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- Moments of Profound Connection: The Catalysts for Courage
- The Innate Spark: Defining Goodness in Action
- Coaching and Goodness: The Power of Listening
- Goodness Through the Coaching Lens: Unconditional Regard and Conscious Giving
- The Transformative Power of Authentic Connection
- Join the Journey of Courage and Service
- Webinar Video
What does it truly mean to live a life dedicated to the greater good? It’s a question that resonates deeply within the human spirit, a yearning to contribute something meaningful to the world. In our recent Coacharya webinar, “Opening the Inner Eye – Courage in Action,” Coacharya alumni and PCC coach Gayatri Krishnamurthy explored this concept with two extraordinary individuals whose lives embody this principle. Father Teyol, who is the Director for the Center for Non-Formal Education and PCC coach and Leadership Solutions Expert, Aparna Ponappa, each in their unique ways, illuminated the power of courage in action and the transformative potential of serving others.
Fr Teyol, representing the Jesuit tradition, spoke passionately about their commitment to not only educating young minds but also addressing the needs of the marginalized. He painted a vivid picture of his work in Bijapur, a place he describes as a “bundle of opportunities” filled with “lovely people” in need. He highlighted the Jesuit’s vital work with Devadasi women, commercial sex workers, children affected by HIV/AIDS, and underprivileged students. Their efforts, centered around non-formal education and human rights advocacy through the Right Space Institute, underscore a profound belief: that true enhancement of life comes from actively working for the well-being of others.
Reflecting on her own spiritual journey, Aparna, who is the Founder of REDD Network, expressed a deep admiration for the Jesuit order and its unwavering dedication to the “greater good.” She shared how Acceler, a company founded on Jesuit principles, has profoundly impacted her life, fostering a desire to bridge the gap between corporate spaces and the impactful work being done in social sectors. Her heartfelt wish to dissolve these boundaries resonated deeply, highlighting the untapped potential for collaboration and transformative change. This webinar, a testament to Coacharya’s commitment to fostering meaningful conversations, provided a powerful platform to explore the courage it takes to open our inner eye and act for a better world.
Moments of Profound Connection: The Catalysts for Courage
Following the panelists’ introductions, Gayatri steered the conversation toward the heart of their work, asking: “Was there a specific incident or trigger that ignited your commitment to this path?” The responses from Fr Teyol and Aparna Ponappa revealed deeply personal and transformative moments that shaped their dedication to serving others.
Fr Teyol recounted a pivotal experience during his early work with individuals affected by HIV/AIDS in Bijapur in 2006. At a time when stigma and discrimination were rampant, he faced an internal conflict when a woman, whose husband was gravely ill, offered him food. The fear of potential transmission warred with his desire to connect with her humanity. This moment, where he ultimately accepted her offering, became a turning point. He described it as a profound lesson, recalling, “I don’t know but when I took that bite of food, the fear that I had with regard to HIV, simply vanished.” The woman’s selfless act of caring for her husband, despite the immense suffering, underscored the power of human connection and compassion. This experience solidified Fr Teyol’s commitment to reaching out to those in need, a spirit of openness and service that continues to guide his work.
Aparna shared her experience during the 1999 Orissa floods, a time when a planned relief effort revealed the gap between intention and action. Despite initial enthusiasm, most volunteers backed out, leaving only a small group of 4. Undeterred, they ventured into the devastated region, joining Jesuit priests in their relief work. The stark contrast between the well-equipped international aid organizations and their own limited resources highlighted the raw reality of the situation. The moment where they removed their Hazmat suits, choosing human connection over perceived safety, became a defining one. By embracing the vulnerability of shared grief and offering physical comfort, they witnessed the transformative power of empathy. Aparna’s reflection on the challenges of maintaining such commitment in a world of comfort and routine underscored the ongoing struggle to bridge the gap between empathy and sustained action, reminding us that, “at some point you have to take the leap of faith. If you’re selling an idea, then it better be working on you first and then you just say, Okay, you know the rest is on God, or whatever you believe in.”
