Rasheed Ogunlaru's Blog, page 34

Mindful coaching

A week or so back I wrote a blog about being asked to give a talk about mindfulness – with a video introducing / inviting us to mindfulness. Carrying on the theme a few days back I interviewed fellow coach Liz Hall who is author of a new book called Mindful Coaching (published by Kogan Page who are the publishers of my book Soul Trader – Putting the Heart Back into Your Business) which I thought you might find interesting.

Mindfulness is all about being present, appreciative, at one with life. It is about moving beyond life where we are weighed down by thoughts, caught up in yesterdays and tomorrow’s. It’s an approach  - or way of being – that I often use with clients.It has many benefits as it can ease stress, boost self-awareness and help people ‘manage’ their emotions and the ups and downs of life much better.

When I was first introduced to mindfulness over 10 years ago I ‘thought’ that it might be something many people would not be ready for in a coaching context. I was beginning my career as a coach. But from very early on mindfulness and the ‘Become who you are’ approach to my work which is all about inner peace, finding self and being at one with life was very much part of my work and step by step I embraced it it my work (or vice-versa). It’s useful in every environment life, work, corporate world, personally.

 

Liz and I first met around 8 years ago at a coaching conference. I’m delighted that Liz has written Mindful Coaching  As well as being a coach she edits Coaching at Work magazine and has long been passionate about coaching.

So it was great to catch up with her and interview her about her book and mindfulness. If your a coach or any professional who works to help people move ahead in their lives you may well be interested in the interview and in the book. The book shares Liz’s own experience, then explores mindfulness and shares how it can be useful in a coaching context.

While I’ve not completed reading the book yet I’m very pleased that the book is out there and Liz has brought together her skills as a writer, journalist and coach well in this book. 

This book is among the rich body of material now that is out there inviting us to a more integrated, mindful way of living, being in all aspects of life for they all intertwine. 

 

From pain in life to living your life

Last week over on Evolved Heart my free self-development resource website Tum (the Co-founder) and I were joined by transformational spiritual psychotherapist Kathy O’Hara. The topic was  ’Living Life While There’s Still Time’ and you can watch that interview above.

Kathy and I first met a few months ago at a talk I was giving at the London College of Spirituality which I call ‘Open Heart Surgery’. Kathy does remarkable work helping people through various issues including those who have lost loved ones to violent trauma including family members who have been murdered. 

From meeting and chatting to Kathy it was clear to me that she did something far more remarkable than even helping people after such tragic events. And that work that Kathy does is helping people to live life. When Kathy then returned to London (and in fact before) this talk ‘Living Life While There’s Still Time’ came to me. It was so clear that that that is what Kathy – and many other people like her – have the ability to help us do.

The fact is that none of us know ‘how much time we have on the on the clock’. We do not know how much time we’ve got. We do not know what is coming around the corner. The Evolved Heart talk between the three of us was an exploration of life. We explored some of the challenges that can emerge in life, some of the situations – welcome and unwelcome – that can unfold. Kathy highlighted many of the emotional changes and challenges and stages that can emerge. She explored how change itself can be a catalyst, can have a transformational quality. 

Anyway I’ll let you watch the talk for yourself but I highly recommend it. I recommend it generally and I recommend it especially if you face or have faced challenges in life, if you’ve had a loss or if you feel ‘at a loss’ in your life. I also recommend it if you are on a journey of ‘self discovery’ as it will resonate with you on your journey.

There are a few technical problems with microphone and camera and I dip in and out of the conversation due to those factors but nonetheless it’s still worth the watch.  I’m just very grateful to have had the opportunity to be able to share the conversation with you and I hope that you find it useful.

Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading life coach, speaker and business / corporate coach who specialises in inner fulfilment/

 

 

 

An invitation / introduction to mindfulness

On Friday I spoke briefly at The Autism Show at the Excel Centre on the request of a client of mine who asked me to speak about ‘Mindfulness’ an approach that we had used to help him. Following the talk I gave a number of people asked me about mindfulness so I thought I’d record the video on this page and write this blog.

Mindfulness is really about being aware of the nature of our mind and thoughts without being too drawn into our thoughts, through noticing that nature of thoughts. It comes from stopping, stepping back, noticing, becoming aware of oneself. Very often what may call you to mindfulness is actually feeling stressed, depressed, overwhelmed by thoughts. 

