Initial Post – Foundation Four Discussion (Due by 9/9)

[Kim Gilchrist]

This is a really difficult question for me to answer – who am I going to coach/guide. I’ve been having a real struggle with this as I’m not seeing myself as a coach the more we move through the program. That said, what we are learning is very important for me in order to become what I’m becoming. And the like-minded folks in this program are a wonderful family to be part of that is just as important to me to become what I am becoming. I just don’t have a clear vision of what that is yet.

For me, the idea that is starting to spark would be working from a more physical side of things. Using the skills we are learning to guide people through their challenges while embracing nature sports defined as “… those sports in which a particular natural feature, or combination of natural features, plays at least one of the primary roles that human competitors or partners play in traditional or standard sports.” (Krein, K. ‘Nature Sports’, Journal of the Philosophy of Sport v.41, 2014). I see using these physical accomplishments in conjunction with the ritual and skills we’re mastering (or will master) to bring about the realizations/changes/needs in their lives. These don’t have to be major sports feats – it could be as simple hitting that 2 ft drop on the mountain bike trail to taking a night paddle on a full moon to something more. In this way I’m being a guide that is a combination of coaching and teaching.

The Natural Cycle of Learning from the Coyote Book really has me attention of all the things we’ve read so far. I keep going back to it and referring to the visual on page 211. The natural flow of learning tied into the directions of the earth gives me a tremendous sense of grounding. I see using this as an essential tool for developing programs with my clients – scaling it up and/or scaling it down as needed. And, then taking the 50/50 adaptation principle into effect so that going with the natural flow is really ‘going with the flow.’ There is growth and movement throughout as you adapt to where and what your clients need. This fluidity and naturalness feels more in tune with where I see my coaching/teaching business potentially going. Within all of this, there are so many tools we are learning that drop in naturally as well – from the 360 degree view to understanding your critical space to surrender breath and so on.

I’ll be honest, since I’m still figuring this out. I don’t really even know how to look for similar organizations to compare/critique against. And, I’m not sure this is even the right direction yet. It wasn’t until I started typing this out did the idea start to really take on shape. I just keep going back to the joy I feel when I’m moving outdoors. And I want to bring that to others. And the ease I use that movement in the outdoors to work through my own issues. I really want to bring that to others.

My office mate and I were swapping stories today and she brought up that this weekend she finally mastered a simple yoga pose. Her face lit up and her whole body language changed. You could see the sense of accomplishment and ‘heck ya’ in her demeanor. After we talked she was humming and getting to her work in a much more positive way. It brought me back to the flow – Northwest tor refelection and North to Integrate her new found power in doing this. It also brought me back to the other learning that has stayed with me from the Coyote book, storytelling (chapter 6). We were sharing Level 2 stories which is how the subject came up. All in a natural way.

I really see something here…

[Sheri]

Kim – this is what spoke to me the most from your post… “I just keep going back to the joy I feel when I’m moving outdoors. And I want to bring that to others. And the ease I use that movement in the outdoors to work through my own issues. I really want to bring that to others.” I was reminded of being in that flow / state of being connected and thinking – I want to bring THIS to others. I think you nailed it! That is what it is all about. Share your gifts to provide guidance and a space for others to find their own joy / awe. I believe the flow will bring those who need just what you have to offer to you for this guidance. Thanks for sharing your process, it is an honor to be walking this path of growth and self-awareness with you!

[Amber McCormick]

Kim,

Reading about your ideas really struck me fitting for you. From what I got to know about you during our intensive, the importance of movement and fitness stood out. It will all fall into place! I’m excited to see where you land!

