Join me for Flow with Felicity. Get in touch to start a conversation about your development. Email: info@bendtheriver.org Connect for Coaching & Supervision info@bendtheriver.org Tel: 07900 255380 LinkedIn: Felicity.Hodkinson Book an Intro Coaching chat >>> There is really only one way for us to find out if coaching/supervision may be of support to you and if I may be the right coach/supervisor for you. Get in touch by phone, form or email and let's shift your inner dialogue into a 45-60 min conversation. There is no obligation following this free exploratory compatibility session. I look forward to hearing from you All the best, Felicity I want to subscribe to Flow with Felicity Send Success! Message received. Anchor 1 Not yet ready to chat? Join me #First Friday of the month Join me for Flow with Felicity Monthly q's, tips, resources and stories for #leaders and #coaches who value evolving through self-reflection and learning. ... In your inbox on the #First Friday of each month to deepen your awareness of your Flow & bring more of who you are into this world. What grabs your Interest? * Required Leadership Coaching Work Relationships Life Lessons Career Progress Join Me for Flow with Felicity

Be Better Together Coaching for Life Seekers " One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. Andre Gide, French Novelist Heart Coaching is a relationship for YOU. When we want to create or face change, the Be Better Together coaching philosophy supports you to observe where you are and explore where you want to be. Felicity walks alongside you as you choose your experiments and witnesses you taking your first steps towards your future. You are not alone. Whatever life stage you are at, coaching gives you the space and connection to explore both big questions and seemingly small but repetitive niggles and patterns of behaviour. The coaching relationship is THE supportive place to bring your hopes and fears. It's the place you can speak of everything. When you create or face change, the uncertainty adds extra pressure onto all relationships. The coaching relationship gives you the focus, strength and elasticity to show up with others in a way that is true to your values. Go further together than you can go on your own. Be Better Together Coaching is for when what you have been trying on your own is no longer enough to get you out of STUCK and towards where you want to go. Heart Book an Intro Chat >>> 5 Big Questions For Life Seekers 01 Where are you? In your life’s journey? Within work? In key relationships? What feels fulfilled and what is yet to be lived? Tune into what you’d like to be different and take steps towards creating your place & space in our world. 02 How do you show up with others? As a team player, manager, leader, partner, friend? What of you gets shown and what gets hidden? Who gets you, who doesn’t? What patterns do you have in your relationships? How do you impact others? Create the possibility in your life to bring more of your unique presence and value to your relationships with others. 03 How are you? Go beyond ‘I’m fine’. Pay attention to your experience of life through your head, heart and gut. Develop your own toolkit of ways to support yourself, and how to express how you are. Move towards how you would like to be. 04 Who are you? How consistently do you live your values? Who are you being today? Want to be tomorrow? What is your purpose in life? Learn to open your eyes to the clues that answer these questions. 05 What would bring you more joy and energy in life? What fills you with joy, and what drains your energy? Take time out to focus on how to take responsibility for looking after yourself. Book an Intro Coaching chat >>> Coaching is a supported relationship where you bring your issues, opportunities and current work situation. Together, we explore, experiment and gather new perspectives and actions for your future. We work to establish trust and connect at a level that allows challenge and support to go hand in hand. The focus of the conversation is around the YOU. We take a whole life, whole person approach. By deepening your experience of your present situation; we establish an intentional goal yet remain fluid and adaptive. Through cycles of experimentation and reflection, we take steps towards the future you seek to create. What's it like to work with me? Be Better Together Ways to work together These packages offer you, the Lifeseeker, the flexibility to meet your relationship and life needs. To help you decide on which package and whether I'm the coach you want to work with, I offer 45-60min complimentary Intro Chats. Book an Intro Chat >>> Emerge An introductory 1.5hr coaching package including a STD iEQ Enneagram report. Ideal for those who want to access the key building blocks of self-awareness. Evolve A n in-depth 8hr coaching package, ideal for a 6-9 month transition in your leadership, relationships and life. Move Together with Nature Walking side by side changes a conversation. Movement helps us step away from habitual thinking and create space for fresh perspectives. Nature is not just a backdrop, she is with us. Testimonials LEADERSHiP COACHING “The coaching conversations with Felicity have been hugely insightful and incredibly powerful. Felicity bought a structure and consistency that made it more than just a series of conversations. I've been able to do real things and take meaningful actions as a result of the work we have done .” - Antony Cromb, Head of Strategy, Sainsbury's Move Together with Nature Space to feel expansive again, in Dorset's wild corners. Move Together with Nature helps the people who support others return to their work feeling clear, connected and present.

