[Daniel Brisbon]

Sandy, I am hearing a real deep sense of awareness toward the balance and dance of the Threshold experience. It’s that 50-50 mentality. That ability to dance and weave through the Yin-Yang metaphor within yourself and your client. It is this sense of expansive connection with the outside world while also being connected to self and deeper need. It is that dance between having the “head in the clouds” while also being grounded in intention and focus. This is part of the learning experience of becoming a true Nature Connected Coach. To become aware of this dance and dynamic while also being aware of how you show up in that space with nature and with your client. Great stuff!

[Daniel Brisbon]

Hey Ben this is a great insight that I hope everyone in the cohort reads about regarding Threshold experience. Most of the time the conscious experience of the Deeper Need is an exciting and expansive experience for the client, but Deeper Need also ties to connecting and dropping into the “unknown”. Stepping out of the comfort zone or into a space within yourself that can seem a bit scary and uncomfortable. And being aware of this as a coach is crucial! The energy and baseline shift when a person is really dropping into the Threshold experience can be intense and profound. And nature is so good at holding the space for whatever energy we need to release and nature is always inviting us to come back to a place of peace and calmness in our baseline. When we are ready.

So sharing this insight to your experience is so important to be aware of so that we can really hold safe space for our clients. The more energy and intention that is brought into the Threshold experience, the more we must be aware and attentive as coaches to our clients energy change. This is part of the Deep Listening and Coaching Presence within the Core Competencies and this is a learning experience as coaches that can take time to understand and be prepared for. Thanks for sharing Ben!

[Daniel Brisbon]

MJ, some great points shared here by you. First thing I noticed was the question of “What are they running from?” in context to your fellow city dwellers. And what you are probably noticing is that barrier or line between Comfort and Challenge/Growth/Connection. Many of us have become so accustomed to the comforts and luxuries of modern life that the idea of moving out of that space, even temporarily in nature, can be a scary idea. And that can be seen in the response that people have to that idea of moving out of their comfort bubble.

And then you share about this awareness that some of the grief and pain we experience can be directly connected to the relationship that we as a collective whole have with the earth. All of the destruction going on in the world can have a direct impact on our internal state, even if we are not fully aware of it. This is touching on the relationship between our conscious and non/sub conscious brain. We are aware of the news we read and hear going on around the world and then we go about our day, but in the back of our mind we are still connected to those stories we read earlier. And then all of a sudden we are in a state of grief and we are not sure why at first. And that can be because that we are connected to this planet and the earth and when we hear about pain and death then we are directly impacted by it whether we like it or not.

And I really enjoyed reading the end of your post sharing your awareness of your vision for this work. Your vision is unique and special to you and is not determined by anyone else. We can be affected by the thoughts and opinions of others in context to what we “should” be doing, but Soul is the only one that knows the answer to that question. And it sounds like you are very aware of what Soul has to say and that the mainstream opinions are not completely congruent with your truth. Thanks for sharing all of this MJ!

[Daniel Brisbon]

Lisa, it sounds like these Nature Connected practices have been a great opportunity for you to explore and practice without any of the extra baggage or expectations. Practicing, playing and discovering without the need or attachment to outcome. And being in the West can be a great place to start to reflect and refine what has come up for you before moving into the North and then creating something new and beautiful in the East.

It also looks like a great opportunity to practice what you choose to focus on. For example, the different “voices” or input you are receiving from other people in your life. Which voices do you choose to focus your energy on? The ones that are trying to bring you back down to ground level? Or the ones that are lifting you up and inviting you to fly? Figuratively, of course.

And I loved the punny “rock band” joke at the end. Humor is always a plus when you are working deeply and intimately on your vision. Keep up the awesome work!

[Daniel Brisbon]

Taylor, it sounds like this topic is opening some new powerful insights in this work! When I am exploring a new area of learning, such as ecopsychology, I like to look for some key concepts or tools that I can start practicing right away. For example, I would be curious to hear what big takeaways you are getting from the reading you have read on this topic? What is lighting you up and inspiring you?

Sounds like this can be a fun and exciting time for discovery and exploration and I look forward to hearing what comes up for you!

[Daniel Brisbon]

Wow Sandy. I feel this topic and discussion is right in your “sweet spot”! Your awareness of how these two modalities, ecopsychology and NCC, can blend together seems to be on a very attuned level. What I noticed in your post is the simplicity you see in the whole process. Having your own agenda or expectations to the process for yourself and your client can only get in the way of nature’s role.

