[Melody Rose]

I met with my practice client in person at the river.
I could see and feel her relax, and drop in as we went along on our walk. Even though we were walking or standing outside I noticed she’d hold her beverage container differently as she spoke of different things.
Walking side by side did make it difficult to keep eye contact, but we would stop and face each other when needed.
I recognized some deflection and was able to bring her back to the topic, some introjection as well.
There were some things that needed to be released and she did so by throwing a rock into the river. Afterward, she stood up straighter, her eyes were wide and bright and she was smiling. She noted feeling much lighter and open and that closing her eyes and listening to the water in that moment that she can very quickly feel centered and grounded. She was happy that she has a list of tasks to take away with her that day to work towards her goals. She talked openly about some difficult issues where I could share a little bit of my own experience to show her that I understood and that helped her be more open. I like doing sessions at the river. It really encourages the go with the flow, calming, stillness and movement, releasing energy…

[Melody Rose]

I feel like this module had us digging deep to find, figure out, see what we want with our coaching practice. Who we want to work with, but also what, where, when, why, how we want to coach and who do we want to BE as a coach. For me looking at other like-minded businesses usually discouraged me, not knowing where I fit in. Now with feeling like I’ve discovered my ideal client base I feel like they are like a support system, less than competition like I did in the past. I’m sure that recent experiences and opportunities contributed to that as well 🙂
My ideal client and vision have changed over time as I heal, grow and learn along the way and that’s ok. As long as I stay true to my authentic self my coaching, my clients and practice may change with me and that’s ok too.

[Melody Rose]

H1 Sheri! Growing strong children vs healing adults really stuck with me, that’s so true.

[Melody Rose]

When I think about coaching and/or guiding others those who come to mind are-
age 25-45
possibly in school, learning new things
have stability in life (house, employment)
into alternatives – coaching, natural remedies, reiki, etc
open to connection
open to vulnerability
have a willingness to experiment
highly motivated
committed to their own growth
excited
proactive communication
share their experience with others
aware of a connection with something greater than selves

This demographic most excites me because they are people who are on a spiritual journey, who would like to be and I feel are open to new opportunities and modalities.

I imagine working with them via video conference or in person and being out in nature, exploring and collaborating with coaching and integrating chakras and other “new age” or shamanic practices. Exploring how many different healing aspects can be combined for growth and healing.

Some common categories I can foresee, and that seem to have come up multiple times already are- rejection, feeling stuck, fear, boundary setting, connection, being present, shame, pride, authenticity, accountability, self worth, vulnerability, self care, life/work balance, purpose, spirituality, transitions….

To support their awareness in success I would like to collaborate with nature by being out in nature for as many sessions as possible, focusing on the directions and natural cycles, playing in nature. I would love to be able to offer a tree painting ceremony at the completion of coaching programs.

Some individuals or organizations who work with similar populations in my area include
many yoga teachers and studios
http://hopemountain.org
https://www.namastehikingco.com
https://www.omfulliving.com
http://mtwaddingtons.com

Prme-Home

http://therisingphoenix.ca/
http://bluecrowinspirations.blogspot.com/p/about-angela.html – This is my friend, mentor, teacher, healer, Angela I’ve probably told you all about her

From a Nature Connected Coaching aspect the outdoors businesses are more about the hike or the exercise rather than really slowing down and intentionally connecting with nature at a soulful level. The indoor businesses may at times touch on nature connection in theory but generally will not have the experiential aspect that we offer.

I really enjoyed writing this post as I often wonder where I fit in, why would they choose me over the other businesses and this nicely pointed out that NCC fills a gap and I am stoked to be the person to fill it!

A note I made for myself that I thought I’d share here-

I want a business based on my authentic self that supports myself and my family beyond our needs/means in a sustainable way (no burn out/ or long hours, when I want to work) so I can help heal and nurture mother earth.

[Melody Rose]

Hi Shari!!

I love how you pointed out the juxtaposition of the 2 books. I find I read the coaching handbook when I feel more mentally alert and the Coyotes guide when I feel more relaxed. When you said “finding your caching voice” that really resonated with me as I’ve been working on and practicing (like right now even though it’s in writing) feeling safe to speak my authentic truth lately and my coaching voice is part of that. I love too that you said NCC doesn’t need to have a problem to solve and can be a part of spiritual growth as I have been thinking that my ideal clients are those on a spiritual path or wanting to start one.

