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Why You Should Invite Nature to Be Your Co-Coach

by Jill

Since the beginning of my coaching journey, I knew I wanted to incorporate nature into my practice. It has been, and continues to be, an incredible source of healing and inspiration for me. I thought, if nature has impacted me in such a deep and powerful way, surely there is a way I could incorporate it into my coaching practice. It took some digging and research, but I finally learned more about the concept of Ecotherapy and how I could incorporate those principles into my coaching.

Simply put, Ecotherapy is nature connection. It is a way to get back to our roots in and connect with nature in order to improve our overall well-being. It has been the topic of increasing study and research during recent years and is becoming increasingly popular.

Based on my own personal experience and that of with my clients, I feel strongly about including nature-based practices into my coaching.

Here are my top reasons why you should invite nature to be your co-coach:

Nature has a positive impact on well-being.

Studies performed by Ecominds revealed that 7 out of 10 people experienced increases to their well-being when spending more time with and in nature. This equates to reduced feelings of stress and depression, more social interaction, feeling of being connected to nature and people, improves mood, increases confidence, and more. Many of these outcomes are in line with what we help clients with through our work as coaches. Adding in natural elements to aid these outcomes can be as simple as including a discussion about nature in your sessions or can be as involved with meeting clients outdoors in a safe environment.

Nature provides an outlet for grounding and mindfulness.

Grounding and mindfulness are important parts of the coach-client relationship as we journey with the client to new territory in their life. Nature can provide a unique outlet for a client coming back to their center. For example, it may be helpful for the client to describe a favorite outdoor location and how it makes them feel. Or to remember a favorite memory that happened outdoors. This can be and effective tool for clients in and out of sessions when looking to be more mindful. We can help them crystalize these moments so they can return to them any time they wish.

New perspectives can be born from a relationship with nature.

Many occurrences in nature can be seen through metaphorical lenses, which provide an opportunity for clients to see circumstances and mental blocks from a different perspective. For example, sitting with a client at a lookout point provides a great topic of conversation on seeing the grander picture and what that means in their life. What can they see from that perspective in nature and in what they are currently experiencing? What can they learn from nature that can be applied to their life? There are endless opportunities for clients to relate to nature and have the potential to bring upon a new perspective through simple observation and discussion.

Nature may be an intermediary between coach and client.

If working with clients outdoors, nature can be a source of connection between the coach and client. So much can be observed and experienced through and with nature. Much can be spoken through an encounter without words. Going on a silent nature walk can bring forth powerful emotions, energy, and realization. Even without words, there is the opportunity to experience the same energy and understanding from something seen or experienced in nature. For example, it may be witnessing animals in the woods, listening the sounds of a river, or hearing the song of the birds.

Keep in mind, when taking clients into the outdoors, it is also important to ensure you create a safe container for your session to be conducted. It is something that should be discussed with the client to determine their comfort level and of course, only bring them to locations you are well acquainted with. It may be necessary to have the client sign a waiver for sessions held outdoors as well.

These are only a few ways that you may welcome nature to be your co-coach in your practice. Nature is an beautiful gift from the universe with incredible healing capacity and I highly encourage you to contemplate where nature may fit in your coaching practice. This may be as simple as a short meditation, having visual or hands on nature items in your office, or sitting on park bench with your client. There is a world of possibility when you partner with nature to create a unique and memorable experience for your client.

Becki Daly, MS, CPC
Life Coach | Ecotherapist | Speaker
The Novaturient Life
www.thenovaturientlifect.com
novaturientcoaching@gmail.com

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