[Melody Rose]

Nature sports guide came to mind as I read this. I totally see what you mean on how a 2 foot drop, for example, could help people. When I got harnessed in and climbed 150 feet up into a tree it changed my life forever. I feel like Matt and his rafting trips could relate to how you are seeing your vision, or these maybe- http://www.outwardbound.ca or what I think was called Learn2Lead where I am. I’m excited to see what you create with this1 <3

[Matthew Nannis]

Hi Kim,
Appreciate how you keep feeling drawn to the Natural Cycle of Learning portion of Coyote’s Guide book. I have experienced the value of tangible/exhilarating metaphor and symbolism particularly on rafting outings (Darn straight, Melody!!) with groups. The direct correlations between paddling together, mindfulness of when the participants to your left/right is paddling; when she/he in front of you is paddling; trusting in the guide at the back who is not vocalizing every move/pull/draw being used to navigate rapids…similarly, rock climbing has been a fascinating short-cut of sorts to taking a look inward, to experiencing emotions on a visceral level, on walking (or climbing!) through fear, shaky trust, etc.
Highlighting/working off of the ceremony/rituals of sports performance is just so brilliant! what a connection to draw, I am stoked to see how that continues to unfold for you and your practice, Kim!

[Nadine]

Hello Kim, Struggle there is in every step of the way!! For me defining on paper what my audience is not the hardest, but what I question the most is the implementation or my ability to do so. At the core, I want to build this new career around my ikigai, and that is where “what I love, what I am good at, what I can be paid for, and what the world needs” intersect. I had to do an inventory of my life to reconnect with the juicy moments in my life where I was fully alive and fulfilled. This was my start, and the process was very much done from a soul connection. Now I have a very lofty goal in front of me, and this is where my questioning happen. I am freaking out to be honest and any steps forward are harder and harder to take. It would be so much easier to retreat at this point.
Let the fire roar!

[Kim Gilchrist]

Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts and feedback. Reading through your insights and own experiences is so helpful!
Nadine – thanks for sharing on the struggle. And how you got through it by stepping back and re-looking it where you are going is a brilliant way of approaching this. And hard too!
Sheri – sending my words back and your thoughts on sharing this back really made me stop and listen, thank you!
Matt & Melody – Just thanks for sharing your experiences. Matt – yes, the ritual within sports (specifically nature sports) is so compelling to me. The more I think about this, the more right it feels. And reading through how you see that in your rafting was such a good illustration.

Thank you, thank you!!!

[Shari]

Hi Kim, I love the idea of combining the coaching with physical accomplishments . One of the ideas that Michael discussed in relation to being a coach was talking less. I struggle with this and differentiating guiding and leading. What I envisioned as I read your post was the enthusiasm (step 1 in flow learning) which I experienced (as well as inspiration) when you described the biking that you do and step 2 where the focused attention is a combination of the personal coaching while teaching the skills. Step 3 is the stop talking and let them have the experience. So much happens in the solitude of the experience, whether alone or in connection with others as in the rafting. I know as a hiker I love to do the really difficult trails because I engage with myself on so many levels that I’m not aware of on a day to day basis. The mental and physical challenges are inspiring (step 4 ) and offer so many lessons for living a successful and fulfilling life. I’ll volunteer to be a practice client! 😉

[Sheri]

I find that women, mothers, those with similar labels as me, primarily come to mind when I think about coaching, but I am open to working with any seeker. I think that is the initial image because that is what I am most familiar with. Individuals looking for balance, peace, a trusted friend / partner to walk through grief / dark / struggle with that can help hold the light directing their path.

The population(s) that most excites me? Again the image of women in similar life position or maybe younger than I, those entering the phases I have completed or am in. I think this is natural for me to help those following, in a way, in my footsteps. I also get filled up working with children, younger, like 3 yrs old. They are such lights and sponges for learning, role models for living in a world of awe and wonder. Helping to grow strong children in our world is so much easier than healing adults so there is a pull I have to help parents and caregivers to see the gift of these youth. I think this involves education of parents / care-givers to the importance of nature in their lives, as well as, allowing for growth through play. So many of our young are struggling at earlier and earlier ages. Can we help parents through providing them some of the play and connection they may have missed themselves and now do not understand how to provide this for their children? Helping parents to accept children for who they are, discover and appreciate their gifts, learn how to teach and learn from them. Some of this will start with the parents needing these discoveries about themselves.
I also feel drawn to those open to having someone walk with them through the dark times. To get to the other side of the dark, struggle, learning how to live with it, through it, and maintain that balance in life or new normal.
Also excited to work with those the flow brings to my life!

