Foundation Four Discussion (WI/SP 2018)

[Brian Crosby]

When you think about coaching and/or guiding others, who comes to mind? What is the population that most excites you, and why? How do you imagine working with them? Take time to consider all that you’ve learned during these Foundation Modules and express how you might work with your ideal client. What would be the common categories of goals that you foresee them working towards?

The answer to this question has shifted nearly 180 degrees from when I started this program. Because of this shift, some challenges have shown up. The largest of these is how do I use what we are learning at EBI to fit that mold? I know what we learn at EBI is transferable to any scenario in life. It is just a matter of figuring out what that looks like for me.
I originally wanted to work with young men as they transition into adult life. As the foundation intensive moved along, images of children began to rise. Over time these foggy images of children in nature became a crystal clear snapshot of small children curiously experiencing the natural world through inquisition and excitement. This solidified when my wife and I watched a 1.5 and 2.5 year old last week. We took these boys into the woods near our house. In an hour we walked maybe ¼ mile. Not because they move slow, but because they stopped at nearly every bush, bug and pinecone to investigate. One of the boys kept looking up at the moon in the evening sky saying “hello moon” or “bye bye moon”. It is so incredible to watch these children explore and learn in such an instinctual and self directed way.
As I really sift through more specifically what group of children I would want to work with most I think about how can I help facilitate the extension of the experiences these two boys had last week beyond 2.5 years old. It seems clear in my mind, at this point, that modern pre-school/elementary school is a large contributing factor to the start of the disconnection from nature process. Small children sitting in a desk for 6-8 hours seems to go against what children need. I am not saying education isn’t valuable, because I think it is absolutely vital. This type of school is an inevitability for most children. So, my vision seems to be drawing me toward working with kids 3-5 years old. My role here is to extend that natural inquisition for just a few more years before technology, public schools, and a higher level of distraction and expectation are forced upon them. Through specific programming (unknown at this point) I hope to create opportunities for play and learning through connecting with the natural world. I can utilize the format we use when working with coaching clients to facilitate this experience for the children. The ‘Severance’ can be looked at as the setup for the activity or game. Rules, boundaries and intentions. The ‘Threshold’ is the game or activity itself. Let’s go experience this. The ‘Incorporation’ is the coming back together to discuss the experience and to talk about how the kids can do this type of activity at home. The 50/50 plan will be an integral part of this. I want these programs to have context, intention, and opportunities for learning as well as freedom for their imagination to guide them to discoveries and inquiry.
There is another piece to this puzzle. Watching children play and interact with nature inspires me. I hope to get back to that place of curiosity in my own interactions with nature. Young children are one of the best examples of basic nature connection and a group of people all adults could learn from. With guidance my hope is that the children I work with will carry this connection to their families and their friends in the school systems. I hope that they desire to connect with the natural world more than they desire the technological one. A feat not easily reached in this day and age.
The goals I see these kids working toward may seem a bit more basic than an adult coaching client, yet equally as important on a foundational level. Which is what kids are doing…setting a foundation for their future. A few of these goals include, curiosity, inquisition, understanding, connection, comfort in nature, excitement, and of course…FUN!!!

How would you like to collaborate with nature to support their awareness and success?

With every program, activity, and game the kids will be out in nature. Weather will not be a deterrent. There are lessons to be learn and there is fun to be had in all types of good and inclement weather. In the same way Michael had us outside doing many activities at our face to face. Nature will be collaborated with throughout the child’s time. They will be immersed in it and this will naturally support their awareness and success.

Also, search the web and share with us a few examples of individuals or organizations who work with similar populations. Add to your post, a comparative critique of these organizations based on what you know about Nature-Connected Coaching.

There is an organization here in Corvallis called Coyle Outdoors. This program specializes in teaching survival and primitive skills to kids age 5-15. Every program is done either outside or in a teepee. His pitch is that our culture has become so sanitized (physically, emotionally, and mentally) that kids have lost touch with what is ‘real’. The first line of his website description literally says, “Here at Coyle Outdoors, safety does not come first.” Whoa…bold statement. To a degree I get what he is saying, yet for me, the child’s safety is always the most important. I really like his down and dirty approach to being down in the dirt teaching kids how to work with the land to ‘create’. I think the big comparison to NCC is the underlying ‘trust in nature’ to reveal and teach. The context is different, but the meaning is the same. This program has a very hands on approach to connecting with nature as opposed to a ‘heady’ one.

The other program that I have chosen to look at is one called Trackers Portland. They have programs for Adults and Children. I will focus on the children here. Here are a few quotes from their website…”At Trackers we are champions of land and village. We are navigators of an epic world that needs to exist. We are a community where we remember the celebration of hearth, family, respect for the land and a timeless human story.” and “Our purpose is to create a village of connection to the land, accountability, common sense, and limitless enthusiasm.” These two quotes land for me. These guys do camps, preschool, primitive skills, rewilding skills, and other nature connection practices. It seems by reading through their programs it is more a skills based nature connection. Except for their forest school. This is what I am talking about!!! Learning through structured and unstructured time in nature. This parallels the 50/50 plan we learn at EBI. It teaches trust in nature and collaborating with it to find what one is seeking.

I know I took some liberties with this discussion post. I am trying to figure out how to link this amazing EBI experience with what I see as a future in working with children in nature. I know some of my answers didn’t fully answer each question, however, this assignment has helped me dive into how EBI and working with kids are linked. Thanks for your openness with my post.

[David Raffelock]

Brian,

I got choked up when you described the magic of curiosity on your walk with those young boys. Establishing a deep connection to nature at such a young age sounds so impactful to the world as a whole. I also love how the deep connection and inquisition into your own vision generated such a distinct shift into a completely different population to work with. I wonder if the Wilderness Awareness School has crossed your mind as a place to gain more insight and experience. I’m assuming you’re not too far from it.

As you spoke to young children carrying connection back to their families, the documentary INNSÆI came to mind. Thought you might like it.

Really happy to hear how your vision is becoming more refined!

[Kaity Holsapple]

Brian, how sweet to hear you experience walking through the woods with the two little boys! It’s beautiful that you are narrowing in on who you really want to be connecting and working with. I think your vision in working with children will continue to grow and become clearer – from what you’ve shared, it seems like this is really where your heart is!

