Today we are more disconnected from others than ever before. National discord is at record breaking levels, and some say we are having a "crisis of connection."
I have watched others, time and time again (including myself at times) shrink back rather than join in with people they don't know, whether it's to attend a co-worker's party, ask a neighbor for a baking ingredient or to help jump start their car...or to engage in community social activities designed to build connection (I.e. Meetup.com groups).
We are wired, as humans, to thrive in connection and in community. If so, then why are we not engaging with others?
I have watched others, time and time again (including myself at times) shrink back rather than join in with people they don't know, whether it's to attend a co-worker's party, ask a neighbor for a baking ingredient or to help jump start their car...or to engage in community social activities designed to build connection (I.e. Meetup.com groups).
We are wired, as humans, to thrive in connection and in community. If so, then why are we not engaging with others?
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Lack of connection is now considered the primary cause of most addictions-whether shopping, drugs, technology, emotional eating and others. |
We WANT to be our authentic selves. One of our deepest desires is to be liked and loved just as we are, to be understood and to be heard.
All to often our "go to" thought has become one of fear of judgement and rejection by others, so we "shrink" ourselves out of fear or "put on" a protective "social self ". How many of you either hesitate to go to your neighbors' for help or casual conversation? For decades people would connect within their neighborhoods for support and friendship when these things happened, but now, fear of "being a bother" or being judged blocks us from connecting.
I lived MY life in fear of judgement, by my family, by God and by those around me. It didn't feel good, so after graduate school, I began creating social groups to help bring people together, and now supporting deep connection has become my life's work. I AM CHOOSING TO BE THE CHANGE I WANT TO SEE AND FEEL. It is my deepest belief that many individuals and families have a yearning to grow and sustain nurturing, empowering, compassionate and relevant community connections, where they feel their voices are heard, where they don't have to "maintain appearances", and where they have the support needed to facilitate good will and trust. I have also seen (and experienced within myself) the growing struggle of many to confidently step out to meet new people and try to find these communities.
Many of us didn't learn the skills or gain the inner confidence in our youth to know how to be safely vulnerable. History (well, anthropology) and science show us that we are wired for connection, and that we thrive when we have connection. Our modern American culture steered us in the opposite direction, applauding and encouraging us to "make it on our own", defining success by how much "stuff" we owned. These patterns are changing. Many across generations are realizing a desire for less stuff and better connections, and are seeking ways to make these changes for themselves.
I lived MY life in fear of judgement, by my family, by God and by those around me. It didn't feel good, so after graduate school, I began creating social groups to help bring people together, and now supporting deep connection has become my life's work. I AM CHOOSING TO BE THE CHANGE I WANT TO SEE AND FEEL. It is my deepest belief that many individuals and families have a yearning to grow and sustain nurturing, empowering, compassionate and relevant community connections, where they feel their voices are heard, where they don't have to "maintain appearances", and where they have the support needed to facilitate good will and trust. I have also seen (and experienced within myself) the growing struggle of many to confidently step out to meet new people and try to find these communities.
Many of us didn't learn the skills or gain the inner confidence in our youth to know how to be safely vulnerable. History (well, anthropology) and science show us that we are wired for connection, and that we thrive when we have connection. Our modern American culture steered us in the opposite direction, applauding and encouraging us to "make it on our own", defining success by how much "stuff" we owned. These patterns are changing. Many across generations are realizing a desire for less stuff and better connections, and are seeking ways to make these changes for themselves.
So what am I doing? I am committed to fostering deep community, bringing people together, mentoring, bringing elements back from the past and into our modern lives that strengthen trust, build bonds, breathe of compassion and create thriving communities. I'm committed to creating safe spaces, and offering programs and resources that help people from all walks of life get the opportunity to play, nurture themselves, discover how to hold space for others, grow supportive friendship circles and engage in life changing and enhancing neighborhood-based community initiatives.
I'm also heading "West". I was called to do so by something greater than myself, so I can only trust that it will offer brilliant opportunities. Part of this journey is my inner journey-a journey of continued healing and expansion of the "how" I am to do this work. I have always dreamed of visiting some of the most awe inspiring places in the US, and I believe that this work is meant to be offered in the most freeing and soul lifting way possible-by traveling! I plan to offer accessible programming and events in towns, campgrounds, at festivals and in parks across the country!
Stay tuned for much more on Connection and Soul Living soon!
- I'll work with campgrounds, schools, coffee shops, friends' circles, neighborhoods, businesses, state parks and others to offer incredible heart opening, curiosity and play-based gatherings that deepen connection of campers/visitors/customers to each other and to themselves. I'll create opportunities for people to truly make the most of their vacation time and down time.
- I'll model how to hold safe space for others, and teach you some of the best tools and strategies available for holding the gathering you desire
- I'll share the researched-based key elements of thriving communities, and we'll play with ways to bring these elements into your community (ie. storytelling, mentor systems, fire circles, ceremony, holding space for each other)
- Those who choose to apply these skills in their own lives will be able to join online "mentor communities" to support their journeys, with optional one-on-one coaching/mentoring available. (Gatherings and the online mentor communities are FREE! )
- Resources for your home and playshops designed to help neighborhoods connect will become available.
- How can I get in on this? Contact me! We'll get curious about how you'd like to deepen community at your location, and set a plan together. What's the cost? It really varies! I believe in bartering and earning income. Space to park my RV, overnight accommodations and home cooked meals to professional hourly rates based on business income levels are all options. If you are super curious and passionate about supporting a rebirth of interconnection, we'll find the right "abundance option".
- I'll also be available to connect with individuals in one-on-one coaching AND to offer coaching and deep community programming for your campground, business/nonprofit or neighborhood. Sample topics include:
- Nature Mindfulness, Nature Connection for Kids, What is Your Inner Compass Telling You, Let's Get Grounded, The Power of Stories
- Creating Successful Circles, Peaceful Connection, Hosting "Release" Gatherings; Authentic Relating Games, Deconstructing B.R.A.V.E.R.Y.-How To Come Together When We Feel Like Society is Falling Further Apart (Emphasises Brene' Brown's work among others)
Where will I be? I'm working on my journey map (a combination of dream spots and clues the Universe is offering me i.e. North or North Central New Mexico) and figuring out where my RV is right now, so she and I can get connected! (If you know where my perfect Class C RV is or would like to help support my efforts to build deep community and offer Soul Living programs, please contact me.)
It seems visits this spring/summer, then I'll have the awareness of how a longer stay will happen. Generally, I anticipate visiting the South Central, Southwest and Western States, with an initial focus in New Mexico. Please contact info@naturetonurturelifecoaching.com if you would like to learn more.
Contact Info:
Nature to Nurture Life Coaching
Easthampton, MA 01027
Email: info@naturetonurturelifecoaching.com
Phone: 575-224-2051
© Nature to Nurture Life Coaching, 2018
Nature to Nurture Life Coaching
Easthampton, MA 01027
Email: info@naturetonurturelifecoaching.com
Phone: 575-224-2051
© Nature to Nurture Life Coaching, 2018
Photos used under Creative Commons from Leonard J Matthews, Franco Folini, Sean MacEntee, vastateparksstaff vwcampin
