We humans are facing a new disorder. It’s called Nature-Deficit Disorder a phrase coined by researcher Richard Louv. NDD is the human cost of alienation from nature. I learned about this listening to CBC and it struck me like a bolt of lightning. One of the many reasons that people are feeling so disconnected from themselves is the lack of time spent in nature. I see it again and again with leaders that I coach. When I ask them about their ideal day or what they are craving to do that would be renewing they all say – be in nature…by the water, walking in forests, climbing a mountain peak.

Richard Louv states in his book The Nature Principle. “The future will belong to the nature-smart – those individuals, families, businesses and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balances the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.”

Studies show that without regular immersion in nature, we can suffer from physical and emotional distress, including anxiety, depression and obesity. While the research is focused primarily on children, I wholly believe that this is a human challenge that is significantly impacting leaders and organizations.

When coaching leaders, part of the task is to help them find their centre where they can be most aligned, grounded and confident. I work with them on different ways that they can get new perspective and how to expand their thinking about self and their role. This often leads to some form of finding their way into nature – be it daily, weekly or monthly. One client takes a New Moon Retreat where she takes herself into nature for a day to vision, reflect, and renew. Others rediscover a long lost childhood activity like riding a bike so they can feel the freedom of movement and wind in their hair as they explore. For others, it’s the simplicity of taking a walk at lunch.

There have been times where I’ve taken clients on guided nature experiences like a walk in the woods or a trip to the beach. We use the natural elements as metaphors for their experience and to help them envision their future. I see them soften and relax in nature. As they do so they uncover something deeper and more powerful than if we were sitting in the concrete jungle that is their office. They come alive and more creative in nature.

To be whole and integrated in your leadership, here are a few suggestions to try. All will wake up your senses and provide quiet time for renewal – the magical ingredient that helps ground people and sustain more vibrant leadership.

1. Take 10 minutes each day to just be outside.

2. Take off your shoes and walk in the grass, sand, mud or puddles. This is an especially good way of shifting energy and letting go of tension.

3. Walk in the forest. Don’t just look at the trees and grasses, touch them – feel their texture.

4. Start your day in nature – a quiet coffee on your deck, a walk or jog.

5. Walk to work.

6. Watch a sun rise or sunset. Settle in for the magic of the whole experience.

7. Go outside, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Enjoy using your senses of smell, hearing and touch instead of relying on visual cues.

I invite readers to share their tip for using nature as a place of renewal. My hope is that this will spark some awareness about the importance of going back to nature. It’s an essential source for leadership success.

Twenty one years ago to this day I became a Mom for the first time. Our son Ryan Frood Hawke was born prematurely at 29 weeks. He has forever changed my life. Today he is my greatest mentor and guide. His life of five weeks was short and yet powerful in many ways. His life and death caused a major shift in my life that woke me up to my calling and the work I do today. I am abundantly thankful for the imprint that Ryan has left on me. I try daily to live the lessons I learned from him.

Twenty one in person years represents a new stage of maturity. It’s a transition time to independence; to a new level of maturity and freedom. That’s what I’m reflecting on today – the new stage of maturity that I am standing in as a mother.

Ryan brought me into motherhood. Since then Shannon and Jason have nurtured me and taught me through the journey as we have grown up together. I’ve learned that parenting is an elegant dance of sharing and loving, giving and taking, certainty and uncertainty, simplicity and complexity. Parenting is a deep, binding connection. It is a role of limitless possibilities and infinite creativity. It requires a commitment to continuous learning, discovery and flexibility.

As a 21-year old Mom, I know that Ryan’s legacy is about living whole-heartedly. Ryan’s purpose was to help me open up to the magic and mysteries of loving with no boundaries and being vulnerable. Through that I have been willing and able to more openly share my heart.

Thankfully I learned early that it’s not my role as Mom to control the journey but rather to be with as each of my children has taken their first breath and with Ryan his last. Each new step, new school year, new passion and strength discovered, each new stage of independence achieved – all I have really needed to do was to just be present.

So turning 21 as a Mom brings me to a state of ease. I now realize that I know enough for this important role. Ryan, Shannon and Jason each have abundant wisdom about what their path is and I just get to be a partner with them in their own discovery and experience. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and to respect theirs. I’ve learned to be patient and to be open to discoveries. Humbly I’ve had to learn that I do not have all the answers and despite my intention to be loving and caring can be annoying sometimes.

On the day that Peter and I got married, these words from 1st Corinthians 13 were read. Today they have special meaning as I also reflect on the deep love I have come to know as a mother.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

I occupy many roles in life. However, the role of Mom is definitively and deliciously the one I hold most dear. Thank you Ryan for anointing me as your mother 21 years ago today. Thank you Shannon for helping me be courageous enough to love wholeheartedly again. Thank you Jason for showing me the fun, joy and ease of mothering. Endless thanks to Peter, my husband, who has been my partner in parenting these last 21 years. Without him, I would have been lost along the way. We make amazing kids together.

I won’t say I’m all grown up but I am certainly feeling a new sense of maturity as a Mom today. Here’s to the continuing journey.