05:00.001Z

In ancient times, the Creator wanted to hide
something from the humans until they were ready to
see it. He gathered all the other creatures of creation
to ask for their advice.

The eagle said, “Give it to me and I will take it to the
highest mountain in all the land,” but the Creator said,
“No, one day they will conquer the mountain and find
it.”

The salmon said, “Leave it with me and I will hide it
at the very bottom of the ocean,” but the Creator said,
“No, for humans are explorers at heart, and one day
they will go there, too.”

The buffalo said, “I will take it and bury it in the very
heart of the great plains,” but the Creator said, “No,
for one day even the skin of the earth will be ripped
open, and they will find it there.”

The creatures of creation were stumped, but then
an old blind mole spoke up. “Why don’t you put it
inside them—that’s the very last place they’ll look.”
The Creator said, “It is done.”

YOUR GADGETS AND WHAT MATTERS MOST

2011-12-28T23:59:00.003Z

Ensure that your mobile phone, iPad, iPod, laptop, email, text messages and Facebook do not distract you from what matters most in your life.
Do not become gadgets addict and lose your focus on what is most important to you in life.
Your ability to focus on the most important things will determine your success or failure.
Don't become a slave of the urgent and unimportant.

BUILDING THE COURAGE TO BREAK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

2011-12-26T01:29:00.000Z

Click the title below:

Building the Courage to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

ENVY

2011-12-25T22:04:00.001Z

At theBhakti Vriksa Seminar held in Inish Rath ISKCON Temple in Northern Ireland, onedevotee mentioned how vicars in one church don't allow congregational membersto take up more responsible roles because the congregational members are betterthen them, and keep them just giving donations.

This is very vividexample what the leader must give up - envy of those who work under him.

Do wesometimes examine our motives?

Do we really want people to succeed?

Are weafraid for our position or reputation?

A devotee of Krishna should be glad thatpeople are coming forward to take up responsibility.

He should encourage andcoach them.

He should be genuinely happy when another devotee is successful and isdeveloping as a caring leader, or a responsible person.

One GBC Minister saidwe should see congregational devotees as partners and not look down upon them.

In manyspiritual and business organizations today leaders are forced to give upcontrol and become facilitators.

Practically it boils down to 'change or soonyou'll be strange'.

But it is not easy to change, to give up control, give upfalse prestige and enjoying or exploitive mentality.

Intelligentspiritual leader knows he will be tested and he prepares for it by reflection,introspection and examining his motives. He does it to learn and improve when he is faced with a challenge. Andchallenges will come.

BHAKTA-VATSALA

2011-12-25T21:59:00.000Z

Krsna is sometimes addressed as vatsala.

Vatsala means "always favorably disposed."

One of Lord's names is bhakta-vatsala.

He is famous as bhakta-vatsala, which means that He is always favorably inclined to the devotees

WITH LOVE AND AFFECTION

2011-12-25T13:33:00.000Z

When one is adorned with love and affection, his face is lotuslike.

When one's eyes are smeared with love of Krsna (premanjana-cchurita), he always sees Krsna, outside and inside.

Only those who engage in devotional service with love and faith receive the necessary intelligence from the Supreme Personality of Godhead so that gradually and progressively they can advance to the abode of the Personality of Godhead.

If any devotee offers Krsna even a small leaf, or a flower or water, with love and affection, the Lord accepts it and is pleased.

BHAKTI VRIKSA SERVANT-LEADERS

2011-12-25T13:16:00.000Z

BhaktiVriksa Servant Leaders are devotees who have taken up the responsibility topersonally take care of a group of serious candidates for the advancement indevotional service.

They are leaders-servants, the concept that is becomingmore and more prominent in business sector today.

They are facilitators.

Theyrecognize talents and potential of the devotees and help them express andengage those talents.

They are friendly and selfless.

They like to see others advance.

They like to assist others in becoming servant-leaders.

THE ESSENCE OF LIFE

2011-12-25T13:00:00.000Z

The essence of our life is service and giving with love.
This is why we exist.
This is why God created us.
Anything less than that will not make us happy.
Therefore, the best way to start our day is to ask:
How can I serve today?
How can I give today?
With love.

WHAT ARE THE PILLARS OF YOUR LIFE?

2011-12-24T19:20:00.000Z

What are the pillars of your life?
What are your sources of strength?
Where do you get knowledge?
Where do you get support?
Do you have anything that gives you clarity, inspiration, and direction?
How do you connect with the Source of all inspiration, power and intelligence?

WHAT IS SERVANT LEADERSHIP?

