[Image] Karin Marcus Picture with John Muir Quote

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
Three Lessons of Autumn
Upcoming events

Quote of the Month

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
John Muir

Three Lessons of Autumn

Autumn is nature’s most glorious sunset. Light gradually gives way to darkness. The land abounds with brilliant colors. Flocks of migrating geese point the way home. The bounty of the earth is harvested and the fields are left to rest. All of nature is preparing for a long sleep. Through nature’s wisdom, autumn displays the joyous surrender that must take place before transformation and rebirth can occur.

Autumn is my favorite time to venture into the woods to witness the smell, the sights, the sounds, and the sensations of this dramatic season. I feel called to be apart of the change going on around me and encouraged to follow suit in my own life. Every year, autumn brings to the foreground three important life lessons:

First, I am reminded: Change is not only good, it is absolutely brilliant! At other times of the year change is often slow, gradual and imperceptible. But in autumn the bright reds and oranges and yellows, shout out the glory of transformation. They yell, “Do it now! Go for it!” Too often we fear or ignore impending change. Autumn is warning us change is coming, it’s inevitable, prepare for what is ahead. The birds are migrating to warmer territories; the squirrels are gathering food for the tough times ahead. It’s time for me to take stock of where my life is now, look at what lies ahead, and gather the necessary skills, supports and supplies I will need for the journey.

Secondly, I recognize: You gotta’ let go! Stop holding onto everything! Grievances, regrets, possessions, attitudes… I cannot truly change by adding more layers upon layers. If the tree doesn’t shed its leaves, the branches will break under the weight of the first snow. Similarly, letting go strengthens me, makes me more durable and flexible. It is a great time to examine what I am holding onto and what is weighing me down. Autumn encourages me to just drop all this dead weight. And to my surprise, like the leaves, these heavy burdens don’t crash and exploded when let go, they just quietly drift away.

Third, I realize: There is beauty and clarity in the open spaces. By the shedding the old, new vistas appear. I am able to broaden my perspective and see unrecognized opportunities and possibilities. At the same time small details that were overlooked become self evident. Furthermore, as the braches and tree trunks become unveiled, I am reminded of my core strengths and values. A sense of gratitude deepens within me.

There is much that we can learn by observing the cycles of change in nature. I’ve made it a ritual each fall to take my journal into the woods and write a few pages on these three lessons. I encourage you to embrace these beautiful fall days and spend time reflecting on all that autumn teaches us. I’m sure that you will come up with your own thoughts on this. Go for a walk and notice what sights, smells, sounds or sensations grab your attention. Then ask yourself, " How is this a metaphor for my own life?" You will be surprised by the wisdom that emerges from your observations. Have fun! Happy trails!

Upcoming Events

THE HEALING POWER OF TREES: (Thursday, Nov. 5, 10:00-3:00, rain date Nov. 6th) Enjoy a day of renewal and reflection at Morris Arboretum surrounded by the glorious fall foliage. Get to know the trees up close and personal, and embrace their autumn lesson of letting go. Your Investment: $50, includes entrance fee and retreat materials.

THE WISE WOMEN'S CAFÉ: (Nov. 9th, Dec, 7th, starting in January 1st Tuesday of each month, 7-8:30 pm EST) Inspiring evenings of discussion and personal exploration focusing on self awareness, intention, and growth. Where: At The Healing Touch Center, 1327 E. Darby Rd, Havertown. PA. Your Investment: $80 for four evenings: includes all materials and café delights.

HOW TO COPE WITH CHANGE: Using Nature's Wisdom to Grow through Life's Inevitable Ups and Downs (Wednesdays 7-8:30pm 1/13-2/10/10) Learn to embrace the Seasons of Change and move through life's transition with grace. This five part course was developed by Carol McClelland PhD who personally certified Karin Marcus as a Seasons of Change Coach. Where: The Healing Touch Center, 1327 E. Darby Rd, Havertown Pa. Your Investment: $100 for 5 sessions

PATHWAYS TO SELF HEALING: Winter Reflections
(Feb. 2010, dates to be announced soon) Enjoy a weekend in the country to renew, reflect, and reconnect with your feminine power. Gather with like minded women for 2 nights and 3 days of inspiring workshops, quiet reflection, sharing and laughter. Location: Graystones Preserve in the Poconos (cozy, clean cabins with fireplace, living room, kitchen, and double occupancy bedrooms). Investment: $375, includes lodging, food, and retreat activities. Reserve your spot now with a $100 deposit. Full payment due by August 20th.

EMBRACING LIFE’S CHANGING PATTERNS: A Woman’s Retreat to Nurture the Body, Mind and Spirit (March 3-9, 2010)
Join us for 6 days of renewal, reflection, and adventure at Estate Concordia on St. John Island in the Caribbean. East meets West in this unique program with Linda Marrical teaching self acupressure, Chi Kung movement, and breath work, and Karin Marcus coaching on the healing qualities, accessing one's innate wisdom, and creating a personal vision. Your Investment: $1,750 includes all retreat activities, plus 6 days of lodging in spacious double occupancy Eco-tents with kitchenette and modern conveniences. Reserve your spot now with a $250 deposit.

CUSTOMIZED RETREATS: Are you looking for a retreat for your co-workers, a community group, or close friends? Or do you need to get away by yourself to gain clarity on an issue? We work with individuals and groups, designing custom retreats that focus on specific needs, whether it is marking a transition, learning to cope with change, or needing some extreme self-care

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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