Source 2 Sea, an offer in the Move Together with Nature Landscape. Join the group walks with a light coaching touch as we make our way from the source of the River Stour to the sea. Starting Sept 2026, walks are once a month, and we anticipate it will take 12 walks. 15 spaces per walk. Small fee and volunteer places. Walk from Stourton to Hengistbury Head following the path of the river and it's valley. Walk one stage, a few, or all. #NatureWalk #Well-beingWalk Move Together with Nature Space to feel expansive again, in Dorset's wild corners. Move Together with Nature helps people return to their work feeling clear, connected and present. Designed For You Movement. Togetherness . With Nature. Source 2 Sea Walk the River, Stage by Stage Walk. Connect. Explore. A relaxed, drop-in way to walk sections of the Stour with whoever else turns up that day, with the option of nature prompts and guided reflection along the way. FAQ Your questions answered. The Group Walk Walk with a difference. Change the conversation and walk with Nature to bring calm, clarity and build a sense of connection, both with yourself and others. 12 Walks Once per month Sept 2026 - Aug 2027 The River Stour end to end through Dorset From Stourton to Hengistbury Head Maximum 15 People per walk Everyone Welcome Registration Mandatory Walk with Intention Walk Together Walk with Nature £15pp per walk First walk free Volunteers walk free The 2026 Autumn Walks Stage 1: Stourton to Bourton 5.7miles / 9.3km Fri 11 September 2026 Book here >>> Stage 2: Bourton to Gillingham 4.7miles / 7.6km Fri 9 October 2026 Boo k here >>> Stage 3: Gillingham to West Stour 6.6miles / 10.6km Fri 6 November 2026 Boo k here >>> Stage 4: Fifehead Magdalen to Sturminster Newton 6.2miles / 10km Wed 9 December 2026 Boo k here >>> The 2027 Winter to Spring Walks Stage 5: Sturminster Newton to Shillingstone 5.2miles / 8.7km Sat 16 January 2027 Book here >>> Stage 6: Shilingstone to Stourpaine 5miles / 8.0km Fri 5 February 2027 Book here >>> Stage 7: Stourpaine to Charlton Marshall 6.8miles / 10.9km Sat 20 March 2027 Book here >>> Stage 8: Charlton Marshall to Sturminster Marshall 6.4miles / 10.3km Fri 17 April 2027 Book here >>> The 2027 Summer Walks Stage 9: Sturminster Marshall to Wimborne Minster 5.4miles / 8.7km Fri 21 May 2027 Book here >>> Stage 10: Wimborne Minster to Millhams Mead 8.2miles / 13.2km Fri 11 June 2027 Boo k here >>> Stage 11: Millhams Mead to Iford 6.8miles / 9km Fri 9 July 2027 Boo k here >>> Stage 12: Iford to Hengistbuy Head 7.5miles / 12.1km Wed 4 August 2027 Boo k here >>> Frequently asked questions General Booking & Volunteer Roles Logistics & Planning Who is the Source 2 Sea for? The Source 2 Sea is open to everyone who knows that walking outdoors is good for the soul, mind and body. A collective group walk for a journey in mind. With the support of coaching cards you'll be invited to reflect, ponder, wander and dwell with nature. Do I need to be a coach to join? Not at all. While these walks are designed with coaching, reflective practice, and peer supervision principles in mind, they are open to anyone. Whether you are a professional coach, someone seeking personal reflection, or simply looking to connect with nature and like-minded people, you are warmly invited. Do I need experience with coaching or 'nature-work'? None. Everyone arrives with their own relationship with the outdoors and with nature; there's no such thing as a nature expert here.Come with your curiosity. Is this coaching, therapy or something else? All Move Together with Nature sessions are reflective in nature, with questions, observations, invitations to experiment. Source 2 Sea - closer to guided walking with a light coaching focus. The Experiment - closer to coaching than therapy. Think of it as intentional space, held gently, with nature doing some of the work.The UnFurling - closer to supervision with Nature than coaching, with co-created experimentation, discussion and development. What actually happens on a walk? Every gathering follows a gentle three-part rhythm plus a lunch break:The Opening: We begin with a practical safety briefing, check-in and introductions, followed by a short threshold ritual to help us leave daily distractions behind and set our intentions. The Journey: As we walk, your Coach Host introduces reflective prompts, moments of quiet pause, and opportunities for paired or group conversations inspired by the landscape. Lunch Break: We will pause for some refreshment either at a pub/cafe en-route or picnic. This will be confirmed for each walk at least a week in advance. The Closing: We finish with a closing circle to share reflections, harvest insights from the trail, and officially ground our experience before heading home. Practical: As all walks are linear, the time plan for each day 10.00 - 15.00 allows for cars to be moved from start to end, or vice versa. Or we'll plan in public transport/ taxis to ensure everyone is returned to their cars. How big are the walking groups? To keep the experience intimate, meaningful, and safe—and to ensure everyone can participate in shared reflections—we limit groups to a comfortable size (typically 8 to 15 participants), plus your Coach Host. Can I bring my dog? Well-behaved dogs that are comfortable with the distance, being with people and other dogs may come. Please notify us of this, as we will need to consider the logistics to transport both you and your four legged friend back to your car. Will I be able to keep up? As this is a guided walk with nature prompts, the pace will be gentle. There will be pause points and a lunch stop. We are encouraging you to slow down, not speed up. The distances of each walk will vary, and will be approximately 4.5 - 6 miles, 7 -10 kilometres. The terrain will be outlined prior to the walk. We request that you make a personal assessement of your ability to undertake this walk. We will ask for your confirmation of this on the booking form. If you decide you can join the walk, we have a policy of leave no one behind. The Experiment The Reset Walk Walk. Reflect. Expand. A one-to-one guided walk through the Five Invitations: Roots, Symphony, Pulse, Mirror, Flow. Read More > The Unfurling Move. Deepen. Belong. A 10month long peer circle for coaches, therapists, consultants and trainers, deepening the Five Invitations together over time. A Year of Reflection, Connection and Growth . Read More > Looking for something more... ...personal ? ...deep? Move Together with Nature Ready to Walk a stage of Source 2 Sea with us? You spend your life helping other people. It's time to create some space for yourself too. Book Here

Leaders, Founders, Business Owners, Life Seekers and Coaches all seek out the services of Felicity Hodkinson at ~Bend the River. Read her testimonials to learn that she is known for bringing both her calm and intuition to gift her clients clarity. I partner with... Leaders & Life Seekers I work with individuals who are looking for support in developing their leadership presence and relationship capability, particularly during times of change. You may be looking for coaching support to make a smooth transition to a new company or simply seeking support that is not available within your current company. As ~ bend the river is a small business, you get the advantage of fees without the extra cost of VAT. Founders & Business Owners If your leadership & co-founder relationship defines the success of your small business I can support you during the different phases of growth & change in a number of different ways. If you're a sole owner then 1~2~1 would be suitable. If you're joint business partners, then consider investing in the partnership coaching offer to strengthen your relationship ready for the changes and challenges of the future. Coaches, Organisational Development & People Professionals If you're looking for a partner to support your awareness of self and quality of your work relationships, the developmental impact of ICF Mentor Coaching is ideal for coaches seeking a credential. For those seeking a collegiate relationship that both challenges