The Chuck Chronicles Episode IV: Focus

Chuck, a fictional successful businessman in his late 50's, shows up for a coaching session with David and seems unusually agitated about all of the details on the decisions he is making and how his mother, his son, his family, the employees are all reacting to the current situations in the business. He has a long list of challenges he is wanting to handle by the end of the call and is clearly expecting your advice on them.”

A following fictional dialogue ensues between the coach (David) and the client (Chuck). 

David: Hi, Chuck. How are you today?

Chuck: A little frazzled.

David: How so?

Chuck: Well, after our last session I was feeling pretty good about my decision. You know, we went down into the pool of sadness and disappointment and came up drinking mai tai’s.

David: I remember, Chuck. 

Chuck: So, now, there’s a ton of activity. Moving mom into the guest house, transitioning Charlie into the CEO role, planning the long trip to Hawaii with Kathy, and wondering how I am ever going to finish the Impala. And then there’s all the gossip among the employees at work, and getting the finances in shape, and…

David: [Intruding]. Chuck. May I intrude?

Chuck: Sure, David.

David: I just want to check in with you on your homework from the last session. [David blows right past all of Chuck’s story]. You agreed to spend the last couple of weeks reflecting upon the "infinite possibilities" that are ahead for you, and do some journaling around whatever came up. How did that go?

Chuck: Oh, that was great. I sat out on the front porch each morning watching the sun come up and started to dream.

David: What did you dream about?

Chuck: Mostly about being in Hawaii with Kathy.

David: And who are you being in that dream?

Chuck: I am being the retired executive who did his duty and now is enjoying his retirement.

David: And, what else?

Chuck: Charlie’s running the business without me. He calls from time-to-time with a question. It’s really nice being his mentor.

David: And, what else?

Chuck: Mom’s safe and sound in the guest house keeping an eye on the home front.

David: Sounds like everything’s handled. How does it feel when everything is handled?

Chuck: Peaceful.

David: Yes. And, who is Chuck when he’s peaceful?

Chuck: What do you mean, David?

David: I mean, who are you when you are peaceful?

Chuck: I’m the Buddha under the Bodhi tree.

David: And, what’s possible when you are the Buddha under the Bodhi tree?

Chuck: Stillness. Serenity. Clarity of thought.

David: Yes. And when you have clarity of thought, what’s possible?

Chuck: Decisiveness

David: And who are you deciding to be?

Chuck: The one who sits and lets all the troubles swirling around me handle themselves. If I am needed, people will ask, and I will answer from a grounded place of knowing.

David: And, what do you know, Chuck?

Chuck: That I am a Buddha. That I need not fret about all this business. That I can allow others to lead their lives the way they want to.

David: And what about you?

Chuck: I can lead my life the way I want to.

David: Yes. You can. You are a Buddha, and you are on the path to enlightenment.

Chuck: Yes, but I’ve got to make sure the transition goes smoothly, otherwise….

David: [Intruding} No, Chuck. That’s your saboteur talking. “Got To?” Are you kidding me? If Charlie is as capable as you said he is, then you don’t “Got To” do anything. Where is the “Got To” in all of this?

Chuck: You’re right, David. That damn saboteur had me by the tail. Thank you for pointing that out. Buddha’s who sit under the Bodhi tree don’t “Got To” do anything. They just sit.

David: Yes, they do. Chuck, I'm wondering if there is a little structure that would help you remember your Buddha nature as you go through this important transition in your life.

Chuck: “Structure”. What do you mean, David?

David: I mean a tangible item, photograph, song, movie, book that would help remind you of peace and serenity.

Chuck: You know, David, I was in a hippie shop up the road with Kathy last week, and she pointed out a small beaded bracelet to me. I did not think much of it at the time. You know, just another trinket.  But, now that you mention it, that bracelet reminded me of Hawaii.

David: I have a request.

Chuck: What is it, David?

David: Will you go to that shop this weekend, buy that bracelet and wear it every day for the next two weeks until our next call.

Chuck: I’ll do it.

David: How will I know?

Chuck: I’ll snap a photo of it with my smart phone and email it to you.

David: Awesome, Chuck. Looking forward to the photo. Take care.

Chuck: So long, David. Talk to you in a couple of weeks.