ABSTRACT
This chapter sets the scene for understanding mindfulness and more specifically, contacting the present moment. A key skill within any coaching context is the ability to stop responding in automatic ways and foster a sense of awareness of the internal content (thoughts, feelings, emotions and memories) that drive unhelpful behaviour when responding. This requires developing an observational stance on this content from the present moment that has qualities of detachment and non-judgement. Although mindfulness meditation is one method through which to develop this ability, the ACT model helps to identify underlying processes, allowing for the flexible application of a variety of procedures. The modern world, and especially the modern workplace, is synonymous with pace, productivity and momentum. While contacting the present moment does not necessarily involve practically stopping or even slowing down, there is a quality of pause and reflection that it promotes which is anathema to the relentless forward energy of modern life.
