Coyote Counselling » Personal Story

Intro to the Circle

collinsd — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 01:55:51 +0000

The two of us sat at the fire pit. I could feel myself getting anxious. We had been sitting for about ten minutes. The students, playing on the grass, finished lunch about thirty minutes ago. Certainly, they had enough free time.

Winter dog tracks

collinsd — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 23:26:42 +0000

A quiet day after three days of Christmas celebration is magical in its own way. I opened a new book to read. enjoyed a coffee. Accepted an invitation to go on a walk with my brother.

Student Time is Sacred Time

collinsd — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:31:39 +0000

Stephen Covey and his 7 Habits resonated with me the first time I read it. They became part of my life and I continue to strive to meet them every week. First Things First was also very motivating. The analogy of rocks in a jar is very powerful. Yet, there are times I wish I could grab Mr. Covey by the ear, drag him into my school so that he can see where his theory of time management breaks down.

Little Successes

collinsd — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 03:32:01 +0000

One reason I felt I would have difficulty working in elementary is seeing the same students all day, every day. The years I was a traditional classroom high school teacher I valued the variety of classes and students.

Partially Aware

collinsd — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:48:36 +0000

: Red Fox from Crestock Royalty Free Photos

A student came in to see if he was still welcome to the school. Immediately I switch into skeptic mode. A small voice reminds me to be open and keep a sense of hope. I try to balance the two emotions and invite him into an office.

Is Coyote my spirit guide?

collinsd — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:51:10 +0000

: Coyote from Crestock Creative Images

We have lots of coyotes around. Every other night I can here them calling and yipping. According to some of the neighbors, there is a group of dens in the hills and pastures between us and the highway two miles away. The coyotes will come up to our fence line. Theyre surely checking out the horses and perhaps hoping to catch one of the cats away from the shed. In fresh snow I like to follow the tracks they leave as they chase mice.

“Stop yellin’ at me and I’ll stop rolling my eyes”

collinsd — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:34:08 +0000

The main idea that attracted me to Coyote Mentoring is that teaching and counseling works best at the edge. A person grows when they are approached in his comfort zone and then pushed. It is a subtle and powerful thing that I’ve observed and experienced many times.

A Different Exam Anxiety

collinsd — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:52:07 +0000

Most of the students have had very limited academic success. At my school they find hope as they work through their courses and realize that they are capable. Despite this success during the year, I fully expected the students to suffer high anxiety at test time. Yesterday, at the first diploma exam of the year, the anxiety was high but it was of a very different sort.

Advance and Retreat

collinsd — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:24:42 +0000

Advance and retreat is a common training tactic. I’ve used it very successfully with my horse. In fact, with Chiquita, when she doesn’t feel like being engaged, I force the issue a little bit. I increase the pressure on her by walking aggressively. I aim my gaze directly at her and point my body to her hind quarters. “If you want to walk away from me, I’ll make you run.” The strange thing is that when I take the pressure off by turning away and dropping my posture, she’ll turn and begin to walk toward me. She may not respond quickly but after a few tries she usually wants to follow me around.

WEM Stalk

collinsd — Sat, 23 May 2009 19:52:42 +0000

I tried my first experiment at stalking people. West Edmonton Mall seemed a great place to try it. I began by just trying to follow the person in frog of me and staying in his “blind spot”. Close behind the person seems best. But some had a sense that I was there. I must have been too loud or obvious.