The Balanced Rock Journal

The Balanced Rock Journal is where we share thoughts and wisdom shaped by the wilderness, seasonal thresholds, and the lived experiences of our community.

A living archive of reflections, seasonal wisdom, and storytelling, within these pages we hope you’ll find words that inspire, offer insight, and spark creativity.

Inside the Balanced Rock Journal, you’ll find:

Seasonal reflections inspired by solstices, equinoxes, and Nature’s rhythms
Practices & contemplations rooted in yoga, mindfulness, spiritual ecology, and embodied awareness
Stories from the field—reflections and shared experiences from retreats, trails, and moments of transformation
Community voices from teachers, guides, community members, and participants walking this path with us
Land-based wisdom honoring Yosemite and the places that shape our work

This journal is here for you. New entries arrive with the seasons, as inspiration strikes, or with the unfolding work of our community. Each entry is an offering: something to sit with, return to, or carry with you into your own life.

Meaghan Olsen 11/13/25 Meaghan Olsen 11/13/25

Creativity in Community: A Recap of Our First Art, Nature, & Wellness Workshop

Insight & photos from our first free community workshop at Midpines Park & Hall, made possible by Arts in California Parks!

Meaghan Olsen 4/25/25 Meaghan Olsen 4/25/25

Help Shape a New Arts & Wellness Program in Our Community

We’re seeking input on a developing community arts and wellness program! Learn more and share your insights.

Meaghan Olsen 3/18/25 Meaghan Olsen 3/18/25

Spring Awakening: Ayurvedic Practices for the Seasonal Transition

We’re celebrating the coming of Spring and the Vernal Equinox with a special guest blog from Julia Clarke!

Meaghan Olsen 1/16/25 Meaghan Olsen 1/16/25

Finding Your Still Point: How Nature Can Help You Ground and Center

In the first blog entry of 2025, our Program Support Coordinator and Outreach Associate, Brieann Powell, reflects on how Nature can help us ground and center.

Meaghan Olsen 10/22/24 Meaghan Olsen 10/22/24

Water as Teacher

Welcoming guest blog writer Erica Hartnick and her inspirational & educational words on the wisdom of water.

Meaghan Olsen 9/11/24 Meaghan Olsen 9/11/24

Ephemeral Beings

Balancing rocks and the ephemeral, a piece by Sean Michael Kriletich.

Meaghan Olsen 8/8/24 Meaghan Olsen 8/8/24

Meet Nat Kendall: A Special Mini-Interview

Get to know Nat Kendall in this mini-interview & learn about our WildYoga immersive retreat in Yosemite this September.

Meaghan Olsen 8/5/24 Meaghan Olsen 8/5/24

A Heart in Two Places: Finding Your Anchor

The 4th entry of our 2024 “Staff Series” features reflections on how we can anchor into gratitude when our heart is in two places, written by Balanced Rock’s Remote Operations Support Heather Bromberg.

Meaghan Olsen 7/25/24 Meaghan Olsen 7/25/24

The Art & Practice of Adaptation

The third entry of our 2024 “Staff Series” features reflections on how we can adapt to climate change through the powerful practices of Yoga & Ayurveda, written by Balanced Rock’s WildYoga Program Manager Paula Wild.

Meaghan Olsen 7/17/24 Meaghan Olsen 7/17/24

High Country Inspiration

The second entry of our 2024 “Staff Series” features reflections on the magic and inspiration of the high country plus shared resources for reflective journaling & mindfulness, written by Balanced Rock’s Executive Director & Co-founder Heather Sullivan.

Meaghan Olsen 7/10/24 Meaghan Olsen 7/10/24

Hard Things

The first entry of our 2024 “Staff Series” features reflections on living through wildfire season, resiliency, and the power of breath work by Balanced Rock’s Program Support Coordinator Brieann.

Meaghan Olsen 5/16/24 Meaghan Olsen 5/16/24

Embodying the 5-Elements

Dive into reflections & insights on the March WildYoga Immersive Retreat: Yoga & The 5-Elements!

Meaghan Olsen 4/16/24 Meaghan Olsen 4/16/24

Honoring Eliza Kerr: Board Member Emeritus

Honoring Eliza Kerr in her ascension to Board Member Emeritus and for her illustrious service in service of Balanced Rock Foundation and the community!

Meaghan Olsen 4/15/24 Meaghan Olsen 4/15/24

Meet Jana Kilgore: A Special Mini-Interview

Meet Jana Kilgore in this mini-interview & learn about our Yoga & Ayurveda Immersive Training Retreat this June in Yosemite!

Meaghan Olsen 3/18/24 Meaghan Olsen 3/18/24

A Perspective on Ayurveda in Spring & the Root Causes of Disease

Insights & the perfect Springtime recipe from Blue Oak Ayurveda’s Ruth Smiley!

Meaghan Olsen 1/2/24 Meaghan Olsen 1/2/24

Using Ayurveda & Yoga to Detox After The Holidays

A little guide on how to support yourself through detoxing the physical + emotional + spiritual body from the hustle and bustle of the wintery celebrations, by Ruby Moy!