Nature Connected Leadership Discussion 3.1 (June 18)

[Rollin]

Today, I know my vision is happening in the “now”…and not “some day” in the future. I feel a deep KNOWING that every day of my life, so far, has trained me for right now. Every birth and death, every experience, every failure and success has played its part in the musical known as my life. I know that my vision of “mindfully creating community” is greater than the sum of it’s parts.
How do I know this? I was told the story of “The Great Red Road”. It is a story about the road that connects the brain and the heart. I’m fulfilling my vision when I make choices “from” that place. When I listen “from” that place. When I love and take actions “from” that place. Even when I’m making choices from my mind only (thinking) or from my heart only (emotional)…which is not ideal…I’m aware of it. That awareness is a miracle and something that was never present in the past. All part of the vision.
What is calling me forward? I do not know exactly. Forward to what or where…I’m also unsure. What is actually calling me…is the past. The reoccurring nightmare of re-living every mistake, misspoken word, bad decision etc. is right there like a shark just below the surface. To complete the past and discover/develop mastery in living a created life is what I’m up to. I do FEEL the pull of a strong vision and/or path and I’m here to discover what that is…with clarity. As I type this…I got it. I’m requesting of myself…that I go on a vision quest (whatever that looks like and wherever that may happen). Thank you for this discussion!

[Daniel Brisbon]

I had never heard of the Great Red Road story before, but I like the sound of it. I will definitely look it up now that I know about it! Being aware of this connection and making intentional decisions from this space sounds like the ideal path toward attunement to your own Vision.

I am curious to hear more about your relationship with the past and how it coincides with moving forward to your chosen future. It’s important to use the past as a motivator and metaphorical “kick in the butt” to move forward, but living in that space of the past and trying to heal it or complete it may not bring the clarity and fulfillment that will truly serve. My question would be, how can you learn from the past and complete or heal it by making decisions in the future that align with what you learned?

[Melody Rose]

Today, at his moment I know my vision is in progress. That each day I will get further towards the “big vision” as I do the work and discover precisely what that is.
I know this because I can feel it deep inside me, and in my heart. It just feels right.
What is calling me forward is my daughter, future generations and the Earth. She needs this, they need this, and I am a starting point.
I know my vision is nature and soul connected and to help/teach/show/expose others to it so they can see it is important, needed, healing.

[Melody Rose]

Since the last session I’ve been contemplating signing up for the full NCC certification course.
It will involve lots of time, money, travel, and many things I am afraid of or uncomfortable with. On Wednesday (today is Saturday) I went for a swim in a lake I spent a lot of time at this summer and is a place I often, and have for years, look to the mountains, trees, sky, and water while swimming and ask for guidance, and give thanks to. I was the only person in the lake, and swam quite a ways out and sat on a big tree sticking out of the water. I felt totally peaceful and connected and in the right spot. Friday was a particularly difficult day where lots of past emotions and fears were brought up. This morning I woke up and felt happy, and excited that I am going to sign up for the course. I must have chose to in my sleep / in a dream because I just woke up knowing the answer. I even fell back asleep and had another dream that I had a dream that I knew I was going to. I know I want to be a NCC, and add other elements to it as well (using crystals, info on chakras, getting children and families into nature, etc.). On a walk with a friend on Thursday I mentioned some of this, and then today another friend contacted me and we spoke of options she can add to a current treatment. I enjoyed helping her out with new ideas, and doing some research for her on what may be suitable. I am scared and excited.

[Joshua Maze]

In previous posts in this course and in others, I have referenced my ongoing struggle with emotional health. Though it is not my best attribute or my favorite things to talk about, my depression is a part of me and it likely always will be, in some form. I still have quite a ways to go until I am feeling at the top of my game, but I have begun a recovery process and feel myself becoming whole again. My mental illnesses, as destructive and debilitating as they can be, also serve a positive role when I am able to take a step back and objectively evaluate them. This repurposed role is to teach me to honor and support others like me who are trying to walk through the cloud of depression. That is my vision. To serve others and to help end the cycle of depression. Only by walking through the fog, am I able to guide others down the path to recovery.

Service to others in crisis and those experiencing depression has always been a goal of mine, whether through my academic pursuits, interactions with peers, or most recently, enrolling in EBI. What is calling me forward is knowing that there is a different method of recovery available out there that doesn’t have to include traditional fluorescent lit therapy, magazine strewn waiting rooms, and billable hours, instead, it can include taking a hike, sitting in a park, or going bird watching. How cool is that?