Slow Down to Lead Better ⏸️: Reflections and A Guide to Cultivate Your Nature-based Leadership
/“True, there is much to be seen and understood along this path; but it can’t be forced, any more than you can force someone to appreciate the golden light of the low sun shining over fields of wheat or the moonrise in the mountains. Best not to speak at all in moments such as these. All you can do is be present with the enormity of it yourself and hope others see it in the silence of the moment. Sunsets and moonrises speak for themselves, in their own languages, on their own canvases. Silence at times leaves space for the untamed to speak.”
Silence has been such a powerful tool in coaching sessions, especially during our healing hikes. In today’s climate of uncertainty it seems like simple moments of silence are hard to carve out. How do we turn down the noise? How do we shut down the stimuli coming from all directions of our lives? Slowing down the pace of your day can be the next step closer to a moment of silence.
Put the phone down, don’t answer the email, just sit, breathe, and close your eyes.
For just a moment, like 5 minutes…tap into your natural state of rest in the chair you’re in right now. Believe it or not, sitting silently can be that transformative moment that unlocks your leadership potential. By creating space for silence by slowing down, we gain clarity, enhance our empathy, and make more thoughtful decisions. It's in these moments of stillness that true insight often emerges.
As socially conscious nature lovers, we often find solace and wisdom in the natural world. Nature offers us profound lessons in patience, resilience, and interconnectedness. It reminds us that growth often happens at a deliberate pace and that observing the subtle rhythms around us can bring invaluable perspective.
This month, we invite you to draw inspiration from nature and incorporate moments of reflection into your leadership practice. Consider these nature-based reflection questions:
Observe a tree: What can its steady growth and deep roots teach you about long-term vision and stability in your leadership? How does it weather storms, and what does that tell you about resilience in the face of challenges?
Listen to a flowing stream: How does the water navigate obstacles? What can its constant movement and adaptability teach you about navigating change and finding creative solutions?
Watch a seed sprout: What does this process tell you about the importance of patience and nurturing potential within your team? What small actions can you take to foster growth in others?
Consider a flock of birds in flight: How do they move in unison, and what does this illustrate about collaboration and shared purpose within a team? How do individual birds contribute to the collective movement?
Reflect on a sunset: What does the transition from day to night signify about endings and new beginnings in your leadership journey? What can you learn from letting go and embracing new phases?
Taking even a few moments each day to connect with nature, whether physically or through mindful contemplation, can significantly enhance your ability to lead with intention and impact.
We’ve seen the results of walking with more intention on our hikes. So it’s no surprise that bringing in that same intentionality can only amplify your capacity to be the leader you know you are!
Take a journey with me to reclaim your agency, remember who you truly are, and trust that the moments of slowing down can be that trailhead to your transformation, IF WE CAN JUST TAKE THAT PAUSE!
What are some ways we can take a pause together? Whether you’re local to my area or not, it’s possible to tap into our nature-based approach to Self leadership development. Below are some ways you can get started with me!
Click on each service option below to start your booking
meet me at the beautiful lake merritt in oakland as an accessible way to connect to nature while in session. walking is optional. sometimes presence is the most potent.
this service leans more towards my spiritual connection to nature where guide your meditative journey, remotely so you can find exactly what you need to navigate life, sourcing dimensions beyond the physical world
