Insight Adventures

A beautiful experience…

On Saturday, September 19^th, a group of 10 brave souls embarked on a journey to Summit Half Dome. At 11pm, we began our hike, traveling through the night, working together as a team to support each other through various challenges that came up along the way. Our group was comprised of a diverse group of different ages, athletic abilities and backgrounds. However, we did share one common desire: To use this experience to move to greater joy and freedom in our lives.

During the hike up, each of us carried rocks that symbolized current life challenges, regrets and worn out stories that no longer served us. (Some rocks were bigger than others.) Through the night, the group experienced a wide variety of emotions. Several people had serious doubts about reaching the summit. At 6am we reached the infamous “cables” section of the climb. Dawn was approaching; the rock face was cold and the air crisp. For many people, this moment was the “crux” of the entire experience.

Using the climb as a (very strong) metaphor for overcoming fear, we slowly moved up the cables as a group, one step at a time. Just before the sun peaked over the granite mountains in the distance, the entire group made it to the top! We celebrated our accomplishment and basked in the warm glow of the sun as it lit up the valley. At the summit, we took in the majestic views and reveled in the silence. With the exception of one other small group, we had the entire summit to ourselves!

(A rare experience in Yosemite)

Gathering together in a circle on the far edge of the dome, we indulged in a peaceful and reflective meditation. With Half Dome under our belts, we looked at our lives from a new perspective. Silently, one by one, the members left the group to find a private space to release their rocks from their bags and set free the meanings attached to them. Ahh..

Back down the cables, the group members were set free to go at their own pace, connect with themselves and plan their next moves in life.

I am so proud of everyone who participated in the Pilgrimage! It was truly a magical and heart opening experience.

-With love & service,    Jesse

“I heartily recommend this fabulous trip to others! Jesse has an amazing gift to bring forward in others that which they didn’t know was there. His encouragement along the trail assisted me in connecting to my inner strength at a very deep level. He facilitated our group in supporting each other and ourselves. I have been longing for an opportunity to experience Spirit in nature, and to share it with others. It felt like coming home!” - Carol

“Before I hiked Half Dome I thought of myself as an out of shape man afraid of adventure. Through Jesse’s coaching, his wisdom and his humor, I was able to shed that belief and climb mountains. The confidence I gained from our journey will be with me always. I saw the sun rise from the top of Half Dome, I gave it to myself with Jesse’s help, and no one can take that away from me.” -Brendan