2022 was a very full year. When I think of all that happened, it boggles my mind. It has been one of the most challenging and impactful years of my life. It seems, from my conversations with many of you, that this is true for many. As I write, the horses and I are on vacation from arena sessions - taking time for rest, reflection, and re-charging our batteries. There is plenty on which to reflect. Usually, my end of year reflection focuses on what has happened; I remember the events that shaped my year and consider what I learned from them. This year is different. I am reflecting on who I was at this time last year, who I am right now, and who I am becoming.
How would you describe yourself, your personality, your feelings in December 2021 compared to December 2022? Who were you? Who are you becoming? Who would you like to be?
We re-open for barn sessions Monday January 9 and look forward to moving through 2023 in Gestalt with you.
To your true north -
Allison & the herd
A new place, a new space
So far, in October, Charlie and Hobbs have moved to a new boarding home where they are settling in nicely with a new herd. Allison is back to work part time, seeing a limited number of clients virtually and in person in Lovettsville, VA with some other experienced coaching horses. The energy of fall moves us forward in change. What changes are brewing for you?
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for a coaching slot, please contact Allison directly at allison@northlightcoaching.com or 703-727-2607.
To your true north,
Allison & the boys
NLC has closed, temporarily.
North Light Coaching has closed the barn, temporarily, while Allison is on family medical leave to care for loved ones who have (non-COVID) health challenges. We are not able to accept new clients this winter. If you are seeking services, please contact Kim Adams, Admin Support, at admin@northlightcoaching.com to learn what is available this winter or to be referred to one of Allison’s trusted colleagues.
Charlie and Hobbs on sabbatical - and quite happy in this heavenly field.
The Barn is Open With Safety Precautions in Place
The barn is open for in person sessions, with COVID safety protocols in place. Individuals, couples, and families from within the same household are attending.
Safety protocols are:
Allison opens the Ohana gate to let you in.
You are met in the parking lot to be screened for illness, including a temperature check. If anyone has signs of infection, you are not admitted to the barn.
We wear masks when in the barn or in session in the paddocks.
Clients/visitors wash hands before entering the barn and upon leaving.
If you develop any symptoms of respiratory infection, please let Allison know so that she may quarantine herself and take additional precautions.
NLC will hold a maximum of two sessions per day, with changeover time in between to allow cleaning of shared surfaces (chairs, door handles, hand washing station, etc.) While you are in the barn, we use very few coaching props and Allison handles the horses, gates, doors, etc. At this time, we are not conducting sessions that require a horse handler to be involved.
Charlie and Hobbs are waiting for you!
Human and Horse Vacation!
NLC is closed for summer horse and human vacation from July 11 - 22. We hope you too have some time reserved for rest, recharge, and fun this summer despite the COVID pandemic. We look forward to resuming limited hours in the barn starting July 22nd. Stay safe!
NLC Re-Opening with Limited In-Person Sessions and COVID 19 Precautions
We are slowly re-opening NLC with a limited number in-person sessions and following special precautions to limit the potential spread of COVID 19. Appointments will be spaced out to accommodate time for cleaning and sanitizing common areas and equipment.
Please note the following precautions that will be taken:
Client temperatures and that of any family member present will be taken onsite. If anyone's temperature indicates fever, they will not be permitted to attend the session.
A face mask that covers both nose and mouth must be worn at all times, including during a session. Clients must supply their own mask.
Clients will wash their hands at the NLC hand washing station when they arrive and before they leave. The hand washing station will be cleaned and refreshed before each new in- person session.
Please also note that the following areas on the property will remain closed to clients, client families, and visitors:
Ohana walking paths and outdoor seating areas
The upper barn building, including the indoor waiting room
NLC continues to monitor available data on disease transmission and spread as well as guidelines from local and national authorities and that these procedures will be revisited and updated as new information is available.
Updates as of May 27th
As you may remember, we waived the NLC cancellation policy in March at the start of the stay-at-home order. As of today, May 27, the following policy will be in effect. once again.
Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance of an appointment to avoid being charged for a session you do not attend. Here is the language of the policy:
If NLC cancels a session for any reason, you will not be charged for the session. If you have paid in advance, your payment will be refunded in full or credited to your account, as you wish. Clients may cancel sessions up to 24 hours in advance without paying for the session. When a session is canceled less than 24 hours before the appointment time, payment may be collected.
We are also carefully planning for a phased re-opening of NLC for in-person horse sessions. In the first phase, a limited number of sessions each week will be offered as socially distanced equine sessions in the pasture. As the numbers of COVID-19 cases in Northern Virginia remains high, we are proceeding cautiously and have not offered any such sessions yet. We'll keep you posted about this opportunity in the coming weeks.
Virtual Listening Circle -- First Cohort Begins April 22nd
Join us for this 4-week virtual series
Have something to get off your chest?
Feel frustrated by communications (or lack of) with your family?
Feel isolated or agitated?
Experiencing Zoom overload?
You are invited to a unique experience of listening and being heard. Learn a new skill that will serve you well for the rest of your life. Gather information that will allow you to feel better during this time, enhance your relationships, and emerge clearer and more inspired when you go out into the world again.
· Four weeks with a minimal daily time commitment and huge results
· One 10-min phone call EVERY DAY between you and an assigned listening partner
· Four Zoom meetings with a small group of listening pairs and Allison
A 60-min kick off
Two 30-min check ins
A 60-min wrap up
· An individual connection call (one-on-one) with Allison to debrief and reflect on this experience for you personally
Often, the most important messages lie beyond what is communicated in words. Listening Circle will teach you how to get the most out of those subtle messages from within yourself and others. When we listen on that level, and respond rather than react, everything goes better and feels better.
$72/person for the 4-week series. Contact Allison at allison@northlightcoaching.com to register
NLC is Closed Beginning March 22nd Until Further Notice
The NLC Barn and Ohana Equestrian Preserve are closed to clients and visitors until further notice. We encourage you to shelter at home and take precautions to care for yourselves and help flatten the curve of COVID-19 infection.
Allison is working with clients in virtual one-on-one sessions and, in the coming weeks, NLC will offer virtual events and classes. Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive invitations. If you or a loved one are struggling during this time, please click here to contact Allison for a complimentary consultation on personalized support.
In the co-creative process of Gestalt, there are many possible ways to connect and help you move through this time, with your True North in clear sight, and with greater peace.
Health Precautions at NLC as of March 24
Hello, All.
I hope this finds you and yours well and that you are finding moments of grace in every day. At NLC, we and the horses are well.
Effective March 22 and until at least April 6, NLC and the Ohana property are closed to clients and visitors.
We have put stricter quarantine procedures in place, including a total lockdown of the Upper (Big) barn building and separation of people traffic between that barn and our barn. Our neighbors in that barn just returned from the winter horse show season in Florida, where they had a lot of contact with other people and shared surfaces. Out of an abundance of caution and because the shared bathrooms are in that building, we are quarantining the property for at least two weeks with only essential staff coming and going.
In the meantime, stay tuned for some virtual offerings from NLC in addition to the phone and video sessions that are proceeding. And don’t worry, we are being well supervised . . .
