Coaching Chronicle by Gerard O’Donovan

Vietnam

The exotic destination of Vietnam lies in Southeast Asia’s center, bordering China in the north, Laos and Kampuchea in the West, and the Pacific Ocean in the east. The entire country stretches from the Ha Tuyen province in the north to the Minh Hai province in the south, and includes thousands of enticing offshore islands and striking archipelagoes.

Archeologists date Vietnam’s genesis to approximately 300,000 years ago. Official history, however, dates Vietnam’s beginnings to about 4,000 years ago. Although the French governed Vietnam from 1858-1954, the name “Vietnam” conjures images of the war with the United States, which ended more than twenty years ago. Today, Vietnam welcomes tourists from many nations to its lush, green interior, where striking cultural sights and sounds abound. With tropical temperatures year round and the welcoming smiles of its people, the country is a popular destination for tourists seeking an off the beaten track” journey that artfully blends the physical with the spiritual.

Cambodia

Cambodia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand to the south, Thailand to the east, Vietnam to the West, and Laos to the North, was founded from 802 to 1431 A.D., stretching during its peak as far as the Thailand-Burma Border in the west and Wat Phou of Laos in the north. Ancient Khmer rulers enforced unity among and enhanced prosperity, leaving behind exceptional monuments such as Angkor Wat and numerous unique sculptures and artifacts, as well as a people who pride themselves on showcasing their country’s stunning contrasts.

The most popular Vietnam and Cambodian attractions include:

Monument

Vietnam Mount Fan Si Pan: The highest mountain in Indo-China, Fan Si Pan is located in the Lào Cai province in Northwest Vietnam. Dubbed “the Roof of Indochina”, Fan Si Pan also boasts 2,024 floral varieties and 327 faunal species. Climbing Fan Si Pan is exhilarating and physical, a true once-in-a-lifetime experience not soon forgotten.

Angkor Wat Temple

Angkor Wat: the best-preserved temple at Angkor, Cambodia, and the only temple to remain a significant religious center. A prime example of classical style Khmer architectural style, Angkor Wat has drawn high praise for the harmony of its overall design and the overarching sense of spirituality visitors experience.

Face Tower at Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom: One of the last and most enduring capital cities of the Khmer empire, Angkor Thom was established in the late twelfth century by king Jayavarman VII and is revered for its large scale construction, widespread use of special weatherized bricks known as laterite, and the “naga”, or cobra-carrying giant monsters on its towers.

Preah Khan

Preah Khan: Another temple at Angkor, Cambodia, Preah Khan was also built in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII and has remained largely unrestored, with vast trees and vegetation growing among its ruins. According to Wikipedia, “Since 1991, the site has been maintained by the World Monuments Fund. It has continued the cautious approach to restoration, believing that to go further would involve too much guesswork, and prefers to respect the ruined nature of the temple.” Preah Khan is a huge and interesting monastic complex that draws visitors from across the globe.

Neak Pean

Neak Pean: An artificial island with a Buddhist temple also built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, was meant to represent a mythical lake in the Himalayas known as Anavatapta, where the waters were believed to cure all manner of illness. Neak Pean was originally designed as one of several hospitals built by the king. Based on the ancient Hindu belief of balance, four pools connect, representing water, earth, fire and wind, with a central water source in the middle. Stepping into these pools was thought to balance the bather’s elements and cure disease. A statue of the god Bahala stands guard to prevent drowning.

East Mebon

East Mebon: A 10th century temple in Angkor, East Mebon was built during the reign of King Rajendravarman and stands today at the center of the now dry East Baray reservoir, dedicated to Shiva, the Hindu god, and honoring the parents of the king. Exquisitely sculptured, this temple includes freestanding stone elephants, two meters high, at the corners and religious scenes of revered gods elegantly carved on lintels.

Most travelers will never have the opportunity to see these wondrous sites. But now, 25 fortunate participants can partake in a two-week expedition that will literally change their lives forever.