I see many options of working with my future clients. Coaching appointments: Walk-n-talks, face to face, video or phone. Also retreats and trips, like soul searching international or mission type trips, not just in wilderness, although that too! I also see teaching through workshops and talks.

The common categories or goals I see them working towards are: Finding life balance – healing; Finding connection to source – (time with nature) and Experiencing time in nature, unplugged. Ultimately Soul direction.

We will collaborate with nature to support our awareness and their success. Time in nature provides distance from distractions (plus many other benefits). Time with nature provides connection to source / soul. Time in nature enhances the ability to spend time with nature, however, it is not a requirement. I believe our nature connection is stronger and more clear in nature and therefore find it helpful to be in nature to be more open to soul direction. This is helpful for my state of being when coaching, whether the client has this same experience or not.

Got a little bit of searching one today on other organizations offering similar options, this was very informative and I will continue to search what is out there as it gave me lots of insight. A few from today: 1.) Spiritual Direction CO, this is an organization I am familiar with already. It is a professional organization for Spiritual Directors in CO. It offers workshops, conferences and retreats. Several of which I have attended. Spiritual directors are dedicated to guiding people in the spiritual journey, and helping them explore matters of the soul, faith, and God. Spiritual direction is a practice found in many faith traditions. I feel that NCC is similar in many ways and I am know of Spiritual Directors who use nature in their guiding but I personally feel a difference in the scope of their focus. Of course, that could be just my impression of it.
2.) Feed Your Soul – Life & Wellness Coaching – digging into this one actually took me to Feed Your Soul Fitness, a neighborhood type gym with personal training and small group classes, yoga and stretching. I didn’t really find anything on the website that discussed coaching beyond personal trainers. They do offer an experiential program and support for your goals. I didn’t really sense any soul direction, more body goals.
3.) Megan Rogers, Integrative Therapy and Wellness Coaching – her website was impressive. I was ready to sign up for a session! It appears her coaching is singularly focused on working with women who want to get a handle on drinking. The rest of her offerings have ore to do with the Integrative Therapy.

Again this was an eye-opening assignment and I will continue to look at what’s out there. One take away was the thought that maybe I have too broad an offering, yet I feel that my flow will take me where I am meant to go and I would rather be open to more options than narrowing in too much and miss opportunities to help people.

[Nadine]

Helo Sheri, In reading your post, I am discovering a theme that I have not yet encountered in my google search, and I find it super powerful. Helping the clients (parents, caregivers) connect or reconnect with Nature would have many benefits. You stated… reconnecting the parents to the gift youth has (that awe and wonder), but also it would mold the kids at an early age to appreciate the wonder of Nature. You even go further than that by envisioning the parents’ heightened acceptance and appreciation of the gift the children have. (at least that is what I got from it 🙂 and I like it!) This is so lofty!!! WoW!! I am enrolled!!!

[Matthew Nannis]

So here is what I was going to write as my response for an ideal client:

I feel that there’s some turbulence in my answer to this question. Or, rather, an unresolved evolution. The population with whom I am pulled to work is the one that my organization is developing collaborations with across my county. I have no doubt that, for this part of my journey, the pull is to incorporate what I know and am in the process of learning as it relates to Nature-Connected Coaching into the experiences facilitated between PIVOTPoint WNC and programs working with individuals in the early stages of recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

At the same time, I cannot shake Rogers’ assertion that “our clients are mentally healthy,” (Coaching Skills, pg 243). Clearly, her context is executive level coaching; and, while the population I wish to work with certainly can, has, and will continue to benefit from the supportive dynamic between guide and client, this simple assertion on her part has me considering a new approach to my path: that of incorporating the guide work into my company’s group outings, and quite separately working with a population that is more of an executive level, if only superficially (superficially “executive”, NOT working superficially). I mean to say that, perhaps, there is value in working one on one in a coaching role with corporate executives and such to provide stable income and allow me to provide myself with a comfortable lifestyle; such that I can direct my nonprofit to expand its reach and support more generally underserved populations navigating early stages of recovery from SUD.

