[ezavaglia808]

To me being soul-directed means being embodied and aligned with my heart’s wisdom and my values and acting from that place.

Being nature-connected means I am present and connected with all that surrounds me. Connecting with the outdoors is the way I feel and trust that I truly belong. Participating in nature helps me feel connected to the bigger picture – suddenly whatever is happening in my life that might feel overwhelming is put into perspective by staring up at the tall evergreens or counting the endless waves that land on the beach. Nature offers so many metaphors and symbols to help mirror what is happening with my internal landscape.

I see nature-connecting being what helps feed and fuel my soul-direction. When I’m unsure of my path, I go wander and the answer always comes. If I’m struggling with a decision, I go outside and play, participate, and observe and suddenly I know what to do. Nature-connection leads to soul-direction.

[ezavaglia808]

Hello everyone! I’m Erinn, the third person in this class from Washington state. I took the Nature Connection course that was offered in the spring and enjoyed it so much I wanted to continue my journey with EBI. I am a coach who incorporates nature-based activities with my clients. I am excited to continue my journey into nature connection through this course. I am also looking forward to getting to know you!

[ezavaglia808]

6-month plan with client

I’ve set my business up to work with clients who are experiencing difficulty navigating a difficult situation or clients who are looking for support on their journey of personal growth. A six-month plan would most likely be for the latter client.

I would start with an intake session where we discuss their hopes, needs, and goals. We would discuss what they have tried, what has worked, and where they feel stuck. From there we would set up a plan of frequency of sessions and duration of time.

I think a tree is a great metaphor in how I would work with clients. I would start with the branches which is the most reactive part of the tree. We would look at what triggers them, how they react, and how they can build their awareness around their triggers and create space to reflect and respond instead of react. I envision the first months would be spent on walk and talk sessions in an outdoor scene that models what they want. For example, a forest walk if they long for introspection, a beach walk if they want to feel spaciousness and open. In these sessions, we would slow down and I would work on deepening the client’s relationship with their awareness and connection between their thoughts, feelings and how that feels in their body. Once we’ve done some of those I would introduce the art of wandering. I believe it’s hard to move forward and know where we are headed if we lack a self-connection. Creating space would be a great foundation to begin. I would recommend journaling and would also send my client meditations or encourage them to find their sit spot.

From there we would move to the trunk of the tree – their persona – how are they presenting themselves in the world. I would work to increase their intentionality by asking what world are they thinking, acting, walking themselves into. Do the decisions they make move them closer to achieving their goal or build distance? We would continue with the nature walks and wanders, and begin to establish some rituals that are symbolic of the life they want to create. Examining the part we play in our lives through introspection and compassion helps us begin to recognize why we repeat patterns.

From there we would move into the roots – what are we grounded in. Is it our fear that is driving their decisions? What does the client believe about themselves? Here we would look at letting go of outdates beliefs, befriending fear, and re-write new beliefs that feel supportive and in-line with who the client feels they are. I could see these sessions to be where we go on more challenging hikes as opportunities for them to push themselves – test their strength. See that they are their own cheerleader. What gifts do they have that they want to offer to the world?

I recognize that during the coaching session the client will experience snapbacks. I will do my best to create a safe space where they can come to me without fear of being judged. I will meet them where they are and together we can look at what is blocking them. Was the goal too big? If so, then we can break it down into more doable pieces. Is it a belief that is holding them back? How can we create a daily ritual/practice for them so they begin to see themselves, sort of reinforce the person they want to become? Basically, the goal would always be for us to stay on the path but there is full permission to wander off path knowing that the detours will also provide great insight.

[ezavaglia808]

My boyfriend’s parents are visiting for two weeks. Both are blessed with the gift of gab and struggle to listen to others. There is a lot of tension between them and consequently my boyfriend responds by being short with them. Their communication pattern makes me feel sad and uncomfortable. This has been a perfect opportunity for me to practice deep listening not only to them but to my boyfriend and his son who struggle to deal with the change in the house.

