Category: Nature Coaching

Unlocking New Beginnings: The Bear – The Power of Introspection | Spirit & Destiny

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In December, winter starts to become cold as nights get longer. At this time, all bears may have already started hibernating in their dark caves.

It is the perfect time of year, in wishing everyone Peace and Joy for Christmas and the New Year to come.

The symbolism of the Bear in Native American traditions, representing introspection, inner strength, and a time for healing and renewal, marks a “new beginning” as a shift in perception, releasing the past and embracing the present moment. 

Bear’s hibernation is a metaphor for going within, confronting shadows, and emerging, transformed by forgiving the past and recognising our inherent innocence. This perspective encourages self-reflection to uncover limiting beliefs and embrace a new perspective.

In life coaching, this synthesis provides a powerful framework for personal growth. The “new beginning” isn’t merely a change in circumstances but a profound inner shift. Like the Bear retreating to its den, we must create space for introspection in order to identify what no longer serves us. By integrating forgiveness and the Bear’s wisdom of inner strength, we can emerge from our “hibernation” with renewed purpose and a clear vision for the future, ready to create a truly new beginning.

To have a shift in perception to create a “new beginning’ is to recognise that there is a link to shifting our thoughts and decsions from Sepeartion (fear) to Oneness (love), clearly it takes practice as we make decisions all day based on our judgements of situations. 

Bear’s introspection symbolises the process of recognising how our judmental decisions influence us. By going within, we can identify the limiting beliefs and fear-based thoughts that keep us bound by the illusion of separation. This awareness empowers us to exercise our free will by choosing to release those thoughts and embrace the truth of our Oneness with Spirit.

In essence, the “new beginning” is the moment we consciously choose to align our will with Spirit, thereby reclaiming true freedom. This is not a freedom to do, as any thought pleases, but the freedom to experience the Peace and Joy that comes from remembering our true nature as being of Love and Light.

Enquire: Have your thoughts confused your perception of your true goals?

If you would like to work with me on gaining clarity on your visions and removing what stops you taking actions, then Click here to contact me.

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Walk in Peace;

Walk in Beauty

until we meet again…

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BIO: Johnathan Brooks MA, PG Dip, FMAC is an experienced Master Executive and Personal Coach with 1,800+ hrs in the field, who has trained in a wide range of personal development methods including CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (postgrad), EFT Emotional Freedom Technique, Master NLP Neuro Linguistic Programming,  has a Postgraduate Diploma Degree in ‘Coaching and NLP’, which he passed with a ‘Commendation’, a Master of Arts in ‘Applied Coaching’ and certified Career Coach. He is based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Bio Trivia: Johnathan is an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and whose godfather was Yul Brynner who won an Oscar for the ‘King and I’ film (1957).

He is a Fellow of the Association for Coaching (FMAC), Master member of the European and Mentoring Council (UK) and a professional member of the Association of NLP.

Click here for Johnathan’s LinkedIn

Beaver Moon: Lessons in Mindful Work | Spirit & Destiny

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The month of November, the Native Americans or First Nations say it’s the Beaver Moon, as by the end of the month all dams have finished being built and marks the start of bitter cold winter months to come.

The beaver, a creature often overlooked, offers a fascinating metaphor for mindful work towards one’s dream, as many people dream of starting a family and having a home. Known for its industrious nature and meticulous planning, the beaver embodies principles of focused attention and strategic action. To ‘beaver away’ at something is a phrase muched used today. 

Here is how the beaver can inspire mindful work practices:

Goal-Oriented Focus: Beavers have a clear vision of what they want to achieve: a dam (home) with many tunnels and food facilities. This focus allows them to work tirelessly towards their goals. Similarly, setting clear, achievable goals can help us stay focused on and motivated in our work.

Strategic Planning: Before starting construction, beavers carefully assess the terrain and resources available. This strategic approach ensures the efficient use of time and materials. We can also benefit from planning our work in advance, breaking down large tasks into smaller manageable steps.

Mindful Execution: As beavers work, they are fully present in the moment, using their tools (teeth) skilfully with precision and purpose. This mindful work approach can enhance productivity and reduce stress.

Resilience and Adaptation: Beavers are remarkably resilient, able to overcome obstacles, and adapt to changing conditions. When faced with challenges, we can draw inspiration from a beaver’s tenacity and flexibility.

By embracing the beaver’s work ethics, we can cultivate a more mindful and productive approach to our lives. By setting clear goals, planning strategically, executing tasks mindfully, and maintaining resilience, we can achieve our aspirations and live a fulfilling life.

Lessons from the Beaver your co-coach, look at this as an opportunity, to discover what is blocking the flow of your dreams.

