Balanced Rock Foundation

Yoga Class Fundraiser in Berkeley

2009-01-22T17:43:00.000-08:00

Here is an opportunity to do something for yourself while supporting the programs of Balanced Rock. Join us Saturday February 7th, 2009 at 7th Heaven Yoga Studio (directions below) for a special yoga class led by Nadine Johnson with Kirtan and live music by Keith Borden. All levels are welcome.

The class will be followed by refreshments and a reception with Balanced Rock staff and former students. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about the programs and talk with staff and past participants.

2:00 -3:30 pm: Yoga class by Nadine Johnson with Kirtan and live music by Keith Borden. All levels are welcome

3:30 – 4:00 pm: Reception. Meet Balanced Rock instructors and past participants over tea and snacks.

$20 - $25 Donation to the scholarship fund for Balanced Rock programs

Location:
7th Heaven Body Awareness Center
2820 Seventh Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
Tel 510-665-4300
directions to 7th Heaven

For more information call us at 209-379-9453.

Kirtan and Live Music by Keith Borden
Keith Borden is a bhakti, an interfaith minister and a Senior Teacher at Laughing Lotus Yoga Center (New York & San Francisco). Most recently Keith has taught himself circular breathing on the didjeridoo and has started playing the melodica.

Keith strives to live and breathe the devotion-rich yoga that comes out of his own daily practice, infusing his offerings with playfulness and creativity. His goal is to spread light all around.

Changing Seasons

2008-10-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

This comes to us from our close friend and mediacl advisor Linda Lee who has been a fixture at the Medical Clinc in Yosemitie Valley and on the search and rescue team for the past 7 years:

When I moved from the coast to Yosemite, I so appreciated the changing of the seasons. The summer heat has left us. We now experience brisk mornings, the golden colors of the grasses, and the dogwoods color of pink and magenta. A season, a year, an era, and so goes the transition of life.

Life is a process of beginnings and endings. In both human life and nature, there are times when things move slowly and don’t seem to change much. Then one day, it can be felt, sensed and our perceptions anew. Life transitions are challenging because they force us to let go of the familiar and face the future with a feeling of vulnerability.

The seasonal employees within the park are dispersing. I ask many where they will go during the winter and if they will return for another summer here in Yosemite. The response is mostly to return and capture the magic that we all feel when here. But it will never be as it was, each passing has it’s own character, an episode, like the rings on a tree. Transition in life gives us a time to reflect and learn about our strengths. It also is a time to explore and redefine what is important to our soul.

I also will be in transition this autumn and leaving the park. With hopes to return next summer in a new role with NPS, I will pause to thank each of you for letting me into your life on the intimate level of nurse to patient. It is an honor that I respect highly.

Embrace transition and the gifts that change reveals. To your health!
Linda Lee RN, FNP-C

Linda Lee will be posting the Balanced Health column from afar as she travels to Guatemala and beyond this winter.

November and December Yoga Class Schedule

2008-09-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

Balanced Rock a foundation for inspired learning

November/December Yoga Class Schedule

Time: Monday 5:45pm-7:00pm Wednesday 6:00pm-7:15pm

Location: El Portal Elementary School

Cost: Free Donations accepted. All donations support the Community Yoga Class Program and our Scholarship Fund.

NOVEMBER
Monday 5:45pm-7:00pm

11/3 Cynthia Ramaciotti, 11/10 Jen Meno, 11/17 Schuyler Greenleaf, 11/24 Jen Meno

Wednesday 6:00pm-7:15pm

11/5 Anna Landauer, 11/12 Eliza Kerr, 11/19 Cynthia Ramaciotti 11/26 CANCELLED

Please note: Class will be cancelled 11/26 (day before Thanksgiving)

DECEMBER
Monday 5:45pm-7:00pm

12/1 Eliza Kerr, 12/8 Schuyler Greenleaf, 12/15 Schuyler Greenleaf, 12/22 Jen Meno, 12/29 Jen Meno

Wednesday 6:00pm-7:15pm
12/3 Jen Meno, 12/10 Eliza Kerr, 12/17 Schuyler Greenleaf, 12/24 CANCELLED, 12/31 Jen Meno

Please note: Class is cancelled on 12/24 Christmas Eve! Please join Jen Meno for a special New Year’s Eve yoga class on 12/31!