[Hannah Grajko]

Brian, it’s really beautiful to see how your vision is unfolding in an organic and, in a sense, unexpected way! Like others have mentioned, it really feels like this realization and the faith you’re putting in it is a perfect example of you relinquishing control to becoming a vessel for divine providence. Way to surrender to the forces that are pulling you toward an area you may best be able to serve 🙂

The following quote kind of sums up how I see you expressing the image of your vision: “[kids are]…setting a foundation for their future. A few of these goals include, curiosity, inquisition, understanding, connection, comfort in nature, excitement, and of course…FUN!!!”. I totally agree with you that laying the bricks for the foundation of nature connection is of the utmost importance at this moment in history. I appreciate you heeding that call, and I can totally see you doing amazing work in this area!

[Kent-Singing Panther]

Brian, I think you’ve known your vision for some time but have now come to realize it! Your stories/experiences all seem to point in the direction your heading and I have no doubt of your ability to find the way to work with the really young kids and their parents. That in and of itself sounds like a very unique opportunity to give to your community. The clarity will keep coming!

[Z Baker]

Brian,

I have to say that seeing you step into your vision has been inspiring to witness. I’m a firm believer that as we step into our vision the Universe, Creator, God, whatever you may acknowledge, rises to meet us where we are. To assist us in fulfilling our deepest souls desire. This includes presenting us with opportunities and clients to assist in the healing of community. I’m excited to see where you go with this. -Z

[Rachel Thor]

Brian

I love seeing how passionate about children in nature you clearly are! it comes from the heart and soul. I so appreciate the reminder of working with humans even from that young age, and especially from that young age. teaching from the start, rather than just working with adults who have to “unlearn”. Have you gotten a chance to use any Coyote guide activities yet in your experiences? How have the job apps been going?
I just started working with kiddos at Avid for Adventure (including Michael’s son Grayson) teaching outdoor adventure sports, and I try to slip in nature awareness and mindfulness whenever I can. Best to your journey!

[Mandy Bishop]

Brian, to me it feels like your post answered exactly what was being asked. It seems you are becoming more and more clear about what is calling you and, like our mentors say, I’m sure the vision will keep evolving as time goes on. But, I can sense the excitement in your writing about how to incorporate what we are learning into working with children. The two seem incredibly intertwined and important to me. This quote really stood out:
“Watching children play and interact with nature inspires me. I hope to get back to that place of curiosity in my own interactions with nature. Young children are one of the best examples of basic nature connection and a group of people all adults could learn from. With guidance my hope is that the children I work with will carry this connection to their families and their friends in the school systems. I hope that they desire to connect with the natural world more than they desire the technological one. A feat not easily reached in this day and age.”
I can’t imagine anything more noble than this. I’m excited to see how this continues to unfold for you!

[Kaity Holsapple]

As a pre-emptive to my answers below, I’d like to share that I still feel fairly uncertain about who my ideal client is. There are a few services I am looking to offer in conjunction with one another (yoga therapy merged with NCC, yoga retreats, and workshops), and I’m not sure if my ideal client is the same for each of these offerings. I feel a bit confused on whether the ideal client is the same for each of these, or is different. Any advice or input on this is much appreciated!

When you think about coaching and/or guiding others, who comes to mind? What is the population that most excites you, and why? How do you imagine working with them? Take time to consider all that you’ve learned during these Foundation Modules and express how you might work with your ideal client. What would be the common categories of goals that you foresee them working towards?

When I think about coaching others (in conjunction with Yoga Therapy), I immediately think of one of my current students. She is in her late 40’s, an empty nester, and loves loves loves learning about yoga and her body. I think she excites me so much, because she is excited herself! She is enthusiastic, ready and open to learn, and committed to integrating yoga practices into her life. She also comes to class with a lot of questions. When I’ve worked with her in the past, we’ve worked on some physical limitations (like kyphosis and shoulder pain), as well as how stress and lifestyle impact the body. I imagine working more with her through yoga and coaching for her goals for physical pain relief, emotional wellness, getting to know who she is now that her children have left the house, and learning how to redirect care for others towards self-care.

How would you like to collaborate with nature to support their awareness and success?
This is a great question, as a lot of our work together has been inside a yoga studio rather than in nature. Can nature collaborate if we are in an artificial setting? I’m not sure, but I do my best to integrate awareness, reflective listening, and sacred questioning. Actually going outside feels huge in terms of connecting to nature, wildlife, symbolism, and meaning-making.

The integration of nature into Yoga Therapy feels like a huge refinement in my vision. I’m not quite sure how to build a bridge between NCC and Yoga Therapy, but the two fields feel complimentary and I really want to connect them!

This leads me to another question I have for myself and the group: I am considering bringing my work into a more “online” type of setting, where I would be skyping in with clients who are further away and working in person with clients who are closer. How do we integrate nature into a skype session? Does it still work, or does that take some of the potency away from NCC? This feels even similar to me in doing NCC work inside a Yoga Studio rather than in nature – I’m not sure if it feels cohesive or how I can make it work.

This isn’t a very intellectual post, but has helped me a LOT to somewhat “stream of consciousness” journal to you all! As you can see, I have more questions than answers. Especially after our call today, I’ve felt like I have so many questions on what it is that I want to do with NCC+Yoga Therapy, who I want to offer it to, and HOW I’m going to make it happy. I am sitting in the unknown while my vision comes into place, trying to bring it together piece by piece.

As I mentioned on the call I’ve been quite busy preparing for this retreat in Costa Rica. I will probably not be able to check the forum again for the next 10-days or so, but I will be back 🙂

[Mandy Bishop]

Kaity, I’ve had a similar question around how to integrate nature into a Skype session especially when it can be so potent in real life. I’m not sure the answer to this yet. I’m trying to do a couple Zoom practice client sessions to test it out and see what I find. So far, it is affirming the concept that we ourselves are nature and that nature is not just out of doors but is everywhere and that a threshold can happen in any setting. That being said, the threshold experiences I’ve had outside in person with a coach have felt much more potent, so I’m curious as well of ways we can incorporate that into online.