And the way in which you see your role as a coach in this space with a client is right on point with what we will be exploring in the Gestalt module. Only when we get out of our own head and our own agenda can we truly attune to the client and what they are communicating non-verbally in the present moment. And that is how deep listening shows up as a Nature Connected Coach. It’s being able to read and attune to all the signs and signals you are receiving from your surroundings.

[Daniel Brisbon]

Hey David, thank you for sharing about what has been coming up for you as you really dive into your own personal work in this course. Avoidance can be such a challenging bedfellow as it is usually a sign that there is need for growth and change within ourselves, but it is also a great opportunity to see what exactly is going on inside of you that has the opportunity to change and shift!

And when you are experiencing avoidance throughout your day it is a great chance to practice the Sacred Questions: (Just like the questions you shared in this post)

– What am I noticing?
– What is this telling/teaching me?
– What does this mean to me? How can I grow through this?

And as far as reading other peoples Vision Council, that can be a bit nebulus and tricky. As I have shared with some of your other classmates, the focus should first be on the INTENTION behind trying to see another persons Vision Council. For me, it is usually to create and connect a deeper awareness and understanding of that person. And so that is what I start with. How can I be connected and listen to this person on an even deeper level that I am right now? How can I be fully present with this person?

And then from this intention, see what comes up as far as reading their Vision Council. Going straight to “seeing their Vision Council” can put us into our heads and out of our bodies which can be counter intuitive. So start small and simple. I hope this helps and I look forward to hearing more of your insights.

[Daniel Brisbon]

Hi Sheri, I want to start off by sharing my gratitude and appreciation for your openness and honesty in this online discussion post. Sharing doubt and frustration is usually the first step in dissolving the tension and struggle behind that feeling. I would love to connect in person and talk about this with you, rather than trying to share my insights on this forum, if this is still something you are sitting with.

[Daniel Brisbon]

Ash, great insight and awareness around how you show up with your Vision. I read that you are fully aware of how you feel in context to achieving your dream compared to experiencing your dream. And I believe there is some deep truth and wisdom with your insight! And the word that comes to mind for me is INTENTION.

Our Soul, or Soul-Directed part of us, likes to chime in when we are in alignment or out of alignment with our vision. And it likes to chime in through our emotions and feelings. And from what I read in your post is that your Soul part is very aware that achieving the dream and being focused on the outcome is not in alignment with your vision. From what I hear your vision is the journey, the experience, and the great wisdom you learn along the way.

I know it can bring up sadness and depression when we are not in complete alignment with our vision, but at the same time these feelings and emotions are great context for when we are getting off our path! Without these indicators we would be chasing every pipe dream with no context on what is true and aligned for us. I look forward to hearing what other awarenesses and insights you come upon in the future as you keep on your journey. It sounds like you are dedicated and devoted to listening and moving forward with your vision!

[Daniel Brisbon]

Morgana, we begin promptly at 9:30 tomorrow morning, but we also invite students to get up there early so that you can walk down to the StarHouse from the parking area and get settled before we start diving into the material.

Daniel

[Daniel Brisbon]

Thank you for being so open Tamara. It sounds like you are really taking this work to heart from what you shared.

I really enjoyed reading what you said about “I’m not promoting myself” but rather the power of connection with nature. This was a great reminder to myself in this work as well. It is easy to forget that this work is about connection and connection to something so much greater and bigger than just ourselves. And our past most definitely does NOT define our future, but we sure can learn from it. And when we learn from it and grow then we can take action into the future that is most aligned with vision.

When it comes to logic and what is “logical”, I see that as one of those words that is subjective and relative. We each have our own definition of what is logical and if we try to use societal norms as a compass for what is logical in our own life then we will never go down the path that was designed specifically for us. And that is why I was glad to see that you added logic and intuition together. Because when used together properly, those two are quite the dynamic duo! Kinda like mashed potatoes and gravy or Batman and Robin.

Which brings me to the last thing I wanted to share. There is one thing that nature shares along with the thoughts and opinions of others. We cannot control either of them. No matter how hard we try. And I see a deep connection between the two in what you shared.

So what do you do? Well what would nature do? WWND? And the first thing that comes to my mind is the word “adapt”. There is very little rigidity in nature, because strength is not rigid. It flows, bends and adapts to the situation. Just like tall mighty trees on a windy day.

So how can you learn to adapt to the never ending creek floods and ice? Maybe build a boardwalk through your property?

And how can you adapt to the way you are responding and taking on the thoughts and opinions of others? Even if they are family?

I would love to hear what insights you have to these questions!

[Daniel Brisbon]

Ash, I really hear a deep understanding and awareness of how deeply intertwined Soul and Nature connection are to each other. It is almost like they work together and in harmony where a deep connection to Nature creates a deep connection to Soul and vice versa.

