Majestic Zion

The sun has just begun to set across the open canyons of Zion National Park. Fading sunlight bounces off the sandstone walls traveling from the mountain peak of Angels Landing and reflecting down to the Virgin River in the canyon below. The flowing water splashes playfully along the basin floor, gliding over smooth stones and vegetation. Its gentle bubbling sounds almost like music. In the sky above, native wrens and ravens chirp happily as they surf the air currents, swooping down occasionally to chase one another or to snatch up a tasty-looking insect. Further in the distance, a pair of condors scan the rocky cliffside in slow purposeful circles searching for their next meal. Everything is in its place here, flowing as one collective ecosystem in perfect balance, the ideal setting for relaxing and letting go. So as we settle in for the evening, let's deepen our state of relaxation with a short wind-down exercise. Tonight's exercise is a really simple breathing exercise. So when you're ready, let's begin. So first, get yourself comfortable. Now just bringing the attention to the breath. Just noticing where you feel it, in the nose, the throat, the chest, the diaphragm. You're nice and relaxed. We're going to be taking a deep breath in for four, holding it for four, and then breathing out for six. So are you ready? Let's begin. In for four, two, three, four. Hold it for four, two, three, four. Now breathing out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. Great. Now returning the breath to normal. (no audio) For ages, only sunlight could reach the top of the cliff known as Angels Landing. That changed in 1926 when Zion's first superintendent devised a plan to make the heavenly roost accessible to all. Through a feat of engineering, a series of switchbacks was carved directly into the cliff side, allowing visitors to make their way on foot, no wings required. Angels Landing stands apart from the mammoth landmarks, rising toward the clouds like the fin of a dolphin breaking through the water's surface. Pinyon pines crown the rocky summit, finding solitude within the sky. Their orange and red-scaled bark mirrors the flat stone slabs that serve as a natural path to the lookout area. From this vantage point, sunlight feels almost palpable with the sandstone gathering warmth underfoot. Angels Landing offers a shift in perspective as you meet the great white throne and its snowy hat, almost at eye level, or gaze into the distance to see the luminous mountain of the sun. Tiny chipmunks start up to the landing with ease, looking to find a lucky crumb or...