Welcome to The Seasoned Path

Welcome to The Seasoned Path. In each newsletter I will share some of my musings along the path as well as inspirations gained from those who have traveled this way before me. My hope is to tickle your curiosity, heighten your awareness, and encourage you to become an environmentalist for your soul.

In this Issue:

Quote of the Month 
Invest in Your Self
Nature's Coaching Tips
Going Green Tip of the Month
Readings for the Journey
Upcoming events:The Caribbean, Horses, Hikes, Wise Women Cafe, and More! 

Quote of the Month

When riding a horse, we see nature differently, we have a different psychological perspective; we are not outside looking at nature, rather we are a part of it. Just as the hot air balloon moves as one with the wind and the passengers fell no movement of air, when riding a horse we are one with nature, not moving against it. We become part of and attuned to a multitude of sensory stimuli.
Delphi M. Toth, Ph.D.

Women in the Saddle at The Horse Sense Retreat 10/25

Invest in Your Self

You are your own greatest asset, and it is time to take charge of your personal well being. Times are tough and people are being more careful about their spending. The best place to put your money right now is in building a personal reserve and in developing your skills and talents. Investing in your self involves a commitment of time, energy, and resources toward personal, intellectual, and spiritual growth. Often in difficult times people deny their personal needs, but it is precisely during periods of stress that self care is crucial.

It is time to declare, "I am worth it, and I deserve to flourish!" You will discover that the benefits of investing in your self include:

1. Increased self-esteem
2. Improved quality of life
3. Enhanced relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

To begin, identify the areas of your life that are not exactly the way you want them to be. Areas to consider are: Career/Purpose; Money; Health; Physical Environment; Relationships (Friends Family, Romance); Personal Growth(emotionally, physically, and intellectually); Fun and Recreation; and Spirituality.

1. Rate each category from 1-10 in terms of your level of satisfaction.
2. For each category write down one element that is working well for you right now
3. Then write one element that if put in place would substantially improve your life.
4. List each improvement in order of priority and/or ease of implementation.
5. Begin with priority #1 and list 5 simple steps to be taken toward that goal.
6. Start walking!

Next, start building a Personal Reserve. A reserve means you have far more than you need emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually. It means living from a place of abundance and sustainability. The benefits of building a reserve include:

1. You will have fewer worries,
2. More choice and a sense of command over your present and future,
3. The ability to deal with emergencies.

For a high quality of life you need to build a reserve in five areas:

1. Time – You can't experience the abundance of life if you are always harried and rushed. You need at a minimum one hour a day of quality ME time. That doesn't mean time to collapse and recover from everything else. It means devoting the time to nurture your mind, body, and soul.
2. Space – You need breathing space. That can be found by creating a place in your home where you can just be and reflect in comfort and peace. It can be experienced outdoors and being fully present in nature. Find a favorite place where you can feel the open space, see a broader horizon, and gain a new perspective.
3. Energy- Compare your input and output of energy in a single day. At the minimum, you need to create a balance between the two. For a healthy life, you need greater input so that your generator is always fully charged for the inevitable, unexpected demands of life.
4. Love- Surround yourself with the caring support of others. Immerse yourself in the activities that give you joy and feed your soul. Share the best of yourself with others, and it will expand the capacity for love in your heart.
5. Integrity – Be clear on the values that you hold most dear. Let those values be the litmus test by which you determine every decision. Living with integrity and staying true to your heart will save you from wasting valuable time, money and energy on the wrong path.

You were not created to achieve your minimal potential. It is your birthright to flourish. Rather than being selfish, investing in your own well being and becoming your best self will ultimately be of great service to others. You will have more to give and what you have to offer will be richer. Be clear, that you are worth every penny and minute that you wisely invest in your Self.

Nature’s Coaching Tips

Fall is in the air. All around us, there is a sense that things are shifting and change is coming. The leaves have started turning bright and glorious colors. They seem to be shouting, "Get ready! Prepare! Winter will soon be upon us!" The trees instinctively know that it is time to start shedding their leaves in order to protect their branches from the added weight of coming snows.
Nature is telling us that it time to take stock of the changes that are occurring our life. We need to assess what supports have to be put in place to ease our path in the coming months? What beliefs and attitudes do we have to shed in order to lighten our load? How can we ready our nest to be a safe refuge throughout the storms ahead?
It's time to listen to the signs of fall and become attuned to our life.

