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Finding New Eyes by the Wandering Yogini

June 4, 2020 by Nova Guthrie 1 Comment

As a child I wandered across the planet, the galaxy and the universe in the fantastical places that books created in my mind’s eye. My imagination was vivid and I dreamed of travel. The older I got, the more I traveled – driving back and forth across the US from the Midwest to the West Coast, from Canada to Mexico. Each new journey was exciting and I ate up the scenery, the people, the foods and the culture. Eventually, I left the Americas and traveled far and wide across the planet. I have since visited more than 20 countries around the world.

During all those travels I encountered many pivotal points and critical choices. Looking back, I sometimes find myself asking, “What if…?” The “what ifs” of life are often negative. What if I had done that differently? What if I hadn’t said that? What if I had been a better person? Can you make the “what ifs” positive? What if…you said, “yes!” to an opportunity? What if…you smiled and someone smiled back? What if…you accepted an unexpected invitation or friendship? What if…you decided to try and see what might happen? What if you could see the world with new eyes? Recently, I have been making the “what ifs” of my life positive and proactive. Last month, the opportunity came to visit Whidbey Island. So, I hopped in my truck and took my mountain bike with me. As I walked the beaches, hiked the hills and biked through the forests, I realized that I was happy. Simple joy at being alive, using my body and saying yes to unexpected opportunities.

Not long after that, came an invitation to drive to Taos, New Mexico and stay a while with friends at their high desert property. And again, I said yes…No one said it would be cold with heavy rain while truck camping near Boise. I did not know that the transmission would begin to fail on my truck while still two hours outside of Taos in the mountains as the sun was setting. Oh and there’s no cell service in the mountains. On a more positive note, I got to visit some of the most beautiful places in the Southwest with almost no other humans in view. When I decided to go, I did not know that it would be a chance to heal deeply and renew my soul. Perhaps on a more subconscious, intuitional level, I knew it was exactly what I needed.

Every mile that I drove and every state line that I crossed brought new vistas and a growing relaxation in my mind and body. I was on the right path, I was headed in the right direction. Everywhere that I journeyed, I found natural beauty and kind people. I found myself smiling more and taking pleasure in simply being wherever I was at that particular moment. I slowed down and breathed more deeply. I noticed birdsong and the sound of the wind. I witnessed nearly every sunrise and sunset for two and half weeks. Every night I wandered out in the desert darkness and marveled at the enormity of the sky and the countless billions of stars.

I felt more alive than I remembered feeling in a very long time. I realized that I had made almost the exact same road trip more than 20 years before and I had visited many of the same places. It all looked different this time – more vivid, more beautiful and certainly more peaceful than I remembered. Were the places different? Or was I? Had the landscape changed or had I found new eyes?

Some of it was totally new – hotspring pools along the banks of the Rio Grande River, the summit of Devisadero Peak, the adobe and pueblo style buildings of historic Taos and bighorn sheep wandering through my Sunday yoga class. I took a childlike delight in these new things and I did my best to seal the wonder into my memories.

The realization of my changed perspective influenced the remainder of my journey home and I took my time wandering back to ZenRock. I had originally planned to take a different route home and see some other roads, but Moab, Utah called me back. I arrived one evening just before the sun dropped behind the towering red cliffs. I pedaled out to a single-track trail and sat on the rocks to watch the dying of the day. My heart seemed to sigh in contentment.

Sunrise the next morning found me on my bike again. Six or seven miles into the canyons without a phone signal I found an interesting trail, but it was marked as hiking only – no bikes. I was drawn to that canyon and I wished I could hike it, but I was supposed to get back on the road and be somewhere in Montana by evening. Why was I supposed to do that? I did not technically have a schedule to be anywhere…

So, I stayed an extra night in Moab, and I drove back to the trailhead that caught my attention earlier in the day. Morning Glory Arch trail took me along a deep canyon floor criss-crossing over a small river. Finding and following the trail was like a game – some parts were clearly marked with small brown arrows pointing the way and other areas were only marked by rock stacks put there by other hikers. Still other parts of the trail were completely unmarked, and I found myself backtracking from the edge of a drop off or a dead end filled with prickly pear cactus. I saw only a handful of people over the next two hours as I picked my way along. The day’s temperature had topped out in the mid-90s and I was grateful that my chosen start time near 5pm had me in the shade of the canyon’s walls for most of the hike.