The Innate Spark: Defining Goodness in Action
When asked to define “goodness,” Father Teyol offered a perspective rooted in the inherent potential within every individual. He believes goodness is a universal quality, often revealed in moments of crisis. He pointed to examples like the Kerala floods, where social and religious barriers dissolved as people helped one another, or the selfless work of volunteers during the pandemic, who ensured dignified burials for those who passed away. For Fr Teyol, goodness manifests when we extend ourselves beyond our immediate needs, sharing what we have and offering support to those who are helpless. He highlighted the “Main Migrant Assistant Information network” in Bangalore, where volunteers go the extra mile to assist migrant families during tragic times. Ultimately, he sees goodness as a selfless act, a willingness to walk “an extra mile” without expecting anything in return, a testament to our shared humanity.
Coaching and Goodness: The Power of Listening
Gayatri astutely connected Father Teyol’s definition of goodness to the core of effective coaching and, indeed, any act of genuine service. She highlighted a crucial distinction: true goodness lies not in what we think others need, but in what they actually desire. This resonates deeply within the coaching ethos, where active listening and genuine inquiry are paramount. Too often, well-intentioned acts of assistance miss the mark, delivering what we deem valuable rather than what truly serves the other. Gayatri’s poignant example of charitable efforts where only a fraction reached the intended recipients underscores this point. It’s a stark reminder that even acts born of goodness can fall short if they lack the foundation of understanding and empathy. To truly serve, whether as a coach, a volunteer, or a fellow human being, we must first listen, inquire, and understand the needs of those we seek to support, ensuring our actions align with their reality.
Goodness Through the Coaching Lens: Unconditional Regard and Conscious Giving
Drawing from her experience as a coach, Aparna seamlessly connected the concept of goodness to the fundamental coaching principle of unconditional positive regard. She emphasized that recognizing the inherent goodness in every individual is crucial, mirroring the surge of generosity seen during crises. However, she also cautioned against imposing our own notions of “good,” highlighting that well-intentioned aid can sometimes miss the mark by failing to address the beneficiaries’ actual needs.
Aparna’s experience underscored the importance of hyper-local, need-based support, where recipients are seen as active contributors, not just passive receivers. Furthermore, she shared a personal coaching journey, revealing how the “Ichike Madi” concept, traditionally applied to limiting others’ consumption, was flipped to prioritize giving over taking. This shift, facilitated by coaching, transformed her understanding of goodness, aligning it with a conscious effort to ensure “others need more.” Ultimately, Aparna’s insights revealed coaching not only as a tool for personal change but also as a powerful lens through which to cultivate and practice genuine goodness in the world.
The Transformative Power of Authentic Connection
In a world that often measures success by material gain and personal achievement, the stories of Father Teyol and Aparna Ponappa stand as powerful reminders that true courage lies in our willingness to connect with others at their most vulnerable. Their experiences reveal that opening our “inner eye” isn’t merely a philosophical concept—it’s a practical, transformative choice we can make daily. Whether in the harrowing reality of HIV stigma or amid devastating floods, these individuals demonstrate that goodness emerges not from grand gestures, but from authentic presence and the humility to listen before acting. As we navigate our own paths, perhaps the most courageous act is to recognize that the boundaries between helper and helped, coach and client, giver and receiver are ultimately illusory. In that recognition lies the seed of genuine service—not as something we do for others, but as a mutual exchange that reveals our shared humanity and collective potential for transformation.
Join the Journey of Courage and Service
Are you inspired to make a difference in the world around you? The Coacharya Foundation welcomes individuals eager to contribute to the non-profit space. To explore how you can do your bit and be part of this meaningful work, reach out to our dedicated team at support@coacharya.com.
For those looking for a deeper personal journey, Coacharya’s coach training programs offer a pathway to continuous learning and growth. If you wish to work on yourself and support others through their own growth journeys, we invite you to enroll in our comprehensive coach training programs. Take that courageous step toward opening your inner eye and putting compassion into action—for yourself and for those you’ll serve.
(This blog post is based on the latest Coacharya webinar, Opening the Inner Eye-Courage in Action, and aims to provide a general overview of the key takeaways. For more in-depth information, please refer to the original webinar recording.)
