The Philosophy and Services of Dharma Integrative Coaching with Akhil Kaplan

Akhil introduces “Dharma Integrative Coaching,” an endeavor that provides a nurturing space for individuals to establish greater connections and confidence. This coaching service integrates Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine to craft a personalized approach to success, grounded in an inside-out understanding of each individual. In this approach, the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions are all considered. The coaching program incorporates diverse exercises and techniques, including meditation, yoga postures, dietary guidance, ethical codes of yoga, Daoist philosophy, and mindfulness practices, all intended to guide clients toward a more fulfilling and productive life.

The fundamental principle of Dharma Integrative Coaching is customization. The coaching program recognizes the uniqueness of each individual and tailors its approach to their specific needs, believing that this personalization enhances the likelihood of success. The invitation to explore this journey is extended, offering a path to positivity, balance, therapy, wellness, and resiliency.

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What is the core philosophy and purpose behind Dharma Coaching, and how does it help individuals discover and apply their dharma in their lives? 

First, let’s define dharma.  Dharma means purpose or meaning.  Dharma Coaching is a philosophy and practice that aims to help individuals discover and apply their dharma in their lives. The core philosophy behind Dharma Coaching is rooted in the belief that each individual has a unique purpose or dharma in life, and by aligning with this purpose, one can experience fulfillment and live a meaningful life.

The purpose of Dharma Coaching is to guide individuals in exploring and understanding their dharma, which can be described as their true calling or life’s purpose. Through a combination of introspection, self-reflection, and guidance from a trained Dharma Coach, individuals are supported in uncovering their passions, values, strengths, and aspirations.

Dharma Coaching helps individuals discover their dharma by providing a structured process that encourages self-discovery and reflection. It involves asking thought-provoking questions, exploring personal values and beliefs, and identifying patterns and themes in one’s life. By gaining clarity on these aspects, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their unique purpose.

Once the dharma is discovered, Dharma Coaching assists individuals in applying it to their lives. This involves setting goals, creating action plans, and making choices that align with their dharma. Dharma Coaching also helps individuals overcome obstacles and challenges that may arise during the process of living their dharma.

Overall, Dharma Coaching serves as a supportive and empowering tool for individuals to explore, discover, and apply their dharma in order to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life

Dharma often refers to one’s life purpose or calling. Could you explain how Dharma Coaching assists individuals in identifying and aligning with their unique dharma, and why is this alignment essential for personal growth and fulfillment? 

Dharma Coaching assists individuals in identifying and aligning with their unique dharma through a structured and supportive process. Here’s how it works:

1. Self-Exploration: Dharma Coaching encourages individuals to engage in self-exploration and introspection. Through guided questioning and reflection, individuals are prompted to examine their passions, values, strengths, and aspirations. This process helps uncover patterns and themes in their lives, providing insights into their unique purpose.
2. Clarity and Awareness: Dharma Coaching helps individuals gain clarity and awareness about their dharma. By exploring their interests, values, and skills, individuals can identify areas where they feel most fulfilled and aligned. This self-awareness allows them to understand their unique gifts and how they can contribute to the world.
3. Goal Setting and Action Planning: Once the dharma is identified, Dharma Coaching supports individuals in setting goals and creating action plans. This involves breaking down the larger purpose into actionable steps and milestones. By setting specific objectives, individuals can make progress towards living their dharma.
4. Overcoming Obstacles: Dharma Coaching helps individuals navigate obstacles and challenges that may arise during the journey of aligning with their dharma. It provides strategies and support to overcome self-doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs that may hinder personal growth. Dharma Coaching also assists in developing resilience and adaptability to stay on track.

The alignment with one’s dharma is essential for personal growth and fulfillment for several reasons:

1. Meaning and Purpose: When individuals align with their dharma, they experience a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. They feel connected to something greater than themselves and find fulfillment in pursuing their unique calling.
2. Authenticity and Fulfillment: Living in alignment with one’s dharma allows individuals to be true to themselves. It enables them to express their authentic selves, utilize their strengths, and engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.
3. Motivation and Resilience: When individuals are aligned with their dharma, they are naturally motivated to pursue their goals and overcome challenges. The sense of purpose provides the drive and resilience needed to navigate obstacles and stay committed to personal growth.
4. Contribution and Impact: Aligning with one’s dharma enables individuals to make a meaningful contribution to the world. By utilizing their unique gifts and talents, they can positively impact others and create a ripple effect of change.

In summary, Dharma Coaching assists individuals in identifying and aligning with their unique dharma through self-exploration, clarity, goal setting, and overcoming obstacles. This alignment is essential for personal growth and fulfillment as it brings meaning, authenticity, motivation, and the opportunity to make a positive impact.

Applying one’s dharma can be a transformative journey. Can you share some success stories or case studies that illustrate the impact of Dharma Coaching on individuals’ lives, and how their understanding of Dharma led to positive changes? 