Many of us have busy lives and busy minds. Minds become busy when there is a great deal of sensations and information. Life is a bit like going shopping and a trip in which you start with a light empty basket or trolly and it becomes more heavy and full as we head to the checkout. In large towns and cities particular many people have ‘full minds’. Minds that are full of expectations, projections and such life. Most of this comes from our conditioning over ‘time’. 

Mindfulness is not about trying working out the ‘whats’ and ‘whys’ of all this. It is not about who is too blame. It is not about analysing. This process can actually spin more activity. Mindfulness is about noticing the content and letting it be. It is about not being too interested in the story that that is being ‘spun’ in the mind.

Mindfulness is about arriving at greater peace of mind by fostering a more peaceful mind. It is a very natural process; as you become aware of thought and the fact that the mind is a bit like a jukebox that will start playing when a coin is put in or when it’s nudged. That’s fine that’s what it does; a juke box plays music, a washing machine will have a spin cycle, the weather will do what the weather will does… let it be. 

Mindfulness is a process of letting it be. Paul McCartney must have been inspired when he wrote that … evidently. But when we listen to that song do we really consider what ‘letting it be’ means? Do we consider what the impact would be if things are let me. And when I say consider I mean do we allow ourselves to ‘feel’ what it would feel like when that weight is eased. 

Silence, meditation, walks in the park, turning down the noise, being more still, speaking less, avoiding gossip, turning of the TV and internet, these things will all help. they are not essential but they may help you foster the conditions for being more at ease.

If you like the mind is a bit like a car where the engine is left on all the time. It’s wise to have the engine on when you drive and that’s it.

This post is really just words. It is just a gentle call. Words and understanding are not mindfulness. They have little place. It is really something that is noticed and experienced. Over time the call of the silence will deepen….

The video above is well worth a view if you’re curious. 

If you’d like some ‘tools’ to help you then check out the ‘Become who you are‘ audio talk and Space, stillness, silence -  in the shop here on my website rasaru.com  likewise The Gift of Inner Success audio talk in the store is also really a talk of mindfulness. 

Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading coach, speaker and specialist on inner fulfilment and author of Soul Trader – Putting the Heart Back into Your Business

 

 

 

200+ inspiring videos to view: Rasheed’s channel on YouTube

If, like me, you tend to watch a fair bit of YouTube, and if you like inspiring, uplifting – or dare I even say enlightening  - material, then you may be really interested to know that there are now over 200 videos to watch on my, Rasheed Ogunlaru YouTube Channel.

I created the channel for a range of reasons: to share tips and insights; to help raise awareness of my work; to interview some of the amazing people I meet, work with, coach or think have something to say.  

I also created it because I just love chatting and interviewing people. I started off by training people to appear on TV and radio and then appeared as a guest. I also that after creating my own pilot Show, The Rasheed Show, that perhaps I was waiting around for ‘the right’ show idea to come to me. And waiting around is not my style.

The videos on my YouTube Channel include:

Self development tips: like this one on thoughts and emotions.
Inspiring interviews like this one with Dame Tanni Grey Thomson  filmed years ago for my pilot TVshow – one of the first on the channel.
Career tips and advice:  like this one ‘hate your job – find one you love.’
Business tips for you if you’re own boss: like this one about ‘how to win more business naturally and authentically.’
Health & wellbeing: insightful interviews like this recent one with raw food expert, Sarmado.
Soul Trader: there’s a large set of interviews and videos based on my book Soul Trader – Putting the Heart Back Into Your Business.

If you visit the new look home page on my YouTube channel you’ll see the featured video and then a list of:

* Recent videos: this list is always worth a glance as I tend to average one new video a week

* Top videos: This includes some of my favourite videos and most popular video.

* Meet Rasheed videos: these include promotion films and interviews that will give you an insight into me as a coach and spirit-soul. 

* Playlists: these are videos grouped by the themes listed above – well worth checking out if you’re interested in those specific themes.

So check out the channel and do feel free to post your thoughts, feedback and comments on the comments area below the videos on YouTube as these are always interesting to read.

Meanwhile here’s one of the latest videos just filmed today called Great Expectation? 

Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading life coach, motivational speaker and business / corporate coach. He helps people of all background find fulfilment in all areas of their lives – from within. He is author of Soul Trader- Putting the Heart Back into Your Business and the life/business coach partner of the British Library.

Something you’ll really like – Rasheed’s Official Facebook page

 

 

If you’re a keen Facebook then my ‘newish’ Official Facebook page is well worth a look at.

