Coaching in the Wild

There’s something magical when you immerse yourself in nature, by yourself or with a partner. Being outdoors seems to open possibility – it frees us from “indoor” constraints and inhibitions – and enables us to create a deeper level of connection – with ourselves and with others.

I sensed that magic in Brandon Harding’s reflection on his work “in the wild”:

“Once couples get out into the wild, they get to see one another for who they really are. The defenses come down. Vulnerability increases and people are really present with each other in a way that they’re not in other places. And so a real deep connection happens out in the wild.”

My podcast guests – wilderness guide Brandon Harding, and Mike Sweeney, the leader of The Adventure Edge, an immersive outdoor leadership experience – are doing work that feels like an inspiring calling. Both of them take men and couples on wilderness hikes which tap into the power of the outdoors to facilitate personal transformation.

As I was interviewing them, I felt myself vibrating in synch with their passion.

Thrum, thrum, thrum…

As someone who loves exploring nature, I’ve experienced those deep connections. I have felt a communion of spirit even when you’re not talking. You forget the challenge of the physicality of the hike amidst the grandeur of the colored mountains and in the flora and fauna. And whatever internal challenges I’m holding onto begin to feel lighter.

That’s what our conversation opened up in me – memories of immersion in nature and the potential for transformation within myself and in relationship to others.

If we want to connect more deeply to ourselves and with others, then going out into the wild or into nature sounds like a gift to ourselves.