[Wayne]

I have practiced this technique in the past and use it each morning while the environment is more quiet. I walk a local trail and by focusing on the sounds around me I’m better able to appreciate the wildlife and movement of trees. It also provides awareness of activities much further away such as trucks, aircraft, people, storms, dogs, birds, and alarms. By listening more closely, my vision is also enhanced and I recognize patterns in nature and things that are unnatural, such as bottles, cans, and debris that people have left behind. I periodically pick up these items out of respect for nature so others can enjoy an unspoiled environment. Growing up in the desert and mountains, and working professionally to protect the ocean environment, heightened my awareness and enforced a habit of caring for the environment in whatever way is possible.

[Wayne]

Allyson,
I agree, deep listening is key. I always thought about it with people and aiming to provide them 100% attention and focus, and never thought much about the power of listening to nature. I tend to be more visual and smell oriented. I find that by breathing, meditating, and paying close attention to nature it settles the mind and body, while significant expanding awareness. This week I tried Michael’s energy exercise and was taken aback because I could actually feel the energy from a Maple tree I was meditating near, about 6 feet away on my left side at 10:00. A distinct vertical energy line (about 4 inches by a quarter inch) on the left side of my face was unmistakable. I was a bit startled and checked it again and it was there directly aligned with the tree.

[Wayne]

Lynn and Daniel,

I enjoyed both of your discussions and insights. I do think wandering is innate for some people like Lynn, but the deeper reflection for me is something new. Really listening to nature, a full spectrum sphere. It makes sense because all living things are connected on this planet (Michael emphasizes this point) and if we tune in we expand our experience and understanding. That’s powerful for me. Daniel, your interpretation of the storm and the growth it brings is spot on, very vivid and made me think back to the storms in Arizona and Colorado, as well as the storms of life. Thanks for the feedback.

[Wayne]

My first Nature Wander experience was both surprising and eye-opening. Following 7 deep breaths in a standing position and then sitting in a wooden chair outside on a deck, I focused my question on plans to change careers and do what I believe is better aligned and more rewarding for my personal interests and professional focus. After breathing and centering in my body, I closed my eyes and meditated with an open mind on the question, and didn’t set any expectations about the Wander. I wanted to go through the process and allow nature to influence me and see what would develop. After meditating for about 10 minutes, I walked down the steps from my deck, which coincidentally is seven steps, and proceeded to allow my body to be pulled in the direction I felt. Not long after walking slowly and quietly I found a Hawk feather and was later pulled to a leafing Oak tree that I have watched grow from 7 feet to 40 feet, for the past 10 years. After some contemplation, I sensed that the nature Wander was showing me the need to fly toward my future with the confidence of a Hawk and demonstrated through the newly leafed Oak tree, nature’s normal cycle of change and progression. My sense is that the Nature Wander experience revealed and encouraged my plans to make personal and professional life changes.

[Wayne]

I focused on greater awareness each morning and evening through all of my senses. It was interesting because I thought I was attentive, but realized afterwards that I was missing the breeze, the spring smells, and numerous different birds. By focusing on awareness through senses in a focused and relaxed way, my body and mind actually increased perception and helped me feel more alive, yet calm. I also included breathing to enhance the experience. What was shocking was seeing, smelling, and hearing so much more by engaging all of my senses. The upshot is that it actually helped me focus, center, and feel inner calmness. Great experience and a powerful tool to help people.

[Wayne]

Nature connection for me is about creating inner calm, balance, and self-awareness between my body, mind, and spirit, the environment, and with those around me. This can be captured, as noted in Module 1.1, through self-connection, nature-awareness, mindfulness, deep listening, and intention. Balance has always been important for me and has been a key factor in my personal and professional choices and any success I’ve enjoyed. I was fortunate to grow up in Arizona and Colorado and spent much of my time in the wilderness hiking, climbing, and camping. I have tried to stay connected to nature by bringing my family to the outdoors, but not nearly as often as I would like. I recognized the need for nature and balance in myself years ago, and developed an early morning ritual of deep breathing and complex stretching outside before walking or a workout. This habit helps me maintain stronger balance, flexibility, and greater awareness, and I feel the difference throughout the day. I’m also fascinated by the stars and planets, and especially the moon. I sense in the constellations and mountains that we see glimpses of the past, the present, and the future. Recognizing that for millennia people saw the same constellations and mountains we see today provides me time to think, reflect, and consider where I’m headed through my choices, and how I’m using my time on the planet.
My challenge today is grappling with growing regret and feeling stuck working in a corporate job that pays well, but does not satisfy my personal and professional needs and makes me feel alienated from my values, talents, and purpose. I have plans and goals to pursue what connects me to my passion and is aligned with my purpose, which is a combination of earning a Doctorate degree, becoming an adjunct professor, and coaching through some form of nature connection. Michael’s comment, “Don’t give up on your vision, because it’s important, and pulling the passion out of the leader through various ways”, was spot-on for me. I particularly enjoyed his story about the NOLS experience and learning more about himself as a leader, but also asking questions about how wilderness changed people, how it affected people, and the need to ask and seek answers to sacred questions. And later, going beyond and taking action by designing and developing a program to help people with these life questions and challenges through nature-connection is inspiring. Finally, I believe I know what I need to do and will be making changes in my personal and profession life. I’m also aware that major change requires courage, confidence, determination, and focused energy. The nature-connected course will support my journey.

[Wayne]

Hello all, I’m Wayne Brown and have pursued coaching as a profession intermittently for a few years. I decided to combine nature and coaching and found Michael Jospe’s program. The current COVID-19 has made me consider my future profession more carefully. I look forward to the program and working with Michael and the cohort.

[Wayne]

Michael,
Awesome first lecture and great information and exercises to help me feel connected to nature and myself. I breath, stretch, and meditate every morning and will add the present awareness piece too. Well done!
Wayne