Noble-Manhattan Coaching, one of Europe’s longest established coach training companies dedicated to transforming lives and helping others achieve their goals presents Noble-Quest.  Founded by Noble-Manhattan CEO Gerard O’Donovan, Noble-Quest is offering this exotic Southeast Asian adventure during October 19th – 31st, 2009. The quest will raise money for a charitable business, The Noble Foundation, committed to helping men and women become self-sufficient through micro-financing, and offers participants an unusual glimpse into the Vietnamese and Cambodian cultures, and the extraordinary opportunity to walk amongst ancient structures and bask in the beauty of these distant lands. Joining the group is Scott Milway, trained by the Deepak Chopra organization in Primordial Sound Meditation and ready to lead daily meditations for the group.

If a stunning destination of natural beauty, rarely seen culture, and ancient artifacts intrigues you, and if the chance to commune with your peers in a deeply spiritual and physically active setting sounds like the perfect way to recharge your batteries.

Please contact http://www.noble-quest.com to reserve your special place for this momentous expedition.

Gerard

Gerard O’ Donovan is the founder of Noble Manhattan coaching Ltd, one of Europe’s longest established coach training companies. He is also CEO of the European Coaching Institute, one of the world wide governing bodies from the profession of coaching. Gerard is one of the most highly sought-after executive coaches in Europe.

Contact Gerard at gerard@noble-manhattan.com. To know more about Gerard coaching expertise, visit http://gerardodonovan.com. Gerard shares his rich coaching experience freely with you, which can be accessed at http://www.coaching-reports.com.

Angor Wat

One of the world’s most beautiful destinations is Angkor Wat, “the Pagoda of the City” in Angkor, Cambodia. Once a funerary monument built by a vast army of slaves, builders and craftsmen who labored to quarry, transport and haul the stone into place and create the numerous statues and carvings adorning almost every inch of the complex, Angkor Wat now stands a surreal testament to a once-superior civilization who enjoyed a palpable appreciation for art.

Understanding Angkor Wat

Formerly a capital city serving more than one million people, Angkor Wat was also a religious center and the main building in the Angkor complex. Built by King Suryavarman II somewhere between 1113 and1150, the sandstone construction of Angkor Wat lasted 37 years, spreading over three levels and surrounded by four protective walls.

Angkor Wat was built to represent the entire universe, with a center tower symbolizing the center of the universe, five towers symbolizing the five peaks of Mount Sumeru, the outer wall representing the end of the world and the surrounding moat representing the surrounding ocean. Originally, the uppermost level of Angkor Wat was a holy place, with access restricted to the high priest and the King.

The Legendary Beauty of Angkor Wat

When one visits Angkor Wat in the morning, the light is luminescent, highlighting the beauty of the bas-reliefs that embellish the structure. In the evening, the towers turn to gold as the brilliant sun slowly sets. Twilight often serves as a backdrop for millions of bats who exit the monument for an evening’s flight, leaving visitors with a spectacular sight that appears at first to be huge columns of smoke rising and dispersing in the wind.

During the Angkor complex’s most glorious period, the Khmer Empire reached its pinnacle as a supreme power in Southeast Asia. Today, one can still feel the might of that nation and quickly comprehend the strengths that combined to build this blazing monument to religious devotion. Although we will never know the names of those who toiled so long, Angkor Wat still stands today to tell the story of the people, customs and culture that once filled this magical place.

Join Noble-Quest in Angkor Wat

If Angkor Wat sounds like one of those rare, stunning wonders you simply must experience for yourself, your chance has come. Through a charitable foundation, twenty-five fortunate men and women have the unusual opportunity to partake in a two-week expedition to Cambodia and Vietnam that holds the potential to change lives.

Noble-Manhattan Coaching, one of Europe’s longest established coach training companies founded by CEO Gerard O’Donovan, presents Noble-Quest. From October 19 to 31, 2008, Noble-Quest will travel with twenty-five adventurous men and women on an exotic Southeast Asian adventure to raise money for the charitable Noble Foundation and to offer participants the extraordinary opportunity to walk amongst ancient structures, bask in the beauty of distant lands and better understand Vietnamese and Cambodian cultures. Joining the group is Scott Milway, trained by the Deepak Chopra organization in Primordial Sound Meditation and ready to lead daily meditations for the group.