and calms restorative, I offer supervision to coaches & practitioners in the People industry. Corporate Contracts A coaching approach with individuals that supports and builds their relationship presence, capacity and competence is a core addition to a leadership learning & development offer. Alternatively, you may be going through significant structural change and your leaders need additional coaching support to help them lead with presence and authenticity during this heightened period of change. Recruitment Consultants Is it important to you that the recruitment match is successful and long lasting? Giving your talent a coach to support the first 6 months in a new business helps the senior leadership capability that shone through in interview become a reality and flourish in the new environment rather than just be absorbed by it, or at worst overwhelmed by it. Investors Further secure your investment by adding Be Better Together coaching to your support package. Ensure your founders have the people and relationship skills to match their vision, knowledge and tech skills. Minimise the relationship fall-out that can derail a successful venture. Greater self awareness that has driven improved performance at both personal and team levels. This self awareness has also reduced personal stress and avoided conflict within teams as I have grown in confidence in how I deal with team performance matters. Ultimately this all leads to an increase in the performance of the organisation. Richard, HR Professional London, FTSE 100 Business Interactive. Not soft. Challenging Dean, IT Professional London, FTSE 100 Business A massive 'thank you' for your calmness and energy that you have shared with me to help me become my 'brilliant self'. Anna, Senior Leader Coventry, FTSE 100 Business Felicity's style was very open and relaxed. I'd met her once before our first meeting, but only briefly. Our first meeting allowed me to trust her very quickly and easily because she was very open and easy to talk through things with from day one. This set the tone for me going forward and I would describe this initially as her method. A really important way of allowing us to get the most from the time we had. Setting up agreed ways of working on day one and key objectives and often returning to these helped to keep me on track and to clearly see the progression I was making with her coaching support. Paul, Senior Leader Yorkshire, FTSE 100 Business Please reload Book an Intro Coaching chat >>>

The UnFurling is an offer in the Move Together with Nature Landscape. It is a small supervisory style circle from Sept 2026 - June 2027. In person, in a beautiful indoor/outdoor location near Wareham, Dorset for coaches, counsellors and space holders who want to deepen their presence and practice together with Nature. Co-created by Felicity Hodkinson and Ashley Crocker to be a space of depth and connection to presence. Coach Supervision that focuses on & emphasises Who You Are. Move Together with Nature Space to feel expansive again, in Dorset's wild corners. Move Together with Nature helps the people who support others return to their work feeling clear, connected and present. Designed For You Movement. Togetherness . With Nature. The Unfurling Move. Deepen. Belong. A 10month long peer circle for coaches, therapists, consultants and trainers, deepening the Five Invitations together over time. A Year of Reflection, Connection and Growth . FAQ Your questions answered. A space held by Felicity, Ashley and Nature One of connection and experimentation to deepen your presence and your practice As with any great project, this started with a walk. We walked through our local town seeking out a spot of greenery mid-spring. During this walk, we shared our passions about working with nature and being outdoors, from our personal pursuits of cycling, running, camping, and swimming, to how we were taking clients out to spark creativity with fresh perspectives, create a new sense of ease and wellbeing, invite fast-paced leaders to slow down and reconnect, and offer a space for deep healing work . As with any conversation like this (you know the ones where you're so excited you start speaking quicker), we left with a brain full of ideas and a felt sense we were onto something. That brings us to now, with a clear set of guiding principles and a mission to share the value of nature not only professionally but personally . We would love to invite you to The UnFurling. The Unfurling consists of five group sessions based in beautiful Dorset, within a short drive of Wareham Station. Starting in Autumn, we invite you to save the date Thursday 24th September. You could compare this work to a supervisory circle. You will be held by two deeply passionate professionals with ample opportunities to explore your practice and be present with nature. We are inviting you, unlike many supervision circles, to attend the first of The UnFurling with no commitment to the other four sessions. However, we will be bringing no more than 12 professionals on this initial journey. If this is what you have been seeking in your practice, then reach out to Felicity or Ashley to start your Unfurling Journey. Who This Is For? Our first circle is focused on serving coaching and counselling professionals who are seeking a different space—a community of like-minded individuals who feel a pull to working with nature and taking their practice outdoors. Or maybe you already do walk-and-talk sessions, outdoor retreats, and workshops but miss a community and want to deepen your presence and practice. Or maybe you know that being outdoors and with nature is where you think and feel supported and that's what your presence and practice most needs. The Heart of the Invitation Therapists, mentors, consultants, helping professionals—we all go by many names. The counselling and coaching world has many parallels, and together, Felicity and Ashley have explored many of these in our times together. One of the most prevalent patterns we see time and time again is the daily demands and pressure these roles hold. The Unfurling is built from a dream to create something we feel, see, and hear is deeply needed in our community right now. We both know the feeling of longing for community; we have both felt isolation and loneliness at different points in our lives and know building and maintaining your business can bring many challenges that therapy, coaching, or even a good book can’t solve, but community can. At the heart of our invitation for The Unfurling is a community of like-minded individuals ready to deepen their presence and practice together with Nature. This is a supervisory space in which the focus is towards 'Who you are' and the work the world is calling forth from you. If it's time for you to revisit those questions, this is the space for you. The Way We UnFurl For anyone who’s ever created a project, business, or any creative endeavour, you will sympathise with the challenges of naming it. The UnFurling captured the essence of the space we want to hold: one of organic exploration and creativity, a space that allows each participant the space to grow and deepen; to unfurl. Unfurl verb If you unfurl something rolled or folded, such as an umbrella, sail, or flag, you open it so that it is spread out. You can also say that it unfurls... two weeks later when the leaves unfurl. [VERB] Synonyms: open, unfold, open out, blossom To keep this space entirely free from hierarchy, pressure, or expectations, we stand firmly on these shared truths. The UnFurling Principles Equality in the Elements We meet everyone where they are at with their own unique relationship with nature. There are no hierarchies or "nature experts" here. Connection over Crisis This circle’s intention and focus is on strengthening our foundation and connection with nature. ‘No climate anxiety or ecological lecturing.’ Nature as Co-Supervisor Our surroundings and location serve as the third facilitator; we bring nature to the forefront of our work together. Invitational not Instructive Everything we do is offered, never demanded. We act as guides and facilitators to nature. Collectively, we adapt the day to the weather, the landscape, and the participants. Meeting You where you are We meet each participant at their level, be that readiness, skill, or capacity. ‘Your UnFurling happens at your pace and to your agen.’ Better Together As your hosts, we are in this with you as equals. We all bring our own unique experiences, challenges, and emotions to the day. And collectively with nature, we aim to deepen these learnings and connections. Join The UnFurling Commitment We both value freedom, and this is why exploring The UnFurling does not require an initial heavy long-term commitment. And we also believe that a stable group nurtures depth and connection. You can explore The UnFurling with us on September 24th, and then, if we agree that this feels like the right space for you, we invite you to join us for all of the further four seasonal sessions. The Rhythm We host 5 Thursdays across the changing seasons: Autumn (24 September) Early Winter (26 November) Deep Winter (4 February) Late Spring (15 April) Midsummer (10 June) Time & Location 10:00 – 15:00 (5 hours of immersive time, plus space either side to settle and enjoy your time outside). We have chosen a beautiful regenerated location near Wareham train and bus station. T ravel from London, Southampton, Bournemouth, Dorchester... Group Size With careful consideration, the group will be intimate enough that you have opportunities to speak and share without feeling overly vulnerable. Yet diverse enough that it expands your community and network of like-minded individuals. Whilst the first September group may be a little larger, from November the group will have no more than 12 participants, plus Felicity and Ashley, and the welcoming arms of Nature. The Format The session design is fluid in response to the group, our locations and the time of year: The 3 LifeLines and 5 Invitations offer a light exploratory structure. It will be emergent and adapt as we evolve. The time will be both guided and co-created. There will be plenary group, small group, pair and individual time. We will be indoor and outdoors. There will be walking, movement, stillness. We welcome all emotion: laughter and joy, sadness and anger. Investment For this first year, we propose: Your first UnFurling Session in September or November is discounted at £120. Each further session is £180, available as Extension Passes in blocks of 3 or 4. If you are ready to make an upfront commitment for all 5 sessions £840, there is a bonus of a 60min 1:1 supervision Indoor/Outdoor supervision session with Felicity, plus 3 access passes to join Source 2 Sea walks. And the booking fee is included in your ticket price. We welcome your feedback and conversations to make this a possible space for you to join. If this is a space you need right now, don't let the fee be a barrier. The UnFurling...it starts with a conversation We know you'll have questions and want to establish if this is for you at this time of your work and life. Request some chat time and let us create the space for you. Book an Intro Chat >>> Meet the Co-Creators Different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. Shared Values and Principles. Somatic Nature Inquisitor Felicity Hodkinson Her Vibe: London corporate escapee. She now embraces a slower/natural way of life. Living on the Dorset coast, she brings wisdom, calm, and creativity to every conversation. In the Wild: You’ll find her cycling days on end, jumping in the sea all year round, or up the mountains skiing the best pistes on offer. On Paper: An exceptional executive coach who has worked for household names and supported businesses and individuals to think better, work better, and be better together. Coaching Superpower: Best known for her way with words, she can take a 15-minute ramble of consciousness from a fellow coach and find the silver thread through the noise, articulating it back to you like magic. Best way to connect: An email , LinkedIn, or on a Dorset Coaches walk. Outdoor Adventure Healer Ashley Crocker His Vibe: Dorset born and bred, there’s nowhere else he’d rather be. With an aversion to busy life after years working in hospitality and social care, Ashley matches the pace of busy, stressed professionals and shows them a more natural way to live and work. In the Wild: You’ll find him running up hills, wild camping with his family, or exploring the many wonders the Purbeck coastline has to offer. On Paper: As well as being an Accredited Counsellor, he is trained in many pursuits: Transformative Coaching, Forest School Leader, Restorative Justice, and even a Professional Chef. Coaching Superpower: Best known for transforming your relationship with stress and creating a life you genuinely love. Best way to connect: Instagram, WhatsApp, or join him for a walk. www.ashleycrocker.co.uk the 3 lifelines The Move Together with Nature approach has 3 lifelines, think of them as roots, which entwine together to create a rich and deep holding space for you to show up with all that is within you. These lifelines are there within you. You may value a reconnection to all of them, or two, or simply one. Move Walking side by side changes a conversation. Movement helps us step away from habitual thinking and create space for fresh perspectives. Somatic Embodiment & Inquiry takes us deeper.The body speaks not the thinking mind. Together Supporting others can sometimes feel lonely. Shared reflection reminds us we don't have to carry everything alone. Connection isn't the reward, it's part of the practice. Our relationship supports you to show up with others. with Nature Nature isn't simply the backdrop. She helps us slow down, notice more, and reconnect with ourselves in ways that often don't happen indoors or with others. Nature rarely gives us the answers. She helps us notice the ones we've been missing. Move Together with Nature Ready to Join us? You spend your life helping other people. It's time to create some space for yourself too. Deepen your Presence and your Practice Email Felicity Here >>>

Flow with Felicity is a monthly read to stimulate and inspire reflection, self-awareness and development of who you are and how you show up with others. #29 Flow with Felicity, July 2026 #29 Flow with Felicity is a postcard from France. Personal reflections on life in the slow lane; envisioning the landscape of Move Together with Nature and The 5 Invitations Aug 7 5 min read #28 Flow with Felicity, June 2026 What happens when a meander becomes a waterfall, and what might it have to do with the DNA of belonging? Jun 16 6 min read #27 Flow with Felicity, May 2026 Something is changing. I can feel it in my body! Shifting states and the comfort of the U-change process tell me that it's time to put Move Together with Nature out there. Jun 5 8 min read #26 Flow with Felicity, April 2026 A lightbulb moment on being with/within Nature. Frustrations with no-shows. Plus focus on the HOW, not just the WHAT of work, when starting a new relationship. Apr 30 6 min read #25 Flow with Felicity, March 2026 Living to 100 raises many Q's; What is the gap between being convinced and taking action? The 10 common challenges of coaching workplace relationships Apr 2 6 min read #24 Flow with Felicity, February 2026 What is the shape of your life plus AI impact on team coaching. And a favourite recipe. Mar 5 6 min read #23 Flow with Felicity, January 2026 What can you release in 2026 to allow more space for joy, connection and adventure? Jan 22 3 min read #22 Flow with Felicity, December 2025 Interest is everything. Stay in touch with your interests. When you follow your own interests, your passion and energy excites others to join you. Dec 11, 2025 4 min read #21 Flow with Felicity, November 2025 The Non-Issue Nov 26, 2025 1 min read #20 Flow with Felicity, October 2025 In this month's issue: What's Beyond? | Your Capacity to be YOU is Expandable | Habit Stack Self-Regulation Practices | Self-Regulation Practices by Enneagram Type Oct 3, 2025 17 min read The 2016 Relational Learning Series This series of posts from 2016 