As I approached the boxed end of the canyon, there was a quieting of the bird life and the wind. I could hear rushing water, but I couldn’t see the river. As I came out into a red-sand bowl I realized that there was a waterfall in the sheer rocky face and that the river went underground. I got glimpses of water through some deep cracks and I could tell that at other times of year there would be visible falls over 100 hundred feet tall.

There was also the massive Morning Glory Arch stretching across one side of the canyon. I whooped in delight and my voice echoed back to me. I took pictures and tried to get perspective on the size of the arch, but of course the pictures do not do it justice. I settled for lying on the canyon floor and staring up at the slice of blue sky visible through the arch. There was no one else there and nothing broke in on my moment. Hiking back out I stopped to put my feet in the river and soak my head in the cool waters. It was one of the best hikes of my life – what a gift!

I left Moab the following morning and chose the shortest route home cutting back through Idaho, Oregon and Eastern Washington. Keeping with my commitment to take my time and listen to my intuition I chose to stay in Twin Falls rather than Boise. I took a sunset bike ride and arrived at Shoshone Falls Park. The mist and thundering roar of these falls gave notice long before the falls came into view. Rainbows danced through the spray while I stood on the observation deck and marveled at the power of the falling water.

The paved trail that runs to the falls also runs along the rim of the Snake River Gorge for at least 10 miles and I explored it the following morning just after sunrise. There are multiple smaller sets of falls along the southern side of the canyon and birds of all sizes play in the updrafts of air currents. I did yoga and meditated at the canyon’s edge and once again felt a grateful heart as I marveled at the incredible natural beauty.

My final stop before returning home was in Yakima and I did not have any expectations to see or do anything except sleep one more night. The Yakima River Greenway surprised me and I took my last bike ride of the road trip…smiling the entire time as I realized that there is always something wonderful if we just slow down and take the time to look for it.

It is possible to have new eyes and get new perspective at any time and place, even places we have been before or places we see every day. If you followed my journey on ZenRock’s Instagram page, I hope you enjoyed my travels and lived a little bit of my adventure. I am grateful for my friends who invited me to travel and for those who supported me on the journey as I encountered challenges. I find myself feeling younger and more alive than ever. I encourage you to go out into nature whether close to home or a little farther afield. Go without expectations. Go with an open heart and open eyes. See if you can find the wonder in the world…see if you can find new eyes…

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Comments

  1. Alison Shaw says

    June 4, 2020 at 3:11 pm

    Love this write-up! Thanks for sharing your adventures.

    Reply

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Erin M. – May 15, 2014

I've been going to ZenRock now for just over four months and I'm very pleased.  The studio is clean, organized and very inviting.  All of the trainers there are very nice and easy going; Heidi is my trainer and great enjoy working out with her.  This is the perfect place for anyone that needs that extra push and to have someone make them feel accountable.  I had a gym membership but would always have an excuse not to go (work, friends, family, etc.).  Now that I have a set schedule and someone keeping an eye on my fitness goals, I am actually staying committed to my health change and feel great.  I have changed my habits and overall heath tremendously since starting with ZenRock and I'm so glad I called them and gave it a shot.  I'm so happy with them that I have even gotten my husband to join me and train with me.

Erin M.
May 15, 2014
Shonagh H. – October 13, 2013

I have worked out at a few different gyms in the area over the past few years. I found Zen Rock Fitness and haven't looked back. Firstly, there is an atmosphere of warmth and welcome to the place, and it's beautiful here. Petra couldn't be nicer. I have received caring and thoughtful guidance for my physical training from her as well as Heidi and Dwayne. I anticipate my sessions here with excitement, even when I know I'm going to get my ass kicked. ( I mean that in a joking way, of course). As a result of the training from these lovely people, I look and feel great. I haven't sustained any injuries from overzealous and ignorant trainers - they would never get hired at Zen Rock. I cannot recommend this place enough.

Shonagh H.
October 13, 2013
Shriram R. – September 16, 2014

Really awesome, knowledgeable staff. They've helped me a great deal, and I love coming here every week even though I leave a little sore. :)

Shriram R.
September 16, 2014
Erin G. – September 21, 2011

Second to none. ZenRock has the best personal trainers. They have completely changed every facet of my health. I couldn't begin to explain how different these trainers are in their approach - they are holistically transforming every facet of your wellness from diet to lifestyle to physical fitness. This place is unprecedented and unmatched.

