[David Fontaine]

I am also late to the party (but I was invited, haha), just signing up for this course today with plans of enrolling in the June Nature Connected Coaching course. Pardon my late interjections as I get caught up with you all. Just a quick introduction….I’m David and I’m from Nashville, TN. I’ve arrived here because I’ve finally hit a point in my life where I can no longer ignore the inner dialogue and external signs that I have a purpose greater than sitting at a desk and making money. I not only seek to have a career in nature connected coaching but to also redefine my personal connectedness to nature.

Reg, I can really relate to and appreciate what you shared and can clearly define the start of my spiritual journey as the time I was at the lowest low in my life. I love how you are also able to see that it is those moments that can set us on a course for a greater connection to our true selves.

I’m blown away the responses and input you have all put into this thought provoking question of what it means to be soul directed and nature connected. I took a little piece away from everybody’s perspective that just felt so true and accurate at the core level!

For me, being soul driven means living according to our true essence, our true self . And I define that as simply coming from a place of love and respect for others and the true nature of the world . To care about the well-being of everyone and everything in our world.

One of my favorite verses of the Tao answers the question of “what it means to be nature connected” perfectly for me:

“The supreme good is like water, which nourishes all things without trying to. It flows to low places loathed by all men. Therefore it is like the Tao. Live in accordance with the nature of things. In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep in the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind. Stand by your word. Govern with equity. Be timely in choosing the right moment. One who lives in accordance with nature does not go against the way of things. He moves in harmony with the present moment, always knowing the truth of just what to do.”

I think of nature as much more than the outdoors. Nature is everything. It is the natural state of everything that exists. So being nature connected is about being in tune with the natural flow of everything going on around you. It’s about participating in it without trying to hold it back, make it conform to our ego preferences or alter it in any way. I’m in agreement with Reg that, if you’re soul driven you are also nature connected. They are almost synonymous.