And all of you have shared, in one way or another, that deep connection happens when we are present, mindful, and attuned to all of our senses in the moment. This is so true! But it is not always easy to drop into this way of being. This is why daily visits to your Sit Spot and listening to Vision Council are so necessary! It creates the container for us to drop into this space within ourselves and allows us to be quiet and centered in the moment.

Thanks so much for sharing!

[Daniel Brisbon]

Thanks so much for sharing Tamara! I really enjoyed reading about your awareness of the depth of the connection you feel with Nature relative to your physical proximity to it. Nature can be an amplifier to our internal state and connection to Soul. And so when we are deep in the woods it is almost like that amplifier knob can be cranked up to 11 (Spinal Tap reference), but maybe when we are back at home it can feel more like a 3 or 4.

So how can we start raising that knob again even when we are not deep in the woods and in nature? How can we practice deep mindfulness when we are out in nature and that feeling of nature connection is at it’s strongest? So that when we are back at home we can still attune and nurture that deep feeling of nature connection.

And this is why creating daily rituals is so important! Daily rituals that are created with deep intention. Because just like impermanence in the real world so is there an experience of impermanence inside of ourselves. We are not always going to feel deeply connected to nature. There are days when I go out into nature and feel completely disconnected and struggle to be present and mindful. But that’s OK! Because I know that, like all things, being deeply connected to Nature and Soul takes time. It is a process. A journey.

It’s like lifting weights or training for a marathon where the results are not immediate. There are good days and there are bad days and I am all right with that. But the more I stay focused on those times when I am in a feeling of deep connection with myself and the great outdoors when I am at home or at work then the stronger those “nature and soul connection muscles” become!

And the first step to change and greater connection is Awareness. So I enjoyed reading what you wrote because without awareness we cannot grow and transform ourselves. I look forward to reading more of your insights throughout this course!

[Daniel Brisbon]

Taylor and Tracy, reading both of your insights what Soul-Direction means to you reminded me of a Rumi quote that I always find myself pondering:

“There is a voice that does not use words. Listen.”

To me personally, I feel that Soul isn’t always that voice inside our head directing us where to go. Rather it can show up as a feeling. A deeper knowing within myself that can only be accessed when I learn to quiet the mind and truly listen. And it can require time and practice! Which is why creating daily rituals like visiting your Sit Spot, meditation, energy routines, sitting with your Vision Council etc. are so important and that is because it is teaching you to listen deeply within to Soul! And the more we practice then the more easily we are able to access that place within each of us.

Soul can show up and speak to us in different ways. Everyone’s experience might be a little different and that’s the beauty of it!

And that is where Nature Connection comes in. For many of us, myself included, we are able to turn up the volume knob on the frequency through which Soul connects and speaks to us in the outdoors. Nature can create a container and safe space to drop into ourselves much more deeply and authentically. It is in my time in nature that I have my greatest insights and profound A-Ha! moments because I am listening to and being guided by Soul. Nature Connection happens when I deepen the relationship I have with myself during my time in nature.

Nature, in my own experience, has always been a great Teacher, Reflector, and Metaphor. I learn more about myself and the world in my time in nature.

For example, I went skiing for a few days ago and on this day it happened to be extremely windy. So windy that I could see the pines and firs waving back and forth with the wind with extreme grace and flow. And they weren’t swaying a little bit, these massive trees were swaying multiple feet in all directions as the wind would change course. And in that moment I realized something. There is really no rigidity in nature. The strongest organisms on the planet are the ones that are able to bend and adapt to what is thrown at them. A rigid tree won’t last long in a wind storm before getting uprooted and thrown over. But a tree that is able to stay strong in the chaos and dance in the storm will last a whole lot longer.

And in that is a great metaphor to our own lives. How can we learn to be less rigid and learn to flow and dance in the moment? What can we start doing today to deepen our roots and stay steadfast when obstacles arise?

Because that is the building block of true leadership. By leading ourselves first from within. And when we are able to show up as leaders within our own mind, body and soul then others will see that and want to learn more.

And Taylor, that is how I see being Nature Connected while not in nature. It is when I am able to take that experience and that deeper connection within myself while in nature and bringing it to all areas of my life. To be able to go through my day and practice being intentional about staying in a place of Soul Connection and Soul Direction. It is taking that time spent in nature and making it into a whole new way of life!

[Daniel Brisbon]

Thanks so much for sharing your introduction here Tracy. Look forward to seeing how this material fits into your own life and your professional work as well!