one wind to the sky
“We must relearn how to listen to the earth, to the water, to the animals. We must learn to be still, to be quiet, to hear the silence around us.”
— John (Fire) Lame Deer, Lakota Elder
although 2 or 3 or so
that which is merged
is undivided
unspoken
perfect
communicative
sweet grace of heart pulling pure
magnified
It is one wind to the sky
Dear friends,
I’ve been thinking a lot about integration—about being rooted where we are.
This summer (and last), my partner Cris and I packed our heavy backpacks and wandered into the forests and mountains of Montana. We try to go where no one else is, but somehow it feels like we’ve been found there too—by the quiet, by the mountains, and by others drawn to the wild.
I relish the silence. The mountains magnetize me. In the high canyons of the Rockies, the winds funnel and swirl with what’s called the Venturi effect. It’s powerful—a grand force. The smell of the air and the sound of it all is primordial and raw.
We hike to a place and stay, sometimes for days, doing nothing, simply enjoying and resting. And while we’re out there, I’m also filming yoga practices for my book. It’s work, yes, and it doesn’t feel like work. My intention is to share what I’ve learned from yoga and nature—understanding ourselves as inseparable from the natural world. In that way, even the filming feels effortless, part of the same current as the mountains, the water, the wind.
All of it brings me back to this word: integration. To be “found” is also to be found within. Integration means deepening into place—your community, the people you love, the animals, rivers, and forests around you, and the energy that holds it all together.
My root meditation teacher once told me: stay where you are, Missoula is lovely. At the time, I felt a pull to leave—and I did. Eventually, I returned. She reminded me that while living close to nature can feel easier, people are nature too. Whether we’re in the quiescence of solitude or the fullness of company, it’s all a variation of the same truth.
——————————————————————————————
Activism as Connection
Especially here in Missoula, I’ve been noticing something simple and powerful: people are stopping. They’re pausing. They’re creating space. They’re giving themselves time to connect. People want to feel, to be listened to, to meet each other, to hold each other, to have conversations and care. This is what’s needed. And this is what’s here. It is our greatest natural resource for vital change.
In the utter heartbreak of these times—politics, wars, the struggles of real humanity—this slowing down and showing up for each other feels like activism at the root source. A collaboration. A grassroots network of love and care. Quiet and powerful, a force of reckoning — a reckoning with who we are, and what we choose to carry forward.
“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else.”
— Georgia O’Keeffe
Her paintings ask us to pause and soften our gaze, to enter the infinite through the smallest detail. In yoga, meditation, walking in nature, dancing, or listening to music, we practice the same turning—toward the breath, the body, and this moment.
Voices of Wisdom
Art is a harmony parallel with nature. — Paul Cézanne
Rest in the natural state—your inherent knowing, clear, aware, vast, already complete. Rest there without needing to fix or change. Trust it completely. Return again and again. Freedom is here, now. (Dzogchen)
Yoga is skill in action. — Bhagavad Gita
Attention is the beginning of devotion. — Mary Oliver
Nature is not a place to visit. It is home. — Gary Snyder
Practical Reminders
Enjoy—even in the midst of the hard.
Rest deeply within all you feel.
Say hello to yourself and to others.
Remember: our greatest resource is love,
the most natural gift we can offer.
UPCOMING WORKSHOP
Friday, October 17th, 6:30–8:00 pm
🌿 FREE Integrative Event: Restorative Yoga & Reiki
at Hot House Yoga
with Cheyenne Rivers, Neil Chaput,
and Elaina Lamphere
Join us for a 1.5-hour integrative evening exploring the healing connections between yoga and Reiki. The evening will open with an introduction to Reiki from Neil, along with reflections on how Reiki and yoga come together to support the body and mind in returning to their natural state of ease. From there, Cheyenne, Neil, and Elaina will guide you through a restorative yoga class enriched by hands-on Reiki, offering space for deep rest, renewal, and connection.
As a next step if you feel called, the weekend of November 8th a Reiki One Training will be offered with Inner Peace Reiki for those who wish to begin their Reiki journey.
For those considering the Playa Viva retreat, Reiki will also be available as a supportive option during the retreat experience—come explore it here first, and consider joining us at Playa Viva for a deeper journey.
Playa Viva Yoga Retreat – Feb. 21–28, 2026
Join me and Jenn Hoover for a week in Mexico we’re so excited to share! Imagine luxury open-air treehouses, sunrises over the ocean, and days immersed in yoga, breath, nature, and deep restoration. Playa Viva is one of the world’s top eco-resorts—and its founder even has a Missoula connection, which makes this feel extra special. Come join us!
Registration closes Nov. 1st.
LEARN MORE HERE.
MUSINGS
Reading
Songs of Spiritual Experience: (Tibetan Buddhist poems)
Exploring connections through the Tiferet Journal
Creating
My book and poetry—stay tuned!
I’ve started a yoga library with some resources to explore (and yes, I should probably add more).
Local Offerings
Weekly yoga classes—join me.
Creative Happenings this Fall — gatherings of art, poetry, music, movement, nature, and conversation. Inspired by Gertrude Stein’s salons and Mary Oliver’s call to pay attention. Stay tuned.
A MANTRA OF LOVE
oṃ maṇipadme hūṃ
OM to the perfection of generosity
MA to the perfection of discipline
NI to the perfection of patience
PE to the perfection of perseverance
ME to the perfection of meditation
HUNG to the perfection of wisdom
MY FAVORITE RENDITION IS HERE.
COMMUNITY
Thanks for joining this 56-strong Squarespace and 32-strong Substack writing!
My heart intention is simply to give something and create, to keep connected with you—and if you feel moved, any donations are welcome—they help me stroll down to the local café more than I already do for an avocado mousse or almond croissant. :)
Venmo: Cheyennerivers-1 or paypal to cheyennerivers@gmail.com
Peace out. Here’s to the optimistic view.
LOVE, Chey and Luna (the cat who is loved and enjoyed by all)
