The Trailhead

From Patt Osborne, Adventure Coach

"Climb Mountains, But Bring a Good Guide"

Welcome to the December Issue of The Trailhead!

Each month, you will receive some practical tips on ideas such as eliminating stress, finding your passion, clearing clutter, and maybe even some travel tips and more. Also look for helpful resources including book titles and websites. In addition, don’t be surprised when you find a call to action. I am a coach, after all! I hope you find some useful tidbits monthly challenges. If you know someone that you think may find something of value in here, please forward this newsletter on. And remember…the adventure begins at the start of The Trailhead!

In this issue:

Where Do You Go to Find Peace?
Challenge at the Trailhead
Trailhead Resources
Upcoming Retreat info

Hello Readers,

Forgive me…this month you are reading a mostly- recycled December newsletter…I find the topic to be an important one; especially for this time of year….so I wanted to share it with you once again.

Where Do You Go to Find Peace?

Welcome to the season of celebration… the Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and many more. No matter what holiday you celebrate in December, it is the season of the year when we especially want to spend quality time with family and friends, participating in rituals and traditions that we have enjoyed since childhood. And while it is indeed a festive time, this time of year can often bring on feelings of stress and overwhelm as we add additional tasks to our usual workload.

I remember a couple of years ago during the month of December, National Public Radio (NPR) ran a wonderful series on their program, Morning Edition about peace. Each Tuesday, NPR correspondent Susan Stamberg and her crew went around the country and stopped people on the street to ask, “Where do you go to find your own personal peace?” It was a simple but powerful and thought-provoking question that evoked many interesting, heartfelt, and often moving responses. It’s a very good question to consider….especially during this bustling holiday season.

When I asked myself that question, there was no hesitation. For me, it is ALWAYS outdoors in Nature…no matter what the weather is doing. As I’ve mentioned before in the newsletter, I am lucky to be living in an area that is right at the edge of the NJ Pine Barrens: a unique and natural setting that covers over 1 million acres of pristine streams and woodlands which includes a diverse wildlife population. Whenever I need a place to think and de-stress, or simply BE, I walk out my door and head to the woods. It is there-always-where I find focus, clarity, answers, and peace.

What about you? When you are feeling the pressures of everyday life, where do YOU go? Is it somewhere in Nature or a quiet spot in your home or even simply gazing out a window for a moment? Wherever it is…go to that place…as often as you can…for 5 minutes or maybe even 5 hours…it is there that you will most likely find the peace that you seek.

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Challenge at the Trailhead

What simple thing can you do each day that will bring about a feeling of peace for you? In addition, what one thing can you do this month to eliminate a source of overwhelm for you? Replace negative television programs or news shows blaring in the background with some quiet, restful music? Escape to your bath, door closed, with lights low and scented candles all around? Change your sleep patterns to include longer hours in bed? Have a conversation with your partner and discuss a plan to share the workload of the busy season? Bundle up and take a leisurely walk outdoors? Take some time to try any of these or come up with your own. Make one change this holiday season that will bring about that feeling of peace for you….If you do, I’m betting you’ll find that it was absolutely worth it!

Upcoming Retreats

We’re nearing the end of retreat season for 2006. I have 1 more hiking adventure coming up… the Winter Solstice Hike on December 29^th. I’d love it if was a snowy day! Why not join me? Visit the home page of my website (www.adventurecoach.com) and check out the 2006 Retreats link for details And look for the listing of 2007 retreats coming in January…I will be offering some new and exciting adventures next season!

On the Trailhead Bookshelf

Slowing Down to the Speed of Life by Richard Carlson and Joseph Bailey- A simple and powerful guide to creating a peaceful life.
20 Minute Retreats by Rachel Harris, Ph.D.-Discover how 20 minutes a day of daily solitude will enable you to integrate the benefits of a retreat into the demands of everyday life.
Living the Simple Life by Elaine St. James-Insights and ideas for what to do on your journey to a more balanced, peaceful life.
The Woman’s Comfort Book by Jennifer Louden- a wonderful guide filled with hundreds of wonderful and practical treats for nurturing your body, mind, and spirit
Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation for Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Other Resources:

For Peaceful music: (listen for samples on www.amazon.com)

Gene Ammons-“Gentle Jug, vol.2”
Enya-“Paint the Sky with Stars”
Paul McCartney-“Working Classical”
Loreena McKennit-“Book of Secrets”
George Winston-“December”

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“Peace is when time doesn’t matter as it passes by.”~ Maria Schell~

“Imagine all the people living in peace. You may say that I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you will join us and the world will be as one.” ~John Lennon~

“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.” ~Albert Einstein~

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Thanks for reading! I wish you a warm and wonderful December!

Peaceful wishes,

Patt