If your idea of the perfect vacation includes adventure, fitness, culture and spirituality… the chance to glimpse a stunning destination of natural beauty, unusual culture, and rarely seen ancient artifacts… communing with your peers in a satisfying environment of deep spiritual energy and physical activity… support from experienced world travelers…please visit http://www.noble-quest.com to reserve your special spot for this momentous journey.

Gerard

Gerard O’ Donovan is the founder of Noble Manhattan coaching Ltd, one of Europe’s longest established coach training companies. He is also CEO of the European Coaching Institute, one of the world wide governing bodies from the profession of coaching. Gerard is one of the most highly sought-after executive coaches in Europe.

Contact Gerard at gerard@noble-manhattan.com. To know more about Gerard coaching expertise, visit http://gerardodonovan.com. Gerard shares his rich coaching experience freely with you, which can be accessed at http://www.coaching-reports.com

Noble Quest, a unique life transforming two-week expedition to an exotic part of the world has been scheduled between 16th and 31st October 2009. Announcing this in a company press release, Mr. Gerard O’Donovan the CEO of Noble Manhattan and the man behind the Noble Quest initiative said that the expedition will be a life transforming two-week adventure trip to an exotic part of the world with a little bit of physicality thrown in and a lot of adventure.  The first trip of the Noble Quest will be to the Far East countries of Vietnam and Cambodia. This will be a one of a kind journey which will include a visit to the religious places of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, spending time getting to know the peoples and culture of Vietnam and Cambodia and also an adventurous mountaineering session. The trip will also include a visit to Preah Khan, a huge and interesting monastic complex, Neak Pean, a Himalayan-style lake and sanctuary and East Mebon, a temple-mountain.

Mr. O’Donovan said that the idea of Noble Quest is to transform people’s lives by spirituality, adventure and understanding the social fabric of an unknown land. It will help people to re-discover themselves with the help of a spiritual guru who will be accompanying the team members on the trip. Mr. Scott Milway, one of a small number of trainers from the Deepak Chopra organisation will be teaching all members the full Primordial Sound Medication Course and leading a daily meditation session. The unique 14 day expedition will start from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and team members leave Vietnam for the United Kingdom at the end of day 13.

Mr. O’Donovan said that the uniqueness of the Noble Quest programme is also about charity as much as it about spirituality. Members of the expedition have the option of donating to the charity run by the Noble Foundation. The cost of the expedition excluding flight charges are £1600. However, members are encouraged to raise a figure of £3500. The additional sum will be donated to charitable causes through the Noble Foundation. Mr. O’Donovan in his release said that members have the chance to book their place in this expedition for a sum of £320. Since the number of members for the expedition will be limited to 25, booking in advance will help to confirm the slots. Mr. O’Donovan said that he expects the booking for this expedition to be completed within the next couple of months.

The itinerary will include a climb of the highest mountain in Vietnam, Mount Fan Si Pan. This extraordinary event by a large group will be adequately highlighted.  Members can ask for donations from local businesses and organizations who may be interested to highlight their business or organization atop Mount Fan Si Pan and associate themselves with Noble Quest.   The arduous climb of the mountain and visit to different temples in Angkor in Cambodia, makes this expedition a true combination of spirituality combined with physical challenges.  The sessions by  Scott Milway, visits to the villages of Vietnam and interacting with the local people puts this expedition in a totally different niche. Mr. O’Donovan said that this trip is not complete without its share of celebratory dinner and visiting the ethnic markets in Cambodia and Vietnam.  People who are interested in being a part of this unique expedition can visit the Noble quest website and get all information about the trip. Noble Quest will follow up with many more such expeditions each year. As a leader in life coaching, Noble Manhattan will bring all their experience to make this quest the most memorable journey of a lifetime for all the members.

About Noble Manhattan

Noble Manhattan was formed in 1993, long before most of the Life Coaching schools of today ever existed. It specialises in Personal and Corporate Development, of which Coaching is an important element.

