In my training as a therapist and a life skills coach I learned to observe patterns and relationships. How things show up in predictable and noticeable arrangements applies to the physical structure of the natural world as well as to human behavior. Specific patterns are likely to perpetuate because of how well they accomplish a particular survival goal, whether it has to do with absorbing maximum sunlight or justifying the validity of a personal belief or story.
One example of this is the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical progression that begins with 0 followed by 1, with each succeeding number being the sum of the two preceding numbers. The ratio of this progression comes out to be 1.618033988...., meaning that each next number is that much times the one in front of it. This particular sequence occurs with awesome frequency in nature. You can see it in seashells, flowers, pineapples, pine cones, tree branches and a thousand other manifestations, including the measurements of the human body. For example, the length of each digit of the human finger going from the tip to the wrist increases in accord with the Fibonacci ratio. Not everyone is exactly in perfect sync to this pattern, but it is interesting to note that according to research studies, the closer one comes to that precision, the closer one is subjectively rated as "pleasing to the eye".
Most of us are familiar with the parallels between computers and the human brain. This week I came upon another example of a parallel between machines we have created and our ways of functioning in the world. While I have always been pretty handy, I have been reluctant to try to repair electronic appliances, and deciding to fix my malfunctioning clothes dryer was my first solo foray into the electrical mechanical world. Previously, if I could not fix an appliance with either a good whack or prayer, it got repaired by someone else or replaced. This time, armed with a newly purchased digital multimeter and the encouragement and coaching of the staff from a very helpful local appliance repair shop, I set about testing the fuses and devices that controlled the manifestation of heat in my dryer. Following the directions I had been given, I poked the cable tips of my multimeter into the designated places to measure resistance. According to my newest teacher, if a part evidenced too much resistance, it could not do its job and needed to be replaced. "Hmmm..... that sounds familiar" went the pattern seeking component of my brain, and my recent tidbit on "No Resistance" flashed into my mind. Just as our release of resistance to the flow of reality around us can increase our power to accomplish and move energy in a more positive direction, apparently the same is true for home appliances! Once I had a frame of reference, electricity made sense to me; it is just another form of energy that needs to move. I found and replaced the resistant thermostat, energy was no longer blocked..... and there was heat.
The concepts of electricity with its ohms and amps and potential to electrocute had always been daunting to me. But the empowering experience of being at the receiving end of coaching and step by step simple instruction allowed me to successfully venture into uncharted territory and experience the sweetness of accomplishing a significant goal. I felt really powerful about my ability to learn and accomplish something, especially something that I had previously feared and avoided. I deeply appreciated the skill and support of the repairman who, when I thanked him, told me that I had done "all the work", that he simply "offered instruction" and that my ability to "listen and follow directions" was what lead to the result. While he never referred to himself as a coach, I would certainly designate him the title of Master Mechanical Skills Coach, not only for his knowledge, but for his method of teaching. The unfolding pattern of the Buddhist maxim, "when the student is ready, the master will appear" has proven true for me once again.
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