Wandering in Nature

Holistic Yoga School & Studio has hosted two Grey Rock Yoga Hikes so far in 2016… the first hike was in April and the second in July. Although both hikes were filled with smiling and adventurous yogi’s and gorgeous scenery, the Colorado weather presented us with vastly different climates between the Spring and Summer hikes. Following are some reflections and inspirations from the experiences…

Reflections from the April hike:

“Wandering in nature is a great way to connect with our Self. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by raw nature. One can’t help but feel the peace. Recently, I was a part of Holistic Yoga School’s Grey Rock Yoga Hike. We had a large group full of excitement and anticipation. Some had experienced the hike before, some were new to hiking in our lovely state, and some were new to hiking in any sense. The trail was gorgeous and blooming with the fragrant flowers of the plum blossoms just near the trailhead. The stream as was full and swift. The trail beckoned. Our yoga tribe began  one foot in front of the other, excited for the journey. Our first stop was to meet at the expansive meadows where we would enjoy a peaceful meditation before continuing the journey up to the very top. Suddenly mother nature began to whisper to us. Her whisper became louder and louder as we climbed higher and higher. The forest became alive with the movement of the wind, trees swaying farther than one might imagine possible. We found more layers of clothing to put on and continued up the mountain, not allowing the raging wind to hinder our progress.

Once we were at the meadows, some of the group had heard and felt enough from mother nature and turned back, prepared to head home and nestle in on this now chilly and windy day. Some of the group forged ahead, wanting to see what it was like at the top. Fueled by curiosity and snacks, we headed up the final rocky terrain.

No one was prepared for the raging wind expressing the will of nature at the top of Grey Rock. The shrubby trees that grow there speak of the sometimes harsh conditions that high in nature. Clinging to the rocks and trees, crouching low, we persevered. A couple of us even managed to time the gusts of wind and hold a tree pose just long enough to snap a photo. Then we happily began our trek back down the mountain..

Once we were a little lower in elevation and sheltered from the wind we were joined by others in the group who had  also been curious and compelled to continue on. We enjoyed a brief respite and a bit of welcomed warm sun and shared our stories of our adventure and lots of laughs.

The rest of the hike down was warmer, sunnier, less windy, and gorgeous. The sense of accomplishment was palpable in our group. I left feeling strong, happy, and bonded with my Colorado Yoga Tribe.

Namaste ~ LRE“

Reflections from the July hike:

“Discovering a burdened land, I’ve never felt such grace and peace, that was once struck by evil. Life still fighting to make it’s breakthrough. The glistening water flowed as if mother nature herself were guiding it down the mountain. The trees still provided shade along our journey up to meet the sky. The rattlesnake hissed to reassure us that danger is always lurking, but to never fear it. Trees scarred with lover’s names. But still didn’t complain.

Once we reached our last leg, we pushed harder up the treacherous rocks to find a hidden grassland that looked as if fairies had once dreamed there. Past the lush green, appeared the end of our journey and the lake that mother nature was guiding the river from sat beautifully hidden at the top of the grey rock.” – Christine Yung

“Throughout the hike today I felt like I was going to give up at the beginning, but once I began to focus on my breath and go on my own pace I felt more confident. I loved the different plants on the trail and the weird flying grasshopper that sings every time it jumps. Grey Rock was such a peaceful hike, looking past the challenges, and once you reach the top the view is breathtaking.” – Ingrid Escurra

“The hike was amazing! It was so beautiful to be walking alongside the river, being able to hear the flow of soothing, healing water. The plants were so green and vibrant. The flowers so bright and fragrant. It was so beautiful and I was happy to be in that moment, soaking in all of the nature. It was worth the trek!”

“I sit quietly in the darkness of the night contemplating the hike up the rock. Literally and figuratively, the anticipation of the hike, my fear of the climb, and how it stretched me. How I’ve spent way more time than needed thinking about some upcoming challenge only to find out the universe was there to support me through it. Although the climb up the rock was not easy at times, it was definitely worth taking. Looking back over my 57 years I find that I have countless stories to tell about rocks that needed climbing, life’s challenges that required navigation. Even at the top of the rock, standing in tree pose with gusts of wind, I felt more grounded and balanced than when I’m at sea level but caught in the complexities of my own mind. Climbing the rock symbolized for me life’s journey to date. Reminders that letting go of my ego, taking the climb with trusted friends, and silence in the presence of snakes all serve my journey closer to the sun. Namaste. Aho. Sat. Nam. Ram Ram Jay Jay Ram. “In order to thrive we must be able to see the meaning in the struggle.”” Sally C

Grey Rock

by Alexandria Swanson

Gathered with friends

The day was clear.

We had a long hike ahead

and had some fear.

The guide warned us,

“Rattlesnakes abound”

along our trek,

one was found!

In an instance,

we found fight or flight.

But once we found stillness,

Our fear felt so light.

“Hiking is a journey, a treacherous trek. It’s a mantra, each step bringing new life into my body. Each step breathing new life into the earth. It’s a reminder, the mountain mirroring my body, the universe swirling inside us all. Hiking is mindful. It is setting your foot down upon the earth with assurance that it will catch and support you. It is surrender to a trail, to an unknown road ahead. It is triumph, howling at the moon at the summit just because we’re alive, because there is air in our lungs and fire in our cores. Hiking is a descent as much as an ascent, remembering what you accomplished as you wind back down, paying gratitude to our ability to progress, to evolve, to grow. Hiking is paying gratitude to our connection, with humans, with our hearts, with mother nature. This is nourishment.” – Morgan Hoog

“The hike was amazing. I am so thankful we were able to go on such a beautiful excursion to Grey Rock, not only because of the view, but also because I got to bond with the people doing the YTT even more. I tried to use my yogic breath. That was hard to do at some points when I got further up the mountain. I loved stopping mid-way up the hike to rejuvenate with some water and meditation. My favorite part was hanging out at the top of the mountain and doing some yoga!” – Emma Thornberg

“I am so happy I decided to go on the hike. I was unsure at first but deep down I knew I would regret not going. It was so wonderful to be in nature, and thrilling to climb the rocks. Hiking helps expand one’s perspective so much. When you wander in nature, it is a reminder that there is something larger and more powerful than my single being. It brings clarity. Standing at the peak, I felt so accomplished and satisfied. It was so fun to bond with everyone else who went. Nature can bring people together in such a magical way.” – Leigh Ruben