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Anne Swallow Gillis is a recently retired Protestant Pastor, aspiring writer and jigsaw puzzle fan. In this edition of Best of Ourselves, she shares her reflections on these puzzling times.
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To work with Marcia is to witness authenticity in action — a congruence between inner and outer selves. Using provocative questions and reflective space, she models a Socratic approach to teaching and learning that makes her an exceptional teacher/guide.
In the retreat Marcia knew to respect the process and not push it. She was very very clear that she was there in support of my agenda not imposing her own. Marcia would be the perfect person for someone just beginning the journey of self discovery as well as someone who’s been on it for a long time. Whatever part of the process you’re in, she attunes to that level.
Marcia provided me with a meaningful exploration of the enneagram through her adept and compassionate questioning. I appreciated the exploratory approach. Marcia’s ability to mirror back to me the deeper feelings that I was not able to fully express at the time and her reminders to be aware of my somatic responses at certain points (and working with that) was a true gift. I am deeply grateful.
I would recommend (the retreat) to people like me in professional positions who were thinking about “what’s next”.
Working with her has been a springboard for the next phase of my life, energized me, and helped me know ‘this is what I want to do.’ Marcia is good at bringing out the best in you, pushing you, and holding your feet to the fire when needed. She really is a partner in wanting and bringing out the best in her clients. It was exactly what I needed and asked for. She’s very good at seeing the big picture, but she’s also great at tactically getting things done.
Collaborating with Marcia in developing curriculum and teaching the Enneagram and the practice of Presence for coaches was a rich experience. Marcia’s creativity and passion for learning brought new insights to the work. And we reveled in a sense of play throughout our years of working together. She is a treasure!
Imagine what it would be like as a coaching client to be met with full acceptance, curiosity, an open heart and deep insight. Marcia approaches coaching with great skill and knowledge of the Enneagram, however, it is her quality of Presence that allows clients to know themselves in a deeply authentic way so that they can arrive at their own truths and expansive capacities. Marcia’s integrity, aligning who she is with what she offers, is easily apparent. I trust this wise woman completely.
She considers the whole person in an integrative coaching model that honors work and non-work passions. Before working with Marcia, I felt trapped by my successes at work, and also felt guilty about feeling that way. Now I feel excited and joyful about pursuing options that contribute even more richly to both my personal mission and the mission of my employer. Marcia helped me find my true voice.
My retreat began with the first phone call with Marcia, and her initial questions set in motion a powerful journey of discovery. The retreat environment is not only welcoming and comfortable, it is ideal space for transformation to occur. Marcia is a gifted coach and guide for those seeking a breakthrough.
Retreats with Marcia are a restoration and a revelation. Different every time, the design emerges organically to offer just the right question, nudge or invitation. Marcia brings deep listening, flexibility to follow where the proces leads, and an endless repetoire of tools, practices, and exercises to mee the emerging needs and opportunities of each moment. My retreat with Marcia gave me clarity and courage to pursue the career I have always wanted.