My Narrow Ridge - Ari

     

Well, I guess I can start by saying that when the plane was heading to Tennessee I had at least four recognizable emotions in my stomach: excitement, anxiousness, nervousness, and fear. I had no idea who Bill and Mitzi were or where exactly I was going and what exactly was I pulling myself into. "Are they nice folks? Will I make a good impression? Will the people who I am traveling with like me?" At least a hundred of these questions boggled my mind in that two hour flight to Knoxville. Little did I know that this experience would become one of the most beautiful moments of my life. 

We hiked. We laughed. I fell. We ate. We shared. We gardened. We talked. We walked. We hardly slept because of our dreams, worries, futures, life, and laughs and that was just day two. I met my musical soul mates at Narrow Ridge and my Earth-siblings as well. I never thought I would get so close to people I've just met - it felt like I knew them my whole life instead of a few days.  

As I began to explore the land, I found my sanctuary place at Narrow Ridge. It was a place of meditation, relaxation, and exploration. I believe that that is one of the best things that Narrow Ridge enables you to do - being able to explore and feel this sense of calmness and security and of being "home" all at the same time. I found myself there and realized many things about myself. It's also just fine to hear the wind - I liked that the most when I was in my sanctuary place. Slowly, the Earth started to show herself to me with Bill and Mitzi as the tour guides. Bill is this wise grandpa who you don't want to stop talking - ever. Mitzi is this great woman with the voice of an angel - literally, you have to hear her sing.  Her rawness draws you to her; she brings light into a room. I am very grateful in getting to know them and introducing me to the great people who reside at Narrow Ridge. They opened up the biophilic persona who was hiding in me. With their great hospitality and opened hearts and minds, I grew to love them, respect them, and consider them a great influence as well. 

The ultimate best moment of the trip was when we took a night hike. I was nervous and had a little sense of fear. I am not afraid of the dark, I am just worried about the unknown that resides in the dark. When we finally laid down on a tarp in this field and looked up, the sky started to manifest herself slowly with each passing hour. I saw the Big Dipper and Leo. I saw a shooting star - it was beautiful. I wish I had more to words to describe it but I can't. There are some things in life that have to experienced and never spoken of - this was one of those times. For the first time in my life I felt so small under that big dome full of stars; I wish I could see that night sky everyday. 

Narrow Ridge taught me not only how to look at the Earth differently and the environmental issues that my generation is facing today, but also about community and strength. It taught me that you are never  really alone in this adventure called life. If you are willing to put your hand out, there will be a hand to receive it. I know that I will do something bigger than myself in this lifetime and I will have people who I can rely on and pick me up when I'm falling - my Earth siblings. I will never forget Narrow Ridge or Bill and Mitzi. It's one of those things in life you can't forget and won't forget. I will be back one day so I can share also my Narrow Ridge with those who will start their journey, just like I did.

Thank you Bill Nickel, Mitzi Woods, Brad Stocker, Chris Migliaccio, and others you made my trip possible and awesome since day one. With much love, be well - A

Narrow Ridge by Jesus Saenz

 
 
Narrow Ridge was more than an experience for me. This place became a large part of my life and what I stand for. The week that I spent became a full month. The connections I made were at first unbelievable, and sometimes everything felt like a dream that I was really living. Strangers became friends, and friends became siblings. I love that place in the mountains of Narrow Ridge.

The experience started off like any usual experience starts off. I was quiet and careful. I didn't know anyone and I sure didn't want to cause any attention to myself for reasons that are meaningless to me now. To think of it, I don't even remember what the feelings were that buzzed in my head. I did made contact with Luis, I felt something about him that drew me in. He was meditating when I first arrived at the airport before departure, and I thought I should give this a go and sit next to him (I was going to be stuck with him for a full week, so I had to start talking to someone).

The kick off to a week of remembrance began right on the plane, I think. I sat next to Britney and Layz, two people that would become close through natural happenings. We spoke a bit and shared some interests, but no real connection was happening yet. The magic was awaiting all of us at Narrow Ridge. Magic that would leave me in a place where I would stare directly at myself for the first time in many years past.

From within I came out and saw the external world for what it really is. The Earth became mother, father, and child to me. The dominating view ceased to exist. I felt the pain, I felt the love, I felt the care, and I felt the power within. I was plugged in perfectly with the natural world. I left the matrix and I was in reality, for the very first time. I would read about this in books, I would try to connect but it would never work. I discarded the idea as something mystical and false. I was wrong in the falsehood of the idea, it is real and I did connect. My feet were on the ground and I was living it all.

It is sad now that I'm back in the matrix, but I know now what's real. I don't ever want to forget, I don't think I ever will. I want to make a change; I want to contribute in some way. Narrow Ridge was not just a place of healing and learning, it also became a home. I will return, and when I do I will have stories about my journey through the concrete jungle. I know now I am not alone, I have real friends, Earth Siblings that will help me through my struggles the same way that I will help them through their struggles. Earth is my home, Narrow Ridge is my home, I want to protect it, and I want to share it. Thank you Narrow Ridge, Bill, Mitzi, Brad, and everyone for this magical life changing experience that will stay with me forever.