Challenging, joyful, liberating, and completely fascinating
Jo Mitchell
I was a new Head Teacher of a Primary School; I often felt anxious, sad, annoyed and fearful, believing I was overwhelmed by the task before me. I didn’t share this with anyone, always putting on a ‘brave face’. Holding onto it was exhausting.
I decided that seeing a coach would be the answer, and it was by chance that I chose a coach who uses the P6 Constellation framework. I believed that if I met my coach once a month for 6 months, do some ‘stuff’, and then hey presto, all would be good with me again; resilience restored, love for my job back on track.
But Presence in Action doesn’t work like that. Instead I’m able to use it every day on myself. It is who I am.
Doing this is challenging, joyful, liberating and completely fascinating. Ultimately Presence in Action enables me to understand ME. Every day I have the privilege to understand me a little bit more; what a gift! It’s not always easy, but I am shaping the me of my today and my future, and I feel exhilarated by that.
I now notice the stories I tell myself that can hold me back from saying or doing something. And when I notice, I don’t hide from myself anymore. It’s feels so satisfying to catch myself and be able to alter my approach; to turn away from the old patterns that held me back. I’m also far better at recognising and accepting my feelings; I used to push some feelings away, but now I’m more accepting of myself and this enables me to accept what I feel and move on.
Four years ago at the beginning of my journey, I believed I was just not brave enough to ‘meet myself’. But every time I do at my monthly supervision, I realise how empowering it is. My love of life is flourishing. I believe I’m now more authentic, courageous, tolerant and happy! The big things (and the small things) are still there in my life – but the difference is how I choose to interact with them. It’s been a complete game changer.
Presence in Action is honestly the most important way of being I have ever used for myself, and everyone I communicate with.
Jo Mitchell
Specialist Teacher for Inclusive Practice (SE)