[Brian Crosby]

Kaity…it is exciting to see asking the questions around how you can connect NCC with Nature. It sounds as if this is of great importance to you. Maybe your upcoming retreat to Costa Rica will present some ideas or even opportunities to explore and experiment with this. Yoga on the Beach? Or in the Rainforest? I am looking forward to seeing where this goes for you. It reminds me of an experience I had in Vilcabamba, Ecuador last year. Yoga outside on the edge of a rainforest and at the base of a stunning mountain. It poured on us the last 10 minutes of one of the classes. The point I am trying to make is, that as the student in this experience I never felt more connected in a yoga practice than I did at these ones. Feeling the breeze and raindrops on my skin as I connected with breath was powerful. Safe travels down South.

[Hannah Grajko]

Kaity, I really appreciate all the questions you’re bringing up here, and I totally resonate on the confusion. I also want to say that I think its important for us at this stage to be open and transparent in our confusion at this stage in the game, and not be afraid to ask the hard questions; its nice for me to see you doing just that, because I feel like it opens me up a bit more to do it as well. I like your following quote for that reason: “I am sitting in the unknown while my vision comes into place, trying to bring it together piece by piece”. This really feels to me that you are getting comfortable in the place of mystery (no easy task!), and it shouts of a wisdom and patience in you.

Also, I think that your blending of NCC and yoga therapy makes a hell of a lot of sense. I think once the puzzle pieces come together more for you, that plan will be wildly successful <3

[Kent-Singing Panther]

Kaity, I know whatever comes together for you will be amazing. Blending your passion for yoga, helping others and NCC is/will be restorative and transformative! Thank you for your honesty in working out your thoughts and vision.

[Rachel Thor]

Kaity,

I always appreciate your perspective as a yoga therapist because while I teach yoga I seem to somehow always forget about it as a tool. I focus more on embodiment and energy in general and sometimes yoga seems to be the form. I’d love to hear if you get a chance to incorporate some NCC skills or principles with that woman you described, whether in a yoga class or offering her a session. What does she love about both?

[Mandy Bishop]

The answer to this question is still very much evolving for me. In general, I want to work with soul seekers; those wanting to be honest, present and truly look at themselves; those who may have lost their way, their voice, or their direction; and those who are committed to growth and self-discovery. Having named that, there are several populations that stand out to me as populations I feel a little more drawn to working with at this time.

What is the population that most excites you, and why?

I’m interested in coaching to help others discover their capacity for creativity. This population would be people who already identify as artists or creatives, and also those who don’t but who are beginning to feel a calling to create in some way. I can imagine coaching them along their expressive journey, to grow within their craft and develop further into their authentic expression. There are two kinds of ideal clients in this group. First, there are those who consider themselves to be creatives such as visual artists, musicians, writers, performers, dancers, actors, etc. that are stalled out in their growth or hitting some sort of block in their inspiration and expression. They are seeking greater contact with their vision, their authentic voice and the artistic flow. These are people seeking to continue to develop their spiritual and artistic capacity as co-creators on this planet bringing forth inspired creations, allowing themselves to be bridges between spirit and earth, and allowing these bodies to make and create as offerings that arise out of a conversation between what is without and what is within — spirit and soul — to bring a unique and inspired expression into this world as an offering to this beautiful and precious life. There are also those who are feeling a calling towards creative expression but who have no experience with it and probably doubt in their ability to create. This is very fertile ground to tap into a deep well of creativity and unleash the artistic voice that lives inside. These are people who are not yet aware of their capacity and who will be on a journey of self discovery and deep listening which will affect every other part of their lives and their decision making, as the place where true creative expression lives is in the same seat as the soul. These are people who may use creativity to deal with strong emotions, trauma, big decisions, grief, etc. I’m super excited about working with this population because I have gone through extreme ups and downs along my own creative journey and have sort of coached myself along my path. I have come to a place now where I truly feel we are hollow bones (or we have the capacity to be if we can get ourselves out of our own way) that are able to allow creative inspiration/spirit to flow through us and manifest in creations of some sort in the world. We all have this capacity and for me there is such a feeling of deep purpose in participating in this co-creation. It is our human nature to create and to make, and it is our birthright to collaborate with nature and spirit in this beautiful process. When I hear people exclaim that they aren’t creative at all or have zero artistic capacity it saddens me tremendously. I want to work to break down those false notions, to help open up awareness to the creative instinct that every human is born with, and to help people grow in their capacity to open to the flow in order to bring their own unique creativity into the world. The world, in every direction — all that lies behind and below and all that lives above and ahead — all seven generations, needs the creative gifts of every one of our unique voices.

In addition to this population, I’m interested in working with those people who are beginning to sense that there is a reason they are here in this life. These are people that are just beginning to remember the Dreamtime that they came from, who have heard the distant whisper of their ancestors reminding them of the vision they had when they came in. These may be people living a prescribed life, doing what they think they should be doing to achieve status or success or just stability, but that have a subtle knowing that they chose this life and had a vision and a purpose that they are not quite living. They want to live more on purpose and be more intentional about the choices they make. They are people who are beginning to question the external authorities they’ve been listening to that have led to their current place in life, and they sense that they have gifts to bring forth but they don’t quite know what they are yet. They want to get more in touch with their own wisdom, knowing, inner truths, and soul gifts, and are interested in making changes to begin living on purpose, to heed their own original instructions, and to bring their unique medicine into form. These are people that may be facing a big decision, want to make a change in their life, or are going through an initiation or a rite of passage and are faced with the dying of old ways and looking for clarity and direction to step into the new. I want to work with this population because I think there is a great need for support in going against the grain of a prescribed life, or of what many of us have grown up thinking we should do or how we should live. The hour is late, and to me it feels critical at this time that we all get real honest with ourselves, connect to our soul wisdom and awaken our own internal authority, and touch that place of remembrance to connect to the ancient thread of why we chose this life. We are here to bring our unique medicine and gifts into the world and the world needs it more than ever. And I think this can be a scary and difficult thing to do that many people could use support, guidance and encouragement around.

How do you imagine working with them? How would you like to collaborate with nature to support their awareness and success?