Noble Manhattan has trained over 4,000 coaches and has been awarded the only A+ accreditation issued by the European Coaching Institute (ECI), the original and largest accreditation body for coaches in Europe.

The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) has accredited its Diploma as a Practitioner Coach, Diploma as an Executive Coach, Certificate in Work Place Coaching and Introduction to Coaching Certificate.

The industry-recognised endorsement means students gain the prestigious level seven ILM diploma – the equivalent of a post graduate qualification – on top of their Noble Manhattan diploma and ECI accreditation.

About Gerard O’Donovan

After 9 years in the Royal Marines, Gerard started his business career in financial services. He founded and developed his own company which became the largest privately owned life assurance organisation in the UK.  He found himself working around the clock and ultimately realised that things had to change. After searching through many self improvement disciplines, Gerard found that life coaching worked for him. It was the “hub that held the rest of the disciplines together”.

In 1992 Gerard, from Bantry, County Cork, who has a Masters degree in Psychology, went on to found Noble Manhattan which to date has trained over 4,000 coaches. He has become an acclaimed international, public speaker, trainer and personal developer.
The Princes Youth Business Trust recognized his skills and appointed him to work with young people in starting their own businesses.

He has trained thousands of coaches and has a list of global clients, including directors and presidents of large corporations, benefiting from his corporate coaching. As the owner and CEO of Noble Manhattan, his motto is: “Fortune favours the prepared mind.”

For more information please contact Gerard O’ Donovan at Noble Manhattan – Europe’s leading life and corporate coach training company.

Press Contact:
Noble Manhattan
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Fax +44 (0) 870 312 1917
http://www.noble-manhattan.com/
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Here’s How Mindfulness Can Help

Have you ever sat down to watch TV with a bowl of popcorn on your lap, then suddenly realized twenty minutes later the bowl was empty? Have you ever driven somewhere and arrived safely, only to realize you didn’t really remember the trip?

These kinds of experiences happen to everyone. Today, many of us refer to this mindless activity as “being on autopilot”. Many daily habits can be completed without our full attention. It seems our minds are constantly running ahead to the next activity to be completed, the next phone call, or meeting, or place we need to be.

All of this multi-tasking, however, is taking its toll on our lives. A bit of inattention now and then is not necessarily a bad thing. But sleepwalking through life, always rushing off to the next thing and never truly living “in the moment”, can come at a high cost. Relationships with family, friends, and coworkers eventually suffer. We miss out on the special moments that happen every day. We ignore important messages about our health, our well-being and our life. Our bodies and minds remain in a perpetual state of stress and self-criticism for not being “better, doing “more” and being “more successful.”If multi-tasking is the disease, then mindfulness is the cure. Mindfulness is the practice of paying more attention to ourselves and the world around us; achieving an awareness of what is going on inside our minds and bodies, and outside, at the very moment. We all have the ability to practice mindfulness. It is a simple matter of establishing a new habit of paying attention, not to what you have to do tomorrow or ten minutes from now, but right now, in this minute. Or, as some describe it, to simply be “here” as life unfolds before us.

Once you are able to understand and grasp the spirit of mindfulness, it is the “doing” that helps one to become more informed, responsive and healthier in body, mind and soul. Every minute of every day takes on new meaning, and your ability to embrace life and find much-needed emotional and physical balance becomes effortless. While mindfulness can force us to face painful issues long buried, most people are happy to remove old burdens and embrace the future with a renewed zeal for life after learning how to apply mindfulness in their everyday life.

Of course, achieving this state of relaxed, aware mindfulness takes some practice. And that is exactly what will occur when you accept this special invitation from the U.K’s leading professional coaching company, Noble-Manhattan, LLC. Join founder Gerard O’Donovan and Scott Milway, a highly-respected trainer from the Deepak Chopra organization, on the two-week mindfulness expedition known as Noble Quest. This spiritual journey visits the exotic destinations of Vietnam and Cambodia during October 19th -31, 2009, where a select group of only twenty-five men and women will experience the adventure of a lifetime; a unique, life-transforming expedition incorporating adventure, fitness, and a special kind of spirituality that will reveal the true benefits of living a life of mindfulness.

