Energies of Nature: Yoga Trek with Dennis Eagan

A trip into the backcountry and the practice of yoga-both take us to wild places. The outer journey and the inner landscape are not separate paths but interwoven steps that lead us to a deeper understanding of our relationship with the earth, the energy field that sustain us. The natural world around us provides a blueprint of the subtle body that animates each one of us. Yosemite's wilderness is the perfect environment to experience the Energies of Nature or the Five Elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.

This course is ideal for anyone looking to integrate nature with their personal yoga practice. The emphasis will be on balancing the five elements by expanding our awareness of the subtle aspects of each element as we explore them through yoga postures, breathing, meditation and wilderness travel.

Highlights:

• Guided backpacking through the wilderness of Yosemite National Park
• Daily asana and pranayama instruction and practice
• Integrated yoga philosophy
• Developing the path of your personal practice
• Fresh meals including local and organic ingredients

Itinerary:

Wednesday
We will gather at our designated campground in Yosemite National Park at 3:00 pm for introductions, intention setting and an orientation to the course. In the afternoon, we will dive into our yoga practice and get acquainted with each other and the wilderness of Yosemite. We will organize and review gear and food, learn about the basics of packing for backcountry travel, and conclude the evening by sharing a delicious camp meal. After dinner, there will be time for group activities, sharing stories, and stargazing as we settle in for our first night in the mountains.

Thursday
After an optional morning yoga sessions and nourishing breakfast, we will pack our backpacks and depart for the trailhead where we will begin our Yosemite wilderness adventure. Based on the earth element, we'll explore the concepts of grounding and connecting to the planet as we hike to our first campsite at a moderate pace allowing time to enjoy wildflowers, rock, and water on our route. After setting up camp, we will have another yoga session that explores the relationship between earth and sky as we focus on the air element. We'll enjoy a delicious dinner after yoga as the Range of Light, bathed in alpenglow, lives up to its reputation. Evenings may include fireside stories, music or gazing at the Milky Way from the cozy comfort of your sleeping bag.

Friday and Saturday
The next two days will follow a similar schedule, as we adapt to the natural rhythms of the planet and flow with the specific needs and desires of the group. Each yoga session will focus on another element, as we integrate earth, water, fire, air and space into our practice. In addition to the adventure of backpacking, each day provides opportunities for swimming in alpine lakes, day hikes to sweeping views of the High Sierra, or relaxing in our backcountry "hammock lounge". Evenings are set aside for dharma talks, wilderness education, creative journaling, music-making, or quiet contemplation around the campfire.

Sunday
Our last morning, we will enjoy a final yoga class and meditation before our last breakfast in the field. Then we will pack our backpacks and begin our hike back to the trailhead.

After putting closure on our journey together, we will conclude by 2 pm.

Note on Itinerary:

This schedule is an outline. It is subject to change depending on the needs of the group and of course moods of the elements. It allows for spontaneous inspiration. This program operates rain or shine.

Price Includes:

Professional instruction and guiding, campground and permit fees, first-aid supplies, and group gear for backpacking and camping. Balanced Rock provides delicious and high-quality meals, cooking gear, and water purification supplies.

Not Included:

Transportation to and from your hometown to Yosemite, park entrance fees, and personal items.

Travel:

The driving time to Yosemite from the Bay Area is 3.5-4 hours and varies depending on traffic and road conditions. For California highway conditions visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/ or call 1-800-427-7623. For the latest road conditions and advisories in the park, call 1-209-372-0200 then press 1. You are required to carry and be prepared to use tire chains.

Important Information about Air Travel:

Prior to purchasing your airline tickets contact Balanced Rock to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required. info@balancedrock.org or 209-379-9453.

Closest Airports:

Fresno, CA: 103 miles; Oakland, CA: 159 miles; Sacramento, CA: 170 miles

Public Transportation and Carpooling:

There is excellent train and bus transportation to Yosemite Valley. For information on public transportation options please visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm. Once you are enrolled we will send you detailed pre-trip information including options for carpooling.

Accommodations:

Our first night will be at a campground near the trailhead. The following three nights will be in the backcountry. All four nights, we will be sleeping in tents or under the stars.

Qualifications:

This trip requires the ability to hike and carry a pack at altitudes ranging from 6,000 to 9,000 feet, over varying mountain terrain. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise routine prior to the course. We also recommend that you stay well-hydrated prior to departure to assist in adjusting to altitude. Please see notes in the welcome letter for further information on preparing for our adventure. Appropriate and open to all levels of backpackers and yoga practitioners.

Weather:

Daytime temperatures can range between 50°-90° F. Mountain weather can change quickly. It is common to have clear sunny mornings with building clouds and afternoon showers followed by clear starry skies at night. Please check the forecast frequently before your course and plan accordingly. Visit the Yosemite National Park "Plan Your Visit" site for detailed information and weather-related links. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hours.htm

General Information:

Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Detailed pre-trip information, including directions to the meeting place, will be sent when you enroll.

We look forward to creating a special experience that you'll never forget! Why wait?