2011-12-24T19:01:00.001Z

Oneleadership teacher describes servant leadership as follows:

"The servant leader is servantfirst. It all begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to servefirst. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. The differencemanifests itself in the care taken by the servant - first to make sure thatother people's highest priority needs are served."

Another teacher says:

"Servant leadership is demonstrated through the stating of goals or vision,aggressively listening to others, telling the truth and being trustworthy,assisting others in their development, caring for the well-being of all people,and in the end, sustaining the hope that both the organization and its peoplewill reach their desired futures."

Servant LeadershipMini Test

1. Areyou living inwardly and outwardly in a manner consistent with your mission?

2. Areyour intentions, secret desires, private ambitions, dreams or passionscontradictory to what you publicly proclaim about yourself or yourorganization?

3. Arethe decisions you make congruent with the principles of your mission?

START SMALL

2011-12-24T13:04:00.001Z

We canimprove our spiritual life by starting from where we are and then goingfurther, step by step. We can start small. Improvements may be small, butconstant.

If we just give attention to what really matters in our practice ofbhakti-yoga, we will make advancement. We can improve our sadhana. We can makea plan to rise early, and take steps to make sure it happens. Have a good alarmclock, or someone who is regulated and is willing to wake us up. Most importantis to go early to bed.

We canimprove our japa, for example, but keeping a Japa Quality Journal. Write downevery day how you did in the morning. Assess yourself. Give it attention.Sixteen good rounds are the most important thing. Chant along with SrilaPrabhupadas' tape, at least sometimes.

Read every day, at least a verse and apurport. Write down the main point. Write what you can apply tomorrow from thetext you've read.

In this way we can renew our enthusiasm every day and have astrength to start developing nice devotional relationships with authorities andother devotees. And we can nicely cooperate in the mission of spreadingKrishna consciousness all over the world.

IF YOU SPEAK SPANISH ...

2011-12-24T03:17:00.002Z

Here is our Gita Coaching interview in Spanish:

http://www.mundonamahatta.org/2011/11/24/entrevista-al-entrenador-gita/

HELPING DEVOTEES SUCCEED SLIDES

2011-12-24T01:28:00.004Z

Click on this link to view 113 HDS slides:

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/78099562/Helping-Devotees-Succeed-Bhakti-Vriksha-The-Home-of-Lord-Krishna

CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY AND GITA COACHING

2011-12-24T01:14:00.001Z

I just discovered that our interview in Peru on Gita Coaching was published on the CDM website in September this year:

http://www.iskconcongregation.com/node/178

HOW CAN WE HELP DEVOTEES SUCCEED?

2011-12-23T13:29:00.004Z

Here are 12 ways to help devotees succeed, by helping them to:

Express their thoughts, feelings and ideas by listening to them attentively, with a genuine interest.
Create a Personal Mission Statement, as a compass for their life to give them clarity, inspiration and direction.
Clarify their key roles in life (e.g., disciple, husband, father, manager, etc.)
Clarify their top priorities, what matters most to them.
Simplify their life and focus on top priorities.
Stop self-sabotage, i.e., various habits that are against their self-interest.
Balance between being gentle and strict with themselves and others.
Plan and practice regular self-renewal of the body, mind and spirit.
Strengthen their faith in Krsna and devotional service.
Overcome all internal and external obstacles to their success, happiness and productivity.
Discover and utilize internal and external resources they are not using (like talents, skills, friendships, knowledge, etc.).
Discover what service inspires them and what they can contribute to the world with great enthusiasm and determination.

STUMBLE

2011-12-23T01:42:00.001Z

All people occasionally stumble across the truth, but most pick themselves up and continue as if nothing had happened.
WINSTON CHURCHILL

REFLECTION ON 2011

2011-12-22T23:02:00.000Z

This year I found out that many people read my blog, and not only the members of ISKCON. I am very happy because of that.

This was a second year of my new lifestyle of travelling and teaching. Since I had joined this movement, I wanted to live and serve like this. Now Krsna has fulfilled my desire. I meet many people of all ages, in various countries, and can serve them and love them and help them come closer to God.

Personal coaching has a great value in my life and I want to learn it even better. In this way, I will be able to provide better service to the devotees all over the world. I got a message many times that I should write a book. I started it, but I don't know when I will finish it.

This year brought some wonderful realizations, but I think that the next one will be even better.

WHAT IS COACHING?

2011-12-20T00:58:00.003Z

There are many definitions of coaching and as you develop with us as a coach you will no doubt work out your own best way of explaining to others what coaching is.

At the heart of coaching is the idea that it is a form of personal intervention that is future focused, goal orientated, and concerned with enabling others to move forward with their lives or businesses more effectively than if they were doing this alone.