I have gone back and forth on this for a decent amount of time and am not sure where I land just yet. Even as I type this I see how this embracing of the natural environment as mirror, stage, container for healing and growth, for identifying a deeper need within a client, for drawing it out is so awe-inspiring in its efficacy with those I am currently working with. And that experience, having witnessed that regularly, is juxtaposed with a thought I can earn less from my nonprofit, financially speaking, if I work as a Nature-Connected Coach with a more affluent/privileged population in the area to provide a revenue stream to allow for a family life…

I think, if I had not caught myself through honest observation, I could’ve continued to dance around what is simply a financial insecurity playing tug-o-war with the actual answer: I will figure out, however I need to, how to bring this work to small groups of individuals (as well as 1-on-1’s) in the early stages of recovery from SUD. The authenticity, feedback approaches, active and reflective listening, every element of this work has proven an essential lifeline to my own healing, growth, and exploration of my experience. I do not wish to keep this experience to myself. Young’s simple assertions, too, landed solidly with me while reading. “Many adventures have come about because of simple listening,” (Coyote’s, pg 184); “Bring about awareness that behavior and attitude create “concentric rings” of disturbance on birds and animals, and also on ourselves and other people,” (pg 185); “It doesn’t matter what avenue brings people to [a] heartfelt connection, it only matters that they find it. This connection is what brings about a sense of meaning in our lives—it deepens in each one of us a sense that we have a special place in this precious world.” (pg 194). I cannot read these truisms without immediately/simultaneously applying these concepts to the groups of young men and women I take out on hikes currently; without considering how wonderful it will be to present this lens to the state and county funded programs with whom I will be collaborating in the near future. Incorporating “routines of invisibility” as presented on pg 185 of Coyote’s Guide in our small groups, and then processing how to incorporate that practice into their halfway houses/sober living situations, bringing it into their work environment, into the recovery meetings they attend, into the homes and time spent with newly mended relationships with immediate family members…the applications seem boundless.
As far as what common goals would be and currently are for my clients (my current clients are pretty d*mn ideal!) is that of cultivating self-reflection, self-regulation, interpersonal dynamics skill building, and physically experiencing an expansive experience beyond preconceived limitations. I will continue to explore stewardship opportunities with the local environmental protection organizations in my area, leveraging our group experiences and healing into preservation and protection opportunities for my program’s participants, while further expanding their network and connection to our community at large. Cultivating purpose and drive is such an essential element to sustainable long term recovery…from anything! The language of this work centers around identifying a deeper need, what a beautiful way to support my clients!
I have often considered PIVOTPoint WNC a niche application of organizations such as First Descents, which provides subsidized experiences (more adventure focused than self-reflective and introspective) for cancer survivors and other terminal diseases; and Muddy Sneakers, which I have viewed as a beautiful pre-emptive approach to remind us all about the beauty of the natural environment, (Their tagline: “An environmental education program that works with 5th grade public school students to awaken in children a deeply felt connection with the natural world.”). I think that First Descents makes some assumptions, both reasonable and broad, about the deeper needs of an entire population (something which I feel PIVOTPoint WNC does as well) that there is a deeper need for what we, in our cohort, have often touched upon, a sense of Awe. In their organization’s own words, “First Descents provides life-changing, outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. First Descents assigns a deeper need, which in all likelihood is legitimate, and empowers its participants through one-of-a-kind adventure opportunities around the globe…which, in turn, promotes unity, purpose, joy, and healing.
Muddy Sneakers offers up various educational programming to school systems to help reinforce this science of Awe at an early stage of a child’s life and, perhaps, might stave off technological dependencies in the long run. It is not in the same vein as the healing, empowering work of First Descents, per se; however, it is a deep cultivation for what is most assuredly, across our entire western civilization, a deeper need!
I have actually reached out to and heard back from First Descent’s Chief of Staff and have since inquired about the generalized guidance/approaches that they have found most beneficial in their work, in the hopes that I might apply such strategy to PIVOTPoint WNC as it goes nonprofit. We shall see!

