The Seasoned Path Newsletter

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

Waiting in Line
When you listen you reach
into dark corners and
pull out your wonders.
When you listen your
ideas come in and out
like they were waiting in line.
Your ears don't always listen.
It can be your brain, your
fingers, your toes.
You can listen anywhere.
Your mind might not want to go.
If you can listen you can find
answers to questions you didn't know.
If you have listened, truly
listened, you don't find your
self alone.
~ Nick Penna, fifth grade ~

Soulful Listening

In this age of instant global communication, it is ironic that one of the most common unmet universal needs is the need to be heard. It is precisely because we are surrounded by so much constant, extraneous information and endless noise, that we have lost the ability to hear ourselves think and to be in touch with our wise intuitive knowing. Perhaps the saddest part of this condition is that if we are unable to listen to our own hearts, it is impossible for us to truly empathize with and share the deep felt experiences of another?

Soulful listening is not simply an auditory process. It requires the full engagement of the body, mind, and spirit. Listening is an act of witnessing. It means observing without judgment or interpretation. To truly listen we must be fully present in the state of not-knowing. Only then, can we empathetically receive and truly acknowledge the value of the individual human experience.

There are three pre-requisites essential to soulful listening:

First, we must slow down. It is impossible to hear anything clearly or be fully engaged in the moment when rushing about. These days, with cell phones and text messaging, rarely do we stop and listen; we are always multi-tasking. Soulful listening requires the focused intention of the body, mind, and heart.

Second, we need to be quiet. This means not only to silence our speech but also our mind. The ego loves to talk, talk, talk. Our endless mind chatter insists upon what it knows and doesn’t allow any opening for learning. But our wiser self likes silence, it likes to listen and to be receptive. In order for us to be in tune with our inner knowing, we must still the mind and be quiet.

Third, it takes practice. Soulful listening is an art. It must be nurtured and exercised regularly. The times when it is needed the most are often chaotic, stressful, and rushed; times when it feels impossible to be still, quiet, and receptive. In those circumstances we are pressed to know the right answer, rather than asking the right questions and learning. Only by diligently practicing and developing our skills in soulful listening can we call upon it in our time of need.

Here are two activities to help develop the art of soulful listening:

Activity One: Take a pencil and paper and find yourself a quiet place to sit outside.
Put a small circle in the center of your page; that represents you. Now listen carefully. Put a mark on your page for every sound you hear, noting the proximity and general direction. Try to identify the source of the sound; it may be the wind, a bird, an insect buzzing, or a plane overhead.

After about 10 minutes, put your pencil down and notice how you feel. What has changed in you if anything? What is your breathing like now, your heart rate, your mood? What have these few minutes of listening given you?

Activity Two: Our ability to hear our own hearts is greatly enhanced by learning to listen to others. Set the intention to soulfully listen to at least one person a day. It can be at work, at home, or even with someone you meet in passing. Stop and take the time to hear their words, feel the emotions behind their speech and mannerisms. Be curious; think about what you don’t know and would like to learn.
Afterwards, reflect upon the experience. How was it different from your normal pattern? How did you feel honoring another person’s personal experience? What insight did you can about your own life? It’s surprising how much you learn about yourself when you soulfully listen to another.

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. 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 (Jan 20-31)
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

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.

You can subscribe or cancel this newsletter by visiting the subscription box on my home page at www.SteppingOutCoaching.com, or by using the links in the footer of this newsletter.

If you find value in The Seasoned Path please pass it along and ask your friends to subscribe. Thank You.

Help me stay with you on your path. If you are enjoying The Seasoned Path, please protect your subscription. Each month I get several "undeliverable" messages after sending out this newsletter. After three "undeliverables" my broadcast service deletes the email address. If your email address is about to change, please remember to visit my home page and unsubscribe your old address and subscribe your new address. And if your email service automatically deletes large broadcasts like this one, let them know you want The Seasoned Path from Karin Marcus to come through.

And keep updated. As a subscriber to The Seasoned Path you receive this e-newsletter once each month. If you would like to subscribe to my "Keep Me Updated" list (also about once a month), announcing upcoming adventures, outings and offerings from Stepping Out Coaching , just zip me an email with the words "Keep Me Updated" in the subject line.

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.

Although this material is subject to copyright, you may reprint this publication, in whole or in part, in your company publication, in training, presentations, or wherever you feel it would be of benefit. This also holds true for members of the media. All I ask is that you include the following: Reprinted with permission from Karin Marcus www.SteppingOutCoaching.com