Coaching With Nature
‘In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks’ – John Muir
Coaching outdoors and with nature has significant benefits.
Being outdoors in a natural environment can lower your blood pressure and reduce stress. Edward Wilson, a Harvard biologist, looked at how we connect with nature and expanded the concept of biophilia (a love of life or living systems) which he explained as ‘the connection that human beings subconsciously seek with the rest of life’. Being in nature opens up your mind to possibilities.
We spend a significant amount of time in front of screens whether this is a laptop, phone or endless TV channels. This has consequences in terms of our concentration and the impact on our brain. Attention Restoration Theory (ART) developed by Stephen and Rachel Kaplan shows that by taking a break in nature away from our digital devices we can regain our concentration, recover from mental fatigue as well as generally supporting our wellbeing. We can also experience the ‘soft fascination’ of nature. We don’t have to concentrate on what we are doing, instead, we can effortlessly watch a bee on a flower, listen to the waves lapping against the shore or the leaves rustling in the trees. This gives us time to calm our mind, restore our attention, give us space to reflect and for new insights to surface.
The simple process of walking or sitting side by side with another person helps to open up the coaching conversation. The lack of direct eye contact can be liberating and feel less awkward.
Coaching can take place in green or blue spaces. Green spaces are where you are surrounded by trees and fields. Blue spaces are where you are near water. This can be the sea, a river, lake or reservoir. Both spaces have significant benefits on both the coaching experience and on mental wellbeing.
The choice is yours.
Let’s not forget that we are all part of nature, not separate from it.
We know that the planet is struggling as natural resources are depleted. Many people have disconnected from the natural world and coaching outdoors gives us all an opportunity to reconnect and reflect on how we live and what matters most and how we might protect the environment that supports us.
Our coaching conversations with nature bring opportunities to explore your purpose, challenges, values and beliefs as well as insights into how you want to live your life.
Take your first steps on a walk with me and discover the magic of nature.
07764996571
jill@jillscarr.co.uk