Instructors are subject to change.

Submissions for The El Portalian

2008-09-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The El Portalian is a literary magazine highlighting the talents of writers, artists, musicians, photographers and nature lovers from and around the Yosemite area.

This is a yearly magazine, started by Kristen Shive and will be continued by Balanced Rock volunteers. It is a beautiful piece of art and form of expression.

The theme for 2008 is travel but submissions do not have to relate to the theme.

The extended deadline is October 15th, 2008. Please submit to Heather Sullivan at heather@balancedrockfoundation.org.

Submissions should be typed, in word document and visual images in a readable digital format.

Thanks for sharing your passion and creativity!

Yoga Jambalaya

2008-09-26T16:06:00.001-07:00

Yoga Jambalaya Sunday, October 19th 2008

Please join Balanced Rock Foundation and the Yosemite Bug Hostel for a wonderful day of yoga classes, spa time, delicious food and a wonderful community. This is our second Yoga Jambalaya.

Yoga Jambalaya is a day of 6 yoga classes that we encourage participants to pick and choose from leaving time for spa use, bistro meals and connection to fellow yoga students.

Location: Yosemite Bug Hostel Midpines, CA
Cost: $15/class or 3 classes/$40, $7 lunch buffet, Spa and sauna day pass included with yoga class purchase.

Schedule: (Please arrive at least 15 minutes before class to insure spot)

8:00am-9:00am Intermediate Yoga Class with Reen
9:15-10:15am Intro to Meditation and Pranayama with Cynthia Ramaciotti
10:30-12:00 Intro to Yoga Asana with Anna Landauer
Lunch Buffet served from 12:00pm-2pm
1:00-1:50 Yoga Philosophy with BRF staff
2:00-3:15 Vinyasa Flow with Schuyler Greenleaf
3:30-5:00 Inversions with Anna Landauer
5:15-6:30 Restorative Yoga with Heather Sullivan

For further information on these events, please email: heather@balancedrockfoundation.org

AcroYoga Workshop in El Portal

2008-09-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

AcroYoga Saturday, October 4th 2008

Cultivating trust, connection, and playfulness
The class experience includes: Circle Ceremony, Mirrored Asana, Partner Yoga Flow, Assisted Inversions, Partner Acrobatics, Flying Sequences and Thai Massage.

El Portal Elementary School
10am-3pm
Cost: $35-$45 sliding scale
Visiting Instructor: Samantha Miller

To register, email: heather@balancedrockfoundation.org or arrive 15minutes early to class.

Please bring: lunch, yoga mat, comfortable clothes and water.

Basic understanding of yoga helpful, no partner necessary.

October Yoga in El Portal

2008-09-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

October Yoga Class Schedule

Time: Monday 5:45-7:00pm Wednesday 6:00pm-7:15pm

Location: El Portal Elementary School

Cost: Free. Donations accepted. All donations support the community yoga class program and our scholarship fund.

Monday 5:45pm-7:00pm

10/6 Schuyler Greenleaf, 10/13 Cynthia Ramaciotti, 10/20 Schuyler Greenleaf, 10/27 Heather Sullivan

Wednesday 6:00pm-7:15pm

10/1 Eliza Kerr, 10/8 Heather Sullivan, 10/15 Cynthia Ramaciotti, 10/22, Anna Landauer, 10/29 Jen Meno

Note: Instructors are subject to change

SUMMER YOGA CLASS SCHEDULE

2008-06-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

Experience Community Yoga Classes!

Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm Please note new time!
Day: Monday and Wednesday Nights New Night Added!
Location: El Portal Elementary School

Cost: Free. Donations accepted. All donations support the Community Yoga Class Program and our Scholarship Fund.

JULY
Mon 7, 14, 21, 28 (all classes taught by Jen Meno)
Wed 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (all classes taught by Heather Sullivan)

AUGUST
Mon 4, 11, 18 (classes taught by Schuyler Greenleaf)
Mon 25 (class taught by Eliza Kerr)
Wed 6, 13, 20 (classes taught by Heather Sullivan)
Wed 27 (class taught by Jen Meno)

Note: instructors are subject to change

2008-06-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

“BLACK AND BROWN FACES IN AMERICA’S WILDEST PLACES”

2008-04-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

SOME JOURNEYS ARE UNEXPECTED…
BUT THEIR BEGINNINGS CAN BE SHARED.

