MARY EK PARENT COACH
Providing practical wisdom and loving support for new and expecting parents through new parent services and guided reflection, inquiry & discovery.
Self Discovery Through Heart Compass Work
Inspired as a student of The Four-Fold Way™ and The Four Directions, the teachings of Angeles Arrian and Patrick O’Neill, I use a modification of these practices to guide mothers and fathers to be whole-hearted in their parenting. Angeles and Patrick teach us that there are four archetypes, each of which align with a cardinal direction. “Optimum health is expressed in most cultures as a balance in all four areas (archetypes): Leading, Healing, Visioning, and Teaching. These four areas reflect the four human resources of Power, Love, Vision, and Wisdom.”
Through guided reflection, conversation, and gentle, yet challenging inquiry, I create a safe space for parents, whether one-on-one or in groups, to be vulnerable, compassionate and courageous as they look deeply inward at the workings of their heart. Engagement in this heart work leads to the discovery and activation of the inner compass, directing mothers and fathers on a path toward a balanced and wholehearted parenting experience.
“Mary has been a coach and mentor in my life and has been a lifesaver to our family in so many ways.”
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The compass model, adapted from The Four Directions, serves not only as a way to organize this complex work, but provides direction for mothers and fathers as they navigate life as a parent. Each direction; the north, the south, the east, and the west is devoted to supporting one of the four archetypes.
The whole-hearted parent, adapted from The Four-Fold Way,™encompasses the work of the heart. All four chambers of the heart: open, full, clear, and strong, need to be activated to function both independently and in harmony with each other in order to be wholehearted in anything we do.
The visual below depicts the congruence of the archetypes, the devoted directions, and the chambers of the heart. Embarking on this journey to discover your inner compass, courageously find balance, and compassionately examine your heart is a gift to yourself and to all the lives you touch.
The North
Parenting as a Strong-Hearted Leader
The North is devoted to empowerment. The strong-hearted parent is called to show up, be present, and stand in strength. The path of the North will guide you in understanding appropriate action, good timing, and clear communication as a strong-hearted parent.
“Whatever I can face, I can handle - otherwise, it wouldn’t be there.” ~Angeles Arrien
The West
Parenting as an Open-Hearted Teacher
The West is devoted to honoring the teacher within, to gathering wisdom and to embracing uncertainty. Learning to trust, to be open rather than attached to outcome, is the work of the open-hearted parent. As you explore the work of the West, you will recover your resources of wisdom and objectivity and activate them as you parent with an open heart.
“You only lose what you cling to.” ~Buddha
The East
Parenting as a Clear-Hearted Visionary
The East is devoted to vision, to seeing your parenting path with clarity. Honoring your authentic self, speaking your truth without blame or judgment and recognizing with integrity the unique gifts and talents you bring to this important role is the journey you will take in the East.
“In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision".” ~Dali Lama
The South
Parenting as a Full-Hearted Healer
The South devotes itself to healing the healer, paying attention to what has heart and meaning, choosing compassion over fear, and practicing gratitude. These are the essentials of full-hearted parenting. South work will challenge you to love, to be grateful, and to acknowledge and validate personal areas that need to be healed. Maintaining personal health and supporting the welfare of your family
is the expression of the healer, the full-hearted parent.
“First me, then you, with love.”~Dali Lama.