Walk & Talk Coaching
In December 2023, after one of the most challenging years of my life, I achieved my dream of moving to North Norfolk with my fabulous partner, Gareth, who also longed to live by the coast. Together we’ve recreated our lives on our own terms, embracing a new reality by the sea.
Creating your ideal life is possible for anyone with the drive and commitment to take action, adapt, and grow through the inevitable challenges.
As a coach, I am passionate about helping clients transform their lives, both personally and professionally, through a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of who they are.
My coaching philosophy
In my sessions, I aim to help clients navigate both personal and professional challenges. Whether it’s an emotional issue affecting their career or work stress impacting their home life, my goal is to provide support for the whole person. Emotions don’t stay at the door when you step into the office, and attempting to suppress feelings can lead to physical ailments and mental strain. My coaching approach frees clients to live authentically, boost their confidence, and embrace their best lives. Together, we address mindset shifts, self-belief, life transitions, and much more.
Introducing Walk & Talk Coaching
Before relocating to Norfolk, my coaching was primarily one-to-one, in person or over Zoom and Teams. I had long envisioned Walk & Talk Coaching as an option, but it wasn’t feasible location-wise.
North Norfolk, however, offers stunning landscapes and diverse outdoor spaces allowing me to finally bring Walk & Talk Coaching into my practice.
I now offer this service along the beautiful north Norfolk coastline and within scenic historical estates.
As a side note, I recently learned that this style of coaching is also called “Dérive Coaching,” which is rooted in the French concept of wandering with intent. But let’s first dive into the core benefits of coaching outdoors.
The Three Key Elements of Walk & Talk Coaching
Walk & Talk Coaching integrates coaching principles with the therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature. Here are the three primary components that make this approach so uniquely effective:
Coaching: Supporting transformation
Coaching helps you facilitate your desired outcomes, whatever they may be. It offers support and encouragement on your journey of self-discovery and personal development. It helps you realise your goals and if necessary, change your internal and external world and the way you experience life in the now.
An experienced, qualified coach asks insightful questions, provides non-judgmental support and holds space for deep personal exploration. Together, we uncover, resolve, and take action on what truly matters.
Nature: The healing power of the outdoors
Spending time in nature is incredibly beneficial for your overall health and wellbeing. Some of the main benefits include:
- Feeling rejuvenated from fresh air and movement.
- The sense of calm that arises when you detach from technology and daily noise.
- Igniting a sense of wonder and magic when you explore and soak in the beauty of natural surroundings.
- Finding joy in the simplicity of each new day, like watching a sunrise.
- Increased fitness levels resulting in better sleep.
- Improving your immune system – think Vitamin D when the sun decides to make an appearance!
- Opportunities to be mindful and aware of your surroundings.
- Appreciating the beauty of our magical planet sends positive messages to your subconscious, which is great for your overall energy levels and enables you to radiate that energy outwards.
Dérive: The art of mindful wandering
“Dérive” means to “drift” or take an unplanned journey, a concept popularised by French philosopher Guy Debord. Dérive, in Walk & Talk Coaching, means allowing yourself to explore without a fixed agenda, becoming fully aware of your surroundings, and approaching each session with curiosity. This mindful wandering encourages a fresh perspective, mental clarity, and a sense of wonder that amplifies the coaching experience.
Coastal Coaching in Wells-next-the-Sea
A Client Story: Walk & Talk Coastal Coaching
I recently met a new client for the first time who had booked a block of four Walk & Talk Coastal Coaching sessions to help her reconnect with herself and find motivation to be more active. We met at the Wells-next-the-Sea beach car park, my plans being to walk along the beach. However, she requested a route along the footpath to the harbour. She’d never walked the length of that road before and wanted to try it.
We enjoyed our walk along the path, greeted fellow walkers and dogs, and snapped photos to capture the moment. The walk itself was a breakthrough for my client: simply getting out and engaging with her surroundings boosted her mood and motivation. Over our walk, we discussed her interests, worked through emotionally charged issues, discussed ideas, and set intentions – all within an hour.
Afterwards, we shared a coffee, talking more, reflecting on the insights gained from the walk. This process, enhanced by the beauty of the Norfolk coast, left us both feeling energised and ready for the next step.
Walk & Talk Locations
- Old Hunstanton https://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com/see-and-do/old-hunstanton-beach-p1526451 or https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/attraction_activity/old-hunstanton-beach
- Brancaster https://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com/explore/visit/brancaster
- Wells next the Sea https://wellsguide.com/
- Sandringham Estate https://sandringhamestate.co.uk/
- Holkham Estate https://www.holkham.co.uk/
For more information
https://www.sarahjnaylor.com/free-lifestyle-career-discovery-call/
07743 164170
In the meantime
And in the meantime, if you simply fancy some you time take yourself out for a walk in nature – here are a few tips to get you started:
Find a location nearby that you’ve either visited before or is new to you. Make sure it feels safe, particularly if you’re going alone, and make sure it offers lots of trees, ideally some free-flowing water or a lake, and plenty of wildlife.
Take your mobile phone with you and take photos by all means but DO NOT spend time scrolling, texting or taking calls. This is a time for you to be in nature and observe all that is around you.
Tune in to your senses:
- Listen – what do you hear?
- Look – what can you see?
- Smell – what do you notice about the natural aromas?
- Taste – does the air taste different?
- Feel – what does if feel like to be out in nature? What positive effects has it had?
Take a journal with you and make notes of your sensory awareness.
Be curious – find out more about the local area whilst you’re there.
Strike up conversation with a stranger – if it is safe to do so, of course!
Always be mindful and aware of your surroundings and really focus on the detail – marvel at the wonder of the natural world.
Take a flask with you and a bite to eat – once there, you may want to stay for longer!
Get in touch for more information
https://www.sarahjnaylor.com/free-lifestyle-career-discovery-call/
07743 164170