Enquire: Have you neglected your dreams or created obstacles to your productivity? 

A beaver (earth) reminds us of taking action on passionate (fire) dreams (air). How would it feel (water) to have your dream become reality? This completes the manifestation cycle or medicine wheel Air>>>Fire>>>Water>>>Earth.

If you would like to work with me on gaining clarity on your visions and removing what stops you taking actions, then Click here to contact me.

Click here to save and download the article here >>> Download Article

Walk in Peace;

Walk in Beauty

until we meet again…

signature

BIO: Johnathan Brooks MA, PG Dip, FMAC is an experienced Master Executive and Personal Coach with 1,800+ hrs in the field, who has trained in a wide range of personal development methods including CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (postgrad), EFT Emotional Freedom Technique, Master NLP Neuro Linguistic Programming,  has a Postgraduate Diploma Degree in ‘Coaching and NLP’, which he passed with a ‘Commendation’, a Master of Arts in ‘Applied Coaching’ and certified Career Coach. He is based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Bio Trivia: Johnathan is an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and whose godfather was Yul Brynner who won an Oscar for the ‘King and I’ film (1957).

He is a Fellow of the Association for Coaching (FMAC), Master member of the European and Mentoring Council (UK) and a professional member of the Association of NLP.

Click here for Johnathan’s LinkedIn

Embrace Healing: Lessons from the Pelican | Spirit & Destiny

spiritbearcoach

As the autumn months descend upon us, walks in the colourful orange and red leaves of woods are a site to behold, but so are walks in wetlands and lakes. Enter the mighty Pelican making a return, soaring freely through the skies and dives into the water, plunging their heads deep to catch fish.

This month, we look at how a pelican could be used as a metaphor to resolve guilt, resentment that weighs us down, and how that affects our communities.  Just as a pelican dives into the depths to find what it seeks, we must also dive deep into ourselves to confront the emotions that hold us back. This involves acknowledging the pain, anger, or resentment we may harbour.

Lessons from the Pelican, your co-coach, is to look at this as an opportunity, which is being presented to us right now, to rise above these tribulations. The pelican is a powerful symbol of the journey toward forgiveness and healing. By understanding and applying this metaphor, individuals can embark on a transformative process that leads to greater emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

Enquire, where do you feel angry towards someone or yourself?

If you’d like to work with myself on forgiveness, I have some wonderful and gentle ways to release it. Click here to contact me.

Click here to save and download the article here >>> Download Article

Walk in Peace;

Walk in Beauty

until we meet again…

signature

BIO: Johnathan Brooks MA, PG Dip, FMAC is an experienced Master Executive and Personal Coach with 1,800+ hrs in the field, who has trained in a wide range of personal development methods including CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (postgrad), EFT Emotional Freedom Technique, Master NLP Neuro Linguistic Programming,  has a Postgraduate Diploma Degree in ‘Coaching and NLP’, which he passed with a ‘Commendation’, a Master of Arts in ‘Applied Coaching’ and certified Career Coach. He is based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Bio Trivia: Johnathan is an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and whose godfather was Yul Brynner who won an Oscar for the ‘King and I’ film (1957).

He is a Fellow of the Association for Coaching (FMAC), Master member of the European and Mentoring Council (UK) and a professional member of the Association of NLP.

Click here for Johnathan’s LinkedIn

How Coaching with Cards Transforms Sessions

spiritbearcoach

AngelI’ve always been interested in how cards can be used in coaching sessions, some directly and in-directly.

In my personal practice I normally work on a new client about 30 mins before they arrive not necessarily knowing what the problem is yet. One of the first things I do is draw an angel card and I see how this relates to the client’s issue that day, but without telling them about the cards during the session. I’ve been working like this for the last 23 years. I think of it as observational research and the cards always without fail relates to the clients situation in some way. Cards have been a great aid for asking insightful coaching questions that then lead to very creative and resourceful sessions.

Recently for a new client, I drew the angel card of Fun, next I pulled the Trickster from the Native American Path cards, which is also as it happens to be about laughing at the realisation of the crooked path one is on and not to be so serious. The next card I pulled from the Medicine Cards deck was Beaver, which is about working hard and working together. I then let it be to see what opened up during the coaching session.

During the session he mentioned social anxiety (not working together), he was retired and wanted to use his time more effectively but didn’t know what to do with his time, but wanted fun. He also mentioned that he got frustrated with others and gave the example of road rage that he gets. So anger became our first piece of change work that session, as the anger also affected his personal relationship with his partner.

When he left, guess what his personalised car number plate was? Ans: FUN