Helping people to get outside, reconnect with themselves and others, and the work they do
I vividly remember the day I decided I wanted to offer walking coaching. I was sitting in my cosy home office speaking with a client online. She had arrived late to the session, having found it difficult to break off from a challenging meeting which had overrun and she was flustered, apologetic and overwhelmed. My first thought was to offer to reschedule, or give her 10 minutes to grab a quick coffee. Instead I asked her what she needed in that moment.
"There's always someone that needs something from me. I'm sick of being constantly 'on'. I just need a minute to get my head straight..."
I could feel that her energy was so low, with stress having taken its toll during a busy morning of the school run, meetings and emails. My next question popped into my head, straight from my gut.
"How would it feel to step away from the laptop and go outside?"
"A walk in nature walks the soul back home"
MARY DAVISLet nature be your inspiration....
The natural world inspires endless metaphors that can help us understand our own lives and the world around us. The changing of seasons can be a great reminder that life is constantly in flux, and that we must learn to adapt to change in order to thrive.
Similarly, the cycles of growth and decay that we see in nature can teach us about the importance of letting go of old patterns and embracing new ones.
Another way that nature can inspire us is by helping us to feel a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves.
Ultimately, whether we are looking for inspiration, guidance, or simply a way to connect with ourselves and the world around us, nature has a lot to offer. By taking the time to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world, we can learn valuable lessons that can help us to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Sometimes, you need to step outside, get some fresh air, and remind yourself of who you are and who you want to be....
As we navigate through life we often find ourselves having to course-correct to avoid obstacles. Whilst these decisions are often right in the moment, over time they can cause us to deviate from our intended direction
If you find that the path you are walking is no longer in alignment with your true purpose, this can leave you feeling stuck, frustrated and unfulfilled
Walking coaching is a holistic experience; engaging both your mind and your body to get unstuck – to accept what already is, recognise what really matters, and explore your choices – giving you the focus to move forward with intention
Why combine walking with coaching - can't I just have coaching online?
Yes! Of course you can have a coaching session online or face-to-face indoors - many of my clients opt for a combination of different environments for their sessions depending on their mood, availability and the weather!
Here are some of the advantages that a walking coaching session can offer - I think you'll agree that the benefits make it worth a try:
Walking side by side outdoors is more conducive to coaching conversations than sitting opposite someone or on a video call. My role as coach is to be your side guiding you on your journey - so walking coaching can allow the physical side to align with that psychological approach. Without the direct energy of a face-to-face interaction, thoughts and energy are more open and flowing, making it easier to open up to the process
Walking coaching is a unique approach to problem-solving that utilizes the power of physical exercise to help us focus on the present moment. Sometimes when we're trying to find solutions to our problems, we can get bogged down by over-thinking and analyzing. By engaging in physical activity during a coaching session, we can free up our minds to focus on the here and now, and harness the forward momentum - (link between physical and psychological)
Walking outdoors heightens the awareness of your environment and involves the use of all your senses. It enables you to slow your mental pace down and ground yourself, which has a calming effect on your body and mind
What are the health benefits of walking coaching?
Walk and talk coaching in a natural setting can effectively lower burnout symptoms^
^van den Berg EA, Beute F. (REF)
Walking reduces the secretion of cortisol and encourages the release of endorphins to reduce stress and elevate your mood
Walking can improve your sleep cycle, which is often disrupted by overthinking and stress
Regular walking can elevate your confidence and mental well-being
How does it work?
The first step is an informal, obligation-free discovery call, where we can have a chat to explore how walking coaching could help you
You will then be invited to choose a location for our session from a list of beautiful walks within the South Downs area
Sessions are 90 minutes in duration, at a cost of £150.00 per session
Package prices are available when booking a series of 3 or more sessions in advance
If you have a particular (public) walk location that you would like to visit for your session please advise and I will endeavour to accommodate your request
Join me for a different kind of coaching experience
Here are some of the benefits that you can anticipate:
Reconnect with your body, your mind and your sense of self
Gain stronger self belief and confidence
Embrace your unique talents, skills, and strengths
Gain a strong sense and understanding of your personal power
Decrease the tendency for comparison and need for external approval and validation
Gain a renewed sense of perspective
Experience enhanced mental clarity, energy and focus
Improve your overall well-being and reduce stress
Enjoy an enhanced sense of well-being, contentment and gratitude
Join me for an informal, no-obligation chat to discover how walking coaching could help you