Rejuvenation

In the last 20 trips that we’ve had in 2021 we are experiencing a kind of phenomena of connection. The last year was very dramatic in being locked down and having to wear masks. Now we are experiencing the freedom to come back into nature. In facilitating these trips it shows us the incredible importance of the nurturing of nature for the human spirit and wellbeing. 

 These trips are continuing to develop our interpretation of what education nature’s way means for ourselves and our young people. The wisdom that’s in nature helps bring out the wisdom in ourselves. By harmonizing with the natural world, we harmonize with each other; all human beings need some kind of nurturing. 

 We’ve been like sponges together in soaking up the healing medicine of nature that strengthens our sense of purpose and connection. The simple acts of walking, climbing in nature and eating good food is a whole other level of what it means to be content, heathy, intelligent human beings.

 As we’ve known all along, if the human being is separate from nature it causes disfunction and a kind of sickness that plagues our society. What we’re understanding is that the human need for connection with the earth and all living beings is crucial for the future of all life. 

 Everything is hanging in the balance at this point. If we can respect nature and respect ourselves those simple acts can change the consciousness of humanity. 

 Connecting with the world heritage site of Yosemite is a way to keep our minds open that anything is possible. We feel this magic here that inspires the world to appreciate the beauty of nature and we want our youth to see that beauty in themselves. 

 We have entered another stage of our nonprofit that feels better than ever as far as the clarity we have.  We are committed to represent the sacredness of the natural world. This has to be part of our education - using the gift of our intelligence to take care of what gives us life, which is the natural world. 

Quotes from the youth:

“Yesterday we went hiking up a beautiful trail alongside a beautiful river. Before that we got fresh spring water. It was mind blowing to me, but it was the best water I’ve ever had. That spring was definitely my favorite part of my weekend here. Honestly, even though I am a lifelong resident of Merced I had never really been here before, but I believe it is my duty to visit here more often and learn. I cannot wait to come back.” - Ana, Merced Youth Council

“It was lovely to be back. The water was so cool and I loved climbing the rocks. Being in nature has brought me so much peace that I will carry with me. It was great to share the river with so many great people and spend time connecting with the earth. I hope to be back soon!” - Tessa, Merced Youth Council

“Coming on this trip was one of the most amazing adventures I’ve ever had. I’ll be talking about this for my entire life. Thank you to Katie, Brandi and Ron; from Katie’s amazing and delicious heathy food, to Brandi’s generosity and thoughtful, kind heart to Ron’s adventurous navigating skills - this trip was awesome! Thanks so much for the memories. I absolutely loved spending the weekend here with everyone.” - Kaylie, Merced Youth Council

 “Being able to come back here was amazing! So peaceful and so beautiful. I noticed a bit of growth from the last time. Two years ago I asked what we were going to do, worried about what was to come. Yesterday I asked what we were going to do excited about what was to come. I feel free and at peace when I come. Super thankful!” - Shiwani, Merced Youth Council

With respect,

Ron Kauk, Executive Director

Katie Lambert, COO

Walking From the Heart

Sacred Rok is now offering Walking from the Heart for adults - a way of calming down to acknowledge the rhythm of your heartbeat while keeping it at a slow pace and guiding your breath. Something as simple as walking up a steep trail effortlessly sets an understanding of your own timing to move in a way that is harmonious and healing. This can balance the senses and strengthen our connection to the natural world. This is something we discovered over the last years on our own and are now excited to share. 

If interested please contact Sacred Rok at www.SacredRok.org , provide us your information and we will contact you. 

Making Connections

Sacred Rok has started another relationship locally outside Yosemite/Mariposa area with Sierra Quest, which is a permanent, and stable resource for minors and non minor dependents (NMD) involved in probation and the child welfare system.

So far, our two day trips have shown how much there is to experience and learn through hiking, swimming, climbing small rocks, and visiting our Native Elder in the Wahhoga Village. Some of the kids are eager to come back and volunteer and hear more stories about Native Culture.

When asked if they had anything to share about their experiences, here are a couple of examples of what they had to say:

“The trip was fun and educational. The leaders taught us about how the trails were made and about the trees. The MiWuk elder taught us about the Native American culture in Yosemite National Park and we gave an offering at the grinding holes in the MiWuk village to pay respect to the elders. The MiWuk elder was kind and his dog was adorable and strong. We went bouldering in Camp 4 - Katie and Ron were great teachers and kept us safe. We had so much fun and learned a lot!” - SQ Youth

“The Sacred Rok trip was a spiritual experience. It was very enjoyable and I loved all the people I met along the way. One of the most memorable experiences was going to the MiWuk village and learning about their culture and learning about the spiritual significance of ceremonial sites - things I did not realize and was not aware of before. Also, the people were so nice. I enjoyed Ron and Katie. They were such good teachers. The whole day was wonderful. I especially appreciated getting through the boulder problem that, at first, I could not figure out. Then I got to feel the satisfaction of solving it and reaching the top of the boulder. I'm so glad to have the opportunity to volunteer for the MiWuk tribe in the future, and I feel it is messed up that their tribe has not been recognized.” - SQ Youth

This relationship with Sierra Quest will be ongoing, which has always been a part of our commitment to facilitate the ceremony of nature

We are thankful to have another opportunity like this to work with Sierra Quest in our mutual interest to help our youth find a connection to the natural world and themselves in the safety and guidance of adults that care.

We humbly thank you for your support and commitment to Education Natures Way.

With Respect,

Ron Kauk - Executive Director

Katie Lambert - Chief Operating Officer

Sacred Balance

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