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
Becoming Unplugged: A Personalized Retreat 
Readings for the Journey
Upcoming events: One Spot Left For March Caribbean Retreat! Announcing 2 April Retreats 

Quote of the Month

"The soul requires duration of time -- rich, thick, deep, velvety time -- and it thrives on rhythm. Soul can't be hurried or harried. We may go through many events in the day and experience nothing because the soul has not had the opportunity to feel them from many different points of view. "
-- Robert Sardello 

On retreat in Maho Bay!

Becoming Unplugged: A Personalized Retreat

Do you remember the olden days, before there were even answering machines? If you weren't home to answer the phone, people just waited and tried again. Did you ever consciously and willingly choose to be constantly available to everyone whenever they deemed necessary? Did you ever agree to the nonstop onslaught of emails, cell phones, commercials, television, newspapers, and radios? When did you decide that immediate access to an unending flow of information was to your best advantage?

Think of all that we have sacrificed by our dependence on these modern technologies? We have lost the ability to hear ourselves think. We have forgotten the beauty of silence pierced only by the sounds of nature. And we have become human doers rather than human beings.

One way to help remedy this situation is to take a personal retreat. Set aside an entire day and become completely unplugged from your cell phone, blackberry, iPod, computer, television, and radio. It is amazing to discover that even when you're completely out of touch, somehow the world keeps turning without you and  your friends, coworkers, and loved ones do survive without your help. Even more stunning, you begin to hear yourself think. You begin to reconnect with your heart's longings, and you begin to remember who you are and why you are here.

Of course, it is always wonderful to retreat to a beautiful location, but when that is not possible you can experience a personalized retreat right in you own home and local surroundings. Here are six guidelines for designing your own retreat:

First: Take out your calendar and block off a day. Keep that day free from any and all obligations. Let your friends, coworkers, and loved ones know that you will be unavailable for the entire day. Make alternative arrangements for any childcare, meals, or work issues that may arise. 

Second: Gather your supplies. On the day of your retreat, you don't want to waste any time on unnecessary errands. So make sure there is gas in your car and food for the day. You may also want to have a journal at hand and any art supplies that you enjoy. Gather all you retreat materials into a carrying bag, so you can move from place to place without disruption.

Third: To plan or not to plan, that is the question. Depending on your nature and your needs, you may want to have a general outline for the day or you may want to enjoy a completely unscheduled, unscripted adventure. For example, you may want to schedule a massage, or you may just want to continually ask yourself throughout the day, "What do I feel like doing at this very moment?" Whatever plans you do make be willing to drop them in an instant to follow any spur of the moment incites.

Fourth: Fill your day with mindfulness. Invite all your senses to savor each moment. Warm your self with your favorite activities be it reading, journaling, going for a walk, painting, sitting by the fire, etc. Most important, be quiet and listen! Listen to your heart, your intuition, your inner knowing, and let their messages guide you through the day.

Fifth: When you feel complete or your allotted time has ended, give thanks for all you have experienced. Fully acknowledge the gifts of the day perhaps by journaling or by creating a closing ritual. Then, slowly, gently re-enter your daily life. Have a quiet evening and wake up the next morning refreshed and renewed.

Sixth: Get out you calendar and make a date with your self for another retreat.

Readings for the Journey

 The Art of Extreme Self-Care: Transform Your Life One Month at a Time, by Cheryl Richardson

It's a Meaningful Life: It Just Takes Practice, by Bo Lozoff

The Vein of Gold: A Journey to Your Creative Heart, by Julia Cameron

Upcoming Events

ONE SPOT LEFT!! 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.
Save  Save $50 if you register with a friend.
For more information or to register contact Karin at: karin@SteppingOutCoaching.com, 610-667-5247 or www.SteppingOutCoaching.com

THE WISE WOMEN'S CAFÉ: (1/28, 2/25, 3/25,4/22 ,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.

SEASIDE REFLECTIONS: A Self Care Retreat (Sunday, April 26th –Tuesday 28th) Take your self care off the back burner and put your self at the top of your priority list. Join me and Asian Body Therapist Linda Marrical for a springtime seaside gathering of wise women. Enjoy 2 nights and 3 days of quiet beach walks, inspiring workshops, and sharing with like-minded women. Location: The Marianist Family Retreat Center in quiet Cape May Point. Your Investment: $350 or $325 if you register by April 1st Includes modest accommodations, continental breakfasts and boxed lunches, guided group programs and activities, all retreat materials.

HORSE SENSE (Thursday, April 16th) Time to shake off the winter blahs and try something new! The day will include an indoor beginner riding lesson, time to groom your horse, and personal visioning activities. Where: Thorncroft Equestrian Center, Malvern, Pa. Time: 9:30- 2:00 Investment: $80 if you register by March 13th, $90 after March 13th

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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The Seasoned Path is published 12 times a year and distributed by e-mail to subscribers on or about the first Monday of each month. Comments, submissions and suggestions are welcome. Please forward any or all of this newsletter to those you know will appreciate it and encourage them to subscribe for themselves.

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