Being in a place of beauty calms our nervous system and allows a release as we walk together. This spaciousness invites you to access and use your body, mind, heart, and spirit during our sessions.
I have been offering Walk & Talk Sessions for many years, finding that it is a helpful choice to get outside, reduce stress, and enter into the beauty of nature.
Place of Beauty
Forest Bathing research is showing positive evidence that engagement with nature contributes to and increases our health and sense of well-being. Places include
- Botanic Gardens – both York Street and Chatfield
- Washington Park or other city parks that have both trees and water
- Hudson gardens
- Cherry Creek Reservoir
- What place calls to you?
Pace of our walk
We match our rhythm of walking – moving at a rate that feels comfortable to you. Some like to walk then stop to sit, being with the beauty of the view of a particular tree. Others like to keep moving, keeping a regular pace. We will develop our pace together.
Length of walk
If you prefer, we can find a bench to Sit & Talk as well. Some prefer this due to physical capabilities or like being outside but feel distracted in talking and walking at the same time.
Sit & Talk
Generally, I would suggest 60 – 90 minutes, depending on the type of coaching we are doing. If we are using Courage & Renewal reflective practices, we might take a longer time and if we are having regular Walk & Talk sessions, it might be an hour. Important for you to share your capability each walk.
What we do during our walk – Discovering Metaphors in Nature
During our walks, I will be listening to what you are sharing and also scanning the natural world around us to discover any metaphors that naturally occur. Examples of the power of metaphor:
One woman shared how she was so exhausted from her work and needed a break. Couldn’t figure out how to make this happen. Right at that time an eagle landed on a nearby tree. We used that metaphor of an eagle in our conversation, exploring how it might give answers to her situation. It was the perfect connection for her to work with.
The image of the eagle flying inspired her with energy and ideas to try.
A young grandmother was frustrated with her teenage granddaughter. The three of us walked and talked around a beautiful lake. The teenager spotted a low-hanging branch of a tree and quickly scrambled up to rest. The grandmother demanded that she come down. It was a beautiful metaphor for them to work with – and they were able to use this to explore what it means to be adventuresome in safe ways. Both felt relieved and reassured that they were finally able to speak about the tension between them in such a positive way.
One mother had her small child with her in a stroller. We walked for about a half hour and then found a playground for her child to swing and play at. We were able to have a full session, working with both her child’s and her own needs.
Interconnectedness with nature
Often one can become narrow in focus when there is a stressful situation or challenging event. Being outside allows a spaciousness – just being able to see beauty, feel the wind on your face, or experience a sense of awe or wonder.
Walking is a metronome – a rhythm of your legs moving together at the same pace. Sometimes this resonance feels healing in itself – a connection with the earth as you walk and having a new cadence or pulse that brings you renewed energy and a sense of vitality.
Sometimes being in open spaces can also bring up past experiences that may surprise you. If you suddenly don’t feel comfortable being in a public or open space, we can find an area that feels more protected and work from there. I move with what feels right for you.
Time changes in nature. For those of you who experience constant stress by the clock – being outside can open up your senses. Relax. Calmness. The sense of hurrying or being so busy can fall away when experiencing the small and large movements in nature – from watching geese coming in for a landing on a frozen lake to the wind in the tree tops. Time does feel different in nature. Stress can melt away and your body relaxes in walking.
Renewal can happen by being in a new place or a well-beloved location. Change of scenery, slowing down to watch two squirrels chasing each other up and down a tree, or even watching someone else walking in front of us. The renewal of one’s spirit can come from a sense of seeing spring growth, a small tree growing despite a large snowfall, the warmth of the sunshine on your face or even having people say hello as they pass by – regenerating, revival or reinvigoration comes easily when in nature.
Appropriate clothing & shoes
There is an importance to being in appropriate clothing and shoes and also your self-care with water, having eaten, knowing your energy level that day, etc. Please come prepared. I will also have you sign a liability form for this option.
Let’s Go! I think you will find it as a refreshing option!
Please use the contact form to ask any questions or to set up a Walk & Talk.
Solutions by Joshua Troy, LLC