[Melody Rose]

Hi Matt!
I love the idea of using stewardship and mentorship in your programs. We are nature so I feel that guiding others to care for our external environments is an amazing way of caring for themselves and healing in a very gentle way.

[Sheri]

Matt – I can’t help but wonder if the intrigue you seemed to have with the executive coaching piece may be more than just a financial one. Could some of those execs be dealing with some of the same needs your current clients have? Maybe you will be able to reach them before a SUD takes them to rock bottom? This area is outside my experience, but I am just curious if maybe it is a pull to keep yourself open to opportunities that may come dressed differently than you expect?

[Melody Rose]

When I think about coaching and/or guiding others those who come to mind are-
age 25-45
possibly in school, learning new things
have stability in life (house, employment)
into alternatives – coaching, natural remedies, reiki, etc
open to connection
open to vulnerability
have a willingness to experiment
highly motivated
committed to their own growth
excited
proactive communication
share their experience with others
aware of a connection with something greater than selves

This demographic most excites me because they are people who are on a spiritual journey, who would like to be and I feel are open to new opportunities and modalities.

I imagine working with them via video conference or in person and being out in nature, exploring and collaborating with coaching and integrating chakras and other “new age” or shamanic practices. Exploring how many different healing aspects can be combined for growth and healing.

Some common categories I can foresee, and that seem to have come up multiple times already are- rejection, feeling stuck, fear, boundary setting, connection, being present, shame, pride, authenticity, accountability, self worth, vulnerability, self care, life/work balance, purpose, spirituality, transitions….

To support their awareness in success I would like to collaborate with nature by being out in nature for as many sessions as possible, focusing on the directions and natural cycles, playing in nature. I would love to be able to offer a tree painting ceremony at the completion of coaching programs.

Some individuals or organizations who work with similar populations in my area include
many yoga teachers and studios
http://hopemountain.org
https://www.namastehikingco.com
https://www.omfulliving.com

Home

http://www.prme.ca
http://therisingphoenix.ca/
http://bluecrowinspirations.blogspot.com/p/about-angela.html – This is my friend, mentor, teacher, healer, Angela I’ve probably told you all about her

From a Nature Connected Coaching aspect the outdoors businesses are more about the hike or the exercise rather than really slowing down and intentionally connecting with nature at a soulful level. The indoor businesses may at times touch on nature connection in theory but generally will not have the experiential aspect that we offer.

I really enjoyed writing this post as I often wonder where I fit in, why would they choose me over the other businesses and this nicely pointed out that NCC fills a gap and I am stoked to be the person to fill it!

A note I made for myself that I thought I’d share here-

I want a business based on my authentic self that supports myself and my family beyond our needs/means in a sustainable way (no burn out/ or long hours, when I want to work) so I can help heal and nurture mother earth.

[Kim Gilchrist]

Melody – You have so thought this out! And in your response to Nadine you talked about how your ideal client has changed. I love the honesty of that. For all of us, it will be interesting to see how we grow and develop over time how our ideal clients may change – 1 year from now, 5 years, 10 years…

When you say “I want a business based on my authentic self that supports myself and my family beyond our needs/means in a sustainable way (no burn out/ or long hours, when I want to work) so I can help heal and nurture mother earth.” this really sums it up. The mantra I’ve been using over the last few months – stay true to my path and I envision an arrow – feels so right on with what you said. Knowing what will work for you first is the only way you can truly help your clients and ultimately the earth we are part of.

