What is nature-based accompaniment?
One-on-one nature-based accompaniment sessions offer guidance through the change process, engaging mindfulness, creative, and somatic practices. With nature as a mirror for our own wisdom, eco-chaplain Linds West Roberts supports clients in exploring the beauty of trees, earth, water and other natural elements to find solace and strength.
What do nature-based accompaniment sessions look like?
Each session is different and customized for each client, based on our consultation together. In co-creation with the client, Linds takes into account the nature-based, spiritual and well-being practices a client already benefits from and approaches each session with the aim of supporting the client’s inner wisdom. Generally, sessions begin with a couple of minutes of silent or guided meditation and a check-in to understand what the client’s focus is for the session. Depending on the goals and focus, Linds might offer mindfulness practices, movement practices, suggestions for self-generated ceremony, or creative practices. The central piece of each session is connection with the natural world. Ideally, whether in person or online via Zoom, Linds and the client are able to sit, walk, dance, or meditate in nature together. When inclement weather or mobility needs limit this, we can engage earth-honoring practices inside, as well. We might engage with the elements of nature we find in our living spaces, such as plants, rocks, water, fire, and breath, as well as our human animal bodies.
How do I get started with nature-based accompaniment?
The first step is to talk with Linds during an initial consultation. Together, we will determine your intention for the sessions, what current practices are supportive for you, and how and how often we might meet. Then Linds will share an intake questionnaire and a client agreement. Next, we’ll schedule the first of a four-session series, either in person or online depending on what method works best.
Coaching or therapy often focus on solutions to fix or change aspects of ourselves or our lives. This can be extremely beneficial and appropriate for many situations. Nature-based accompaniment is different. As a form of spiritual and emotional care, Linds accompanies clients as they go inward to listen deeply to their own inner wisdom and guidance. The natural world is an essential partner in the change process. Many of us find inspiration, renewal, and a connection to spirit, our creator, god, or the Universe through nature. Nature’s cycles and rhythms can offer us messages or mirrors that reflect the cycles of growth, change, transition and loss in our human lives.
From Jean, “Linds is a gifted teacher and mentor. During our four session nature-based accompaniment journey they traveled alongside me as a true spiritual guide. I brought my puzzlement and sense of loneliness in navigating a new life stage. They brought their depth of intuition, their wit and wisdom, and their curiosity, vulnerability, and encouragement to our work together. I trusted them completely and knew that these journeys together were as sacred to them as they were for me. I felt deeply "accompanied". Using the natural world and its rhythms as our ground, we generally worked outdoors during our times together and they offered such beautiful and creative suggestions, and ample time and space, to support me in beginning to hear and trust in my inner wisdom - to let emerge what was already a deeper knowing. For this I am truly grateful. Linds is thoughtful and deeply reflective, sending me emails both before and after our sessions. These were words of acknowledgement for our deep work and resources or suggestions to bring the work to a deeper level in between sessions. I am eager to do another round of sessions with Linds soon and as I sit here reflecting on my work with them I am filled with the highest regard and gratitude for the skill, compassion, and attunement that they bring to this work.”
We believe passionately in making our programs as accessible as possible, especially to those with marginalized identities. Currently, Linds offers nature-based accompaniment sessions on a sliding scale, $75 - $125. If you are able to contribute more, it helps to cover the cost and pay it forward for those who are not able to contribute as much.
Yes! Linds works with clients through Zoom or audio calls. It can help to have access to headphones or earbuds so that we can hear each other during outdoor practices. Visiting wild spaces independently, Linds and the client can connect and share our practice of deep listening from our respective locations. This can be a beautiful way to connect with the lands close to you and to be supported through transition, grief, and loss.
Linds draws on their background as an eco-chaplain, meditation practitioner, InterPlay Leader, wilderness rite of passage guide, and educator to offer these sessions.