Going Green Tip of the Month

A few weeks ago The Green Recovery Report was published by The Political Economy Research Institute of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The report outlines a Green New Deal which could create 2 million new jobs by investing 100 billion dollars in six particular areas: retrofitting buildings, expanding mass transit; constructing smart electrical-grid transmission systems, and developing three renewable energy technologies. solar, wind, and biofuels.
The report lists how this will benefit each individual state. With a $4 million subsidy, Pennsylvania could create 86,385 jobs while New Jersey's $3.2 million could create 57,000 jobs. Look up your state and see what this recovery plan could mean to you.
http://www.peri.umass.edu/green_recovery/

Readings for the Journey

The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life, by Piero Ferrucci

Of Women and Horses: Essays by Various Horsewomen, A GaWaNi Pony Boy Book

Choosing Happiness: Life and Soul Essentials, by Stephanie Dowrick

Upcoming Events

CAMP ME, MYSELF & I: A Self Care Retreat (Monday, Oct .6th -Tuesday Oct.7th) Take your self care off the back burner and put your self at the top of your priority list. Join Karin for an Indian Summer seaside gathering of wise women. Two day,one night of quiet beach walks , inspiring workshps and sharing with like minded women. Location: The Marianist Family Retreat Center in quiet Cape May Point, just steps away from the beach and Cape May light house. Your Investment: $200 Includes: modest single accommodations, , guided group programs and activities, all retreat materials, plus a coaching session with Karin to continue your self-care once you get home.

PATHWAYS TO SELF HEALING: A Women's Retreat to Nurture the Body, Mind and Spirit (March 15-21, 2009) Join us for 6 days of renewal, reflection, and adventure at the Maho Bay Eco-Resort on St. John Island in the Caribbean.
East meets west in this unique program with Asian Body Therapist Linda Marrical teaching the art of self acupressure, and Life Coach Karin Marcus guiding women to become environmentalist of their souls. Your Investment: $1,380 includes 6 days of lodging and all retreat activities.
With single payment by cash or check save $50 if you register with a friend or by Jan 1st
Or pay by installments $100 non-refundable deposit to reserve you spot followed by four $320 payments.

WALKING WITH INTENTION (Friday, Nov. 6): Enjoy a 3.5 mile hike exploring the beautiful John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Our focus will be on reconnecting with your life purpose and living with intention.Time: 10:00 to 3:00pm /Rain date 11/7. Your Investment: $60 ,or$50 for early registration by Oct. 23rd

HORSE SENSE (January 29th) Time to shake off the winter blahs and try something new! This is a unique opportunity to connect with your Self through a magnificent animal. The day will include a n indoor beginning riding lesson, time to groom your horse, and personal visioning activities. Where: Thorncroft Equestrian Center, Malvern, Pa. Time: 9:30- 2:30 YourInvestment: $80

THE WISE WOMEN'S CAFÉ: (Ongoing, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays ,7-8:30 pm EST) Inspiring evenings of discussion and personal exploration focusing on self awareness, intention, and growth. Where: At the home of Karin Marcus in Narberth. Your Investment: $80 for four evenings: includes all materials and café delights.

PURPOSE CLARITY TELECLASS (January 6,13,20,27, 7:00-8:00 pm EST) Are you searching for your purpose in life? Are you looking for a new direction? Are you re-evaluating your priorities? Are you craving more meaning in your life? Then you will benefit from this Purpose Clarity Program from the comfort of your own home. Dial in to rediscover your inspired self and identify your future direction. Your Investment: $200 Includes EBook, 4/1hr group calls, and 1 personal coaching session.

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION  FOR ANY OF THESE EVENTS
CONTACT KARIN AT: 610-667-5247 or Karin@SteppingOutCoaching.com or go to www.SteppingOutCoaching.com

The Small Print

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute coaching phone session, email me at Karin@SteppingOutCoaching.com or call 610-667-5247

Visit my website for more coaching info www.SteppingOutCoaching.com

A Note About My Recommendations
I provide links in this newsletter to products and services I am offering or I have personally found valuable. If you are ever disappointed with one of these recommendations, please let them and me know. If they don't make it right, I will.

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Copyright © 2007 by Karin Marcus. All rights reserved.
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Narberth, PA 19072