Erin G.
September 21, 2011
Larissa H. – September 16, 2014

ZenRock Fitness has completely changed how I look at exercise. I have gone from a person who hated any form of exercise to craving it and looking for ways to get exercise on vacation! ZenRock has helped me achieve all of my personal goals in a little over a year and helped me set new ones for the upcoming year.

Larissa H.
September 16, 2014
Lorrin M. – September 10, 2009

Personal attention, great environment, AWESOME trainers... Results go without saying, of course you're going to get results there! You'll also feel valued, respected and motivated. The whole team rocks.

Lorrin M.
September 10, 2009
Anita S. – September 9, 2009

From the moment I walked in the door it felt different. Very comforting and welcoming and Michael was friendly and informative. I knew I was going to sign up before I came back for my evaluation and Petra confirmed my decision. She was wonderful....these people REALLY care about you. I came back for a free training session with Jen and I love her. She is very educated in physical fitness and nutrition and simply the best!! Everyone there goes out of their way to remember your name and they are so kind, always. I could go on and on, but they make fitness fun and they are the best at what they do in my opinion!!!

Anita S.
September 9. 2009
Charlene B. – December 15, 2013

If you read nothing else ...  Zenrock is worth the time & investment!

The facility is top notch with great equipment and peaceful surroundings.  The staff is also top notch, supportive and well versed in all aspect of health & fitness.  If you have the motivation and discipline and follow their guidance you will achieve your goals.

I am not a gym person and do not enjoy group exercise, private personal training has allowed me to build my core, reduce my body fat, weight and took off inches.  I feel better and have learned how to maintain a healthy lifestyle on my own.

Charlene B.
December 15, 2013
Claire M. – August 13, 2009

ZenRock is a beautiful facility. I have worked out with each of the trainers here and they are all knowledgeable, encouraging, and inspiring in their own ways! I love their holistic approach to health and fitness. I am well on my way to reaching my fitness goals with their support.

They are located right next to the delicious Pomegranate Restaurant in Redmond so try and resist the lure of the sweet treats on your way out ;)

Claire M.
August 13, 2009
Kamal S. – July 9, 2012

I came into ZenRock having no prior experience with yoga or any real athletic ability/experience (I sit in front of a computer all day at work and did the same throughout my childhood).

The trainers at ZenRock built me up from the ground up in a gradual, nurturing and very professional manner. Yet I was shocked with how quickly I progresses and how easy it was. In the last two months I've already lost 15 pounds and built a lot of new muscle, so I've probably lost 20 pounds of fat. As a consequence, I'm lighter on my feet. I have more energy. I'm more disciplined about what I eat; I've become more flexible and far more balanced. My lung capacity has increased and so I can now breathe in more deeply. I also get better sleep at night and no longer wake up with those knots on my back like I used to (which saves me a lot of money from no longer needing to go to the massage therapist).

If you're looking for excellence when it comes to personal training and health coaching, ZenRock is the place to go. The service will be tailored to your particular needs and skill level.

Kamal S.
July 9, 2012
Tracy J. – October 9, 2009

ZenRock is a most unique experience in overall fitness. Their distinctive approach makes me look forward to going there every time! I am in better health and have never looked better because of ZenRock. ZenRock rocks!

Tracy J.
October 9, 2009
Jim M. – April 27, 2011

After months of encouragement from my wife, I finally tried ZenRock with the specific goal of improving my core strength and bulking up a bit, along with improving flexibility and overall fitness. I wish I would have started sooner. Wonderful, caring staff; beautiful, serene environment. ZenRock totally rocks!!!

Jim M.
April 27, 2011
Joshua C. – October 17, 2013

Zenrock has a great atmosphere for personal training and Yoga.

Joshua C.
October 17, 2013
Robyn – October 11, 2009

ZenRock has the appropriate beginning to its name - Zen. That's what you feel when you walk through the door. The dark wood floors and furniture, the subtle colors of the walls. The quality equipment. And then you meet the trainers, Michael and Petra. They are warm and friendly. They focus on your goals and your needs. They are aware of your strengths and weaknesses (areas of injury, etc). They work you hard, but you feel great. It's a wonderful alternative to the "big gyms" it's like family.