With both of these populations, I imagine there would be some overlapping themes of self-doubt, fear, shame, judgment, lack of trust, trying to control, having a lot of mind chatter, and above all not being able to hear the voice of the soul. I would like to work with both populations in an outdoor setting doing grounding exercises, body scans and sensory awareness exercises like the Seven Stairs and Breaths to increase their awareness of themselves and what is clogging the highway of internal knowing. I think there are a ton of opportunities to explore and practice detaching from the mind and the “shoulds” and listening to the soul. I could see utilizing Medicine Walks, creating art in nature, and having any number of unique threshold experiences in nature to increase this capacity to hear oneself. I can imagine that some parts work might become important as well.

With regard to coaching the growth of creative expression, I also see this happening outside and would like to experiment with different ways of experiencing flow, of following instinct and gut knowing (like the Medicine Walk, or finding tracks), and with finding the inner child who is not afraid of total expression and is not trying to achieve anything. Play could be great for this.

With the population that may be facing a big decision, change, or rite of passage, all of the above applies. And I think creating a strong sense of ceremony would be incredibly important. It also seems it would be important to give a lot of attention to the support and belonging that nature gives us, as times of change can be so unsettling. This may be done with encouraging a sit spot, a morning ritual, or by noticing how nature comes to meet us with support in our wanderings.

Also, search the web and share with us a few examples of individuals or organizations who work with similar populations. Add to your post, a comparative critique of these organizations based on what you know about Nature-Connected Coaching.

There are a couple people who are working as mentors or coaches with individuals and in small groups that I resonate with. Specifically around the coaching creatives piece, there is Kaitlin June who mentors people with the voice to work through whatever is stopping them from fully expressing. She works with individuals in an outdoor setting, connecting with nature first and working with the body somatically to find safety before going into voice work. Her work addresses the deeper emotional issues that are at the root of a constricted voice.

Relating more to helping guide others to their particular soul gifts and medicine, there are a couple people coaching and guiding individuals and holding small workshops or gatherings. There is Hannah Jermstad who does one on one council, archetypal astrology readings and has a 7 month course on hearing your soul’s calling. There is also Kedar Brown who does rite of passage work, retreats, individual council, West African divination readings and storytelling; and there is Christiane Pelmas who works with individuals and couples to guide them through major transitions and coming more fully into their power and authentic gifts.

I’m also really drawn to the work of Anna Swisher. She does individual mentoring and group mentoring, pursues her own writing and creative expression, and partners with other professionals to do larger programs like wilderness quests and earth dance programs for women.

From what I can tell from the internet, it seems to me these are people who are connecting with nature in similar ways to NCC and are looking for the deeper needs and deep knowing of each individual’s soul gifts. So far, I am very interested in working with individuals and small groups, putting together workshops and partnering with other professionals to do larger quests and intensives, and also continuing to develop and express my own art.

[Brian Crosby]

Something I noticed is how the people you describe being drawn to seem to be similar to what you are trying to connect with yourself. For example, you posted in an earlier discussion about dance and how it fits into your work and life in general. And you are clearly on a soul journey by doing this EBI experience. Your future clients will be lucky to work with someone who has worked on and through what they may be. It totally makes sense to me to work with people that are going through similar experiences as we are or have in the past. Thought the parallels were interesting. And it certainly souds like you are narrowing down the field of ideal clients.

[Daniel Brisbon]

Mandy, I love the creativity and thinking outside the box with these questions! I look forward to digging into this more with you down the road and seeing what comes to light! My only two cents would be, as you explore this area more and more, to see if what commonalities these different ideal clients that you described are looking for? What trends or patterns, if any, do they all share? This might bring answers and it might not, but it could bring up some amazing discoveries as to your ideal client and their true deeper need.

[Hannah Grajko]

Mandy, I felt such a genuineness from your post that you’ve occupied these painful states of a lack of flow and soul connection with your artistic expression in the past, and that you are ready and able to help others move through the same sludge within themselves to get back to state of being able to “bring a unique and inspired expression into this world as an offering to this beautiful and precious life”. I find it so beautiful that your coaching vision seems to center around this incredible theme of the importance of bridging the gap between spirit and Earth in a way that is of giving and service.

In the section where you talk about how you would use the skills you have/the ones were learning to guide these populations, I felt such an assuredness with the many ways you could approach sessions. This clarity and organization really struck me in the following paragraph, “I would like to work with both populations in an outdoor setting doing grounding exercises, body scans and sensory awareness exercises like the Seven Stairs and Breaths to increase their awareness of themselves and what is clogging the highway of internal knowing. I think there are a ton of opportunities to explore and practice detaching from the mind and the “shoulds” and listening to the soul. I could see utilizing Medicine Walks, creating art in nature, and having any number of unique threshold experiences in nature to increase this capacity to hear oneself. I can imagine that some parts work might become important as well”. Just from the brief period where you and I worked on the grounding exercise in our practice session, I truly feel that you have a very real power to help people reconnect in this way; it’s palpable and transformative. I’m so excited to see what you do with these practices <3

[Kent-Singing Panther]

Mandy, I felt genuine excitement in my body reading your post! Not only for you but for me too! I relate so much with what you expressed and I appreciate the detail you shared and the other folks doing similar work. The creative expression coaching is also something I think I will be working with others on in teh future, but for now it’s still something I’m working on personally. Hey, maybe you can coach me 🙂

[David Raffelock]

At the stage I’m in now, my vision is broad and still being refined. When I envision the work I’m meant to do, I see two primary populations I’d like to work with. The first is youth transitioning into young adulthood, and the second is younger adults (perhaps early twenties to mid thirties) who never intentionally transitioned into adulthood are struggle to navigate it. The theme that ties these two together is rite of passage ceremony and the unearthing of one’s soul and gifts.

For many reasons, our culture has lost our way to the soul. There is no real rite of passage, no community support for navigating adulthood, and no intentional and meaningful event which marks a community acknowledged transition into adulthood. In the culture I grew up in, I had a few events acknowledging my adulthood: getting my drivers license, graduating high school, turning 18, and finally turning 21. While those transitions led to some significant changes in what society allowed me to do, none of them benchmarked a deeper knowing of who I am and my place in the world. I had to take matters into my own hands and take a two month wander through Europe and Morocco to experience my own life-changing rite of passage as an 18-year-old.

