My coaching philosophy is firmly rooted in my understanding of the teachings of Torah and Chassidus in general, the teachings of the Rebbe in particular, and, most importantly, how to properly apply those teachings to our lives. The following is a small sample of the specific ideas and sources that are at the core of my approach to coaching:

• Everyone who is not yet a צדיק has a נפש הטבעית that is from קליפה. One aspect of what that means, in plain English, is that we are not perfect, and it is 100% natural and expected that we all have challenges, fears, and other aspects of ourselves that we are working on.

• Every Jew has a נפש אלוקית. One aspect of what that means, in plain English, is that below the surface, we have the desire and the strength to rise above our nature and live a greater, more G-d-centered life than we would by our nature. To what extent we will do so is our own (often very challenging) choice.

• The Mitteler Rebbe said that when one discusses his עבודה with another and they learn together, there are two נפש אלוקית against one נפש הטבעית. In other words, we will have an easier time living that greater life if we have help from another. My role as a coach is to be that second נפש אלוקית.

• The Rebbe teaches us that our ‘עבודת ה should include (though it is not only about) a successful life in this world, including physical and emotional health, a successful marriage (שלום בית), financial success (עשירות), and joy. (שיחת פרשת תרומה תשנ”ב and other sources)

To me, there is no part of our lives which exists outside of the נפש הבהמית/נפש אלוקית understanding of who we are. In every challenge we face, that less spiritual part of ourselves is showing up somewhere. When we learn to identify that and then choose to live from our Divine self instead, we can create a life that will be better from every angle. This is how I strive to approach my own life and what I would love to share with you as well.