As a coach you will be offering unconditional support and working with clients using a proven methodology.

The number one essential background qualification to becoming a coach is a love of people. If you gain personal and professional satisfaction from helping others to reach their goals, then coaching is for you.

The issues clients raise are as diverse as the clients themselves. Your very first client could bring anything from financial worries to family or health concerns to the table.

If you choose to work as a corporate coach, your client may have issues around change management, team building or leadership within the organisation.

As you gain confidence and experience you may start to specialise in one specific type of coaching, or you may decide to only coach one particular type of client.

The personal challenge of coaching clients through a huge variety of issues is frequently cited by our graduates as a major motivation.

Coaching is an enormously rewarding and fulfilling career.

Coaches help people.

http://www.the-coaching-academy.com

THE LATEST NEWS FROM LONDON

2011-12-19T23:39:00.000Z

Team building workshop for the East London Pandava Sena youth group in Ilford, East London.

Talk on Self Care at ISKCON London, Central London.

Talk on Taking Responsibility And Initiative at ISKCON London, Central London.

Individual coaching sessions with various devotees in London.

LOVE AND TRUST

2011-12-17T13:35:00.000Z

Now all my disciples must work combinedly and with cooperation to spread this sankirtana movement. If you cannot work together then my work is stopped up. Our Society is like one big family and our relationships should be based on love and trust. We must give up the fighting spirit and use our intelligence to push ahead. You should accept help from your Godbrothers.

Our movement is based on love and trust, so if we do not cooperate, then how is that love and trust?

Our ISKCON should be taken as being a family based upon love and trust, so as the father becomes unhappy when one of his children wishes to break family connections I also become unhappy when there is difficulties within our ISKCON family. So please do not consider leaving as you are spiritual children of mine.

There were no factions of devotees finding fault with him, as in the past, and he especially has gained the confidence of Dayananda and they are working together in love and trust. This was very encouraging to me.

- Srila Prabhupada

INTELLIGENCE BECOMES PURIFIED

2011-12-15T00:08:00.000Z

Chanting Hare Krsna is the easiest process by which to become purified, especially in this age, when people are so dull that they cannot very easily understand spiritual knowledge.

If one chants Hare Krsna, then his intelligence becomes purified, and he can understand spiritual things.

- Srila Prabhupada, Science Of Self Realization

YOU CAN WALK SPIRITUAL STEPS

2011-12-15T00:04:00.000Z

So practice means employing both the mind and the senses in practical devotional service. This practice is not for developing something artificial. For example, a child learns or practices to walk. This walking is not unnatural. The walking capacity is there originally in the child, and simply by a little practice he walks very nicely.

Similarly, devotional service to the Supreme Lord is the natural instinct of every living entity. Even uncivilized men like the aborigines offer their respectful obeisances to something wonderful exhibited by nature's law, and they appreciate that behind some wonderful exhibition or action there is something supreme. So this consciousness, though lying dormant in those who are materially contaminated, is found in every living entity. And, when purified, this is called Krsna consciousness.

- Srila Prabhupada, Nectar Of Devotion

POWER TO CHANGE

2011-12-14T22:04:00.003Z

Never underestimate your power to change yourself.

Never overestimate your power to change others.

- Wayne Dyer

SOLUTION FOR ALL FEAR

2011-12-12T08:49:00.001Z

The almighty Lord has empowered His name with the powers of His personal Self.

It is stated in the Srimad Bhagavatam that the name of Krsna is feared even by fear personified.

This means that the name of Krsna is nondifferent from Krsna.

Therefore, His name is as powerful as Himself.

Thus anyone can take advantage of the holy names of Lord Sri Krsna in any situation, even in the middle of greatest dangers.

The transcendental name of Krsna, even when spoken unconsciously or by force of circumstances, can help us get free from the cycle of birth and death.

FINDING THEIR NATIVE GENIUS

2011-12-10T23:33:00.001Z

Finding someone’s native genius is the key that unlocks
discretionary effort. It propels people to go beyond what is
required and offer their full intelligence. Finding people’s
genius begins by carefully observing them in action, looking
for spikes of authentic enthusiasm and a natural flow of
energy. As you watch someone in action, ask these
questions:

What do they do better than anything else they do?
What do they do better than the people around them?
What do they do without effort?
What do they do without being asked?
What do they do readily without being paid?

Native genius can be so instinctive for people that they may
not even understand their own capability. Perhaps you’ve
heard the phrase “fish discover water last.” But if people
aren’t aware of their genius, they are not in a position to
deliberately utilize it. By telling people what you see, you
can raise their awareness and confidence, allowing them to
provide their capability more fully.