The work I want to do is informed by this need in our world for young people – the seeds of our future – to be connected to themselves, each other, and the planet. I see myself working with clients through 1-on-1 coaching, with goals relating to responsible, authentic, and connected living, harnessing deep respect and connection with Soul, Nature, and relationships. 1-on-1 coaching is not the only work I want to do, however. I would also like to work as more of a nature-connection consultant, teaching individuals and organizations how to deeply listen to Nature, themselves, and others. Finally, I want to guide transformational wilderness trips and rite of passage ceremonies for both youth and adults.

In all of these forms of working with clients, I hope to bring in foundational awareness exercises, such as those we learned at the foundations intensive. During my first session with a practice client last month I guided her through a sensory awareness exercise that involved all of the senses. After it, she commented on how she’s never brought awareness to all of her senses at the same time, and how powerful the presence felt being engaged with nature through all of her senses. These awareness exercises can bring a level of awareness and presence to a clients life that alone can change the rest of their life.

As far as similar work being done by individuals or organizations, there wasn’t much on the web. One that caught my attention was Rite of Passage Journeys, an organization that offers rite of passage trips for youth, young adults, and adults of all ages. All of the programs emphasize community building and support, and support around the realization of one’s gifts and purpose. This organization seems almost entirely aligned with my vision. However, while watching a promotional video for a youth coming of age trip, one thing stood out as something I want to avoid in my own practice. There was one scene with a group of youth who just returned from their three week coming of age trip. In their performance for their parents, they performed a song that sounded undoubtedly Native American. I don’t know enough about the song or how/why they sang it, but I worry about cultural appropriation in settings like these where ceremonies are influenced by indigenous cultures. Obviously the acts of fasting alone in the forest, taking a trip with others, and sweating in a lodge are universal to all humans, there can be a fine line to walk when using language and song that does not belong to those who use it. So the potential for cultural appropriation is my only caveat here, and something I wish to explore and navigate further as I guide ceremonies and trips.

[Daniel Brisbon]

Really enjoyed reading this David! One thing you touched on, as well as some of the other posts on here, is that you are not only exploring your “ideal client” but also what the “ideal deeper need” is that you want to focus on. Diving into what deeper need that you are feeling called to will shed light on who your ideal clients are out there in the world. The more you focus on each of these areas the clearer you can see the “overall vision” or “north star” that you are taking steps daily toward. Great work!

[Mandy Bishop]

Brian,

It’s so awesome to read your post and hear how you’re honing in more and more on the specifics of your vision. It has been amazing to watch this unfold for you and I’m excited to continue to see where it leads. I totally hear you on the cultural appropriation piece and it is something that feels really tricky with this kind of work, because we do draw a lot of the practices from indigenous peoples. However, in my mind this does include vision quest and sweating in a lodge. This is such a complex topic because part of where our society has fallen short or has become a little lost is that we have lost touch with these practices that all indigenous peoples have held onto. These practices and ways of being have deep truth and wisdom in them. I may be wrong or overgeneralizing, but I feel like we need rites of passage, we need ceremony, we need reflection and communion with nature — I think these are universal needs of human beings. I feel we are at a place now where we need to acknowledge, honor, and thank those that have held onto and protected these ways and figure out how to participate in a way that is allowing the practice to call us rather than us force our will with it as a gimmick or as something unique that we offer. And this is so so tricky because where does one participate in a tradition and when does it become appropriation? Where is the line? And where are we in terms of helping carry on the ways? Who are we in the lineage of the seven generations? Ahhh, I have so many questions alive in me about this!

[David Raffelock]

Mandy, I love your reflection and questioning. This sentence really lands for me:

“I feel we are at a place now where we need to acknowledge, honor, and thank those that have held onto and protected these ways and figure out how to participate in a way that is allowing the practice to call us rather than us force our will with it as a gimmick or as something unique that we offer.”

I think that articulates a lot of what I’ve been juggling in my own internal dialogue around the subject. Your response also got me thinking about the state of the world in terms of technology and communication. Globalization and technological advancement have eliminated a lot of culture and I wonder what would happen to these more connected ways of being if people who don’t belong to them didn’t participate in them and continue them. So many things to think about!

[Mandy Bishop]

Sorry sorry! I meant to say DAVID, not Brian

[Kent-Singing Panther]

David, I really value your vision of helping others enter through their own rites of passage. That is definitely something I wish I had when I was younger. For someone (especially a younger person) to work with someone like you in this regard is truly life changing. And your gentle, yet strong presence, humor and heart are traits that are, and will be, attractive to those who need and desire the vision you have.

[David Raffelock]

Thanks, Kent 🙂

[Z Baker]

David,

Thank you for this post. Much of it resonates with my vision and the clients I work with. Your comment and insights….”The work I want to do is informed by this need in our world for young people – the seeds of our future – to be connected to themselves, each other, and the planet. I see myself working with clients through 1-on-1 coaching, with goals relating to responsible, authentic, and connected living, harnessing deep respect and connection with Soul, Nature, and relationships” Ring true to me. We NEED these rites of passage as a people to assist us in maturing and growing into members of society which contribute. Thank you! -Z

[Brian Crosby]

Wow David…It seems you have a solid grasp on the big picture of where you want to go with your training and career. It will be interesting to see where you take it all. I think there is a problem with the way our culture interacts with (or lack there of) our young. It is wonderful to hear your desire to ‘turn the tide’ so to speak. I am certain those you work with in the future will benefit greatly. A couple of organizations I thought of that may be of interest…New Moon Rites of Passage, Circle of Air & Stone, Animas Valley Institute, Wild Sacredness, School of Lost Borders, and Cascadia Quest.

[David Raffelock]

Thanks, Brian! School of Lost Borders is the only one I’m familiar with. Can’t wait to check out the rest!

[Hannah Grajko]

I want to start off by saying that I am so grateful for these questions to be coming up at this time; it feels really appropriate to where I am in the process right now, and seemingly where much of the cohort is in their individual processes! It also feels so good to be able to hash this out with one another, even given that many of us don’t have super solid images of what our ideal client looks like.

-When you think about coaching and/or guiding others, who comes to mind? What is the population that most excites you, and why?