was inspired by how I was impacted by the content of my MSc in Organisational Change. It was the first time that I'd experimented with BOTH writing regularly AND sharing it publicly. In this case, the commitment was for a weekly post for 12 weeks. I was also experimenting with sketching and love seeing the reminder of this point of my creativity. Honouring our connection (and our individuality) This is the twelfth and final in this series of posts about ‘relational learning’; how we learn about ourselves through our relationships... Nov 23, 2016 5 min read What has been left unspoken, but still said? This is the eleventh and penultimate in the series of twelve posts about ‘relational learning’; how we learn about ourselves through our... Nov 15, 2016 5 min read In, out or on the boundary of the relationship? This is the tenth in the series of posts (aiming for twelve!) about ‘relational learning’; how we learn about ourselves through our... Nov 7, 2016 4 min read Part 2: Time, task, relationship... which comes first for you? This is the ninth in the series of posts about ‘relational learning’; how we learn about ourselves through our relationships with others... Nov 1, 2016 4 min read Time, task, relationship... which comes first for you? This is the eighth in the series of posts about ‘relational learning’; how we learn about ourselves through our relationships with others... Oct 25, 2016 4 min read Do I belong here? This is the seventh in the series of posts about ‘relational learning’; how we learn about ourselves through our relationships with... Oct 18, 2016 3 min read Other useful posts #JUST ENOUGH is the new #GOALCRUSHING Oct 18, 2023 4 min read Coaches: Use Supervision to Tap into your Core Wisdom Sep 21, 2023 2 min read How elastic is your Partnership? Oct 16, 2018 4 min read How clearly do you see yourself? Sep 11, 2018 7 min read 'Be who you are'... the myth of Authentic Leadership May 30, 2018 4 min read Invest in your Co-Founder partnership, not just your business May 16, 2018 8 min read 1 2 3 4 Flow with Felicity (20) 20 posts Adult Development (13) 13 posts Attention (5) 5 posts Body Wisdom (4) 4 posts Coaching with Nature (4) 4 posts Mindful Living (4) 4 posts Personal Growth (3) 3 posts Quote (3) 3 posts Relational Skills (3) 3 posts AI Coach (2) 2 posts Authentic Vulnerability (2) 2 posts Change (2) 2 posts Enneagram Insights (2) 2 posts Leadership Growth (2) 2 posts Nature as Co-Coach (2) 2 posts Platform of Value (2) 2 posts Self-Awareness Journey (2) 2 posts Trust (2) 2 posts Coaching Challenges (1) 1 post Confidence (1) 1 post Consensus Building (1) 1 post Convincer Patterns (1) 1 post Curated Reading Pathways (1) 1 post Emotional Resilience (1) 1 post Experiments (1) 1 post First Year Reflections (1) 1 post Ghosting in Relationships (1) 1 post Healthy Boundaries (1) 1 post Interdependent Relationships (1) 1 post Introverted Leadership (1) 1 post KASE Skills (1) 1 post Leadership Insights (1) 1 post LI Voice Message (1) 1 post Life and Career Transitions (1) 1 post Listening (1) 1 post Navigating Change (1) 1 post Nervous System Mastery (1) 1 post Neuroscience (1) 1 post Overcoming Resistance (1) 1 post Pace (1) 1 post People Pleasing (1) 1 post Personal Growth Insights (1) 1 post Power (1) 1 post Reflections on Aging (1) 1 post Relational Coaching (1) 1 post Relational Leadership (1) 1 post Self-Doubt (1) 1 post Self Reflection (1) 1 post Self-Regulation Tips (1) 1 post Share What (1) 1 post Supplier-Buyer Dynamics (1) 1 post Trigger Cycle (1) 1 post Trust Beliefs (1) 1 post Why to What (1) 1 post Window of Tolerance (1) 1 post Workplace Dynamics (1) 1 post Start now... Resource yourself right now and try out one of these activities. Breathe.... M indfulness is the latest business buzz word and there's a reason why. Today's business environment is typically hectic with each day like a little whirlwind that sweeps us along. This is the most simple of exercises reminding us to Breathe. By breathing, we return our focus to the body and give our minds a rest from the relentless day. It calms our brain and frees it up to think more clearly again whilst also reducing the stress in our bodies. Use this whenever and whereever needed in your life. Draw.... This 20 min exercise is designed to help you start to surface some points to bring to a coaching conversation. Your authentic leadership starts with you and where you are in the world of your life. read more... Walk.... This 20 min exercise is designed to help you calm your mind and shift your perspective about a live situation. You let go of the problem and see what arises for you as you take a walk. read more... Map.... ...the spheres of your life to see how they connect to each other; support or create tension. Experiment with changes and notice your responses. You are one person & your work and life are interconnected. read more... Write.... about your issue in a continuous flow to crystallize the question that's going round your head. In 15 mins, you can clarify your thinking and start to move onto options and answers. read more... Anchor 2

The Experiment, an offer in the Move Together with Nature Landscape. The one-to-one 90min guided walk that asks you to bring your curiosity to experiment with 5 Invitations: Roots, Symphony, Pulse, Mirror, Flow. Ideal for solopreneurs, hybrid leaders, coaches and anyone who is feeling full, stuck, isolated and / or going in circles. Leave feeling recentered, calm and connected. Move Together with Nature Space to feel expansive again, in Dorset's wild corners. Move Together with Nature helps YOU return to work and life feeling clear, connected and present. Designed For You Movement. Togetherness . With Nature. The Experiment The Reset Walk Walk. Reflect. Expand. A one-to-one guided walk through the Five Invitations: Roots, Symphony, Pulse, Mirror, Flow. FAQ Your questions answered. The one-to-one Experiment Walk Experience Move Together in Nature for yourself. A one-to-one 90 minute guided walk through the Five Invitations. How this began.. "I'm feeling a bit alone with all this.." "I can't see my way through..." "I'm stuck, just tell me what to do" "Slowing down is not an option." For months, these were the voices calling out for help. People, like you, stuck on screens, in hybrid working, going faster and faster. Losing clarity, creativity and connection. It started with 11 people in June 2026. Each one following their curiosity. What will it be like for me? What happens Over 90 minutes, we move through five short invitations: Roots (arriving and grounding), Symphony (listening deeply), Mirror (reflecting on what draws your attention), Pulse (movement and rhythm), and Flow (softening and integration). You'll leave with your Memory Seeds, simple anchors to help you find that same calm again, back at your desk. Where Locations vary around Poole and areas close by. They are chosen for their easy access and versatility. Examples Include: Poole Park (big skies and water) Bournemouth Upper Gardens (a sensory walk from busy to quiet) Ashley Cross Stream (an intimate, hidden local secret) Wareham Walls (views, reeds and river) Upton Country Park (walled garden to open water) 90 minutes | Individual session | £95 Standard Fee £45 Access | £145 Pay it Forward Register Questions about this experience When can I do this? Walk dates are released in blocks. Once you have registered your interest for a block, you will be kept updated. When they are released, you will receive the invitation to book your session. The locations and session times vary for each block, and will always be weekdays and within 10.00 - 17.00. What happens after I book? You'll receive a short "sense check" form ahead of time, and full details for your session about a week before you meet. How long does it take, exactly? 