I have been fortunate to have many success stories in my career as a coach. I’ve been fortunate to have some of the most amazing spiritual teachers of our time as influences in my life.  I’ve been fortunate that my own Dharma presented itself to me as a healer and coach, so I am fully aligned with who I am and what I do.  There is no difference.  As a coach, my main goal is to have everyone live their life with a little more love, compassion, and conviction.  If everyone on the planet felt that way, they too would be more in alignment with their Dharma.  One success story that immediately comes to mind is the work I recently did with a recently retired doctor.  He spent the greater part of 40 years of his life as a well-known surgeon at a prestigious hospital in Boston.  He came to see me because as retirement approached, his anxiety increased surrounding what he was going to do, who he was going to do it with, and more importantly, he didn’t know who he even was.  Being a “surgeon” had been his identity and he had projected that image back onto those around him in a way that made him feel like an imposter like he didn’t belong and gave him a sense that “if they really knew me, I may not be accepted.”.  Through a series of contemplative work, mindfulness exercises, mantra-based meditations, yoga postures, and journaling, he was able to identify the common narrative he told himself in life, switch the narrative, bring more curiosity and openness to his self-narrative and discover a 12-year-old boy who was told he was not good enough by a parent who never himself received the love he deserved.  Once the client could recognize the similarities with his father, he was able to go back and soothe that young child, bring that young child’s sense of curiosity and marvel to his adult life, and find a new perspective and energy that has been missing in his life since he was a child.

Dharma is often associated with a sense of meaning and contribution. How can individuals integrate their dharma into their daily lives and careers? What are some practical steps and strategies for applying one’s dharma in a practical sense? 

Integrating one’s dharma into daily life and career involves aligning one’s actions, choices, and mindset with their unique purpose and sense of meaning. Here are some practical steps and strategies for applying one’s dharma in a practical sense:

1. Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your passions, values, strengths, and aspirations. Consider what activities bring you joy and fulfillment, and how you can incorporate them into your daily life and career.
2. Identify core values: Determine your core values and ensure that they are reflected in your actions and decisions. Aligning your values with your daily life and career choices can create a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
3. Set meaningful goals: Define specific and meaningful goals that are in line with your dharma. These goals should reflect your purpose and contribute to your sense of meaning and contribution. Break them down into actionable steps to make progress towards them.
4. Seek alignment: Evaluate your current job or career path and assess its alignment with your dharma. Consider how you can make adjustments or seek opportunities that better align with your purpose. This may involve exploring new roles, and industries, or even starting your own venture.
5. Embrace growth and learning: Continuously seek opportunities for personal and professional growth that align with your dharma. This can involve attending workshops, courses, or conferences related to your interests and passions.
6. Surround yourself with support: Seek out a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability as you integrate your dharma into your daily life and career. This can include mentors, coaches, or joining communities with similar interests.
7. Practice mindfulness: Cultivate a practice of mindfulness to stay connected with your dharma on a daily basis. This can involve meditation, journaling, or any other activity that helps you stay present and connected to your purpose.

Remember, integrating your dharma into your daily life and career is a journey that requires self-reflection, intentionality, and continuous effort. It may involve making changes, taking risks, and embracing new opportunities that align with your purpose.

Dharma can evolve or change over time. How does Dharma Coaching help individuals navigate life transitions and adapt their understanding of their dharma to align with their changing circumstances or personal growth? 

Dharma Coaching recognizes that dharma can indeed evolve or change over time as individuals go through different life transitions and experience personal growth. Dharma Coaching provides valuable support in helping individuals navigate these changes and adapt their understanding of their dharma to align with their evolving circumstances.

Firstly, Dharma Coaching encourages individuals to engage in ongoing self-reflection and introspection. This process allows individuals to regularly reassess their values, passions, and aspirations, taking into account any changes or shifts that may have occurred in their lives. By staying connected to their inner selves, individuals can better understand how their dharma may be evolving and adjust their understanding accordingly.

Secondly, Dharma Coaching assists individuals in identifying and embracing life transitions. Whether it’s a career change, a relationship shift, or any other significant life event, Dharma Coaching provides guidance and tools to navigate these transitions with clarity and purpose. Through open and honest conversations, individuals can explore how their changing circumstances may impact their understanding of their dharma and make adjustments as needed.

Furthermore, Dharma Coaching supports individuals in adapting their goals and action plans to align with their changing understanding of their dharma. This may involve setting new objectives, exploring different paths, or reevaluating priorities. Dharma Coaching helps individuals stay flexible and open-minded, allowing them to embrace new opportunities and make choices that align with their evolving dharma. Dharma Coaching recognizes the dynamic nature of dharma and provides individuals with the necessary tools and support to navigate life transitions and adapt their understanding of their dharma. By staying connected to their inner selves, embracing change, and making conscious choices, individuals can align their dharma with their changing circumstances and personal growth.

In a world with various life paths and societal pressures, how does Dharma Coaching empower individuals to stay true to their dharma and live authentically? What advice would you offer to those who may be struggling to apply their dharma in the face of external expectations or challenges?

Dharma Coaching empowers individuals to stay true to their dharma and live authentically by providing guidance, support, and tools to navigate the complexities of life paths and societal pressures. It helps individuals develop a deep understanding of their unique purpose and values, enabling them to make choices that align with their authentic selves.

In the face of external expectations or challenges, here is some advice that Dharma Coaching may offer:

1. Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your values, passions, and aspirations. Understand what truly matters to you and what brings you joy and fulfillment. This self-awareness will serve as a compass to guide you in staying true to your dharma.
2. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with external expectations that may not align with your dharma. Learn to say no to activities or commitments that do not resonate with your authentic self. Prioritize your own well-being and focus on what truly matters to you.
3. Seek support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or mentors who understand and respect your dharma. Share your struggles and challenges with them, and seek their guidance and encouragement. Dharma Coaching can also provide valuable support in navigating these obstacles.
4. Embrace resilience: Understand that the journey of living your dharma may not always be smooth. Challenges and setbacks are a natural part of life. Cultivate resilience and learn from these experiences. Use them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
5. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that nourish your soul and recharge your energy. Prioritize self-care to maintain balance and stay connected to your authentic self.

Remember, living authentically and applying your dharma is a personal journey. It may require courage and perseverance, but staying true to yourself will ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.