“This idea of the natural mind IS human nature, or maybe it’s nature in human, nature as human.” 



“Our nervous system is born expecting that kind of welcome, that kind of attending, that kind of intending. I think our nervous system is shaped for that.”

What is the connecting legacy of mentoring the natural mind? Today, Jon takes on a journey to answer that very question, explore how to mentor in this fashion, the benefits we get from being mentored (and mentoring others) this way, and the future of mentoring the natural mind. Jon shares how he was primed for mentoring by his elders as a young child, how Tom Brown Jr. mentored him, and how he observed this same mentoring in the San people in Africa. He shares what makes mentoring different from teaching and what, specifically, makes nature a mentor like no other. Enjoy!

“I would call them nutrients of our consciousness. Each of these different species, and individuals among the species, that we build relationships with- the more of that we get from nature, the more our mind becomes nature, and our heart becomes nature, and there’s a longing to inhabit this planet in a deeper and different way, where we feel like we belong. And when we feel that, then we really care, and then we really want to help make it better.”

Looking for More?

If you're interested in learning more about mentoring the natural mind or the 512 map, check out these resources below.

The 512 Project

Coyote's Guide

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