The first step in teaching a student in wilderness or earth skills in a deep and transformative way, whether they are 5 years old, or 50, is to build a meaningful relationship. This means spending time with them, giving them your full attention. It means showing them who you are, the real you, the person behind the mission statement or the company line. It means showing them it isn't isn't just all about you and your thing, but that it's actually about them.This can be done in a lot of ways, and it doesn't have to take a ton of time, either. But it is absolutely essential to creating transformation.
Without a real relationship, there is no trust.
Without trust, there is no safety.
Without safety, there is no breakthrough, because that breakthrough is hidden away, behind the walls of your student's carefully protected heart.
If you show they you care about them, that you appreciate them, that you aren't about judging them, or being better than them, that's the first step. You have to show that you care about them enough to keep them safe and really 'seeing' who they are, and where they are 'at'. When that happens, you will help unlock those gates of protection. Each thing you do with them will build connection, and it will help you create a space for them to transform and shine their own inner light into the world.
It is a privilege and an honor to do work like this. It's hard work. It takes a dedication to our own inner emotional connection, and our own passion and our love for nature and helping people.
If you show they you care about them, that you appreciate them, that you aren't about judging them, or being better than them, that's the first step. You have to show that you care about them enough to keep them safe and really 'seeing' who they are, and where they are 'at'. When that happens, you will help unlock those gates of protection. Each thing you do with them will build connection, and it will help you create a space for them to transform and shine their own inner light into the world.
It is a privilege and an honor to do work like this. It's hard work. It takes a dedication to our own inner emotional connection, and our own passion and our love for nature and helping people.
We have to let go of our internal baggage, for the time we are with them, and just be in the moment, with them, in nature, or wherever we are.
Sometimes, working with kids in nature is wonderfully clearing for our minds. It just washes everything that doesn't matter away, and leaves a fresh, clean feeling inside. There are good things happening, and all the gunk that usually clogs our constant chatter can begin to drift away too. Creativity is enhanced. Problem solving, too. Even our decision making becomes almost intuitive, and our inner awareness gets a boost as well.When it works, it's incredible....
And that is just the first step.
Today's youth are changing, and things that used to work ten or even five years ago aren't working as well as they once did. The stories are different. The attention span is different. The timing is different. Heck, even the jokes are different!
The good news is that there are lots and lots of ways to innovate, and reframe our programs to help kids or adults get the power of these skills and nature. If you are working with kids or adults and you want help with tweaking your program to make it even more powerful or transformative, or you just want to get a fresh way to see your work and get support, please schedule a time to chat with me. I'd love to see if there is a way I can help!
Just go to my website and click the link at the bottom called 'Schedule a Call'. It's 100% free and I will do what I can to help you out!
Be ready, though! I will give you little assignments and tasks to do, too! So, make sure you really want this!
www.GetTheNaturalAdvantage.com
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