Nature Based Coaching Skills – The imperative and opportunity. Key models and measurement scales. ICF coaching competencies.
Module 1 – Orientation
1.1 Orientation
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9 responses to “1.1 Orientation”
All please note the chapter was reloaded with a slightly updated version today 29 April at 4pm.
I thouroughly enjoyed the Bateson film. Thank you James for sharing.
“A man walking is never in balance, but always correcting for imbalance.” GB
“Our ability to remain stable is ironically a measure of our flexibility.” NB
“Only in creation of change can I perceive something” GB
“To be complete, incomplete must be included in the system” NBIn relationships – made me think of the Coaches Rising podcast with Spring Chen https://www.coachesrising.com/podcast/the-resonance-code-with-spring-cheng/
And as I need to create change to perceive something, I will switch from my laptop and thought process to a walk and do some 5 eye thinking under the sun.
Great! It’s lovely. And a relatively accessible intro compared to reading ‘an ecology of mind’…I find I have to stop after every paragraph to let it sink in! Those are lovely quotes.
I, too, enjoyed the Bateson film. I found it interesting, thought-provoking, confusing, it really stimulated my curiosity. I feel I need to watch it again to digest it differently. Thank you, Laetitia, for picking out those quotations. One or two of them struck me quite deeply, particularly the first two that you’ve noted.
I also found the TED talk very thought-provoking (and, if I’m honest, a lot easier to digest!). It made me think a lot about my work, my clients and myself in relation to motivation. And how it relates to nature connectedness, and the relationships that each of us has with nature.
Thank you for sharing both of these James.
Glad you found it thought-provoking and yes, confusing! Glad you liked the TED talk too. I did the certificate in SDT with Deci & Ryan and it was excellent.
Please note you can open the handbook, presentation and other materials in a browser window by clicking the ‘pop out’ option (which can be a bit hidden by the black bars around the embedded doc). From there you can read, download or print etc.
Hi there,
Here are my reflections from Module One: Orientation. Just sharing in case it sparks anything for anyone else.⸻
Key Reflections – Module 1: Orientation
1. Keeping Things Simple
I’m often drawn to making sense of complex ideas in a simple, grounded way — especially when it comes to people and nature. Nature has a way of just being, while we tend to overthink and analyse. I enjoyed the learning, but at times it felt like a lot to take in. I’m realising I value clarity and practical tools I can use in real life.
2. Helping People Reconnect with Nature
One idea that really stood out was the importance of helping people and society reconnect with the natural world and make it a priority (shift dominant societal views and values to recognise and prioritise human-nature interconnectedness). That feels central to the kind of coaching, facilitation, and community work I want to do.
3. Choosing Active Hope
I love the idea of active hope — acknowledging what’s difficult, but choosing to act anyway. That mindset feels essential right now, and I’m excited to bring it into my work.
4. Ideas That Stuck With Me
• Attention Restoration Theory really clicked — the idea that nature helps us reset and refocus makes a lot of sense.
• Stress Reduction Theory also felt relevant and practical.
• Self-Determination Theory was interesting, but seemed to miss how much motivation depends on whether people have the skills and chances to act.
From my work with UCL’s Centre for Behavioural Change COM-B model, I’d include capability and opportunity as key parts of the puzzle as well as motivation which is obviously key.
• Nature Connectedness Theory and the idea of different pathways into nature felt inspiring.
• I also love the idea of rewilding and would really like to visit Knepp Forest one day — hopefully I’ll get to take up that offer, James!5. Looking Forward to Using the Five ‘I’s
The Five ‘I’s model seems simple and useful. I’m looking forward to trying it out with clients. It feels like a helpful way to go deeper in coaching conversations, even if we don’t always reach the final layer.
6. Nature in the Coaching Relationship
The ICF competencies mapped to the five pathways made sense, but I feel that nature isn’t just a setting, it’s a partner in the process. It deserves more recognition as part of the coaching relationship itself.
Oh, and also I would love to be able to download the course notes. A pdf feels easier to read on screen – or maybe its just me!!!
James – ignore my last comment…I see you have answered!!! Sorry!
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