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
Voluntary Simplicity For The Holidays 
Nature's Coaching Tips
Readings for the Journey
Upcoming Events: Wonderful Winter Getaways 

Quote of the Month

'Tis a gift to be simple
'Tis a gift to be free
'Tis a gift to come down
Where we ought to be
And when we find ourselves
In that place just right
We will be in the valley
Of Love and delight.
When the true simplicity
Is gained
To bow and to bend
We shall not be ashamed
To turn and to turn it will
Be our delight
'Till by turning and turning we
Come 'round right. 

-a Shaker Hymn
 

Collecting bittersweet for holiday decorations 

Voluntary Simplicity For The Holidays

This 2008 holiday season, we find ourselves, as a nation and a global community, confronted with both an economic and ecological crisis. Perhaps this is the perfect time to re-examine our "more is better" consumer mentality. There is another school of thought deeply embedded in our American heritage and that is "Voluntary Simplicity." Historically, this concept can be attributed to the Greek philosopher Epicurus, to Buddha, Francis of Assisi, and Mahatma Gandhi; and in North America to the Quakers and the Shakers, to Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Voluntary simplicity is sometimes mistakenly equated with deprivation and poverty. But poverty is an inflicted way of life that is both degrading and demoralizing; whereas, living simply is a heartfelt choice that enriches and elevates one's entire being. A contemporary social scientist David Elgin explains, "We can describe voluntary simplicity as a manner of living that is outwardly more simple and inwardly more rich, a way of being in which our most authentic and alive self is brought into direct and constant contact with living."

Voluntary simplicity means reducing the mindless detractions and stresses in ones life and instead nurturing one's inner life and spirit. It means living lightly upon this earth, choosing products and actions that reduce your ecological footprint. It means having a compassionate awareness of the other people and species with whom you share this plant and choosing to "live simply so that others can simply live." It is a matter of quality versus quantity, of intrinsic values over possessions. Voluntary simplicity means unburdening yourself of the unnecessary complications in your life and having your outer existence reflect what you truly hold most dear. Gandhi aptly reflected this life choice when he said, "My life is my message."

How would the up-coming holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, etc, look if consumerism took the back seat to your faith and values? What if this year you first stopped and considered what these holidays truly meant to you and then found ways to creatively express those feelings in your celebrations. How might you adopt voluntary simplicity and in doing so de-stress your holidays? Here are just a few ideas:

Make a list of all your traditional holiday tasks and cross off at least two or three that don't reflect the true spirit of the holiday.

Look at all the people on your gift list and then consider Emerson's words, "The only true gift is a portion of yourself." Who would be most appreciative and truly benefit from such a gift?

Buy local produce, handmade crafts, and eco-friendly products. Support small businesses in your community.

Volunteer to insure that others have the opportunity and means to celebrate their holiday.

Don't over commit your time and energy, so that you can be present and enjoy the people with whom you are sharing this special time and the traditions you are creating.

Simplify, simplify, simplify! Be mindful and conscious about how and what you are doing. By shifting your mindset and embracing "less is more," you can make this a holiday seasons deeply satisfying and truly enriching.

Nature’s Coaching Tips

On one of the last warm days of November, I went hiking in Maryland along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. I came upon this secluded cove with a wonderful crescent beach. Settling down to soak up the sun and write in my journal, I soon discovered to my delight that I was sharing the beach with a camera shy fox. That joy was soon magnified by the sighting of two bald eagles soaring in the blue sky above. It was a magical day.
When I got home, I looked up the animal totem for the fox and the eagle to see what lessons these beautiful creatures had to offer me. These are the explanations that resonated with me.
The fox teaches the power of observation, good eating habits and taking care of health concerns. It is time to shift awareness to the feminine energies for balance, be careful and discriminating, aware of your communication skills, and alert to your surroundings. The fox teaches how to be still and silent and all the qualities of patience.
The eagle teaches that you can achieve balance and intuit the winds of change. It represents wisdom and aides you in seeing hidden spiritual truths. The eagle asks, "Are you willing to soar to new heights at this time?"
This is why I love spending time alone in nature. Somehow it always places before me metaphors for the answers I'm seeking both knowingly and unknowingly. As the fox and the eagle taught me, I need only be patient and observant and the hidden truths will reveal themselves. 

Readings for the Journey

Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life that is Outwardly Simple ... by Duane Elgin

The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems, by Van Jones

Under the Sea - Wind, by Rachel Carson

Upcoming Events

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 developed by Asian Body Therapist
Linda Marrical (teaching the art of self acupressure, Chi Kung movement, and breath work) and Life Coach Karin Marcus (focusing on self-kindness, the healing qualities, and becoming an environmentalist of the heart).
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.
For more information or to register contact Karin at: karin@SteppingOutCoaching.com, 610-667-5247 or www.SteppingOutCoaching.com 

TWO MASTERMIND WEEKEND RETREATS FOR WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE 
Hosted by Life Coach & Retreat Leader Karin Marcus and
Real Estate Investor & Business Coach Kathy Gilmore
• Connect and brainstorm with other women who share your passion for real estate.
• Design your future with the help of two professionally-trained business & life coaches.
• Relax and reflect in the scenic countryside of the Pocono Mountains winter wonderland!
• Set Goals to Create Success in 2009
Two different retreats are being offered; 
REALTORS RETREAT: Fri. 2/6/09 - 7 PM to Sun 2/8/09 - 3 PM 
REAL ESTATE INVESTORS RETREAT:  Fri. 1/9/09 - 7 PM to Sun. 1/11/09 - 3 PM
Where: Pocono Mountain Cabins in Arrowhead Lake, Pocono Lake, PA
Cost: $500 per person/ save $50 with early registration, 3 weeks prior
Note: Fee includes shared accommodations in lovely mountain cabins with stone fireplaces in private lake community; Fri. Night Wine & Cheese Reception; Sat. & Sun. - Continental Breakfast and Delicious Homemade Lunch. (Dinner Saturday night not included - at a local restaurant)
Contact: Kathy at www.RealLifeCoachingSite.com  or call 610-212-4330

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