During my travels around the world, I found inspiration from unexpected encounters that I'd like to share with you. Sometimes you have to go (far) away to get closer. This time: ‘Coaching of Natives show what we have in common'.
Years ago, I was involved in a 10-day ceremonial event for Canadian First Nations Indians on Bella Bella Island on Canada's west coast. An unforgettable experience, especially because of the discoveries I made while coaching a number of First Nations Natives
I volunteered my services as a psychologist/coach and invited people to what I then called ‘Healing Talks’. I made a makeshift flyer to invite people. And miraculously, young and old people came to me, from whom I could learn more than I could from them. For they carried generations of wisdom that many, including myself, had long been cut off from. Nevertheless, they showed their appreciation for my listening ear and interventions.
One of my memories is of a young woman who had experienced incest, which deeply hurt her. She hadn't even talked about it with anyone out of shame! She had closed herself off to further contact with men, but she wasn't happy with that either. After sharing her story and hearing some of my suggestions for further action, she was visibly relieved.
An older Chief who came to me for help had previously been to a well-known psychologist with many titles in Vancouver. Upon arrival, she scolded him for being a few minutes late and forgot about him: "Who do you think you are!" His faith in mental health services had vanished like snow in the sun. Initially, he was very reserved with me, but his curiosity won, and afterward, I received an unforgettable hug.
What also became clear from the other coaching sessions? Even though we have cultural differences, we are all essentially the same. They too are people with egos, with wounds in their soul baggage that they carry and shape. They too have bright and dark sides, which sometimes lead to violence and crime. They too believe in a creative force that connects us, which they often describe as "Great Spirit." No difference.
These experiences have strengthened my belief that ego, soul, and spirit (consciousness) are universal keys to self-development, leading to greater inner and outer peace. You'll find this in my book "Spirited Personal Leadership." https://martinthoolen.com/en/publicaties/
“Ook al hebben we cultuurverschillen, we zijn in essentie allemaal hetzelfde”
How wonderful it is when we can look at the "person" behind culture, behind history, behind religion, behind the professional, behind every role we play in life and work. Then we can truly connect with ourselves and each other.
© 2025: Martin Thoolen
Here’s a short impression of some of my journeys of discovery. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca58VpEoy_Y
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