90 minutes of guided time, aiming to return to the start point within that window, though it can flex a little. Allow extra time either side for your journey there and back. And for your own reflections. What should I wear, and what happens if it rains? Dress for the outdoors. Unless it's torrential rain or thunder and lightning, we head out. There's always a plan B for genuinely bad weather. What if I need to cancel or I'm running late? Just message us as soon as you can. We ask you to choose a time and location that minimises the need to change plans, since spaces are limited. How do I know if this is my Starting Point? This is individual and personal to you. It's ideal if privacy is important and you want to feel free to discuss and share anything. Register Now to receive your Invitation to the next dates released. If that feels too intense or too soon for you, then come along to a Source 2 Sea walk too. If you're unsure, reach out to Felicity for an Intro Chat. Book an Intro Chat >>> Beth Carter "I came home having figured out what matters most to me and what I really want my life to look like. I didn't realise until I was in it how much I needed to just be somewhere without an agenda" Michelle Vaughton "There was almost a fairytale quality, I left feeling calm, focused and deeply connected, to myself, to nature and to what matters most." Mark Masters “I stepped into the session with a wish to be 'thinking less' by the end of the experience I felt lifted, grateful and with a spring in my step.” We'd love to send you an invitation to walk The Experiment...Register now First name Last name Email Is this your first time joining a Move Together with Nature walk? Yes No Registering your interest helps us shape how many walks are made available, where and when. There's no commitment, and you can change your mind. Once you've registered, you will always receive your invitation to join the next block of walks, once it goes live. Which Month would you like to join a walk?* September-October 2026 November 2026 April 2027 May - June 2027 July 2027 Do you have preferred locations? Poole Park Upton Park Bournemouth Upper Gardens Wareham Walls Ashley Cross/Lilliput Other And a preferred time of day? 10am - 1pm 12pm - 3pm 2pm - 5pm Which fee point is yours? Standard £95 Pay it Forward £145 Access £45 No questions are asked. We ask you to consider what you can afford. The Access price is there if you need it. The Pay it Forward price is to ensure this offer remains viable. If it is within your means to Pay it Forward, we hope you do. No payment is taken at this point. How did you hear about Move Together with Nature?* A friend/colleague referred me Social Media I read Flow with Felicity AI/Internet search Other Register the 3 lifelines The approach has 3 lifelines, think of them as roots, which entwine together to create a rich and deep holding space for you to show up with all that is within you. These lifelines are there within you. You may value a reconnection to all of them, or two, or simply one. Move Walking side by side changes a conversation. Movement helps us step away from habitual thinking and create space for fresh perspectives. Somatic Embodiment & Inquiry takes us deeper.The body speaks not the thinking mind. Together Supporting others can sometimes feel lonely. Shared reflection reminds us we don't have to carry everything alone. Connection isn't the reward, it's part of the practice. Our relationship supports you to show up with others. with Nature Nature isn't simply the backdrop. She helps us slow down, notice more, and reconnect with ourselves in ways that often don't happen indoors or with others. Nature rarely gives us the answers. She helps us notice the ones we've been missing. the 5 Invitations I f you've read this far without rushing, notice this: you've just done a small version of it yourself, listening, then reflecting. That's the shape every walk takes. We call the full version the 5 Invitations. Each one inviting you to explore, to experiment and to follow follow your curiosity, and to step over thresholds. Roots Retrace the origins Symphony Listen beyond words Mirror See the patterns Pulse Tune into rhythm Flow Soften to ease Move Together with Nature Ready to Walk with us? You spend your life helping other people. It's time to create some space for yourself too. Register for The Experiment

Frequently Asked Questions Below are some questions and answers that are often asked of me. If you don't find what you are looking for here, please drop me an email 01 Which type of coaching do I need? If you're unsure about which experience to opt for or if coaching is for you, then please contact me to share your situation and we can discuss the different ways they could work for you. If you want to understand the difference between coaching and mentoring, read 'Need to Know'. 02 I'd like Partnership Coaching but not sure my business partner is up for it? It's important that both of you have energy and an interest in improving your relationship. Finding the suggestion of coaching to your partner difficult is a sign that your relationship may be in need of some attention. Try suggesting a health check on how you're both doing and connecting it to business performance and growth. Suggest that a third party, such as a coach, can help it be productive. Alternatively, we can work together on a 1~2~1 basis around how you experience and co-create your relationships. 03 What's the first step in creating a coaching relationship? It starts with you. What issues and opportunities would you like to bring to coaching? Read the 'Need to Know' document. Try out an 'activity' on the coaching activities page to stimulate your thinking. Or request an Intro Chat or drop me an email. Coaching starts with a conversation. Before we commit to working together, we have what is known as a compatibility meeting so that we can create a shared understanding of what you would like from the relationship and how I work. We cover how we will work together, including where, when, for how long and agree the fee structure. 04 What's the difference between ICF Mentor Coaching & Supervision ? While both are developmental partnerships, ICF Mentor Coaching orientates around the ICF Core Competencies and Ethics. Through a deep understanding of this competency framework, the coach builds alignment of how to coach with who they are as coach. In Supervision, we may refer to a competency framework & ethical guidelines, however the viewpoint is much broader. 05 How much does it cost to work with you? My fees are structured to be affordable for individuals, small businesses and corporate clients; click the link for a summary. I offer fixed price packages for 1~2~1, Partnership Coaching and ICF Mentor Coaching. As ~bend the river is a small business, I am able to offer fees without the additional cost of VAT. 06 What's the cancellation fee & notice? If there is a 'no show' for a scheduled session, it will be charged at full fee, except in emergency circumstances. If reasonable notice is given (this will be detailed in our working agreement) we reschedule. If the package is not delivering for you as expected, together we explore the options and agree a way forward regarding timeline and outstanding fees. Need to Know Need to Know Fees Summary

