Michael TrottaTen years ago, if you had showed me the collection of photos and statesments to the right and said it was someone's "about me" page, I would have said that person was a bit full of themselves. I mean, who the hell calls themselves an "elder-in-training," or an "edge walker?"
A lot has happened in ten years though. In that time, I've discovered that I'm doing no one any favors by playing it small and simply identifying myself with a job. And it should come as no surprise that you aren't either. Living my life through a mythic lens, one that understands that within each of us, is a lover, warrior, magician, monarch, trickster, sage, fool, and so much more... has set me free. Not only has it allowed me to build a powerful knowing and relationship to my genius or original medicine, but it's allowed me to help others do the same. Life is an adventure. Why not live it mythically |
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Who am I? I'm an artist, storyteller, natural learning specialist, master coach, survival skills instructor, student of native traditions and the Hero’s Journey, proud dyslexic, facilitator of rites of passage programs, community builder, and a coffee lover. Did I forget anything? Oh, yeah...
After a 10-year career in education, I co-founded Sagefire Institute with my wife, Lynn, in 2005. Through Sagefire we teach life coaches, educators, and community leaders how to use nature in order to design culture that allows people to thrive and live from a place of vision, mission, and their own unique gifts or “Original Medicine". Basically, we help people come alive, and feel really happy and purposeful. I also enjoy the many opportunities I have to support the work of some awesome people and programs from coast to coast by lending my own special blend of myth and mischief to the mix. Finally, it's a well known fact that I was raised by coyotes and I'm now happily raising one of my own; along with two cats, the occasional goldfish, and a small flock of chickens, somewhere in Westchester County, NY. |
“...one of the best coaches I have had the pleasure of knowing.”
- Martha Beck, nationally best-selling author and columnist for “O”: the Oprah Magazine.
Natural Leaning Specialist |
When it comes to teaching and learning, I have been lucky enough to have walked in two worlds. One being the arena of public education where most of us prepared for our lives and careers. As a educator, I have taught everything from second grade through undergrad educational psychology classes. I have worked as both an employee and consultant to a wide variety of educational institutions. This has given me a unique and in-depth understanding of how most of us have been trained to think and see the world.
The other world of learning and teaching has come from my time spent studying and training with native and nature-based cultures, where their world view and purpose for learning is very different from what most of us experience growing up. With a keen understanding of how people learn best and naturally, this invisible approach to learning puts you in relationship with your gifts and a deep sense of purpose from the very beginning. |
Master Coach |
With so many well-worn paths and patterns of thinking, people often have trouble transitioning from one way of learning and seeing to another. This is why I added coaching to my tool box. As a master certified coach, I'll help you name and question those thoughts and patterns that are preventing you from learning and creating that something new that has led you to seeking support in the first place.
In addition to using these amazing tools at Sagefire Institute, I'm also an instructor for Martha Beck's Life Coach Training and Master Coach Training programs. |
Mischief Maker |
Mischief makers, such as Coyote, serve as the symbol for nature-based learning and mentoring. They teach us the meaning of creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability. They invite us to define ourselves and our beliefs by blurring the line between black and white, right and wrong. They show us the sacred that exists within the profane and teach us how to "steal" back what is rightfully ours. A "culture hero", Coyote tricks us into creating a world worth living in.
For almost 20 years, I have been learning about and creating healthy, vibrant learning communities and culture that are designed to bring people into relationship with their gifts, their "Original Medicine". In that time, Old Man Coyote has been at my side, creating healthy mischief, every step of the way. |