Launched just a few months ago I post videos, updates, quotes, news, links to blogs and updates on the page. It’s interactive too. You can leave comments and connect with me via the page. All you need to do to engage is click ‘like’ at the top of the page and you’ll be able to post your views and thoughts.

Together with my Twitter page @rasheedogunlaru the Facebook page is great for being kept up to date. Where I’m due to give interviews on radio etc I’ll post the links so that you can join in too. I also select videos from the 200+ on my YouTube channel and share them on my Facebook page too. 

So I hope to see you there, soon. Best wishes, Rasheed

 

 

 

What does it take to succeed?

I often say that there are essentially two things in life that we seek: success and fulfilment.

Interestingly we are misled to believe that the first of these leads to the second – it does not – but we’ll come back to that.

Success:

Success depends on many factors, you, your environment, your mindset, your skills and abilities, your approach, your outlook, how much effort you are prepared or able to put into something, the people you are surrounded by and surround yourself with. It can depend on the economy, the climate, the weather, trends, the consciousness of others. It may depend on what you believe and have been led to believe. The list goes on.  It does not matter whether we are talking about your career, your relationships, your business, your sport, your field of interest …anything. 

Fulfilment:

Fulfilment on the the other hand depends upon nothing. It is simply dependent on you embracing yourself and life. The two come hand in hand. They are interlinked. Unhappiness really is a disconnect between you and life, a lack of appreciation for you or life – or both. Fulfilment comes the moment you stop fighting life and start embracing it. It is a deep contentment and appreciation for you, others and life itself. It has an enriching quality that tends to spark a deeper and richer level of growth and contribution. 

Re-defining success:

In most cases  of people that I meet and work with this means that we need to look again – afresh – at our notions of success and happiness. We start life without any notions of any of these things; they are words, ideas and concepts. Over time these notions shape our sense of self but they are not our self. We think our career, business, possessions, partners and others will make us whole. Certainly our notions of success are not ourself or our true self. An additional important factor is this: life changes, you may achieve success but you may not be able to bottle it, keep it, hang on to it. Who are you then?  It is this that I refer to in my book ‘The Gift of Inner Success’ and pretty much all of my work. 

Since we believe (wrongly) that success will lead us to fulfilment. Let us look at those who are ‘successful’ and whether they are ‘fulfilled’. Consider this deeply. Of those who you know who are successful who is fulfilled and what – if anything – is it that has fulfilled them or helped them arrive at that sense of fulfilment. I have coached people with plenty and people with next to nothing: success is not a path to fulfilment. If you take this path you will be waiting a lifetime for something that will briefly show up and then vanish again as you seek to aquire more and more. You will never be full or fulfilled.

True success and fulfilment

So let us take a different path; fulfilment first.  My invitation to you is to stop seeking; right now, today. My invitation to you is to drop the illusion that you are not complete. It is only the belief that you are incomplete that keeps you from fulfilment. Run this by your mind and it will (because it is logical) recognise a deep truth that is so obvious and subtle it missed it’s scanner. Your mind will be more at ease and lighten. Run this by your heart. Your heart will warm and light up. The two will fall back into oneness again. 

Suddenly as this happens you can consider ‘who am I?’ Who am I beneath all these ideas fed to me of who I should be. Perhaps even a need to seek out answers may fall away as a stiller energy is felt. At the same time now you can spot  - and appreciate – where your skills, talents, abilities and interests are. What is it that you love? What is it that you can do and contribute.  You will grow the the natural direction of what nourishes and attracts you from your core of your abilities and magic out toward your possibilities. This is the doorway to meaningful success. 

 

Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading life coach, speaker and business / corporate coach. He is a specialist in inner fulfilment and is author of Soul Trader – Putting The Heart Back into Your Business, The Gift of Inner Success  - and the Become Who Your Are video coach yourself video  and audio talk. www.rasaru.com

 

Living life while there’s still time

Evolved Heart Live Chat Special 7pm UK Time 27 June 2013 (2pm Eastern Standard Time)

Evolved Heart Live Chat Special  7pm UK Time 27 June 2013 (2pm Eastern Standard Time)

None of us know how long we’ve got. Not of us know how long there is on the clock. Life is a very special ‘gift’ that seems to go fast. The longer we live it the faster it seems to go. But very often we don’t appreciate it – and those in our lives until it’s too late. And often it’s only the loss, bereavement, separation, heart-aches, setback, bouts of ill health and so on that really wake up to appreciating it and living.

