Testimonials for Zenyu Meditations & Hikes
“I currently live with a chronic debilitating illness. As a result of this, I am frequently home-bound and limited in my activities and physical abilities. This further increases isolation, loneliness, depression, and the daily struggles of living with a painful illness. While I have been medically advised to increase my level of physical activity, it has been challenging to do. I finally started hiking for the first time under the thoughtful planning and organization of a group hike led by Zenyu. Every detail was carefully communicated to all 14 LGBTQ participants – what to wear, eat, bring, and expect. The hike was a joyous experience of being in nature with lots of people who were new to this activity or had less experience with it, and there was a great deal of support provided to each person by the organizers. We successfully completed a 7.4 mile hike to Annette Lake while soaking up sunshine, waterfalls, and the beautiful greenery all around us. An entire community of people awaits this hiking trip becoming a monthly adventure, sanctuary, and a space to deepen our connections.
I have also been attending the sound meditation and healing sessions led by Christine for several months now. Each session has had a profound impact – on me individually and as part of the group who is present for that session. My spiritual health has been nourished and strengthened by the bonds of community and by a powerfully gifted spirit guide. Whether I can attend the sound meditation or not, I feel a greater sense of peace and comfort in knowing that this space exists and is accessible.”
-Nitika, queer South Asian woman and spiritual seeker
I have also been attending the sound meditation and healing sessions led by Christine for several months now. Each session has had a profound impact – on me individually and as part of the group who is present for that session. My spiritual health has been nourished and strengthened by the bonds of community and by a powerfully gifted spirit guide. Whether I can attend the sound meditation or not, I feel a greater sense of peace and comfort in knowing that this space exists and is accessible.”
-Nitika, queer South Asian woman and spiritual seeker
“Hiking and meditating with other POCs has been tremendously empowering for my relationship to my own body, to exercise, and to building vibrant community among marginalized peoples. In the daily grind of work and home, these monthly meditation and hiking experiences have given me a safe and loving home for building healthier habits and better relationships.
The opportunities that POC hiking and meditation provide is personal as well as professional. I work with low-income students of color in two Seattle Public elementary schools, where I teach nutrition and cooking. It is important for me, as a role model for healthy habits, to be connected to the practices that I try to instill in my students, and I rely on these monthly groups to keep me invested in my commitments.”
-Bean, queer youthworker
The opportunities that POC hiking and meditation provide is personal as well as professional. I work with low-income students of color in two Seattle Public elementary schools, where I teach nutrition and cooking. It is important for me, as a role model for healthy habits, to be connected to the practices that I try to instill in my students, and I rely on these monthly groups to keep me invested in my commitments.”
-Bean, queer youthworker
“I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed today’s session. I’ve only tried meditating a few times, attending a few guided workshops and could never get into it. This was the first time that I participated in a guided healing and meditation that I actually thought was helpful. So again, thank you!”
-Grace Kong, Khmer In Action
-Grace Kong, Khmer In Action
“Zenyu’s leadership and community contributions are genuine actions to improve mental and emotional and physical well-being. Personally, to know that there are spaces for Queer People of Color where I will be fully accepted and supported has been invaluable to my life. These spaces are far and few between. Moreover, the organizing and leadership of Zenyu has generated access for people like me, who are car-less, to go hiking in the mountains and go on spiritual rejuvenation camping trips. These activities not only get me out and about, increase my physical activity. While hiking, I am enjoying the outdoors, the beauty of nature, and engaging in uplifting conversations. Hiking connects me with people who are becoming a social support network to increase my individual emotional and mental resilience.”
-Chilan
-Chilan
