I was asked to give a renewed metaphor
to my coaching and what evolved is “Wind”, a combination of 2 mantras that I’ve
held the past months -
“2023, a breeze”
“2024, let us soar”
In literature, the wind often depicts strength and freedom combined with change and uncertainty. In poetry, the wind is that uncontrollable force of nature which can disrupt yet benefits us as it cleanses the air and brings freshness. Living in Cape Town is clearly the right place for me since "Cape Doctor" is the local name for the strong, often persistent and dry south-easterly wind that blows on the South African coast from spring to late summer (September to March in the southern hemisphere). It is known as the Cape Doctor because of a local belief that it clears Cape Town of pollution and 'pestilence' (credit: Wikipedia).
To be clear, my role as the coach is definitely not the wind, but I see the coaching relationship and potential like that of the wind. The wind combines the freedom to choose new perspectives and mindsets, the willingness to be disrupted and challenged, the grace to accept surprises, stretch, some pain and some joy.
This builds on the metaphor for 2022 which was the element Green that Llyod, the Green Ninja of Lego Ninjago Movie discovers he possesses. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lego_Ninjago_Movie
Green represents life and connects all living things. It is the only element that is not outwardly visible. It’s the way I am connected to all living creatures, my family, work and social circles, the local Hout Bay community, my home country Singapore, the world and the environment. Pertaining to my coaching, Green is how I enable and catalyse my clients to connect the dots of purpose, experiences, challenges, learning, achievements and relationships towards a good society.
Interestingly, you can see Green but you have to feel the Wind. May we continuously stay close to nature, revel in living green and enjoy the breeze and clarity that the wind brings.