Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature

This is one of the few things where I would rate this the highest I could. This is a must-read for those who wish to reconnect with nature, and have some friends, family or otherwise that wish to do the same; this is definitely a book with those goals in mind. But it isn't just a story or a manual on steps to reconnect - this book provides personal accounts of prior connection and reconnection, individual guidance to not just appreciate our natural world but reconnect with it and see its beauty, steps to expand our awareness in all fields of life, and a written prose that (at least for me) fills the heart with a special motivation and joy. The book is encouraging and engaging for all audiences, from the city dweller who has never even been to the local park to those already in the back country, living in the old ways of our ancestors. There is so much information packed into this book, collected from many wilderness mentors and instructors and what they have done who help their students reach a new bond with the natural world. The book has a strong focus on some potentially woo-woo concepts, such as the meaning of animals and what they represent, to more ethereal concepts of ancestry and historic connection, but the majority of the book is based on repeated experience and grounded in our physical reality, aiming to appease all levels of what can be considered a healthy connection to wilderness - physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual. Logic is strongly present in this guide, but superseding it is what has been shown to work in the practices of the collaborative authors, even if it makes no logistical sense. As was the case with me, it may be difficult to get through the first few pages, not because of the writing itself but because of how far out some of the concepts can appear. But if some time and dedication is given, the essence of the book suddenly comes alive, and it becomes nearly impossible to put down. I originally borrowed this book from a friend, and the first few times I picked it up, I couldn't even get through the first five pages; I felt like the information was out of my reach and comprehension. So I put it down, and left it for a little bit, and then tried again a couple days later. After two weeks, I picked it up again, and suddenly two hours went by as I sucked in the ideas and processes the first three chapters had to offer. I read through more of it that night, and I knew I needed my own copy. So I bought it here on Amazon; now I'm halfway through the book, and after using some of the exercises provided, I can certainly say it makes a positive difference in how I see the world around me. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you get the chance, give it a read. It just might change your perspective of the world.

an excellent book

I can't say enough about this book: it is life-changing! I have a masters in Ecology and years of experience teaching in schools. I homeschool my kids and have decided to begin a nature immersion program at my farm. This book is EVERYTHING a parent, teacher, counselor would need to learn -- really learn -- how to connect (re-connect actually) people to nature. At least half of the book is background information. Very inspirational, grounded, and helpful. The rest consists of activities. So amazingly organized. And the most helpful part, in my opinion, describes how to structure an outing in terms of how to let the activities flow from one type to another using a model from nature and the 4 directions. This technique is useful in all group gatherings: whether you're conducting a board meeting or leading a group of preschoolers thru the woods. Well worth the money and in fact is worth much more than the cost! I have spent my summer reading it and it really has changed my life.

Originally I borrowed a coworkers copy but found I wanted to mark it up and make notes and keep sections available to reference again and again to refresh practices etc. I bought my own and it is absolutely worth it. Almost always onto of my teaching book pile.

I'm a kayak guide and take kids out into marshes and mangroves to learn about nature, so this book is fascinating to me. The first 2 chapters are mainly theory. In Chapter 3 they get into the nuts and bolts, where the authors provide real examples of teaching methods they have developed for bringing kids into wilderness areas (or even just in their own backyard). The concept is that you're not "teaching them" but rather guiding them to where they basically teach themselves by opening their senses to nature. It's a unique style that I am glad to be learning about.

I'm so excited to read this book cover to cover. I have only read bits and pieces of it while at a Wild Mentors class and fell in love. It was delivered quickly and in perfect condition.

Profound educational ideas. Organized so that one can move from the philosophy to concrete activities. Also presents activities in such away that allows for the reader to easily choose from numerous choices given one's goals. It is a lot to take in (which is a good thing) and I expect that it will take me awhile to process the range of ideas in the book and integrate it into my work at camp. I was so inspired by the ideas in this book that I have considered further training with the organization that created the book. As an anecdote, one activity I did a lot of this past summer at camp was "Eagle Eye." It really facilitated an introduction to being quiet and still. The children asked to do it again and again and again. I can't recommend this book as a resource for environmental education more highly.

good book.

Super, dass es ein Buch gibt, welche die ansonsten mündlich überlieferte Tradition des Coyote Mentoring auf gute Art und Weise beschreibt und zugänglich macht. Das Buch ersetzt nicht die Erfahrung, aber es gibt einen Einblick und hilft, selbst gemachte Erfahrungen im Survival einzuordnen und zu verstehen.

Gives a great variety of ideas to help bring children to appreciate nature. By even skimming through the pages, you too will pick up ideas for yourself to develop your own appreciation of nature. Something that is sorely needed these days.

Great book full of really helpful information. Well set out and organised to make it user friendly. Lots of very good experienced advice.

MAGNIFIQUE ET EXCELLENT ET INSPIRANT

I have great gratitude and love for Jon Young and the work he does in the world. This is a wonderful ‘book’/guide/life manual. I can’t recommend it highly enough.