The Balanced Rock Foundation presents
“BLACK AND BROWN FACES IN AMERICA’S WILDEST PLACES”
A Special Evening of Stories Celebrating Women of Color

View the event invitation!
April 19th, 2008 6-830pm
Women’s Bldg, Audre Lorde Room
3543 18th St. #8 (Between Valencia and Guerrero) SF
$10-50 sliding scale; all are welcome and no one turned away for lack of funds
All men and women of every color and creed welcome.
Cash or check accepted at the silent auction.

Join us for an evening of celebrating the transformational stories of women of color and our adventures in the outdoors as we toast the creation of the Women of Color Backpacking Access Fund, sponsored by the Balanced Rock Foundation. In this interactive evening, join our active and powerful panel of women adventurists as they lead you through stories of reflection and rejuvenation. This evening will include a mini-workshop to uncover your own adventures and end with a silent auction of products donated by outdoor outfitters Arcteryx and Osprey, acclaimed animation studio Pixar, massages, art, personal training sessions and more! Learn how to be a part of the 2008 Women of Color Backpack Trip, the only one of its kind in the nation, and find your own adventure on this special night.

About the Speakers:

Chelsea Griffie You may have seen photos of Chelsea in Patagonia clothing company catalogs, in Essence Magazine, Sports Illustrated Women and the anthology, Black & Brown Faces in America's Wild Places. As a young woman, Chelsea dreamed of the mountains and going camping. Chelsea eventually found her way to the outdoor world through rock climbing, which she began in 1993. Chelsea is currently the Program Director at Bay Area Wilderness Training. She brings to BAWT her enthusiasm for getting city kids outdoors, as well as her expertise in both the office and outdoor worlds.Nina Roberts, Ph.D
Nina Roberts is an Assistant Professor at San Francisco State University. She has worked with women and girls outdoors in some capacity throughout her 25 year career. She is currently on the Advisory Council for GirlVentures, Inc, and has served on the Association for Experiential Education Board of Directors as the Women’s Professional Group Representative. She has worked with the National Park Service where she also completed a 3-month detail with the first woman Director, Fran Mainella. As a bi-racial woman, Nina's research has guided her to write about people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and explore their connection to recreation in the natural environment. She is currently the Principal Investigator and Project Director for the SFSU Pacific Leadership Institute working with urban youth. Nina is also a Fulbright Scholar where she conducted youth evaluation in India.
Erin “Echo” DavenportAs an archaeologist for the National Park Service, Echo reads the human traces on the landscape to learn the stories of the diverse people and cultures of the last 20,000 years or more. One of her most intense experiences as an archaeologist occured when she visited Topaz, the Japanese Internment Camp where her family was held during World War II. The barbed wire, building foundations and lost or cast-away artifacts took on important meanings when painted with the stories Echo has gathered from her family members. She believes that when we know and understand our own cultural heritage, we are best suited to honor other cultures in the past, present and future. Echo has a BS from UC Berkeley in Conservation and Resource Studies with an emphasis in Cultural Geography and is currently pursuing an MA in Cultural Resource Management at Sonoma State University. Prior to becoming an archaeologist, Echo spent many years as a teacher and environmental educator in the Bay Area, the Santa Cruz mountains, and Yosemite. Echo enjoys exploring the world as a climber, backpacker, naturalist, cyclist, basketweaver, archaelogist, teacher, and wildland firefighter. She has travelled five of the world's seven continents, but always returns to experience and share in the natural and cultural heritage of her home state of California.

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“I believe strongly in making this community of women, and women of color, a sustainable one. These are the moments that will sustain us - these moments to get out, to grow, to breathe, to be, to connect.” – Han Pham, Women of Color backpack participant 2007

“I’m participating in this evening because I believe in the power of all people in making unique and personal connections with the outdoors.”- Nina Roberts, PhD, Panelist and author

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ABOUT THE BALANCED ROCK FOUNDATION:
Balanced Rock offers enriching programs for the mind, body and spirit. These journeys foster individual well being, support the health of our community and environment, and forge a deep connection to the natural world. Our aim is to do work that encourages people to "unplug" from the world of technology for a few moments or days while plugging back into the earth that sustains us. From here, we can remember how to sustain ourselves and the earth while seeking a balance in our daily lives.