At Bend the River, Felicity Hodkinson offers Nature Connected coaching for Leaders, Founders / Business Owners and Life Seekers. For coaches she offers coach supervision. The focus is on knowing oneself, and strengthening workplace relationships to support individual and organisational performance, growth and well-being. She offers Move Together with Nature sessions in Poole, Dorset and continues to support those who are not local, via sessions on zoom. I'm Felicity Hodkinson and I created ~ bend the river to offer a place for coaching and supervision rooted in this core belief: #BeBetterTogether is intrinsic to creating a better world I partner leaders, founders, business owners and coaches to step into the ebb and flow of your work relationships, to deepen your connection to yourself, others and your world. We access your natural presence and bring its value into being better together. Thank you for joining me, Welcome Join Flow with Felicity Book an Intro Chat >>> Be Better Together Home - Partnering With Partnering together with... Felicity brings the ~ bend the river coaching and supervision approach to a wide range of clients. At all stages of life and work, from different industries and with varying desires and challenges. What unites them is their commitment to growing their self-awareness; their care about the impact they have on others and a belief, that the quality of the work they do, is deeply affected by the quality of their relationships. Leaders In our coaching relationship we explore & evolve who you are and how you show up in your relationships with your team, with peers, with stakeholders and with your Board. From self-awareness comes choice, possibility and impact. For all stages of leadership. Founders/Owners Come as an individual or as a pair to understand how your similarities and differences can be both the source of flow and tension in your business relationship. Learn how to speak and listen honestly and constructively. Support your co-performance, well-being & growth. Life Seekers During your life and career transitions, Felicity joins you with her signature quality of calm clarity to help you find direction & keep you true in your relationships. We ground you in your core values to move amongst the 4 stages of transitions, and activate your natural sense of knowing what is next. Coaches As coaches, the quality of the relationships we hold with our clients shapes the value and impact of coaching for them. Give these relationships focus with Supervision and align your presence and practice as a coach. Next Next Next Next Ways to work together These packages offer you the flexibility to meet your leadership, relationship and life needs. To help you decide on which package and whether I'm the coach you want to work with, I offer 45-60min complimentary Intro Chats. Book an Intro Chat Emerge An introductory 1.5hr coaching package including a STD iEQ Enneagram report. Ideal for those who want to access the key building blocks of self-awareness. Partnership This is pair coaching, ideal for working on your relationship together. Packages include the PRO iEQ Enneagram for 2 people and start with a minimum 5hr commitment. Supervision Access 1-2-1 and group Reflections as part of your annual package. Set up sessions in response to the rhythm of your coaching work. Evolve A n in-depth 8hr coaching package, ideal for a 6-9 month transition in your leadership, relationships and life. Move Together with Nature Walking side by side changes a conversation. Movement helps us step away from habitual thinking and create space for fresh perspectives. Nature is not just a backdrop, she is with us. Speaking An advocate for coaching, movement, togetherness and Nature, Felicity brings her experience and passion to live events, podcasts and as a writer. Testimonial LEADERSHiP COACHING “The coaching conversations with Felicity have been hugely insightful and incredibly powerful. Felicity bought a structure and consistency that made it more than just a series of conversations. I've been able to do real things and take meaningful actions as a result of the work we have done .” - Antony Cromb, Head of Strategy, Sainsbury's Move Together with Nature Space to feel expansive again, in Dorset's wild corners. Move Together with Nature helps the people who support others return to their work feeling clear, connected and present. Join me each month Each month in Flow with Felicity I share my self-reflections along with insights, tips, quotes or what I've been listening to /reading that have proved inspirational and useful. It's both thought provoking and sometimes a bit random! Be inspired to reflect and experiment. Sign up to get it delivered to your inbox when it lands the #First Friday of the month. Join Flow with Felicity #29 Flow with Felicity, July 2026 #29 Flow with Felicity is a postcard from France. Personal reflections on life in the slow lane; envisioning the landscape of Move Together with Nature and The 5 Invitations Aug 7 5 min read #28 Flow with Felicity, June 2026 What happens when a meander becomes a waterfall, and what might it have to do with the DNA of belonging? Jun 16 6 min read #27 Flow with Felicity, May 2026 Something is changing. I can feel it in my body! Shifting states and the comfort of the U-change process tell me that it's time to put Move Together with Nature out there. Jun 5 8 min read #26 Flow with Felicity, April 2026 A lightbulb moment on being with/within Nature. Frustrations with no-shows. Plus focus on the HOW, not just the WHAT of work, when starting a new relationship. Apr 30 6 min read #25 Flow with Felicity, March 2026 Living to 100 raises many Q's; What is the gap between being convinced and taking action? The 10 common challenges of coaching workplace relationships Apr 2 6 min read 1 2 3 4 5

Individual and Pair Coaching for Leaders, Founders / Business Owners & Life Seekers which focuses on who you are and who you are with others. Be Better Together. ICF Mentor Coaching and Supervision offered to Coaches. A relational approach A relational approach to coaching prioritises the relationship between the coach and the client as the foundation for growth and development. It emphasises the importance of building a strong, trusting, and collaborative partnership where both parties feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges. It is well suited to the complexity and uncertainty of our fast changing world . If we have trust and safety in our relationships we have sufficient stability and safety to explore the challenges and co-create solutions. A key principle is that learning happens through our relationships with others or to the situation. We are interdependent and not isolated. The capabilites that the world needs cannot be learnt in a text book or online, they involve the experience of looking inwards to ourselves and looking outwards to others and the situation. Change is all around us and within us. Sometimes it's subtle and on other occasions there is no escaping it. Understanding who we are in relation to others, to the situation, to the environment creates a rich learning experience that supports us through the uncertainty of change and transition. When we invite Nature into the conversation, something shifts. As we walk under trees and gaze at the horizon, feel the elements on our skin, she brings calm to our bodies. She offers up oxygen and expanse to allow minds to settle. Then we go a little deeper into what she shows us, perhaps welcoming in metaphor, perhaps listening deeply to the symphony of life, or seeing the mirror she gently holds up for us. Partnering with Leaders, Founders & Business Owners, Life Seekers and Coaches. Be Better Together Book an Intro Chat >>> Leaders For all levels of Leader from aspiring to C-suite. You want to keep evolving who you are as a leader, your presence & impact with others, whilst balancing multiple agendas and life demands. Choose from Individual or Pair Relationship Coaching to bring strength and elasticity to business critical partnerships. Founders/ Owners Coaching is a planned break from the relentless demand of your enterprise. The relationship creates a reflective space to pause, process and re-energise. For co-founders, Pair Relationship Coaching supports both your individual and collective growth in pace with the growth of your business. For others, the partnership of Individual Coaching provides relief from holding your business alone. Life Seekers There are moments when life needs or gives us a shake up. These transitions challenge us to our identity. Come to coaching to seek your life & aliveness. The Individual Coaching relationship returns you to clarity & gives you the space to express the fullness of your experience Coaches Your trusted supervision partnership that welcomes you to bring all elements of your coaching practice in the spirit of learning, restoration and ethical professional practice. Individual sessions, aligned to the rhythm of your practice. The UnFurling:an in-person circle of practitioners. Deepen together with Nature. Next Next Next Next Move Together with Nature Space to feel expansive again, in Dorset's wild corners. In Person + Together Designed for You.