When I think about guiding others, what comes to mind is mainly working with people on issues and time periods of life that I’ve been through, and the struggles and questions that accompany them. I don’t know entirely what this looks like yet, but as I said on the call, I’m imagining working with perhaps mainly women (but would definitely not be opposed to working with men) who are going through the transitional phase of coming into their own purposes. From my own life, and what I observe in the lives of many other people, this distancing from identifying with what the “tribe” tells you is the way to live, toward the direction of individual purpose-driven decision making comes in early 20’s as one is perhaps about to graduate college, start a new career, or begin establishing one’s future legacy. This time is often fraught with confusion, indecision, and listlessness. I’m currently drawn to working with women because I have been through times where I don’t trust my own voice as a woman, and felt pressure to rely on the voices of others around me as my identifiers. Obviously, this happens to men in our culture as well, but I see a particular trend of women giving up their power for many different reasons pretty regularly.

Although this is also happening to all generations, I see millennials coming into the age of leadership differently than other generations have. Generally speaking, we have such a passion to change paradigms that have ruled society and the planet for a long time, but concurrently, a lack of direction and tools to make our visions a reality (new paradigms probably means new and different tools). We have more information and resources available to us than any other generations before, but have higher anxiety and depression rates than any generation before us (and I could argue that the former may have a major part in causing the latter). We have seemingly created a negative feedback loop – with the help of technology – where the disconnection from our souls and purpose is pushed farther back into the corners of our psyche by frivolous distractions of surface level importance. Recent research shows that millennial women are more at risk than anyone else to suffer from anxiety and depression, and my heart aches knowing that these women are being driven away from their power, purpose and peace by these tragic conditions. However, I have endless hope for the strength and perseverance of women in this generation (and all generations), and I feel totally driven to helping them step into their true soul’s purpose in any way I can.

-How do you imagine working with them? What would be the common categories of goals that you foresee them working towards? How would you like to collaborate with nature to support their awareness and success?

I imagine working with millennial women, mostly one-on-one, in a way that places emphasis and importance on the awareness-based exercises we’ve been learning at EBI (and hopefully many more in addition). I see a lot of the issues around painful relationship dynamics and lack of fulfilling purpose in work life come from a fundamental disconnection from what is true and right for us as individuals. I want to work with women to reconnect with those deep places of wisdom within them in order to learn how to better navigate these potential pitfalls and move toward health and responsibility. Getting cozied up to the icky crap that comes out in our romantic relationships, friendships, and ponderings about how we can possibly change the world for the better are the perfectly learning opportunities for where I want to help women grow (as well as where I want myself to grow, too!); if these areas weren’t sprinkled with pain and difficulty, it probably would mean that there aren’t significant gems of wisdom held there, just under the surface. I want to work with women to face these difficulties in a way that recognizes that they are there for a reason, and they should be delved into and not shied away from. In this interest, I want to create a safe container for women to come to that motivated and proactive place, and then help them create strategies for change.

In terms of concrete practices, I don’t know entirely what that will look like yet. I know, however, that I want my approach to have a significant emphasis on meditation practices in nature. I’m imagining medicine walks to be an integral part of the work. In possible group settings, I’m imagining women’s circle retreats out in the wild – women connecting to their inner wilds out in the woods! I see some potential for mother-daughter connection-building retreats/seminars in that same vein as well. From what I’ve seen other coaches out there doing, there seems to be a lot of options for millennials, young women, and nature coaching, but not a lot of the blending of the three. Susie built a business that is very much along the lines of what I’m envisioning (and is working out of Colorado, too!). She and the women that work for the Women’s Empowerment Workshop all seem like total badasses, and I’d love to base some of where my vision is moving toward their framework. They offer a LOT of different guiding and coaching options, which I don’t think I would be able to work toward entirely for a very long time. The only difference I see is that they seem to be working with women of all ages, and I’m pretty interested in working with millennial women mainly, at least at first. Another woman whose work struck me was Jess’. She totally has the empowerment strategy I desire for millennial female clients. She has a rocking website, lots of praise and notoriety, and seems to really have her whole package organized really well. She isn’t doing anything in regards to nature connection, though. I would love to incorporate her business savvy with some serious nature connecting resources and strategies. Overall, I feel like my vision of the ideal client is uber specific, but like Michael said, I think that is going to be really helpful at this stage.

[Daniel Brisbon]

Hannah this post got me super fired up! Reading your insights into where you are feeling the pull in coaching and your ideal client was very inspiring. The fact that you, and some of your other classmates, are aware of people doing what you are pursuing can really help in turning the vision of coaching into something real and tangible in the mind and not just a blurry idea. I look forward to hearing more about this as you dive into your unique version of coaching in the real world.

[Mandy Bishop]

Hannah,

I hear a lot of empowerment and strength in YOU as you write about this topic, particularly in this statement: “Recent research shows that millennial women are more at risk than anyone else to suffer from anxiety and depression, and my heart aches knowing that these women are being driven away from their power, purpose and peace by these tragic conditions. However, I have endless hope for the strength and perseverance of women in this generation (and all generations), and I feel totally driven to helping them step into their true soul’s purpose in any way I can.”

I can’t help but notice a trend that we all seem to be drawn to coaching in areas that we have had real intimate experience with ourselves. I can totally imagine that your strength and hope informed by your own journey of learning to trust and step into your own power will be very potent for those that you end up working with. I’m excited to see how this continues to unfold for you.

[Kent-Singing Panther]

Hannah, whether you think it or not it sounds like you’ve got a good grasp on who you want to work with and what you want to do. Your post felt really grounded to me and I can totally envision you working with women in a really powerful way.

[Z Baker]

Hannah,

I found your post inspiring and insightful. I found your insights into millennial perspectives as unique and quite interesting…”coming into the age of leadership differently than other generations…generally speaking, we have such a passion to change paradigms that have ruled society and the planet for a long time, but concurrently, a lack of direction and tools to make our visions a reality (new paradigms probably means new and different tools)”.

