“A person’s degree of spirituality is determined 29 percent by heredity, and 71 percent by environment. Our spirituality is substantially—roughly two-thirds—a factor of how we’re raised, the company we keep, the things we do to build the muscle. But still a significant degree of our capacity to experience the sacred and transcendent—one-third—is inscribed in our genetic code, as innate as our eye color or fingerprints. This emphasizes the interplay between nature and nurture in shaping our spiritual inclinations.”
The International Coaching Week 2024 is perhaps as good (or better) a time as any to explore how spiritual coaching can be a powerful tool to awaken the human spirit and restore faith in a world grappling with disconnection and loneliness. This topic resonates deeply with the insights shared by Dr. Lisa Miller in her groundbreaking book, The Awakened Brain.
I chanced upon The Awakened Brain serendipitously. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. It touched my genetic code.
The quote, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it,” from Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, resonates deeply. Within each of us lies a wellspring of spiritual faith, often buried beneath the weight of past traumas. This can lead to a loss of faith in ourselves, others, and the very universe itself. We may fail to recognize the support that surrounds us, questioning why help isn’t readily apparent. This state of illusion, or “Maya”, can be a significant obstacle.
Dr. Lisa Miller’s book, The Awakened Brain, tackles the critical issue of restoring spiritual faith. The author addresses the widespread sense of despair gripping many, particularly young adults categorized as Gen Z. They face a world fraught with uncertainty – environmental concerns, questionable leadership, and a pervasive sense of loneliness. This loneliness, a growing epidemic, can lead to depression and a questioning of life’s purpose. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs emphasizes that unmet emotional and safety needs can lead to a decline in motivation and even a desire for self-preservation. Universities report concerning statistics – as much as 5% of Gen Z students exhibit suicidal tendencies. Traditional therapeutic approaches seem to be falling short in addressing this alarming trend. What’s going on?
While social media and technology can exacerbate feelings of isolation, Dr. Miller argues they are merely symptoms of a deeper problem. The erosion of spiritual faith leaves Gen Z feeling adrift, questioning the meaning of life and the possibility of forming trusting relationships. This descent into despair can lead to self-doubt and a reliance on external validation, often sought through social media “likes.” How does one reframe this vicious cycle into a virtuous one? How can Gen Z redeem their lives?
Breaking the Cycle: Pathways to Hope
Dr. Miller proposes practices like communal prayer and connecting with nature to cultivate inner peace and awareness. Professional coaching insights can further empower individuals to break free from negativity. Self-coaching as a starting point allows individuals to heal past hurts and clear emotional baggage.
Coacharya’s Approach: Systemic Spiritual Coaching
Building upon these foundations, Coacharya offers a unique approach: systemic spiritual coaching. We incorporate sensory energy experiential techniques to foster spiritual awareness within individuals and the systems they interact with. This method helps rebuild trust in oneself and others, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
I went through a long and arduous monastic journey myself. As the universe ordained it led me to coach. I found that my brush with meditation and spirituality was powerfully complemented and enhanced by coaching. This led to the systemic spiritual coaching work we now do at Coacharya.
Celebrating International Coaching Week 2024: Join Us!
This International Coaching Week, we invite you to delve deeper into these ideas. Join us for a fireside chat with Dr. Lisa Miller on Spiritual Faith to explore how awakening the brain and the power of spiritual coaching can help us create a more hopeful and connected world. In the meantime, catch up on Dr. Miller’s book and tell us your thoughts in the comments section below or on our global coaching community CoachNook.
Coacharya is proud to be associated with the International Coaching Federation in celebrating the ICW. Watch this space for our speaker lineup and themes for the ICW.
Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash
