[Julie Gandulla]

EBI Foundation 1 Post

What does it mean to be connected to Nature, can be both a simple and a complex question.

It asks me to consider the quality of my attunement to nature through my senses and awareness. Whether if on walks, or while driving, or while sitting in a café, I am aware of the layers of existence going on around me and how they are affecting me. It also asks me to consider my attunement to my internal nature, through how I listen to and believe my body, mind, and spirit. Whether I actively hear how my skin feels, how I speak to myself, or what my deeper needs are saying.

It makes me consider the fact that we are all connected to Nature, whether we acknowledge that connection or not; because we come from Nature, nature resides within us, and it can consequently follow that we ourselves are nature.

It beckons me consider the idea of connection. More specifically, that connection can imply relationship in some form. The strength of relationships seem to lie on a continuum from weak to strong, depending on various internal and external factors that playout in our lives. And yet some relationships, no matter how weak they become (particularly those with family, with origin) can exist and affect us even if they lay far in our past, or deep in our subconscious. Those lost or untended relationships can still have the capacity to create waves potentially producing a void, the feeling of loss, or any number of consequences. And so it seems with Nature, that no matter how removed mentally or physically we become waves continue to pulsate up from our “roots.”

To take the thought even further, it is in those foundational relationships that it is easy to assume and take for granted the immortality of the connection. Failing to maintain it, we suffer from the loss, even if it is not ever a truly fatal one, longing for that connection and all that comes with it. This highlights the importance of not taking for granted and maintaining those crucial, foundational relationships. And just as each individual relationship is unique, I dare say so too are its boundaries. By maintaining a foundational relationship’s growth and vitality, we can help ensure that we have every opportunity to learn and explore the depths of that connection.

Finally, it stands to reason that what it means to be connected to Nature is as unique as the individuals that enjoy that connection. Nevertheless, healthy relationships all seem to have a few requisite components such as mutual respect and mutual care. Amongst other things, without mutual respect authentic listening could not transpire, and without mutual care authentic coexistence could not transpire. Without either, a relationship erodes into pinball game where either party finds themselves bouncing against existence…alone.

I believe this to be true with Nature. This armchair philosophizing applies to connection with Nature most pointedly, as it is a familial, foundational relationship we are weaned from and not taught to recognize. And if we take that reasoning one step further that we are all irrevocably connected to Nature, thereby all connected to one another, and thus Nature itself…we arrive at the idea that we are creating relationship in a ripple effect, with the universe from the outer rings to the inner circles of self, and vice versa. And at its core is respect and care.

[Julie Gandulla]

I wanted to add an additional piece to my post…

This understanding (of what it means to be connected to Nature) will support me as a coach by encouraging me to be aware of the dynamics that lie at the root of this connection. Reminding me not only of its layers and depths, but also its structure and interwoven make-up. But most importantly, it will support me as a coach by inspiring me to approach Nature Connected Coaching from the baselines of respect and care. Respect and care for nature, my client, myself, and each relationship.

[Julie Gandulla]

This was an interesting introduction to the concept of coaching for me. The discussion approach, watching each person contribute to the topic in a round table fashion, made it relaxing and interesting. It impressed upon me balance, and brought to mind the ideas of wu chi, yin, and yang.

[Julie Gandulla]

Hi Lilia,

Thank you for your post. It struck me instantaneously as heartfelt, honest, and thought provoking. I truly appreciated the layers of your thoughtfulness, and how you drew upon, and courageously shared your personal experiences. One point in particular stuck with me, where you touched on Harper’s point regarding responsibility for projection. Springing from this, you noted how the symbols in nature meet each of us where we are and on our own terms, allowing us that experiential learning that is just right for transformation. Your explanation of this made my mind immediately appreciate the fact that it seems that nature “intuitively” speaks to us in our own unique languages, forming that communication in our soul language that creates space for connection, healing, and becoming.

[Julie Gandulla]

I have to work on this as well Sarah. I can see many people in this day and age working on this muscle, but especially with teaching backgrounds like you said.