In the wisdom of nature we observe the never-ending need for balance. Within ourselves this is also true because, we are nature. We are living in a time that shows us what happens when we are out of balance with nature and ourselves. We feel at Sacred Rok that the future of education will depend on our ability to educate our youth on what it means to be a human being in balance with the natural world.
In the last months we’ve had great experiences staying in the natural flow of customizing trips that have expanded our own education about the beauty and serious fun to simply enjoy each other’s company.
Our connection to the Native community in Yosemite also connects us to the surrounding tribes, one of which Ryan and Isabella from Bishop, CA come from. We had two days trips with them in Tuolumne late summer and early fall, here are some words from Ryan:
My daughter, Isabella, and I recently had the opportunity to join Sacred Rok for a couple of day trips climbing in Tuolumne, and the experience has left an indelible mark on both of us. Isabella’s heritage is, in part, Mono Lake Piute and by extension, her ancestry is tied to the Native American’s of Yosemite. Over the years, whether it be hiking the traditional trails from Lee Vining to the Valley; camping on the shores of Tenaya Lake and having days of ceremony and sweat; or waiting for the Bear to come in the Wahoga in the village in the valley, we have shared many experiences together there and it holds a special place in our hearts. We are connected to it and it to us.
The weight of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown brought hardships for all. With travel restrictions in place and smoke from California forest fires obscuring even a view of our local mountains, it was a lot not being able to recreate at all. So, the chance to get out and climb, in Yosemite of all places, really lifted our spirits.
As a weekender we have climbed together since she was little starting in the gyms of Los Angeles. And eventually sport climbs and the boulders of Bishop, our hometown. But this trip was something different. The layers of connection deepened the experience, and it was incredible. Add to that being there under the guidance and energy of Ron and Katie, and it’s a force multiplier.
As a father nothing has given my life more purpose, more meaning than watching the world come to life through my daughter’s eyes. I watched as she once again connected to this place. And through the climbing gain confidence and self-esteem. We even celebrated her birthday there, and Katie made a special strawberry loaf. And it was so special! The depth and weight of this shared experience has brought Isabella and I closer and our relationship and bond has been significantly enhanced. I cannot express our gratitude adequately in words alone, but we will continue to demonstrate the gravity of it by sharing it with others. We cannot wait to go again!
Thank You Sacred Rok!
-Ryan & Isabella
Its in the creativity we all have within us to respond and take responsibility to find new ways to continue our connection with each other that promotes the healing nature’s way and to bring back the balance.
As Shoshone Elder, Corbin Harney said, “There’s one air, one water and one Mother Earth.”
Thank you for your support that keeps our connection going, that is ultimately about bringing back the balance, starting with ourselves.
Ron Kauk, Executive Director
& Katie Lambert, COO