Seaside Coaching Revisited after Super Storm Sandy

Living in Belmar between the ocean and famous “E” Street has been a joy. This beautiful environment inspired me to write an article, “Seaside Coaching,” a few years after I began exclusively practicing Executive Coaching.  It was at a time when my Coaching clients first began to ask to meet me at the shore instead of their offices.  During coaching sessions addressing complex management issues, I often introduce relaxation techniques taken from the Tao and yoga:  I should not have been surprised when they recognized the opportunity to push barriers, to contemplate in a new setting, to seek change.

Whether you are humbled or invigorated by the sea, it continues to be a meeting place for our emotions: perhaps the crashing waves and soft foam at the waterline reflect our personal flow through life changes.

During Super Storm Sandy much of what we have enjoyed – the fixtures we have added to the shore -- were destroyed.  The day after the storm I walked the same path described in this article.  Gratefully all of my neighbors’ homes were still standing.

One block from my home the street was filled with sand and debris. Our focus was captured by the path to the sky.  Those two blocks of street were now part of the beach.  Everyone paused here as our eyes were drawn first to the flat expanse of sand then to the now calm, powerful water.  The view did not rest but continued to a distant point on the horizon where finally we looked up into a startlingly clear, commanding blue sky as in unison we uttered a soft sound of respect.

Nature once again reminded us of its power and impact on our lives. From my home I often hear the surf pounding, like a heartbeat.  You need not live near the ocean to hear that beat.   Take the advice of my clients:  leave the comfortable, controlled environment to simply walk and breathe.  Expand and embrace your world. 

Just as our environment changes, our organizations and communities move through constant change. We require leadership, commitment, teamwork and drive to rebuild our towns and businesses.  We have the skills and dedication as shown by the many volunteers and community leaders who exhibited the selfless qualities we most admire immediately after the storm.  We are connected: working together our journey will bring us to new and exciting opportunities.  

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