7 Characteristics In A Flagbearer For Thrive
Many of us found our way to helping others by healing ourselves first. I studied Ayurveda and became a health coach from a deep need to bring wellness into my life. Sometimes I feel like I‘m pushing against a strong current. It’s not easy to be a flagbearer for wellness in a society that takes health for granted and sees ill health as a financial opportunity.
How do you stay in touch with your role as a flagbearer for thrive? I reach into my community for support, remember that leading the way is not always easy, and touch the place deep inside that knows this is what I am meant to do. All the jobs, trials, illness, growth and learning have made me who I am- a strong teacher, healer, coach and a flagbearer for my community.
Carrying The Flag
I sometimes compare being a health coach to being a world level olympian. I feel a thrill when I watch the US Olympic team enter the stadium during the opening ceremony. Before each Olympics the team bestows the honor of carrying our country’s flag. Flag bearers are members of the team as well as leaders chosen by teammates and coaches for their exceptional qualities as people and athletes. Yoga Health coaches have a lot in common with high level athletes- more than you might think.
Yoga health coaches are flag bearers for health. Carrying the flag is an honor in the military- the flag bearer carries a symbol of identity and hope rather than a weapon. As yoga health coaches, we bring our community hope and concrete tools to identify and align with wellness. Awakening to the true freedom and power we have to change people’s lives for the better is a gift. Share that gift and lead your community towards the victory of vibrant health.
“Being nominated to carry the flag at the Opening Ceremony is one of the greatest honours that has ever been bestowed upon me. – Todd Lodwick 2014 Winter Olympics flag bearer
How Yoga Health Coaches Carry The Flag
Yoga health coaches choose to wave the flag of health to direct others onto the path of thrive. Since most yoga health coaches are householders, they make every-day life choices based on habits of health like the 10 habits of Ayurvedic Dinacharya taught in Body Thrive. They prioritize health in the same way Olympic athletes build their lives around optimizing performance. They embrace habits that deliver capability and health. Yoga health coaches lead and teach from a place of passion to help members of our community thrive.
Waking up every morning and embracing a daily structure in support of a goal takes a lot of dedication, hard work, and consistency. It has to spark joy. For a yoga health coach it is all about embodying the habits and authentically sharing insights to teach others. Being a health coach springs from a deep desire to help yourself and others.
World Class Athletes wake up passionate each day and work hard to achieve their fitness and performance goals. Internal fire and desire fuel the path of an Olympian and a health coach. Athletes who excel in their sport and demonstrate a high level of personal excellence might be chosen to be a Flag bearer.
“Do activities you’re passionate about – which make your heart and soul feel perky – including things like working out, cooking, painting, writing, yoga, hiking, walking, swimming, being in nature, being around art, or reading inspiring books.” – Karen Salmansohn
Yoga Health Coach Flagbearer Characteristics
Often the first things we see when we look inward are our faults. Here is suggestion: forget the term “fault” and instead identify opportunities to get better at what you love to do. Athletes analyze their performance using video and slow motion replays. With the help of their coaches they identify where they need to place their focus to get to the next level. Look at yourself through a similar lens and honor your desire to excel and serve.
Do you see great characteristics and mad skills in yourself? I am sure that your peers and clients do. When I interact with yoga health coaches -and I know many- I see amazing qualities in action. Check out the coach of the month to meet a someone with these capabilities. While none of our coaches will be standing on the podium with the national anthem playing any time soon, they earn the right carry the flag of health everyday. As Yoga health coaches you live what you teach, you lead your community, and have you have some amazing abilities.
You are able to:
- See and plan with a long view.
- Orient towards defined goals and success
- Take consistent steps to actualize goals
- Practice integrity- and expect it in your clients
- Shape lives with dedication and discipline.
- Hold space for client progress
- Grow & evolve in leading your community
Which of these strengths do you see front and center in coaching your community? Celebrate and tap it for success. Where are you focussing your energy in your desire to become a better coach? Reach out and get some extra training to keep refining your gift.
Each Olympic Games or world cup is over within a couple of weeks.. The walk and work of vibrant living goes on. Are you a flag bearer for thrive? I’d love for you to share a victory in your journey as a health coach in the comments below.