Really awesome, and from my experience right on! The oppressive, “old ways” of being are dissolving and new pathways are emerging. Change is in the air. Thank you! -Z

[Kent-Singing Panther]

I’ve taken quite some time pondering who my ideal client is and I keep thinking about people like myself. Since I was about 14 years old I have been in search of purpose. I vividly remember the moments that I felt like something beyond myself was reaching out, inciting a curiosity about who I really was and why I was alive. I’ve always felt different from most people and for a long time have believed that whatever I “do” would be unique (in a career sense).

Until now nothing I’ve ever done has fulfilled what some might call my “destiny” (for lack of a better word). However, I have uncovered more of the real me through the deep work of nature connecting and am learning to confidently live my truth. And now the other piece of me, the doing piece I’ve finally found, and committed to, is Nature-Connected Coaching. What if the me now was able to coach the me all those years ago? If the me now coached the me 10 years ago, how different would Kent be now? Though I accept the things I’ve gone through and the inner journey I’ve taken, I would have loved to have had a presence like a coach/guide to help me navigate. I would be honored to be that person for those like me who have either struggled to know themselves or their purpose.

In regards to purpose I see two clients with some differences. One client is in their doing zone; they have confidence in their natural skills and abilities. They are doing good work for the betterment of the world but still don’t know themselves deeply. They struggle with being “good enough.” They work themselves to death trying to prove their worth. They give and give and give, but it is taking life away from them. These clients I want to help slow down, step back, and find their innate value.

The other client is more like me; a seeker who know themselves well but lacks vision. They know they have abilities/gifts/skills but are either uncertain, or afraid, of using them. They may also feel stuck in their life situation and cannot see how to become un-stuck. They may lack support because they’re too afraid or proud to ask for help.

Getting more specific, the first group of potential clients I would be excited to work with are people who own/operate small businesses or organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life on the planet; conservation groups, sustainability advocates, etc. This group could also be private practitioners of holistic health services and eco-minded therapists, etc. For the longest time I thought about what category of Earth workers I could place myself in and I felt like I didn’t fit into any of them. I did my best to support the people who did/do while I waited for the right thing for me. Now that I know how Nature-Connected Coaching can change the world, I want to continue to support the kind of people I’ve worked beside be the best Earth workers they can be (sounds corny but it’s true, lol). It’s often ironic that the people working the hardest for nature have the least contact with nature. Though passionate and intelligent, they often overwork themselves. Nature is the perfect respite for them and by nature coaching they can discover who they really are and what they can do to minimize their efforts while maximizing their results.

For the second group nature and Nature-Connected Coaching can help them sift through the things that are holding them back or stifling their vision. In nature they can think more freely, express more openly, and get into the natural flow of inspiration. They are given space and permission to look back into their lives and piece together the elements that have caused self-doubt and fear, or gifts and aspirations they have kept hidden from the world.

I wasn’t sure how to even Google other services such as the one I wish to provide, but I did find this: http://www.womenofgreen.com/content/about-us/about-carolyn/wog-coaching/ This woman is a marketing/business coach who helps women entrepreneurs who want to “go green.”

This guy is a “Vision Coach.” I admit I kinda like that title: http://www.stevemoeller.com/vision-coaching/ He operates out of a holistic perspective but I didn’t see anything explicit about having a positive relationship with the natural world.

I want operate somewhere between these two coaches with the obvious focus of nature being a collaborator in the process. I have no doubt these coaches do a good job and have helped change people’s lives. But people aren’t the only organisms on this planet! Whomever I coach I want that client to walk away from their session thinking about how they can work with nature in their careers and personal lives. I want them to know that they can work for the good of the Earth and not be so run down or upset. I want them to have a vision for their lives that includes a real relationship with nature.

[David Raffelock]

Kent,

I love how specific you are for who your ideal client is. I think that specificity will be tremendously helpful in marketing yourself. I know that I definitely fit into the second group.

I also love your sentence, “It’s often ironic that the people working the hardest for nature have the least contact with nature.” In Boulder, I’ve engaged in some social/environmental justice communities and met people who devote a lot of their lives to living in a way that does no harm. However, in that there can often times still be a huge lack of real connection. For instance, I know folks who live their lives achieving an incredible level of environmental sustainability and truly have a minuscule footprint. However, I see in those same individuals a complete divorce from the natural world. I think you’re spot on and believe these folks are likely the most ready and in need to connect deeply to nature.

[Mandy Bishop]

Kent,

I love how clear you’ve become about the nature of your ideal clients. You were able to describe the entire person, not just limited to who they are and what they do in the world, but including how they operate and what some of their deeper psychology might be around. It seems like this will be very helpful as we continue to follow the paths our visions lead us down.

[Z Baker]

Kent,

Reading this gave me the sense that you are ON your path. The specificity you described in your ideal client shows a clarity in forward movement. Like David, I was also struck by your comment regarding Earth workers, “It’s often ironic that the people working the hardest for nature have the least contact with nature”. This has been my experience as well. At our F2F intensive I kept thinking, “if everyone could experience tree whispering, we would not have the pollution, disconnection from Earth that we do”. Thank you! Looking forward to seeing you next week. -Z

[David Raffelock]

(I’m sleepy and likely not catching grammar mistakes at this point, fyi)
I loved this module. I think it came at a perfect time. We’ve all been learning and integrating these foundational practices and techniques, which sparked a flame with our readiness to engage in inner vision. For me, now that I’ve found the foundations of NCC, my vision and purpose feel empowered. Because of that, being asked to hone in on business planning and development could not have come at a better time. I feel almost a sense of relief to be engaging in the practical aspect of bringing my gifts and these skills to the world.

I also LOVE how unique everyone’s vision is, even though we’re learning the same material. It’s amazing to me how everyone’s gifts have become so apparent in speaking to their ideal client. This thread has also got me thinking about the unique medicine we all offer, and how the medicine has been sculpted and strengthened by how we’ve experienced the world.

I feel so honored to be a part of cohort that I know will offer such unique and important gifts to the world.

[Brian Crosby]

This module has been the most revealing one so far for me personally. It seems that it hit at the right time for many of us in this group for many reasons. We all seem so excited about getting something up and going. It is inspiring. Near the beginning of this module I was questioning my commitment to EBI. I was concerned that what we were learning, while incredible, wasn’t moving me closer to my vision of working with children in nature. As this module went on, my mentality shifted in a way that has me back and fully committed to this process, as everything we are learning is transferable and applicable to any group of people.