The Balanced Rock Foundation’s Women of Color trip offers a bright opportunity for a number of individuals to step through a very special doorway and participate in an outdoor world of beauty and healing. Many of us may realize that our wild spaces belong to all Americans, but many Women of Color do not take advantage of these places. Who wants to trek to an alpine lake and feel that they don’t belong there?

The 2008 WOC Backpacking Trip will be a model for the future WOC programs through the Balanced Rock Foundation. This four four-day backpacking trip is scheduled for July 17th to 20th, 2008.
Visit http://www.balancedrockfoundation.org/ for more info or email Chelsea (at) bawt (dot) org.

For more information:
event invitation >> http://tinyurl.com/4evvtj
full speaker bios >> http://tinyurl.com/5y4pbz
URL>> http://balancedrockfoundation.blogspot.com/

Musings from Marcia

2008-03-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

I'm currently reading "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. As I read it I'm frequently reminded of my experiences with being in the back country. Being completely engulfed in nature is the perfect environment to practice being totally present. That's true for me whether it's while carrying a 50 lb. pack or a relaxing day hike. All the cares of the outside world no longer matter. It's where I am able to slow down and stop thinking......notice the intense beauty around and within me.

As Eckhart Tolle says, "Beauty, love, creativity, joy and inner peace come from beyond the mind." The relaxation I've experienced while on these trips, whether it's for a weekend or for 10 days, has allowed me to truly understand what he's saying here. And once I experienced it, I now simply want more of it!

"The practice, the sense of stillness and peace will deepen. There is no end to its depth." "In this state, you feel your own presence with such intensity and such joy that all thinking, all emotions, your physical body, as well as the whole external world become relatively insignificant in comparison to it."

Isn't this what we all want? A deep sense of inner peace? To experience our own "presence" with intense joy? That's why I'm eagerly awaiting this next season with attending the Balanced Rock trips. To help me continue to cultivate practices that foster being very present....not only when I'm in nature, but also when I'm focused on the rest of my very full life. Bring 'em on!

written by Marcia Hodges
Board Member, Balanced Rock

YOGA JAMBALAYA

2008-03-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

YOGA JAMBALAYA
Sunday April 6th, 2008

Join us for a delightful medley of yoga classes at the beautiful yoga studio and spa at the Yosemite Bug Hostel in Midpines, CA.

Balanced Rock Foundation and the Yosemite Bug Hostel will host this full day event.

Schedule:

8:00 am Registration for classes opens at spa front desk. If attending later classes, please arrive 15 minutes before class to insure a spot.

9:00-10:15 Invigorating Vinyasa with Schuyler Greenleaf (sun salutations, flow, enlivening music)

10:45-12:00 Backbending Anna Landauer (based on Anusara style)

12:00-1:30 lunch break

1:30-2:45 Intro To Yoga with Iyengar base….Marya Carr (focusing on proper alignment)

3:00-4:30 Restorative Yoga with Heather Sullivan (focusing on deep relaxing and restoration)

5:00-5:45 Abhyanga with Jon-Paul (Ayervedic practice of self-oil massage.)

6:00-7:30 Jon-Paul’s weekly Sunday night yoga class

Pick and choose the classes you would like to attend and complement the teachings with use of the spa facilities, staff of body-workers, and meals.

Yoga students may sit in on classes if not practicing to take notes and learn. $10 fee applies

Cost: $10/class $10 for use of spa Delicious bistro meals not included in cost.

Yoga class proceeds support Balanced Rock scholarship fund.

Please bring: yoga mat, 2 blankets, (blocks, bolsters, and belts if you have them), journal, water bottle, swimsuit if using spa.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before class to insure a spot. Space is limited.

Contact: Heather Sullivan heather@balancedrockfoundation.org 209.379.9453
www.balancedrockfoundation.org
www.yosemitebug.com 209.966.6666

THE YOGA OF WORK

2008-03-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to share some words that I wrote in my journal as I was contemplating becoming involved in Balanced Rock. I was inspired by an article in Yoga + Joyful Living written by Eknath Easwaran.

