Experiences in Nature
The laws and rhythms of nature apply to everything in the universe..including us
The Sprit of Leadership custom designs opportunities working experientially in nature for individuals and groups, for organizations and business tapping into the powerful presence of the natural world for professional learning, development and change.
At times it is critical to leave the life’s familiar routine, complexity and technology to retreat in the open space of the natural world. You may need to leave the linear walls of the board room and flatness of the hallways and familiar way of thinking and behaving for the random wilderness of the forest and for the challenge to be successful leaders and effective teams.
The dynamics found in the realm of Mother nature such as survival, balance, flow, and rotation have amazing connections and similarities in the human realm of organizations. Facing complexity, needing to adapt and managing the unpredictable situations that occur in nature creates a personal and group sense of accomplishment and increases confidence. This lived experience in nature translates back to the every day world of work in improved team work, cooperation and group effort and increased personal creativity and competency.
Nature - centered experience provides the context for people to spend time in the natural world getting to know and understand themselves and each other better. Nature provides a unique environment, outside the traditional workplace that “engages the whole person in order to cultivate the qualities and skills that help individuals achieve their greatest potential and help people work together as teams.”
Experiential Learning in nature offers a variety of nature based activities in which participants are actively involved in using existing skills and developing new skills based on dilemmas that occur in the moment. Group interaction and discussion to respond to the challenges and to process the experience.
“Building on strengths and confronting complex situations in the natural world enhances strategic thinking, goal setting, resource allocation, project management, decision making, and empowerment of others. challenging in order to cultivate the qualities and skills.” Outward Bound
The power of nature cannot be accessed through books or guided imagery in the same way it can through the present direct experience of our senses. Standing on the ground we can experience physical and emotional support, the experience of taking space, holding our ground and of belonging. Walking along a river we experience movement and constant change within inherent boundaries. Looking down from the top of a high ridge the larger view from above supports us to look at dilemmas from a larger perspective.
The resources of the natural world are an abundant source of creativity and revitalization. When we are isolated and cut off from nature we are cut off from a vital primary source of energy.
Encountering ourselves and others in nature we understanding work and life dilemmas differently, and expanding the possibility of transforming change.