wild heart, Quiet Mind:
A Yoga+Mindfulness-Rooted Backpacking Retreat
Picture this: Yourself, standing in ‘tadasana’ (mountain pose) on a granite face of one of the most iconic mountain ranges in the world. In front of you is pristine wilderness- a gray camouflaged landscape choicely decorated with the colors of the seasons. The bluish/green of streams and lakes, the reds and yellows of wildflowers, the deep green of conifers, and white shadowed patches of snow. No cars, no structures, and hardly any sign of human presence.
As you root down through the soles of your feet you connect to a presence much greater and much older than yourself. Boots, bare feet, hooves, and paws have all stood here before you, and will stand here long after you are gone. Above you, the daytime ghosts of stars who have witnessed it all. They will guide you into circadian alignment after the sun sets, exploding into a stellar masterpiece of nighttime viewing.
Intrigued? Come, play a part in this story. Satisfy your biological yearning for wild places and quiet moments as you explore the alpine wonders of Sequoia National Park. Led by experienced guides and mindfulness stewards, this backpacking trip will be filled with yoga, meditation, and naturalist lessons as well as exploring the philosophy of yoga as it pertains to all aspects of life.
Each day will vary in topography, intensity, miles-covered, and lesson offerings. Group capabilities will be assessed and taken into consideration daily, and the itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, group morale, etc.
No yoga or meditation experience is required for the enjoyment of this trip! Only the desire to say yes to this experience and some miles in your well broken-in boots.
Say yes and be challenged to find a deeper connection to your true self, with the earth, and with the incredible community of people walking this path together.
Dates
July 30th - August 5th, 2023
Detailed itinerary coming soon!
What’s included:
Packing and Technical Gear Suggestions and Support
Navigational Guidance
Backcountry Skills
All associated fees and permits
Daily Wellness Practices including: Yoga, Ayurveda, Meditation, Pranayama, Mantra
Sangha conversations
Nature Journaling + Plant Identification
Shared digital album of visual memories
First Aid kit + Wilderness-trained guides
Emergency Satellite and Radio Communication
Ayurvedic Backcountry Food Preparation: Live or Recording from Zoom
Not Included
Food: Bring your favorite food to make your own meals
(or ask about our add on option!)Gear: Gear list provided
Transportation to trailhead
Personal Insurance
Optional guide gratuities
Personal navigation device (optional)
Personal maps (optional)
Investment:
Total trip cost is $700
Early bird gifts if you sign up and place your deposit by May 29
one item of your choice from my shop valued at up to $30 / $30 off a higher ticket item
post retreat 1-1 consultation with Alysia
Deposit of $100 due upon confirmation of acceptance. Remainder of funds will be due in 14 days (flexible payment options may be available upon request)
Optional add ons
Intimidated by backcountry food preparation? We will be sharing a great demo and suggestions on our Zoom class, but if you are crunched for time or uncomfortable putting something together, we have got you covered.
Your Guides
NATALIE
Natalie Pyrooz (WFR, RYT-500, MEnvSt) is a yogini, artist, and botanist who guides people through integrated yoga and nature-based experiences to find a deeper level of connection and belonging, inner peace, and self-love. For years she worked seasonally in the backcountry and across a wide scope of landscapes throughout the west and internationally as a botanist and biologist, using her off-season to deep-dive into living yoga, exploring the world, working the land, and giving back. After deeply experiencing the raw and healing power of nature during extended periods of repeated immersion in wilderness, and the transformative power of yoga in body, mind, and spirit, she is following her dharma path to create opportunities for others to heal and grow. She shares her personal practice in her teaching, bringing together movement, philosophy, breathwork, mantra, tratak, and guided meditation.
Alysia
Alysia arrived in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI) in 2003 with a love for nature and a voracious appetite for exploring. As a National Park ranger she spent her days learning all she could about these glorious mountains, hills, native peoples and the intricate web of life that call these parks home.
After 11 years working in SEKI, she shifted focus to raising her 2 boys and began doing deep inner work. She is now a coach and specializes in helping people live authentic and vibrant lives. Alysia is down to earth and sees a natural and inclusive relationship between humans and nature and believes there is no greater gift than to be at peace with yourself and the rest of the world.
Questions?
Check out my FAQ page or contact me!