Finally, the fact that you acknowledge that you won’t always be coaching in-person is important. It’s important for all of us to understand that nature is so much more than what we traditionally think of. Nature can be what is around us just as much as it can be walking through the woods. I know when I describe what we are learning to do I talk about nature as outdoors and as ‘our office,’ makes me think that this descriptor needs to be a bit more encompassing. Ahhh, always more to think about!

[Melody Rose]

H1 Sheri! Growing strong children vs healing adults really stuck with me, that’s so true.

[Nadine]

When I think about coaching and/or guiding others, Women come to mind, most definitely. More specifically at this point, I am sensing a pull towards women in their 50s who find themselves at a crossroads in life, they are stuck in a rut, or maybe they are looking to transition or they already are in transition (relationship, workforce, career, mid-life crisis, finding themselves…) and they may benefit from a greater sense of self and empowerment. Though I understand it is not necessary for a coach to have gone through the same experiences as the clients’ in order to be able to successfully help, I am drawn to this target audience because I am part of it, and I am experiencing first hand some of the struggles one might be encountering. This is a challenging time in someone’s life, a time where we are looking to be more fulfilled, and also maybe a time where we are no longer sure what it is that we love.
I could also consider venturing into business coaching as I feel like my background in the corporate world and my atypical professional journey would lead itself for being prepared for this work.
Another target that comes to mind is young graduates in search of direction for their career. There is a lot of apprehension as to what direction coming out of college.

What excites me when I think about coaching women into empowerment is to be able to create experiences where the clients would live it viscerally. I am envisioning retreats in nature for a few days, but it could also be a motorcycle ride, or even traveling abroad with small groups, but all would have the same theme of exploring, discoving, pushing our limits one way or the other, getting out of our comfort zone, getting back to the basics, reconnecting to ourselves and the world around us, and expanding our horizons. Me, in the role of a mentor, I would hold space, I would be ready to support and willing to encourage. Me, as a guide, would use these experiences as a catalyst for coaching to create meaningful and lasting changes in their lives and for developing an action plan for transforming their life … and the world.
Before these events could happen, I would imagine an already established relationship with the clients and having completed a few coaching sessions to better understand what the client is looking to transform. These elements will be important to understand in order to mold the experiences to access the needed learning (disclaimer: as I write this I am fully aware how easy it is to write and how little insights I have into how I will do that, or even if I have what it takes to do it…)

Take time to consider all that you’ve learned during these Foundation Modules and express how you might work with your ideal client.

I would be looking at empowerment coaching and transformation coaching, and I would design experiences outside the office to use as a catalyst for personal transformation and new lifestyle choices, from family and relationships to life events, personal health, ecological footprint, social purpose… The work would prefe

I didn’t realize how saturated the women empowerment coaching seems to be already unil now. A basic google search lead many examples already. I will have to continue thinking through to come up with a unique value proposition, to distinguish my services.
https://www.empowerlifecoach.com/, support in life, career or business. Claims she empowers clients to get out of their head and into their hearts as they dig deep and discover how it is all connected
https://www.crystalandrusmorissette.com/what-is-empowerment-coaching Women empowering women. Global coalition for women to step into their power.

https://womensempowermentlifecoach.com/. “ My life’s passion and purpose is to be of service to women who want to become empowered to alter the course of their lives. I offer workshops, seminars, keynote speaking and coaching that promote personal and professional growth through the study and practical implementation of proven methods.”
https://www.empoweringwomen.coach/
Through an Ontological approach to coaching, I guide you through the practices of continually choosing love in the face of fear. You will learn how to overcome those all-consuming thought patterns and dim the voices that scream, “I can’t.”

https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/what-is-a-life-coach/ Women adventure tours

https://www.transformational.travel/coaching, Transformational travel is intentionally traveling to stretch, learn and grow into new ways of being and engaging with the world. Offers Transformational Coaching including Pre-Departure Coaching, Go On Your Adventure!, Post-Adventure Coaching.