Robyn
October 11, 2009
Lissette L. – September 15, 2014

Professional, fun and all around great group.

Lissette L.
September 15, 2014
Susan R. – January 24, 2013

Have been going to Zen Rock for about a year now - have worked with one primary trainer and several others. All have been knowledgeable, encouraging and fun and I have gotten good results. The facility is very peaceful and comfortable and I enjoy the group yoga classes on Sunday.

Susan R.
January 24, 2013
Frankie R. – October 15, 2013

The trainers are great and care so much!

Frankie R.
October 15, 2013
Ann S. – October 12, 2013

If you want tailored and motivating help in meeting your health and fitness goals, Zen Rock is worth any amount of effort to get there.  I signed up with Zen Rock in January 2013.  My purpose was to get supervised strength training to combat osteoporosis.  I got so much  more than that.  I lowered my BMI, lost weight, regained strength and flexibility I thought might be lost forever, and eliminated the back pain I thought would be with me for the rest of my life.  The yoga, the nutritional advice and supportive atmosphere are a few of the reasons you should make an appointment today.

Ann S.
October 12, 2013
Jen M. — August 2016

I am continually asked by family and friends what my secret is, how do I keep it up and I always tell them the same thing, “It’s easy, anyone can do it, you just need the right help.” For me, that help was in the form of ZenRock and my trainer, Nova, to which I am forever grateful for helping make the me I now see in the mirror match that picture of me in my mind. Thank you!

Jen M.

Elaine W. – October 16, 2013

Staff are knowledgable and terrific trainers! Great atmosphere! Bravo to them!

Elaine W.
October 16, 2013
Pauline – October 9, 2009

ZenRock really ROCKS! There is no other way to describe the trainers. The environment entices you to workout. I wouldn't workout at any other place.

Pauline
October 9, 2009
Leif D. – June 19, 2009

The ZenRock Team helps you out with everything you will need to reach your own goals, diet, yoga, free weights, some time on the punching bag. It's nice to deal with an outstanding and professional team for once, no egos here, just teamwork.

Leif D.
June 19, 2009
Jon S. – October 9, 2008

Unbelievable attention to personal training! Comfortable, friendly, amazingly effective, couldn't ask for more! Anyone in Redmond, Sammamish area would be thrilled to work with ZenRock Fitness!

Jon S.
October 9, 2008
Becky A. – February 6, 2009

The trainers at ZenRock are the best fitness professionals I've had occasion to work with. Michael, Petra, Dwayne, everyone is so great, inspiring, knowledgeable and super fun to work with too! I got badly out of shape and have a lot of weight to lose, and in 12 weeks I've dropped eleven pounds and a more amazing 24 inches! Petra is always careful of my knee issues and we are working towards getting stronger and less painful knees. I know there's better to come and with the help of these great people I know I will get stronger and healthier. I signed my teenagers up as well - age 15 (boy) and 17 (girl) and they are doing great. Very positive role models for them. Thanks ZenRock!

Becky A.
February 6, 2009
Rochelle – October 10, 2009

What more could you ask for in a workout that is not only tailored just for you, but where the trainers are as committed to your personal fitness and success as much as you are!! You are missing out if you have not worked out here!

Rochelle
October 10, 2009
Mollie T. – October 15, 2013

I miss them so much! They were the best personal trainers I've ever had!

Mollie T.
October 15, 2013
Lisa T. – May 24, 2012

ZenRock has changed my life. I was an out of shape stay home mom who was too embarrassed to get into workout clothes. I also had no core muscles thanks to two c-sections which gave me chronic back pain. Happy to say I live in workout clothes, I have a wonderfully strong core, no back pain and I feel amazing. I owe it all to my trainer Dwayne and the loving, supportive atmosphere at ZR.  I highly recommend trying zenrock if you want to get in shape and feel great and actually look forward to working out.

Lisa T.
May 24, 2012
Jordan R. – August 15, 2009

The environment, the programs, the location are all fantastic. And then...you have the trainers who are BEYOND fantastic. It's the Cheers of personal training...everyone knows your name and treats you like family which translates to accountability. Thank you ZenRock for helping me to reach my goals & making fitness a part of my life forever.

Jordan R.
August 13, 2009

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