Chris, broadcasting from Ben Buckler, marvels at the massive swell and the skill of surfers braving the enormous waves. Reflecting on his 50 years of global travel, he advocates for nature as a vital part of life improvement, particularly highlighting the emotional and intuitive journey that has defined his life. Chris recounts his personal experiences of being teased for his emotional nature, seeking ways to manage his emotions without losing his intuition, and finding inspiration in the gentle, emotionally aware culture of the Sherpas. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and self-awareness in personal growth, advocating for nature as a nurturing force that accepts us unconditionally. Chris concludes by underscoring the value of coaching in navigating emotional transitions, which is crucial for achieving personal goals and inner peace.

Summary

Capturing the Beauty of Ben Buckler

Good morning, good afternoon, wherever you are. This is Chris up here on Ben Buckler. Today, the swell is massive, and I’ve captured some beautiful video footage of four or five incredibly skilled surfers braving these formidable waves. Three of them are on life-saving knee boards, standing up and surfing these big waves, demonstrating the experience and bravery of lifeguards. Watching them resonates deeply with me, seeing people risk a lot to enjoy their sport. Some waves have faces of three and a half to four metres, with some even bigger, making for a spectacular sight.

The Journey to Advocating for Nature

Why do I advocate for nature after 50 years of travelling the world and exploring different ways to improve life? Firstly, I am very emotional, experiencing highs and lows like everyone else. As a child, I was relentlessly teased and nicknamed “Sunshine” for my cheerful disposition. Despite adopting a tough exterior by engaging in weightlifting and footy, I remained an emotional person.

As I grew older, married, and had children, I continued to seek ways to live as an emotional person. I never aspired to be stoic, as my emotions and intuitions were my strengths, helping me navigate life despite challenges like dyslexia and a violent domestic situation in my childhood. My stepmother’s alcoholism required me to develop intuition to avoid harm, which became a crucial part of my survival and growth.

The Search for a Philosophy

In my quest to live as an emotionally aware, intuitive man, I explored various philosophies and practices, including numerous American workshops, Zen meditation, and yoga. However, I found many teachers hard and cold, which I did not want to emulate. My breakthrough came after 40 trips to the Himalayas, where I observed the emotional strength and sensitivity of the Sherpa people. Their love for nature and life and their unique, lighthearted form of Buddhism became my role models.

Embracing Emotional Awareness

These experiences taught me that finding nature within ourselves helps us discover our truth. Not everyone is as emotionally driven as I am, and many prefer not to be as vulnerable. However, understanding and managing emotions is crucial, especially in leadership roles. I’ve learned techniques to control emotions, but the most important lesson is the awareness of having an emotion.

Many people deny their anger, fear, or insecurity, which can be problematic, especially in corporate settings where maintaining a brave face is essential. Knowing oneself behind the façade is vital. Embracing our vulnerabilities and sensitivities allows us to feel at peace, love, joy, strength, and resilience within our own skin.

The Role of Nature in Self-Leadership

Nature plays a crucial role in self-leadership, offering unconditional acceptance. As we age, our concept of ‘mother’ can expand to include Mother Nature, who nurtures us beyond our biological mothers. Embracing nature helps us stay connected to our true selves, allowing us to balance our emotions and remain honest and real.

Recognising that our internal conversations may differ from what we express externally is essential. Sometimes, masking our true emotions is necessary for the sake of others, but having a coach to confide in and process emotions with can be invaluable. A coach helps navigate and transition through emotional states, aligning them with our goals and aspirations.

The Importance of Transitioning

For the years 2024-25, focusing on transitioning will be vital for those pursuing personal development and inner wealth. AI and societal structures handle many aspects of our lives, but transitioning—shifting our internal states to achieve desired outcomes—remains our responsibility. Achieving this requires objectivity, which is difficult to attain independently, underscoring the need for external guidance.

This is Chris, wishing you a beautiful day from Ben Buckler, once again observing these magnificent waves. Bye for now.