Join us for this special Evolved Heart Live Chat special where we will be joined by our special guest Kathy O’Hara. Kathy is an speaker, psychotherapist and author of A Grief Like No Other. Kathy lost a son to a violent murder changing her life overnight. Today Kathy’s work includes helping people overcome grief, trauma and to move forwards in their lives.

During our live chat we’ll be discussing how you don’t have to wait for ill health, loss, bereavement or a serious event to wake up to life and it’s magic and to live it to the full and Kathy will be sharing some of the steps, insight and experiences that she’s had and helped others with. 

To watch / and take part:

1) Bookmark this page link

2) Tune in live at 7pm UK Time (2pm EST )on June 27 

3) You can take email questions to admin@ evolved heart.com or like our Facebook Page and take part / comment live.

Leadership from the heart – Rasheed’s Masterclass 6.30pm 23 May 2013

“Tomorrow’s leaders will not lead dictating from the font, nor pushing from the back, but from the centre; from the heart” – Rasheed Ogunlaru

Heart Centred Leadership – The art of inspired, authentic leadership

Date: Thursday, 23 May 2013  Masterclass price*: £30 members (£40 non-members)   BOOK NOW
Location: Institute of Leadership & Management, 1 Giltspur Street, London EC1A 9DD

From politics to big business we have what many would call a crisis in leadership. So many people feel uninspired by their boss at work to those who lead political parties.At the same time countless emerging managers, entrepreneurs and Chief Executives that I am meeting what to lead in a different way; from the heart. They want to enable to empower. They genuinely care about the customers, colleagues, constituencies and clients. 

Join me at the Institute of Leadership and Manage at 6.30pm on May 23 for my  ’Heart Centred Leadership Masterclass’.See full details / book here on the Institute of Leadership and Management Website.  

About the masterclass

The art of inspiring, authentic leadership Rasheed Ogunlaru ILM masterclasses give managers and leaders practical skills to take away – plus all the benefits of networking and keeping up-to-date with the latest thinking on leadership.

Good leadership uses the mind, but great leadership engages the heart. Join leading coach and motivational speaker, Rasheed Ogunlaru for this inspiring, insightful and practical ILM masterclass that will boost your heart-centred leadership skills. This event will help you to successfully utilise your emotions at work enabling you to truly connect with the hearts and minds of others. Discover how to: Understand the fundamental pyschology of understanding and influencing Learn a more natural, effective ‘heart-centred’ way of engaging, empowering and leading Fine tune your own unique skills and style Realise the significance of values, passions, prefences and styles.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading life coach, speaker and business / corporate coach. He is author of Soul Trader – Putting the Heart into Your Business and The Gift of Inner Success. His clients include entrepreneurs, entertainers, chief executives, teachers, healers and organisations. Business coach partner to the British Library’s Business & IP centre, Rasheed regularly speaks in the media including appearances on ITN and BBC News.

Transform your life overnight

Here’s a short video with some tips that will help you to transform your life overnight without paying a penny in price. They are all things that you know within but you may simply overlook or not apply in your day to day life. They are all things that will bring greater fulfilment and peace of mind. 

Most of the challenges we face in life are such because are are trying to swim upstream against the tide of life, against the flow of life, fighting rather than embracing life, negating the very nature of life.

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Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading life coach, motivational speaker and author of The Gift of Inner Success and Soul Trader – Putting the Heart Back into Your Business. He helps people of all backgrounds find fulfilment in all areas of their lives from within

Abdicating responsibility for your health & wellbeing?

 

Given that without our health we don’t really have anything else it’s quite concerning that so many people live unhealthy lives, eat unbalanced diets and take far too little exercise. 

I asked my colleague and holistic health consultant Adam Cox if we are actually abdicating responsibility for our own health and wellbeing?

Without care we can assume the packaged foods we buy are healthy, we can rely on hoping doctors or pills can fix us when we’re sick and we can somehow think that owning a gym membership or some fitness video that we barely use is going to keep us fit.

I certainly know that in my own case for a long time I took my health and wellbeing for granted.  Now I’m finding, that while I still enjoy a cake and chocolate bar, that I’m having to pay far more attention to eating a balanced diet, taking exercise and being mindful about my own health and wellbeing.  

Where are you at with your health and wellbeing?

Is it time you took more of a lead on your health?

You can watch more of my interviews with Adam here