THE YOGA OF WORK
As I enter into my "work" with Balanced Rock, the message of the Bhagavad Gita is important and was the driving force for Gandhi who mastered the art of joyful work. The Gita is a call to action on the battlefield of life...the human heart as told to Arguna by Krishna. There are many opportunities for selfless service where we can offer our time, energy, skills and enthusiasm to a cause bigger than ourselves. Life is for giving....a trust and I am a trustee whose job is to use the assets entrusted to me for the greatest benefit of all. All work develops in phases. Not being anxious about the results means that when fortune smiles on you, when success comes, you don't get excited; you just say thank you. Yoga is "even-ness of mind". In practice, we have to admit that even with selfless work, we have some private motive. But if we practice meditation and spiritual disciplines, our private, selfish motives become less and less. We are where we are, doing what we are doing, because we have something to learn from that particular context. What and who I am--what I have thought, done, and desired--has brought me to this job and co-workers, and that makes it just the situation I need to grow. Don't ask if you like the work, if it's creative, if it always offers something new....ask if you are part of work that benefits people. This becomes worship. ALL LIFE IS YOGA.

written by Sharon Bluhm, Balanced Rock Board Member

March and April Yosemite Yoga Class Schedule

2008-03-05T17:54:00.001-08:00

Yoga Class Schedule

sponsored by Balanced Rock Foundation

Monday evenings
5:45pm -7:00 pm
El Portal School Multi-purpose Room
(Please arrive 5 minutes early)

March

3 Anna Landauer
10 Schuyler Greenleaf
17 Jen Meno
24 Heather Sullivan
31 Eliza Kerr

April

7 Anna Landauer
14 Jen Meno
21 Heather Sullivan
28 Eliza Kerr

Please bring yoga mat, water, blankets, belt or strap and warm clothes
Donations benefit community programming

Monday Night Yoga Classes in El Portal

2008-02-13T23:16:00.000-08:00

February Yoga Class Schedule

Day & Time: Monday evenings: 5:45pm-7:00pm
Location: El Portal Elementary School Multi-purpose Room

February 4 Instructor: Schuyler Greenleaf

February 11 Instructor: Heather Sullivan

February 18 Instructor: Eliza Kerr

February 25 Instructor: Heather Sullivan

Please bring: yoga mat, blankets, belt, block, water bottle, comfortable clothing

Donations support Community Events sponsored by Balanced Rock.

When asked what gift he wanted for his birthday, the yogi replied:
I wish no gifts, only presence.

Yoga Class sponsored by Balanced Rock.

2008-02-13T23:06:00.000-08:00

Yoga Class to sponsor Mountain Crisis Center at the Yosemite Bug Hostel.

Balanced Rock will host a yoga class at the Yosemite Bug Hostel in Midpines.

Date: Saturday February 16, 2008.

Time: 3:00-4:30pm.

Location: Yosemite Bug Hostel Midpines, CA (209) 966.6666 Class will be in the yoga room of the new spa.

Instructor: Heather Sullivan, Executive Director of Balanced Rock

Cost: Donation. All proceeds benefit the Mountain Crisis Center

This will be an incredible day. Enjoy a yoga class, the new spa facilities at the Bug hostel, a fine meal, and the Vagina Monologues performed by local community members. The event will be followed by a chocolate reception.

Please contact Balanced Rock with questions about the yoga class.

To reserve a ticket for the performance or lodging at the Yosemite Bug Hostel, contact the Bug directly: 209.966.6666

See you Saturday!!

Musings on Balance

2008-01-04T18:28:00.000-08:00

I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand; instead of a million, count a half dozen, and keep your accounts to a thumbnail...simplify, simplify, simplify.
Thoureau

From the Art of Pilgrimage:

The five excellent practices of pilgrimage:
1. Practice the arts of attention and listening.
2. Renew yourself everyday.
3. Practice meandering to the center of every place.
4. Practice the ritual of reading sacred texts.
5. Practice gratitude and praise singing.

Reflect on this: What is enough?

Welcome to Balanced Rock!

2008-01-02T23:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! This is an exciting time for us here at Balanced Rock. We are just launching our website and have an exciting calendar of trips, treks and community events outlined.

Most of my new year's resolutions involve seeking balance. They include: driving less, trying not to fly in airplanes, sleeping outside more often, taking computer free days, and learning how to grow my own food.

Please write in with some ways to lead a balanced life.

We hope to see you on a trip or course this year.

Heather Sullivan
Executive Director