Check out the 12 occasions for investing in coaching as a Founder / Owner. You and your relationships create the backbone of culture in your company. Work with Felicity to ensure your relationships add value to your business. Be Better Together Coaching for Founders & Business Owners " To make a system stronger, we need stronger relationships. Margaret J. Wheatley Heart Founders & Business Owners face unique relationship challenges and opportunities. Your relationships shape the culture of your company. Whether it's intended or not, how you interact with others provides your team with the blue print of what is acceptable. For Co-Founders the ripple effect is even greater. The quality of the relationships held by you and others in your company is known as social capital. Who we are together impacts the bottom line. To harness the joy and value from being in thriving workplace relationships, your learnt attachment patterns may not be enough. Change and uncertainty puts extra pressure on all workplace relationships. Are yours ready to withstand the demands of the vision for your company? The quality of your relationships impacts the quality of work in your company. Be Better Together Coaching supports you to understand and choose how it shapes you and gives you the insight to take a relationship from floundering to flourishing. Heart Book an Intro Chat >>> 12 occasions to seek out Be Better Together Coaching as a Founder / Business Owner 01 You're Co-Founders building a new enterprise together & have ambitious growth plans & want your relationship to last 02 You are taking on your first new team members as you expand 03 You've realised you need to leave the detail to the team and spend more time on strategy 04 You want to lead authentically from your values, and lead the team and move the business forward 05 No one is prepared to give you honest feedback, and you want to sense check how you're doing 06 You've noticed that how you work with others does not have the impact you would like and need Book an Intro Chat >>> 07 Your Co-Founder relationship no longer works well & is a source of frustration 08 You would love a confidential thinking partner to air and explore ideas, plans and challenges 09 You know you are good at your relationships, but have a hunch that you could be amazing! 10 You lose yourself in work and there is little left of you for your relationships outside of work 11 Life changes are impacting who you can be at work, and you want to show up authentically for your team 12 You experience isolation and loneliness and would like your company to be a place of community " We get together on the basis of our similarities, and grow on the basis of our differences. Virginia Satir Heart Harness the value of differences for growth not let it disintegrate towards separation. Working together often starts with a shared vision, ambition or need. And then the differences in how we work, what we value and what we hope for can be a surprise. Coaching is a supported relationship where you bring your challenges and opportunities. Together, we explore, experiment and gather new perspectives and actions for your future. We work to establish trust and connect at a level that allows challenge and support to go hand in hand. The focus of the conversation is around the practices that you embody at work, and who you are beyond work. We take a whole life, whole person view. By deepening your experience of your present situation; we establish an intentional goal yet remain fluid and adaptive. Through cycles of experimentation and reflection, we take steps towards the flourishing your relationships and workplace culture. What's it like to work with me? Anchor 1 What is Pair Coaching? Pair Coaching gives Co-Founders & those in critical company relationships to explore and evolve your relationship together with the guidance of your coach. Innovation & growth happens at the learning edge of different opinions and perspectives, but too often we prefer the safety and speed that commonality brings. Experience the change and learning that happens when difference is allowed to flourish, and not be diminished. Ideal for small business partnerships just forming or about to go through significant change; and for key peer relationships or manager/ sub-ordinate relationships needing more alignment. There are always three in the Pair Coaching relationship. The two of you and the coach. Give your relationship the space and place and attention it needs and deserves. Invest in the backbone of your company. Read the Co-Founder case study Give your relationship the best chance of lasting success. Deep understanding of your own and each other's values and work preferences, particularly how similarities and differences can be the source of both creativity and tension Greater alignment around objectives, direction and roles. Understanding of 'red flag' areas of risk in the relationship and co-agreed ways of working through them. A relationship process and experience to use in other workplace situations. What's it like to work with me? Book an Intro Chat >>> 3 Questions For Pair Coaching 01 What's your co-story? How did you meet? What bought you together? What history have you you shared? What keeps you together? How have you evolved together? How does your river flow? 02 How do you show up with others? Who are the significant others impacted by your relationship? How do they describe who you are together? What ripple effects of your relationship influences the actions of others? How do you bring your alignment and difference to the value of others? 03 What shapes your relationship? What influence does your business context have on your relationship? What external forces create pressure and flow points? How are the necessities of business impacting you and your work together? What shape does your relationship need for the business and success you want? Book an Intro Chat >>> Be Better Together Ways to work together These packages offer you, as the Founder & Business Owner, the flexibility to meet your leadership, relationship and life needs. To help you decide on which package and whether I'm the coach you want to work with, I offer 45-60min complimentary Intro Chats. Book an Intro Chat>>> Emerge An introductory 1.5hr coaching package including a STD iEQ Enneagram report. Ideal for those who want to access the key building blocks of self-awareness. Evolve A n in-depth 8hr coaching package, ideal for a 6-9 month transition in your leadership, relationships and life. Partnership This is pair coaching, ideal for working on your relationship together. Packages include the PRO iEQ Enneagram for 2 people and start with a minimum 5hr commitment. Move Together with Nature Walking side by side changes a conversation. Movement helps us step away from habitual thinking and create space for fresh perspectives. Nature is not just a backdrop, she is with us. LEADERSHiP COACHING “The coaching conversations with Felicity have been hugely insightful and incredibly powerful. Felicity bought a structure and consistency that made it more than just a series of conversations. I've been able to do real things and take meaningful actions as a result of the work we have done .” - Antony Cromb, Head of Strategy, Sainsbury's Testimonials Move Together with Nature Space to feel expansive again, in Dorset's wild corners. Move Together with Nature helps the people who support others return to their work feeling clear, connected and present.

The ~bend the river approach to coaching and coach supervision is one inspired by nature, man and change. It gives us a metaphor for how we can evolve our understanding of our ourselves and shift the quality of interactions in our work & life relationships. Why ~ bend the river ? Inspired by nature, man and change 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? 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. Together, we bring clarity, health and flourishing to where it is needed and accept the non-linear nature of life. #BeBetterTogether Book an Intro Coaching chat >>> 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. 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. ~ bend the river Coaching Packages which include an Enneagram profile are: EMERGE & Partnership. It can also be added onto to all Coaching Packages.