Practicing deep listening has been simple in the sense that I am creating space and staying open and present with each individual to talk. However, I find that listening to all the drama has also left me feeling drained. When I notice I’m feeling triggered by something someone said I try to focus on something that grounds me- my breath, sensations in my hands, the noises around me and I switch into wide-angle vision while listening to them which helps calm me down. I’ve noticed how starved I am at times to feel heard too.

I’ve learned from this practice how starved certain people are to be heard and how drastic their demeanor changes once they have been heard. I’ve also learned how important grounding exercises are during triggering conversations. I’ve also made it a point to take some time to myself to recharge my batteries. Deep listening is one of the most beautiful gifts we can offer to each other.

[ezavaglia808]

Wandering is quickly becoming one of my favorite things to do especially when feeling stuck. Moving provides me with the sensation that I am working through things. Wandering creates space for me to just be and receive.
I have had the sensation of feeling stuck while designing my website. Wandering has offered me words of wisdom and great insight on what to include and what to discard.
I look forward to my daily sit spot visits and now I am feeling empowered as well to simply head out on a wander when I need to. I notice my body feels lighter when I head out too. It’s so cool to see how a simple act of heading out without an agenda feels so freeing! I even suggested to my client that she go wander as she is working through some challenges currently.

I have also tried practicing the seven steps and that one is much more challenging. As some of my classmates have mentioned as well, there is a distinct difference in being led through an experience versus leading yourself through one. I find when I try to lead myself through it I stay too much in my head which takes me away from being present in the experience. I am hopeful that as I continue to practice this I might become more familiar with the nature scene that I have created for this exercise that I will not have to focus on leading myself through it. I am hoping it will become like wandering as I traverse the imaginary landscape of the seven steps.

[ezavaglia808]

Practicing the objective awareness at my sit spot has been lovely. I feel grounded, awake, and connected to my environment. The connection piece has been the biggest gift. Before adding this component in, my daily sit spot was a chance for me to connect to myself. I enjoyed listening to the birds rustling in the leaves, singing above me, the sound of their wings flapping as they flew past me – yet I always felt like the observer- a sort of me-them. The objective awareness exercise created a shift from a me-them to a simple us. I no longer feel separate from the sweet little woods near my house. I feel a part of it.

Another observation I have with this exercise is that it is much easier to do alone. I find when I’ve tried to do this in different situations- at work with kids, or with my boyfriend, I get too pulled into noticing my senses and pulled away from them. I have a first-grade student who has a traumatic background and she has a fiery temper. I took her outside when she was starting to lose control and first had her run. Then I asked her to stop and I walked her through it. We did the exercise together and the change was incredible. We had a great bonding moment without exchanging words. She gave me the biggest hug.

I’ve been loving the seven surrender breaths. They are a great reminder of how quickly our emotions can shift throughout the day and how emotions build upon each other. I’ve noticed I tend to get frustrated when I find myself shifting from feeling at ease and playful. For example, one morning before school my seven words were about the sensations of feeling happy. I arrived at school and the energy was intense. So many students were acting out. I was surprised at how quickly my mood and sensations shifted. As I thought about that situation later I wondered how I could remain grounded in my emotional state instead of conceding my power to situations or other people’s emotional states. Just because someone else is having a hard day doesn’t mean my energy has to change too, right? I can’t be frustrated by someone else’s bad mood. I’ve been trying to work at maintaining a sense of calm by connecting to my breath and noticing the sensations in my hands. I’ve also dabbled with the wide-angle vision which has been helpful too.

[ezavaglia808]

Nature-connection feels like visiting a wise elder. This elder doesn’t talk, doesn’t story tell. The elder just is. My life gets put in perspective by visiting this elder. For example, when feeling frustrated and stressed with work I visit the mountains and take a lone hike. Walking in the mountains, surrounded by enormous mossy trees I realize my problems play a small role in the greater picture of my life. I realize my life is plays a small role in the greater picture of this world. The trees have existed long before I was ever around and will continue to exist long after I am gone. As I walk I think about all the other people who have visited these same trees. I wonder if anyone else has felt supported while crying into one of those tall, mossy trees. I wonder If they’ve felt how their body can instantly relax when they place their forehead against the damp moss on one of the myriad of trees. If anyone else has yelled and heard nothing but their echo in response. I wonder if the trees have provided them with self-awareness by mirroring through a scene in nature what I am feeling inside. Nature-connection to me isn’t just about spending time outdoors. Nature-connection is about what nature teaches me about myself. Spending time in nature connects me to myself, to others, to all beings, and to the bigger picture.