Liz Wiseman
multipliersbook.com

IT DEPENDS

2011-12-10T23:03:00.001Z

Whether you prevail or fail depends more on what you do to yourself than on what the world does to you.

www.jimcollins.com

MULTIPLIERS

2011-12-10T22:36:00.001Z

We’ve all had experience with two dramatically different types of leaders.

The first type drains intelligence, energy, and capability from the people around them and always needs to be the smartest person in the room.

These are the idea killers, the energy sappers, the diminishers of talent and commitment.

On the other side of the spectrum are leaders who use their intelligence to amplify the smarts and capabilities of the people around them.

When these leaders walk into a room, light bulbs go off over people’s heads; ideas flow and problems get solved.

These are the leaders who inspire employees to stretch themselves to deliver results that surpass expectations.

These are the Multipliers.

And the world needs more of them, especially now when leaders are expected to do more with less.

http://multipliersbook.com

QUIZ THAT EVERY LEADER SHOULD TAKE

2011-12-10T22:05:00.001Z

http://multipliersbook.com/accidental-diminisher/

DEVOTEE CARE SEMINAR IN RADHADESH

2011-12-09T22:55:00.001Z

Here you may find recordings of my latest seminar in Radhadesh, Belgium:

http://www.radhadesh.com/en/node/3253

http://www.radhadesh.com/en/node/3256

GET BENEFIT FROM A FREE COACHING SESSION

2011-12-09T00:03:00.001Z

Contact professional Life Coach Elena for a free email or Skype coaching session:

eanargyrou@yahoo.com

Visit her blog "Light Up Your Soul":

http://www.lightupyoursoul.blogspot.com/

Here is her free offer for you, given in a letter to me:

Dear Akrura,

As I mentioned to you, I am working on a project I call "Give it Back", this is a service I am very happy to be engaged in, as it has already helped several young and talented individuals from different countries, who would otherwise not think about the benefits that coaching has to offer them.

I am excited about this project because I am thoroughly inspired to help others live the fullest expression of who they really are. Helping people find their wings and watch them soar makes me come alive. It is amazing to see how even one powerful coaching session can ignite clarity, strength and creativity and motivate individuals to take steps to live their lives to the fullest.

Within the "Give it Back" project, I am offering a limited number of free coaching sessions to a limited number of people until December of this year. One conversation is already enough to bring people's current reality in alignment with their own vision of their best life.

The minimum time my clients commit to working with me for is 6 months. This is an opportunity for someone to reap benefits in only one conversation with me.

If you know of someone who would benefit from having a conversation with a coach who will support them by working with their fears and obstacles to allow transformation to happen, please let them know of this service work I am offering.

Love,

Elena Anargyrou, MBA

Personal & Business Coach

Certified by ICF Approved

& EMCC Accredited School

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." W.J.B.

**********************************************************************

For inspiration visit my blog at: www.lightupyoursoul.blogspot.com

THE MONGOOSE AND THE BRAHMIN’S WIFE

2011-12-08T23:30:00.001Z

Once upon a time, there lived a Brahman by the name of Deva Sharma with his wife. His wife delivered a son and they were happy to have their first child. The Brahmin wanted to have a pet animal to protect the child which would also be a companion to the child. The Brahmin kept his proposal before the Brahmani. She found the proposal acceptable and the Brahmin went to bring a pet.

Deva Sharma went round the village and after much toil, got a mongoose as an escort to his child. Brahmani didn’t like the idea to keep a mongoose for her child. But as the pet was already brought, so she accepted it. Now, both of them started loving the mongoose as their own child. Yet, the Brahmani never left her son alone because she did not trust the mongoose, fearing that it could harm her son.

One day, the farmer and his wife had to go out of the house leaving the child at home. The farmer confirmed that the mongoose would take care of the child while they would be away. So, they left the mongoose and the child at home and went out. Soon after they left, a cobra entered the home. Finding danger to the son of the Brahmin, the mongoose attacked the cobra. They had a bloody combat and the mongoose succeeded in killing the cobra.

After this, mongoose heard the footfalls of Brahmin’s wife and went at the door to greet her. Brahmani was trembled to see the blood stained mouth of the mongoose. She inferred that the mongoose had killed the child. Without a second thought, she threw a heavy box on mongoose and the mongoose died at the spot. Brahmani quickly entered the house to see her child and to her great surprise, she found her child sleeping quietly in the cradle.

As soon as, she saw a snake bitten into pieces lying near the cradle, she realized that the mongoose had saved her child. The Brahmani was struck by grief that she had killed the mongoose that was like a sibling to her son. She cried loud at her hasty action.

Lesson: Don't pre-judge. Think before you act.

- Pancatantra