Book review: A shift in Being - Leon VanderPol
Attune to your clients deeper sense of Self and let that Lead
Leon VanderPol
Hey there, fellow bookworms! I know from your feedbacks that my book reviews grab your attention so here is another one that stayed in drafts for a long time.
In January I joined a book club dedicated to coaching and the first book we decided to read was ”A shift in Being” by Leon VanderPol - founder of Center for Transformational Coaching. So happy with the choice because since in my coaching training we also had several days dedicated to models from the transformational school of coaching, I work that with my clients and have seen it work wonders for their goals from a deeper perspective, outside of the transactional part. Also being a big fan of the work of Alan Seale with 3 Intelligences and Otto Scharmer with Theory U and his course this book was a great audition to my story.
And it was a great choice fo reading from my perspective cause I realised while exploring it - how can I develop even more as a coach, and how can I support my clients exploring their goals, in a deeper coaching process.
The book is a heavy one for a beginner coach and some of the metaphors might be a bit hard to swallow, because VanderPol draws a roadmap for those already prepared to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and growth.
One of the things that struck me most about "A Shift in Being" is author’s ability to draw from a diverse range of perspectives. VanderPol invites the reader even from the beginning to explore the depths of our being and challenge the status quo of our lives. Through his insightful writing, he scripts the path toward a more authentic existence, one that is aligned with our true essence.
"In every moment, there is an opportunity to awaken to our inherent wholeness and live from a place of deep authenticity."
There are 3 things that stay with me after reading the book:
Vanderpool's emphasis on mindfulness and presence serves as a gentle reminder to slow down and savor each moment. In a world filled with distractions, "A Shift in Being" offers a much-needed respite, guiding readers towards a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.
VanderPol's incorporation of various models and frameworks that aid in understanding and navigating the transformative process. From the stages of consciousness to the dynamics of inner conflict, VanderPol offers practical insights and tools to support our journey of self-discovery. As he beautifully puts it, "Transformation is not a destination but a continuous unfolding process."
VanderPol’s if providing actionable steps for integrating them into our daily lives. Whether it's through meditation practices, journaling exercises, or simple acts of kindness, "A Shift in Being" empowers readers to take concrete steps towards personal transformation.
Reading the book is a nice reminder transformation and deep coaching is not just about changing our external circumstances; it's about a profound shift in our way of being. It's about embodying our true essence and living authentically from the inside out.
The caterpillar metaphor, the 6 stages of personal power and a different approach of healing process from a deep coaching perspective are in my coaching notebook forever and reading this also validated some of my ideas.
My 2 cents after more than 500 coaching hours with clients from across the globe "A Shift in Being" is a gem of a book that deserves a spot on every bookshelf. It's a powerful reminder that true happiness and fulfillment lie not in external achievements, but in the journey of self-discovery and inner growth. I added on the recommendation list for any coach :)
