Why ~ bend the river ?​
Inspired by
nature, man and change
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The name of this company is inspired by the Driffield Beck chalk stream in East Yorkshire and the work of a farmer Andrew, on the section that flows through his land. Back in the 1800's a significant number of the UK's unique chalk streams were straightened and widened with the best intention of helping flood water escape. This had the side effect of destroying the natural ecology of the streams and river.
Over a long period of time, Andrew has used willow rushes to build up sections of the river, thereby narrowing sections and increasing the flow of water. This clears the sediment from the bottom, allowing the trout access to the chalk bed to spawn new life. The water is clear, flowing and productive. The interdependent & continuously changing elements are bound together.
A metaphor for living a less linear life
This real-life story is a beautiful demonstration of what is possible when we attend to what is natural is a powerful metaphor for living our lives. With a societal focus on speed and convenience it is all too easy to 'straightline' ourselves, our careers, relationships and life.
In doing so, we lose sight of our natural selves and bring less of our unique talent to impact the world. ​​​​​​​​​
The ~ bend the river approach​ embodies these principles
Slowing Down
It's natural to want to see the way forward or know what to do, and at the same time the habit of jumping to decisions and action robs us of the capacity to live with uncertainty. Taking appropriate time to breathe, expand and reflect allows for more of something else to show up.
Acts of Care
We bring a value of considerate compassionate care into sessions to support the suspension of judgement and the inclusion of observation and objectivity. Towards you, us, others, the situation. We go beyond thinking and feeling care into taking Acts of Care.
Persistent Curious Attention
For change to happen we are rewiring our neural circuity. This takes intention and attention, with a curiosity towards experimentation and learning from. It also takes repetition for the new neural pathways to become strong enough to replace the old familiar ones.
Individual >< Whole
We accept our inter-connection and interdependence with others, the situation and the whole. We were born of relationship and are inherently social beings, needing others for our development and well-being.
All as Relevant
Deviations, diversions and detours are welcomed for what they tell us. They are there for a reason. Sometimes their relevance is not always immediately obvious. At other times, they light the way forward.
Bespoke & Familiar
You are unique so the work and our relationship is bespoke to and with you. What is familiar is the human struggle and innate desire for learning & social connection.
​​Intention
At the heart of ~ Bend the River is the intention of #BeBetterTogether.
You First
This starts with ourselves and we explore how we know and regard who we are. What do you value about who you are? This can include values, beliefs and behaviour patterns. For some clients using the mirror of the Enneagram is deeply enlightening.
You with Others
We dive into who are we with others and what's important about how we show up. We get curious about your preferred interaction patterns; and pose questions such as:
Who are you to others? What of you does not get fully seen by others? What do you know of others? How do you choose to deeply understand others?
Together in Place
Then there is the landscape. Where are you, both literally and figuratively, in your work and life? What impact is this place having on you, others and your relationships? What of the wider world is touching you? What is possible or impossible in this place?
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Like the true story of Andrew looking after his river, this approach involves Slowing Down and not rushing to a solution. It requires multiple Acts of Care towards yourself and others. It takes the commitment of Persistent Curious Attention towards seeing you, the Individual >< Whole, and treating All as Relevant. It acknowledges your uniqueness alongside the comfort that all challenges are human to be a Bespoke & Familiar way of working.
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Together, we bring clarity, health and flourishing to where it is needed and accept the non-linear nature of life.
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#BeBetterTogether
The iEQ9 Enneagram
The Enneagram gives us a useful start point for re-discovering our natural self. It unlocks and supports the journey of self-discovery and uncovers the patterns of behaviour that subconsciously drive and motivate behaviour patterns.
When we make these motivations conscious, we are able to transcend them and develop richer, more supportive ways of being. Working with this model empowers individuals to take the first step of responsibility for their own behaviours and growth, through a greater understanding of why they act and react the way they do.
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It allows us to see where we have 'straightened' ourselves and where patterns of behaviour have become overly rigid, limiting our natural impact; detracting from what is possible.
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~ bend the river Coaching Packages which include an Enneagram profile are: EMERGE & Partnership. It can also be added onto to all Coaching Packages. ​​
