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 soul.

In this Issue:

Quote of the Month

I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear
of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days,
to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible,
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance;
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.

fully alive - dawna markova

Creating a Personal Vision for 2008

At this time of year, many people earnestly set New Year’s resolutions. A month from now, they start chastising themselves for not making any progress on their promises. And three months later, those noble intentions are totally forgotten. This is because resolutions don’t work! Resolutions are based on things you ‘should’ do; not on choices you are inspired to make.
This year try something different. Instead of doomed resolutions, create a personal vision. A life vision is about allowing your true self to emerge. It is not about fixing or changing who you are, but rather expanding your life’s expression of the real you. A vision is what your wiser authentic self desires for you.
Creating a vision for the New Year is like choosing a catchy theme song. It needs to be an expression of both who you are now and the person you want to become. It is not another goal to add to your to-do list, but rather a guiding image that will draw you forward, inspiring you to stretch and grow.

Here is a visualization and journaling exercise to help get you started.
Create a comfortable quite, harmonious time and space for reflection. Perhaps you want to light some candles or build a cozy fire, or put on some soothing, background music. Get settled, and focus on your breath, slowly inhale pure, healing air and exhale all worry and stress.
Imagine that you have fast forwarded in time and it is now Dec 30th, 2008, the end of an amazing year full of inner growth. You have truly accomplished all that you wanted to achieve both personally and professionally. Take time to savor how this feels to have fulfilled your dream.
You have reached a pinnacle in your life. From this summit, you can look out over whole valley and see the path you traveled throughout the year. Take a moment to enjoy the view.
Now looking down the path you traveled, reflect on each step of the journey and all that you accomplished. Acknowledge each growth spurt and the satisfaction of every small achievement. Take your time, and give thanks for everything that made this moment possible.
Think back to the beginning of 2008 and how this whole journey started with just a seed of inspiration, one determined thought that began with the words, “Now is it time for me to become …”
Reclaim and declare that intention. Shout it from the mountain top and listen to it echoing through out the valley,
Now take two or three deep breaths and return to the present. Open your journal and write down the words you shouted on top your mountain. Describe the highlights of your visualization. Now create a short phrase or simply one word that captures the spirit of your visualization. Have fun with it, make this is the title for your 2008 theme song.
Once you have selected your theme, put little reminders around your home or office. It might be the actual words or a symbolic object. You might even want to create a little tune that you can whistle or hum to yourself.

With this simple exercise you have created a personal vision for 2008, and you have an experiential memory of its fulfillment. Throughout the year, ask yourself, “What can I do today to move toward my vision?” With every decision ask, “Is this in alignment with my vision?” Or with each choice, ask “Is this an expression of my true self.”
Most of all enjoy the journey, let each step determine the next, and always remember the glorious view from the mountain top.

Nature’s Coaching Tips

Ahh, winter! It’s time to slow down and savor some quiet time. I stepped outside my front door the other day at sunrise to this beautiful scene of winter trees. I was touched by graceful sweep of the branches and felt a peaceful sacredness in the moment.
At this time of year, trees are no longer verdant displays of growth and bounty, but rather quiet pilars of dignified strength. They remind us that winter is a time to clear our minds of excess clutter and to reconnect with our core strengths. It is a time to be not to do.

Winter Trees
By William Carlos Williams

All the complicated details
of the attiring and
the disattiring are completed!
A liquid moon
moves gently among
the long branches.
Thus having prepared their buds
against a sure winter
the wise trees
stand sleeping in the cold.

Going Green Tip of the Month

Did you know that if every family in the U.S. would swap just 5 of their bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), the annual energy cost would be cut by $6.5 billion, about $60 per home? And in terms of green house emissions, it would be the equivalent of taking 8 million cars off the road! Even if you change just one bulb to a CFL, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 450 pounds.
What a simple, painless way to help the environment!!!!

Readings for the Journey

"I will not die an Unlived Life: Reclaiming Purpose and Passion "
by Dawna Markova

"Big Stone Gap," the first of four wonderful novels by Adriana Trigiani

"The Well-Rested Woman: 60 Soothing Suggestions for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep,"
by Janet Kinosian

Upcoming Events

WALKING BOLDLY INTO 2008
Step into the New Year with an outgoing adventuresome spirit and join me for a winter hike at The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Let this be your jump start into making 2008 the year that you boldly step outside the box, broaden your horizons, and become fully alive.
When: Sat. Jan.12th, Rain date Sun Jan 13th
Time: 12 to 3:00pm
Where: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
8601 Lindbergh Blvd,
Philadelphia, Pa. 19153
Fee: $40 pre-registration required, $30 if you register by 1/03

BREAKING PATTERNS & RE-INVENTING YOUR LIFE
Feb. 28 – March 3 2008
At Maho Bay Camps Eco-Resort on St John in the US Virgin Islands.
Registration required by Jan 20th. Don't delay!
Discover and embrace a new you with five days of renewal, reflection, and adventure! Through the window of the five elements and the wisdom of Classical Chinese Medicine, Linda Marrical will help you explore your patterns that repeatedly cause you emotional and physical difficulties. And Life Coach Karin Marcus will help you translate this new awareness into personal growth and by clarifying your life’s purpose help you begin to re-invent
the rest of your life. All retreat activities are in the morning and your afternoons are free to explore the gorgeous and tranquil environment of Maho Bay.
Retreat and Lodging: Double Occupancy Cabin $1000 per person / $950 if you register with a friend.
Food and Plane Fare not included.
Deposit: $200 (non-refundable)
Balance due 30 days prior (Jan 28, 2008)

BAYSIDE REFLECTIONS: A WEEKEND TO RECLAIM YOUR LIFE
Friday, May 2 – Sunday, May 4, 2008
Come nourish your mind, body and spirit at a weekend gathering of Wise Women by the Chesapeake Bay. For 2 nights and 3 days Life Coaches Patt Osborne and Karin Marcus will provide you with the opportunity to combine outdoor adventures with personal growth activities. You are sure to find both inspiration and laughter while enjoying peaceful country walks, kayaking along the shore, sharing ideas with like-minded women, and savoring quiet time for self-reflection. Now is the time to spring forward, reconnect with your life’s passions, and reclaim your true purpose!

Where: Ransome’s Chesapeake Retreats, Fishing Creek, Maryland
(only 2 hours, 30 minutes from the Philadelphia/South Jersey area) www.chesapeakeretreats.com

Your investment: $495 if you register by March 1st, 2008 ($595 after March 1st)
Includes: Group programs facilitated by 2 certified Life Coaches and Retreat Leaders (Patt and Karin) and all materials,workbooks, accommodations, and outdoor activities.
Deposit: $100 (non-refundable)
Balance due 30 days prior (April 2, 2008)
Payment can be made by check or credit card
How to register: Call or email Patt to register
Phone: 609-953-0027 / Email: patt.adventurecoach@verizon.net

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.

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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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