When Nature Became My Guide

When I was in my early twenties, you could often find me sitting on a bench, a tree stump, or simply under a tree, notebook in hand, somewhere in a nature reserve close to where I lived.

I had a habit of going out into Nature at least once a week to have a little ‘sharing’ with my natural surroundings. :)

Over those years, I filled many notebooks with these “dialogues” with Nature.

During a walk, I would find a quiet place to sit and begin to write about whatever was on my mind, what I was struggling with, or what I was experiencing in my life as a young adult.

I would share and ask for 'guidance' - for clarity or insight into how I might change or improve my situation.

Often, I would simply write everything down spontaneously and quickly, and then leave space for what naturally came to the surface…

There was something Magical about it…

I felt as if Nature was listening. As though it was truly present with me in that moment, available, without judgement, and offering answers and insights in its own way.

And while I was writing, something else would often take over — at least, that is how it felt to me. Together with a certain sense of ‘Peace’ and ‘Wisdom’.

Words, thoughts, images, feelings, comfort, trust, or insights would find their way to the surface, as if they came from some deep source within, beyond my own young conscious mind.

I wrote those down too, and after such a profound dialogue, I always felt much better, lighter, and clearer, and continued on my way.

I think this is where my true, ‘conscious’ connection with Nature was awakened.

We made time for each other.

I showed up consistently, connected, shared, and allowed myself to be fully seen and felt in all my vulnerability.

Open to receiving whatever came.

And Nature seemed to share its ancient wisdom with me, like a caring old grandmother.

During that time, I also read many inspirational books about the teachings of Nature, including books about synchronicity. They made me more attentive and aware of the subtle messages I encountered in landscapes, animals, trees, feathers, and other signs in Nature, and made me more alert to what seemed to be showing itself to me;

and to the ways in which — so I believed — Nature seemed to guide me along my path.

Like subtle roadsigns that I would then follow. :)

It helped me enormously.

I felt carried, supported, guided and inspired, and my relationship with Nature became increasingly deeply woven into my entire Being. I began to feel very strongly connected.

That feeling — and that deep knowing — has stayed with me ever since.

It is anchored somewhere deep within me.

During that same period, I also received a little birthday present from a good friend, which has travelled with me everywhere ever since. I still have it!

He had filled a very small, metallic gold box with tiny natural elements, such as a wonderful tiny spiral shell, a beautiful little feather, seeds, and small stones that he had collected along the way, with a little piece of paper at the bottom bearing the handwritten words:

“Just some small things to remind you of all Great Forces.”

And how I was re-Minded of those forces!

That something so small could create such a profound connection.

I am forever grateful to him.

Not so long ago, there was a period when I felt as though I had completely lost that connection, during and after a number of very intense personal experiences.

And yet, very deep within me, there was always that knowing: that I could never truly lose it. Because my connection with Nature is not only all around me; it also lives deep within me. I am one with Nature. I am Nature.

Again and again, I am re-Membered and re-Minded— through little attentions, unexpected wonders, and subtle signs that appear on my path at exactly the right moment.

The connection is always there, and I can trust it.

It is a Force-ful source that is always available — quiet, subtle, yet ever-present, Eternal, and unconditional.

That connection, strengthened by the lessons, insights, and many life experiences, has guided me along a very authentic and somewhat unconventional path.

Not without challenges, quite the contrary, but largely true to my Heart & Soul — even when it did not fit within the more conventional paths, norms, and expectations.

I walk my own path — off-road, most of the time, I would say. ;)

And now I find myself in Sweden, living in an old traditional Swedish torp, exploring the land, connecting with Nature every day, and following a natural calling that resonates deeply with my soul’s mission — a natural continuation of everything that came before.

The Language of Nature

Nature does not communicate with a voice, through words and language as we humans know them. And the words I received in my early twenties were absolutely an interpretation of what I felt… ;)

But now I understand that the subtle whispers of Nature often come through energy — or through ‘coincidental’ events and synchronicities.

We all receive this energy, but much of it is often processed unconsciously, or even goes unnoticed if we are not truly present with it.

And this is where nature-based coaching can help: by making the unconscious visible and tangible. And by becoming aware of those synchronicities.

During nature-based coaching sessions, the coachee is invited to engage in small assignments, freely using natural materials lying around in the forest.

In this way, visible elements in Nature become symbols of our inner and outer worlds. 

We can also involve the landscape itself and our surroundings.

You don’t need to be creative at all to do these exercises. It’s not about aesthetics or creating something beautiful — it’s about what unfolds through the process.

We work intuitively and spontaneously, without knowing beforehand exactly where it will lead.

And then, when we take a step back, look more deeply at what has emerged, ask the right questions, and truly become ‘present’ - something Magical unfolds.

The symbols may suddenly take on a deeper meaning.

A pattern becomes visible.

Things you weren’t aware of become clear.

Something that was difficult to put into words reveals itself in another way and/or can be felt.

And by becoming aware of and involving the surroundings, the landscape, and other striking elements, we also receive subtle hints and messages from Nature that show us where we may also need to look.

Those synchronicities,

those Coincidences…

As if Nature uses its own ‘magic’ to add another layer of meaning, while allowing its energy to come through and offer us a deeper, more comprehensive perspective.

Right to the core.

The interpretation of these messages is, of course, deeply personal. And yet, I completely believe, feel, and trust that the right messages come through for each individual coachee.

Because that is what usually happens.

It is as if, at a certain point, insights become crystal clear and touch something deep within us.

And perhaps this is what I have also been doing all along, since I was a young adult spending time in Nature.

Learning to listen beyond the silence.

Learning to see beyond the ‘obvious’.

Learning to feel beyond emotions.

Learning to trust what Nature reflects back to me, or what it allows me to see,

where it leads me.

What began as a young woman sitting under the trees in Nature with a notebook has grown into something I feel I want to share with others.

The one-year nature-based coaching training was therefore a natural step — a way to give more tangible form to my own experiences and to embrace a valuable, deeply resonant method that can also support others on their life journeys.

Because for me, Nature has always been more than ‘just a place or backdrop to go to at the weekend’.

It is a place to come Home to in every moment, to relax into, to feel deeply, and to be Present.

It is a place that you can always find within yourself.

A place to Re-Create.

But it is also a teacher, a mirror, a companion, and a guide.

And perhaps it can be that for you too…

What if Nature could help you see what you cannot yet see on your own?

What if the answers you are looking for could naturally reveal themselves?

If this resonates and you are curious about how nature-based coaching can support you on your journey, please feel very welcome to reach out.

I offer sessions and trajectories in Belgium, Sweden & Denmark, in both Dutch and English.

Let Nature be your guide too. ;)