https://coachfederation.org/blog/coaching-through-the-outdoors. Outdoor leadership coaching combines adventures provided by guides with conversations fostered by coaches trained in International Coach Federation Core Competencies

[Melody Rose]

Hi Nadine! I find that my ideal client has been changing as I learn more along the way. I initially thought my target market was people like me- moms of school-aged children who wanted to find their (new) purpose in life, possibly divorced. There may still be some of those clients in the mix but I have changed my ideal client to someone more specific where I feel I can include more of my past education/knowledge, experience, strengths and interests.

[Matthew Nannis]

Hi Nadine and Melody

I appreciate the vastness of who you two are expressing interest in working with. I think the niche of helping graduates navigate just what the heck to do next is a wonderful area to provide guidance and support, Nadine! That idea can help facilitate momentum, impassioned work force, and healthy/balanced lives for these graduates and their loved ones! Planting wonderful seeds!

I, too, have found, Melody, that my ideal client shifts and takes shape and then shifts again and lands here and then there…the more I read all of your reflections and ideas as well as the further into the material we dive!

I feel that, staying open to that, leaning in to that mutability, is going to continue to serve me best along this journey. This childlike fascination and passion which I read coming through with EVERYONE’S ENTRIES (!!!!!!!) is why we are and will continue to be so helpful and healing and valuable.

That Transformational Travel link looks amazing! It brings to mind how I often chuckle to myself when hiking with friends and I am drawn to invite the group to have a check in…how the work that we are doing/learning/experiencing is not only so necessary and beneficial — how it is also, once exposed to it, so natural and inherent in our humanity…

[Shari]

The answer to this question changes as I become immersed in the knowledge and work assisting my path’s unfolding. Currently, as I look to fulfill the Master Naturalist program requirements and I learn and practice coaching and I spend more time outdoors and at the local conservation center my desire for working with children and parents deepens. I would like to work with children facilitating their connection and joy related to nature while opening the doors for coaching the parents. My hope in working with children is to foster common sense, critical thinking, holistic somatic self-awareness, self-responsibility and a soul centered approach to life that comes through an experiential connection with nature, rather than the language of spirituality…that is off putting for so many.
I see children as motivating parents to learn more and better understand the importance of nature to a developing child. This awareness provides the opening for me to introduce coaching and the importance of nature as a collaborator in living a healthy, joyous and manageable life.
I still have a vision for creating a parenting program that is state mandated and another to be offered through the state university system…but this is a vision that still has no grounding. Other than a woman I spoke with who, decades ago, offered an experientially based, state funded, parenting program to troubled parents, that was successful and consistently well attended.

To date most nature education programs offered to children are through local nature centers.
The public school system of CT offers:
To underprivileged children:
https://solaryouth.org/who-we-are/
School Programs:
https://naturesclassroom.org/
High School:

Common Ground Home

Private nature based schools/education:
http://twocoyotes.org/programs/youth-programs/homeschool-programs/ (Jon Young trained)

https://slateschool.org/

Home

http://www.juniperhillschool.org/ (this school is actually in Maine…but looks good)

Miscellaneously related program offerers:
https://www.ctwoodlands.org/CFPA-events/cfpa-ramble-introduction-shinrin-yoku-forest-bathing-24

http://www.erafans.org/OTR-CT

https://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2691&q=322500&deepNav_GID=1627

https://www.reachyoursummit.net/

Home

These Resources are not directly related to coaching but are eye-opening to the discovery of my path and as resources for creating my own protocols both for education and coaching.