In the Way of Wilderness Steve Harper touched on how our perceptions are expanded while immersed in wilderness. First we come to our senses – meaning our senses come alive. Then our modes of perception expand. Lastly we integrate our new discoveries into our daily lives. He described so well what I take away from my nature visits. Nature-connection is important to me because going outdoors is a chance for me to be intentionally present. Spending time outdoors is a great stress relief and it’s also a spiritual practice.

The biggest challenge I face with maintaining nature-connection is winter. I love the sunshine and long days. I also love the ease of packing for outdoor activities in warm weather. The short, cold winter days are tough. It’s also the time of year I struggle the most with depression. I noticed this especially after I moved back to Seattle after living in Hawaii for six years. Wintertime was special in Hawaii – it’s whale season. I would swim my daily mile in the ocean while being serenaded by the beautiful and mysterious humpback whale song. Over there it was easy to be outside 365.

Steve Harper wrote, “Metaphorically, our willingness to be in the mud and rain can reflect our willingness to be in our internal mud and rain. To put oneself in mud and rain is more than a matter of tolerance; it is active participation in our own ‘rainness’ or muddiness” (p. 188). This quote struck a chord with me because it is exactly what I have come to realize about how I view winter. How can I sit with my own “rainness”, “snowness”, and “darkness”? I am taking small steps, such as getting proper gear, and searching for outdoor winter activities I like. The part I most struggle with is the sense of losing my independence for a third of the year.

[ezavaglia808]

I did this exercise with my 18-year-old niece. I asked her what she preferred. She said to walk silently next to her. I think it’s up to the individual.

[ezavaglia808]

What a beautiful experience to share with your sister.

[ezavaglia808]

I love how you discussed possible societal challenges and personal ‘snapbacks’ he might face and ways to navigate those difficulties. It sounds like you helped him have an experience, discussed what he learned, and supported him in finding ways to apply what he realized. I’m inspired!

[ezavaglia808]

David, What a beautiful experience to have shared with a friend – especially one who was not normally a good listener! Way to not give up on someone and instead model how to deeply listen!

[ezavaglia808]

Hi Kimberly,

I’m feeling inspired by your response. In particular your ability to continue to practice the objective awareness around your family. I too have found the overstimulation intense and I feel pulled away from everyone. As I type this I’m realizing when I’ve practiced this around people I feel disconnected from them and when I practice this alone in nature I feel much more connected to my environment. I hope I can also build my awareness muscle like you have and be able to be present to the entire environment, even when people are around.

[ezavaglia808]

Hi Kimberly,

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on what nature-connection is to you. I too find myself longing to go outside yet my “should-do’s” get in the way. Some of what you wrote reminded me of the concentric circles exercise we learned about. I find my curiosity gets the best of me when the crows outside my window start going crazy and increasing in numbers. It tends to be because a bird of prey is nearby.

It’s nice to read everyone’s posts and see the things we have in common – be it loves and struggles.

[ezavaglia808]

Ciao Silvia! I am sad you will miss our calls. It would be lovely to connect with you. I have family in Italy and find that country to be such a healing place for my spirit. I spent the last two summers in Italy walking various pilgrimage routes and continue to fall further in love with all it has to offer.
I found your words to be beautiful, poetic, and so true. Nature is a recharger for me too. I love how animals sense what we are feeling and needing too. My dog knows when I’m sad and cuddles with me. When I’m feeling discouraged in life an owl tends to appear and I know in a deep way that everything will work out.

Spero di conoscerti durante questo corso!

[ezavaglia808]

Hi Amanda,

I struggle with small talk too and appreciated your positive take on it. It’s so true how a hummingbird or other animal can grab our attention and quickly bring us back to the present.