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 heart.

In this Issue:

Quote of the Month
The Healing Power of Trees
Nature's Coaching Tips
Going Green Tip of the Month
Readings for the Journey
Upcoming events

Quote of the Month

Think Like a Tree

Soak up the sun
Affirm life's magic
Be graceful in the wind
Stand tall after a storm
Feel refreshed after it rains
Grow strong without notice
Be prepared for each season
Provide shelter to strangers
Hang tough through a cold spell
Emerge renewed at the first signs of spring
Stay deeply rooted while reaching for the sky
Be still long enough to
hear your own leaves rustling.

by Karen I. Shragg

The Healing Power of Trees

During fall, it almost becomes a national past time to appreciate trees, especially in the northeast where they fully display their glory in brilliant techno color. Personally, I'm a year round tree hugger and proud of it! There is something very special about walking in the woods, or entering the silent sanctuary of a pine grove, or just sitting in the cooling shade of a tree's expansive branches. I find trees both majestic yet comforting, elegant yet solid, enduring yet ever changing. When I surround myself with trees, my breathing becomes deeper, all my senses are satiated, and I feel peaceful and grounded.
The Japanese have a special word for this feeling 'shinrinyoku' or 'forest bathing.' What a wonderful poetic image, 'bathing' in the refreshing atmosphere of the woods. The Japanese have also accumulated some hard scientific data on the physical benefits of 'forest bathing.' In 2004, Japan's National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization conducted an experiment on the healing effects of forests. The study compared the physiological benefits of walking in the city with walking in one of Japan's few remaining old leaf forest.
They found concrete evidence that a forest stroll had beneficial effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and the immune system. Their findings also detected an increase in the intracellular anti-cancer proteins. This boost in activity of the natural killer cells that fight cancer sometimes lasted for as long as thirty days. They also discovered that walking in the forest decreased the blood glucose levels of diabetic patients. And that people who even just viewed forest scenery for twenty minutes had a 13% lower blood concentration of the stress hormone cortisol.
While this evidence of the physiological benefits of nature is ground breaking and exciting, the psychological benefits have also gained long over due recognition in recent years with the relatively new field of Eco- Psychology. The basic idea of Eco-Psychology is that humankind's disconnect with nature and its renewing rhythms are a central contributing factor to most emotional woes. The mind which has been shaped by the modern world is readily comforted by the wider natural world from which it  evolved. Eco-psychology has three basic premises. (1) There is a deep reciprocal relationship between humans and nature. (2) The separation of humans and nature leads to suffering for both the environment and for people. (3) Realizing the connection between humans and nature is mutually healing.
As a Life Coach and Retreat Leader, I have always thought of nature as an essential partner. My preferred method of one on one coaching of "Walk and Talks" is done outdoors. And my retreats are held at eco-resorts, national parks, and arboretums. Being fully present in nature has a wonderful way of centering a person. And the natural world is always full of metaphors that help put life into perspective.  
So,  the point of all this information is to get outdoors! Enjoy this wonderful autumn weather. You will feel better physically and emotionally if you take the time to reconnect with nature. And you will probably become a better steward for the world because of it. 

Nature’s Coaching Tips

Did you know that a grove of Aspen trees is literally All One. Aspens grow in clonal colonies; meaning a group of genetically identical individuals derived from a single seedling, spreading by its root suckers. Each tree can live for 40 -150 years above ground but the root system can live for thousands of years. Even if the whole colony were to be destroyed by a forest fire, the root system would still survive and rejuvenate. One Aspen grove in Utah is thought to be 80,000 years old.
What a wonderful example of the deep interconnectedness of all living things.  At a time when we are becoming acutely aware of the  global  entanglement of economic, health, and environmental issues, it is good to remember that this underlying oneness is also the key to our survival and longevity.

Going Green Tip of the Month

The average American uses 700 pounds of paper each year.  As a nation we use 100 million tons of paper each yearand it takes 20 trees to make one ton of virgin paper.  The paper industry is also the third largest energy user in the country.
Recycling paper saves 70% of the industry's energy use, reduces its water pollution by 35% and air pollution by 74%.
We can all take action by simply: 1) buying unbleached recycled paper products, 2) recycling newspapers , 3) using washable rather that paper plates, cups, and napkins, 4) using cloth and other inventive alternatives to wrapping paper this holiday season and 5) bringing our own reusable shopping bags to the store.

Readings for the Journey

The Barn at the End of the World: The Apprenticeship of a Quaker, Buddhist Shepherd, by Mary Rose O'Reilley

Ecopsychology: Restoring the Earth/ Healing the Mind, Edited by Theodore Roszak, Mary E. Gomes and Allen D. Kanner

The Better World Shopping Guide, by Ellis Jones

Upcoming Events

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. 7): 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 11/8. Your Investment: $40

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.

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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