During your mindfulness adventure, you will learn the full Primordial Sound Meditation Course and join in daily meditations as you spend time with the locals and come to know and understand the peoples and cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia. You will climb the highest mountain in Vietnam and in IndoChina, Mount Fan Si Pan. The group will visit famous destinations, such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and the truly impressive monastic complex, Preah Khan, as well as Neak Pean, a Himalayan-style lake and sanctuary, and East Mebon, a temple-mountain. Simply put, Noble Quest will take you on a journey that will soon become a revelation, and a new reason to celebrate life.

When you’ve completed your journey, you’ll receive full certification and a qualification from the Deepak Chopra Centre. The quest raises money for a charitable business, The Noble Foundation, dedicated to helping men and women become self-sufficient through micro-financing.

If you are ready to stop sleepwalking through your own life and make the kind of commitment that benefits yourself, your loved ones and the entire planet, please visit http://www.noble-quest.com to learn more and reserve your special reservation.

Gerard

Gerard O’ Donovan is the founder of Noble Manhattan coaching Ltd, one of Europe’s longest established coach training companies. He is also CEO of the European Coaching Institute, one of the world wide governing bodies from the profession of coaching. Gerard is one of the most highly sought-after executive coaches in Europe.

Contact Gerard at gerard@noble-manhattan.com. To know more about Gerard coaching expertise, visit http://gerardodonovan.com. Gerard shares his rich coaching experience freely with you, which can be accessed at http://www.coaching-reports.com.

The Noble Journey

Once in a great while, a charitable foundation comes along whose mission is so captivating, the world cannot help but take notice. The Noble Foundation is one such organization. A charitable offshoot of Noble-Manhattan Coaching, one of Europe’s leading coaching organizations, The Noble Foundation is supported by a single mission: helping men and women across the globe to become self-sufficient through micro-financing.

Noble Manhattan Coaching

Founded by CEO Gerard O’Donovan in 1992, Noble-Manhattan Coaching’s mission is to assist people in identifying their hidden resources and full potential, equipping clients with the knowledge and skills to accomplish personal and professional goals and live a more meaningful life. Of course, in 1992, life coaching and executive coaching were virtually unheard of, making O’Donovan a forward thinker. Today, coaching is a billion dollar industry well-recognized for its abilities to improve corporate bottom lines and impact lives. So it is no surprise that O’Donovan’s creativity and love for people would lead to founding a charitable organization.

The Noble Foundation

However, O’Donovan was not content to stop there. Charitable organizations require funding and, true to his belief that those who give must also get, O’Donovan conceived of a delicious opportunity for twenty-five men and women to participate in funding The Noble Foundation while enjoying an incredibly life-changing journey. The result is Noble Quest.

Noble Quest

Noble Quest is a two-week expedition to exotic Vietnam and Cambodia, taking place during October 19-31, 2009 and led by O’Donovan and Scott Milway, a respected trainer from the Deepak Chopra organization who will lead the group in daily meditation based on Primordial Sound Meditation. Noble Quest is truly the adventure of a lifetime, combining the best of physicality, adventure and spiritual enlightenment in a small-group environment that affords the opportunity to enjoy a stellar journey while contributing to the charitable mission of The Noble Foundation.

Destinations within these two countries include such thrilling locations as Fan Si Pan, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Preah Khan, Neak Pean and East Mebon, all spectacular ancient attractions, and each with its own unique magic and meaning.

To learn more or make your reservation, please visit http://www.noble-quest.com.

Gerard

Gerard O’ Donovan is the founder of Noble Manhattan coaching Ltd, one of Europe’s longest established coach training companies. He is also CEO of the European Coaching Institute, one of the world wide governing bodies from the profession of coaching. Gerard is one of the most highly sought-after executive coaches in Europe.

Contact Gerard at gerard@noble-manhattan.com. To know more about Gerard coaching expertise, visit http://gerardodonovan.com. Gerard shares his rich coaching experience freely with you, which can be accessed at http://www.coaching-reports.com.