Since this ‘re-committment’ I have made some great connections and had some cool opportunities come up as related to nature connection and children. Interviews, program observations,employment, workshops and a conference. All within an hour of my home. Looking forward to further connections and possibilities as I follow the path of my vision.

In the last Zoom meeting it was brought up to me that my ideal client may not be the kids, but their parents. While on a financial level this is true for sure, and a reality, my clients truly are the kids. Again not in the financial sense, but in my purpose and vision. In a more abstract way my client is actually the relationship between child and nature. I have never been driven by money, but by passion, connection, and community. I think at this point of my journey that is what I want to focus on. The financial piece will come later once I have a more clear picture as to what kind of programs I will be doing with kids. I will continue to put energy toward building connections and seeking vision.

[Hannah Grajko]

As many of you have echoed in your posts, this module came at the ideal time in honing the client vision while having a foot in the “practical” world of business and finances. Additionally, to what most people said, we all have something individual and unique to offer the world with our coaching and that is so damn cool that we all get to work out what that means within a similar framework! Personally, this module has shown me that it’s truly the time to zero in on the business specifics that are going to make this dream sustainable and long-lasting. I think that I find difficulty in being able to access my dreamy, creative mind, while also accessing my street-smarts parts. What came to the forefront for me in this foundation was that it is so important for me personally to use the strengths of both states of mind in equilibrium.

Looking back at my post now, I don’t feel much closer to being totally confident in the image of my ideal client, but I do feel confident there’s only one way to find out if that’s where I’m being called to use my gifts! I’m definitely walking away from this with both a sense of trusting the trial and error nature of the process, while at the same time, having a deep focus on at least getting a trial off the ground.

Thank you all for working on this so earnestly, and for sharing the process with the rest of us 🙂

[Ivy Walker]

Hi Cohort 15,

I have been following your posts all along the way. I am continually struck by how you each are pouring yourselves into this work in way that feels authentic, enthusiastic, expressive and soul-based. I appreciate the questioning, the refining, the surprises that have come forward. When I look across the span of the conversation here, I see a commonality of creating a practice from a place of passion, joy and to be a support. I see the possible wholistic and repeating layers of showing up as a coach from trusting this place (passion, joy, support), to creating a business that is built from and carries the resonance of this place (passion, joy, support), to bringing that possibility to others to experience, tap into and build their lives from that place (passion, joy, support). Where else in this life have you seen structures created from passion, joy, support? Yes, this! This is playing a part in transforming self, clients and culture at large. It is exciting and humbling to see into the futures you are painting for yourselves and how they link up with the futures of others, your current and future clients, to promote joy, passion and support on so many levels. Keep visiting with the questions and nature. Keep listening and building with open creativity.

[Mandy Bishop]

I totally echo the summaries that you all have shared so far. This module definitely came at the perfect time and I really appreciate the challenge to describe my ideal client. It is much easier and more comfortable for me to stay in the world of big vision and general ideology. When asked to really get specific with my vision, I initially seized up a bit but really pushed through as if following the threads of a dream to try to remember details and sure enough the answers were inside me — at least the answers to the questions at this point in time. It is a mirror reflection of the concept we’ve been working with over and over — that the answers we seek are inside us.

I am totally amazed as well that each one of our visions is developing in such a unique way. I love the way this program is supporting us all to follow our inner truths and be so unique! It’s so inspiring and motivating for me to watch this develop in you all, as well as in myself. And to see the greater picture that this is the exact work we will be doing, each in our own unique ways, with our clients! It’s freaking awesome how these circles go out in every direction!!

[Daniel Brisbon]

Hey Cohort, I decided to sit down this morning and read all the posts all over again from the beginning of this Foundation 4 discussion. And I got to say that what I have read and witnessed from you all has been nothing short of inspiring.

What I have noticed over the last 4 foundation discussions is that there truly is an ebb and flow that you are all experiencing along your journey. There will be highs and there will be lows, but the most important thing is how you have all chosen to move forward and grow from these experiences. I remember there was a lot of discord and frustration earlier in some of the Foundation discussions, but it seems like none of you have allowed those feelings to stop you from moving forward. And the beautiful thing is that this is all part of the natural process.

I’m so glad to see how committed and intentional on sticking with your vision, even if it may seem a little daunting, and taking the right steps and action to understanding how you all can serve in your own unique and pivotal ways.

The journey for you all through EBI and into creating this vision in your mind will definitely be a roller coaster, but I think more importantly than that is that I want you all to know I am honored to be with you guys on this journey. Reading what you all have written and communicating with you all in person over the last few months has been very impactful for me as well. Much gratitude to all of you guys and can’t wait to see you all in person in a week!

[Kent-Singing Panther]

In summary, I think what I’ve garnered the most from this module is the feeling and act of taking control of my life. Now, “control” is a tricky word, but for me I think it means responsibility and intent in regards to my basic needs/desires being grounded in purpose. For most of my adult life I have taken “control” by deliberately setting out to unlearn all the gunk that muddled up who I really am. In a slow, quiet way I questioned everything in my life and it has been my relationship with nature that has help me carve out my truths of which I can never give up. But little of that taking control had to do with vision or intentionally building anything for the future. Now my time has come for my authentic self to step through the threshold of my purpose and begin to align my purpose with my needs and desires. For the longest time I’ve felt so detached from who I am and what I do (meaning job/providing for family). I’ve even gone as far as thinking I am lazy because I wasn’t working hard enough to make more money to provide while my wife works too much to provide. Sure I’ve had times of laziness, but much of it was actually fear and some depression too. I thought to myself “if I were living close to the Earth, I would be working as hard as I could to provide for my family by hunting, gathering, growing and reaping, etc.” But I find myself living this stale, indoor life in a story that I just allowed to happen. Sometimes I think it’s a miracle that I even “found myself” in the midst of living an average American lifestyle. And that is precisely why I want to be a NCC; because I’ve learned the value of nature connecting right where I live, day to day, little by little, letting go of the old and composting the junk into something new! And I know there are many others, just like me, that feel the same way and need support. I want to be that support and I want to give my energy to that purpose, and I NEED that purpose to provide for my needs and the needs of my family.