In Coyote Guide I particularly resonated with the section on Sensory Awareness in the Core Routines chapter. “Parent’s work hard to teach sensory awareness as a skill set to toddlers…by the time a child reaches kindergarten, deliberate education in sensory awareness fades…. Shouldn’t this foundational intelligence be honed into literacy? Shouldn’t sensory imagination be an ‘essential learning requirement’ like reading writing and arithmetic?” To facilitate a child’s literacy of nature/place and their connection to it, is to facilitate personal health, joy, common sense, as well as the health of the environment and all that is part of it. It fosters flow as a way of life rather than the awkward and unrealistic idea of control that is currently prevalent in our culture. It encourages passion rather than ego.

The Coyote Guide and EBI offer numerous tools for the creation of a highly personal and dynamic toolbox. As a coach and mentor for children I will offer these tools for people to discover what works best for meeting their own personal challenges as well as for their ongoing personal development and conscious evolution. Play, often seen in nature as the young are learning and growing, is key to creating a feeling of safety in which to explore and discover the world and the self…find one’s passions and let go of judgment.
Can’t wait to get together and play with y’all again… in just a few days!

[Amber McCormick]

Hi Shari!

I love that you want to foster sensory growth and connection for children in this way. I think the parent piece you mention is interesting and important as well. As with other things in our culture these days, parents are bombarded with so much contradictory information, all which produces some sort of guilt in one way or another. I think parents often feel lost in what to do (I know I have many times). From what I know of you, and from reading your post, I think you could be a tremendous role model for helping parents learn what to do with their kids for play and how to incorporate nature with that, especially since so many adults have lost their own connection to nature. The idea of a court mandate program caught my attention as well. As part of my divorce, I had to attend a court mandated parenting class. If you ever want to know more about what that experience was like, I’d be more than happy to share. I’m excited to see how this all unfolds for you!

[Sheri]

Wow, did I ever need you all this morning. Thanks for showing up, sharing your visions and re-igniting my fire! ROAR! Noticed being very tired this morning and starting to feel the pull of going back into my shell. Which is not always a bad thing mind you. I was reminded through a wonderful call with Ivy just how much growth I have to celebrate of late and I think the push and steps expanding my comfort zone had me feeling a bit stretched and, well, exhausted. I was turning inward for some needed comfort and, so I was telling myself, healing BUT what I am now realizing was that I just needed someone to stoke my fire and reading through your posts, your visions, your excitement was catching and your support and love for one another just built me back up. I am feeling ready to keep moving and growing and getting it done! Love you guys and can’t wait to be feeding off your energy in person really soon! First on the call tomorrow and then in person on Sunday!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[Amber McCormick]

When I think of guiding others the words acceptance, support, and empowerment come to mind. I see myself working with people who are highly sensitive (nervous system) and/or have gone through emotional trauma and have lost themselves along the way. I see myself providing them a safe container where they can explore who they are and what matters to them with no judgement. I want to empower them to connect with nature and themselves, to cultivate trust in themselves and their self-worth. All this while moving on and healing from whatever past stories or judgements have been imposed on them. I want to guide them back to themselves and I want them to love themselves and find peace in their lives.

Often people who have been through emotional trauma have low self-worth, feel lost, and feel like something is wrong with them. Nature provides an incredible tool for empowerment- the courage it takes to go out on the land, to push oneself to new experiences and the payoff of an incredible view or beauty that one may not realize is in their “backyard”. This payoff is true for all humans, but I think it hits the highly sensitive person at an even deeper level.

I’m also considering working with moms who feel like they’ve lost themselves, or single parents who are struggling with balance and self-care. Originally, I had thought single mothers, however, on my Uber ride from home to the airport yesterday, I had an interesting conversation with my Uber driver that opened my awareness to single fathers as well.

Through all of this, I want to inspire others to go out on the land, and deepen their appreciation for Earth. I’m interested in working with these populations because I can deeply relate through my own experiences. Also, I have noticed that I tend to attract these people in my life. I have already helped numerous friends and strangers who have opened to me before I pursued my guiding career. It feels right. I’ve done a lot of research and personal work around these issues and believe I have a lot to offer those who find themselves in similar situation.