[rhonda]

Once again, the experiences everyone shared inspire me to continue the practice of Deep Listening.

While I realize that I need to practice this much more for it to begin to feel more natural, I’m having some challenges separating from the pattern to go into my head and be concerned about if the people I am doing it with think I’m distracted, which as Michael points out in the instructions, further separates me from from continuing Deep Listening.

I experimented with a client and while I did feel there was in increased connection and vulnerabilities being shared, in time I abandoned the practice because of concern about being perceived as not listening and the societal story of maintaining eye contact won the day.

I tried this with my parents who there is sometimes tension with as my mother often judges my current life path. I thought it was going well until my Mom said “Are you even listening to me?” I chuckle and told her I was practicing Deep Listening from my NCC course and she left the room. My Dad and I did have a beautiful conversation and I do believe that the conversation and my presence were expanded. It felt wonderful as I could tell my Dad was grateful to be fully listened to.

Finally, I used this yesterday on a hike with two new friends and really found it to be a powerful tool. I’m aware that the nature of hiking together allows a lack of eye contact, so perhaps that made it easier for me to not let the concern of how I was being perceived get into my thoughts.

[rhonda]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences live and in these reflections. While I haven’t been able to make the last few live session, I feel like I know you from your sharing so much of yourselves!

Wanders are also powerful for me and at this point, my whole body become more alive and excited as I begin my wanders. I definitely feel the “pull” in certain directions and walk mindfully towards places I’m feeling moved to explore. I definitely believe Nature participates, whether it be the rabbits, snakes, birds and lizards I have encountered, the breezes that cool my skin and remind me to be present and grounded, or the flowers and trees that engage me on the journey.

One area that I’m still struggling is finding meaning in what I’m encountering. I’m doing my best to release the attachment to the outcome, and continue to allow meaning to unfold as I’m ready to receive the guidance. That is not discouraging me from the practice as I do feel delighted to be more engaged with my environment and believe the practices are impacting how I show up in the world.

[rhonda]

I found Objective Awareness exercises to be very natural and productive. While I use Sacred Questions already with my coaching clients to invite them to tap into their own wisdom, it’s not a regular part of my meditation practice so that is where the beauty started unfolding.

Experimenting with this practice myself was fascinating as things came up that were powerful. I’ve been in New Orleans, the city of my birth where I also experienced trauma as a child and teenager, and I’ve been reconnecting with my roots both in terms of reconnecting with family, places and experiences. The Objective Awareness exercises and Sacred Questions helped with my healing and release of the stories that I didn’t realize I was holding onto about who I was.

I also shared this exercise with my WeWiN women’s empowerment group at a gathering with about 9 people. Holding safe space for groups in Nature continues to be a growth opportunity for me, but the wisdom of Nature guided the process and I believe is a huge component to encouraging these women to be vulnerable.

*Per my message above, I’m looking forward to a response to my Seven Breaths question.

[rhonda]

I will share more about my Objective Awareness exercise soon but wanted to ask for support. I included this in my reflection about the last class but have not heard back …
I’m struggling with the Seven Breaths exercise. I think it would be very helpful if you shared an example of one of these … starting with what words came up and going through all of the steps. The directive of “non-emotion” words is throwing me off a bit. Thanks!

[rhonda]

First I’d like to thank you all for sharing so much of yourselves in the live class and here in the discussion forum. Your authenticity is appreciated and I look forward to getting to know all of you. I have a conflict again this Thursday but am hoping to start joining for the live sessions on June 27.

In my experience, Nature-Connection is being fully present, experiencing my environment with all senses and tapping into Nature’s wisdom to guide my way. I love the concept that Nature and I are one and have personally experienced the symbiosis that this connection offers.

Nature-Connection has always been a priority for me personally as I have always felt at home and most alive when I’m in Nature. As I child and teenager I sought Nature as a respite from trauma and unhealthy behaviors in my home. As a young adult I began to realize that I was my most creative, focused, and happy when my schedule allowed for regular time in Nature to recharge.

For most of my career I had to separate my time in corporate office settings where I engaged more with my head and analytical brain to solve complex problems. Then when I step into Nature, there is a discernible difference in how I show up, and it’s more natural for me to lead with my heart, connecting on a much deeper level with those I’m with, myself and Nature itself.

Since starting my own business in 2013 and setting my own schedule, outside of seasonal weather issues, I don’t find challenges maintaining this connection with Nature and have successfully prioritized my self-care in Nature. As I’m starting to do my Coaching in Nature and want to focus on this, I’m challenged by the fact that my clients are all over the world and I myself have been living a nomad life since 2017, living and working in 15 European countries and 5 US cities.

While I typically have some clients in every place I visit, I work with most of my clients over Zoom since we are in different cities. I take many of my Zoom calls for Career Coaching and Life Design Coaching outside on a patio when the weather allows, and I’ve experimented with a couple of long-term clients with both of us being in Nature in our respective locations.

Again, this has been doing Coaching “in” Nature vs. doing “Nature-Connected Coaching” … so I’m hoping that this course will inspire me to transition to “Nature-Connected Coaching!”

[rhonda]

Hi everyone! My name is Rhonda Allen and I’m a Nature enthusiast and Coach that is super excited about combining the two to increase the impact of my work with clients. I also created a free Women’s Empowerment group in Austin that meets in Nature, so I’m able to “Do” the practices with the incredible women while learning and growing.

I’m looking forward to getting to know you and am grateful to Michael and his team for sharing their expertise with us!

Rhonda

[rhonda]

Like many of the others, I found this practice more challenging at first as I tend to be singularly focused then when I opened my peripheral vision I was pretty overwhelmed by my surroundings. I kept at it and with practice found a “flow” to focusing in and out. I can’t say I reached an “open relaxed” state but I will keep trying!

[rhonda]

This exercise is a variation of a Mindfulness in Nature exercise I’ve done in the past. Loved the aspect of shifting directions and listening at a distance to focus listening and ignore chatter of less inspiring noises.

My first attempt was in a small pocket park off of St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, very much an urban setting. It was incredible to hear the mix of Nature noises like wind, birds, and trees with the street car, cars, children and dogs. When I focused my attention below it had an incredible effect on both what I heard (leaves rustling, others walking nearby) and on my ability to relax into the experience.

What a wonderful reminder to make conscious choices of what we focus on during our lives and of the power of Nature to induce calm amongst chaos.

[rhonda]

David thanks for letting me know it’s not just me! 😀