[Melody Rose]

Reflecting back on this module the things that I am taking aways form this module are; that our experiences in the threshold will help us better serve our clients, that everyone’s experience and each session will be unique. We need to create and hold sacred space for our clients to feel safe and trust us so they can do their work. As coaches, we need to be present and at the same time stay out of the client’s way, not putting our agenda on them, and let the client work through the process. We need to listen and be clear on what the client is saying, by reflecting back to them. I am excited to practice how to do this by asking a question rather than summarizing back to the client.

[Melody Rose]

Hi Nadine! I find that my ideal client has been changing as I learn more along the way. I initially thought my target market was people like me- moms of school-aged children who wanted to find their (new) purpose in life, possibly divorced. There may still be some of those clients in the mix but I have changed my ideal client to someone more specific where I feel I can include more of my past education/knowledge, experience, strengths and interests.

[Melody Rose]

Hi Matt!
I love the idea of using stewardship and mentorship in your programs. We are nature so I feel that guiding others to care for our external environments is an amazing way of caring for themselves and healing in a very gentle way.

[Melody Rose]

Nature sports guide came to mind as I read this. I totally see what you mean on how a 2 foot drop, for example, could help people. When I got harnessed in and climbed 150 feet up into a tree it changed my life forever. I feel like Matt and his rafting trips could relate to how you are seeing your vision, or these maybe- http://www.outwardbound.ca or what I think was called Learn2Lead where I am. I’m excited to see what you create with this1 <3

[Melody Rose]

Hi Kim!

What stood out most for me reading your comment was knowing you want to be the rescuer, solver, superhero and knowing that we are guiders.
I think this is something I will have to watch for too and would be us pushing our agenda and reminds me that everyone is on their own journey and may not want the same thing I would want if I was in their shoes.

[Melody Rose]

Hi Sheri!!
I am so excited for you for the workshop and opportunities that are “falling in your lap” and I want to hear all about them!! This module has been a lot of info, learning, practice and I am happy to be here with all of you 🙂

[Melody Rose]

Hi Matt!
When you talk of wearing “several hats”, although it’s not quite on the same level you were talking about, I find that at times my “horticulture” side wants to come out and feed people plant information. I need to remind myself that as interesting as it is, sometimes it isn’t relevant, or what the client came to me for that day. I’ve also noticed though that sometimes it can help lighten the mood if needed or be used to refocus the client if they wander off the issue.
When I read about the questionnaires “fear of incompetence” it kind of hit me- this feels like something I would do, and now reminds me of things I’ve read along the lines of we can still help people while we are learning/ healing/growing on our own stuff. Which is true since it is/we are all a work in progress.
I had a practice client where I thought I “bombed” the session, but then realized the client agreed to be a practice client more out of curiosity and wanting to be helpful to me than a real hearing for coaching.
Re note-taking- I keep a small notebook in my car to take notes as soon as I get back to the car.
I’ve noticed that when I ask the sacred questions I often feel filled with joy as I do, as I see the client looking around, or the look on their face, in their eyes as they are searching for the answer, and wait to hear the response.

[Melody Rose]

Hi Amber!
“Spreading an appreciation and responsibility for change in how our society treats Earth” totally resonates with me. I feel it’s more important now than ever before. Lately, I’m feeling somewhat torn between wanting to go full “activist mode” or to just keep in mind that sometimes it really upsets me when I think about it all too much.
I loved how you put it about instead of us working out our bodies to hunt and gather we now go to the gym. So very true! It also makes me think of transportation and if we walked or biked instead of driving a car. “Convenience” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

[Melody Rose]

Hi Sheri! I still remember the first time I heard Michael talk about the searching mode in one of the online classes. It’s SO true!! Writing this now it makes me think of how people talk about manifesting things you want in your life.
The trust and safe place/ the “bubble” in Colorado as I like to call it, was such an amazing example of a safe sacred space it’s made me determined to create that in all my life, not just with clients.
When you said “assist client in learning how to connect at their centre” I thought of how sometimes I’m not sure how connected I feel, and that that may be because it’s in the general everyday moments, not when I’m having the AHA moments……

[Melody Rose]

Hi Kim! I too really liked the autobiographical questions. I feel like knowing where someone is coming from can make a big difference in how well I may be able to coach them through certain issues.
When you said we “should seek places that reflect and support that which will most help them through learning their stories first” I thought of a couple of practice clients I’ve had and the spots they chose to do their sessions. One was along a river, another in a forested area near that same river. Looking back to their session those respective locations seemed quite fitting to their issues/stories.
I too really love the correlation to the directions. They also use them in shamanism so we can chat about that if you’d like :).