INSPIRATION

How to Find

By Judi Moreo M ost of us would admit to finding a sunset somewhat moving and possibly inspirational. Few of us can walk past a beautiful red and purple sky without stopping to take a look and probably upload a picture to Instagram. The same can be said of star-filled skies and crashing waves.

But what is it about nature that we find so beautiful and so inspirational? Why are poets, artists, and musicians drawn to these scenes? And how can you use this to encourage more creativity in your own life?

WHY WE FIND NATURE BEAUTIFUL It’s a mistake to say that we find nature beautiful, in particular. In fact, we can just as easily experience a sense of awe looking at man-made things. Try climbing to the top of a high building and looking out over the skyline of a city and see how you feel. Likewise, many of us would express a sense of awe looking at the pyramids.

We feel awe, reverence, and wonder when we see things that we find hard to fathom and that we can’t quite take in all at once. Things incredibly intricate, incredibly beautiful, or incredibly vast all create a sense of being small in a universe full of incredible possibilities. Research shows that this is a universal feeling, even shared by some animals and that it appears to be beneficial for any species as a whole as it encourages altruism and community. Researchers often call these moments ‘peak experiences.”

WHERE THE INSPIRATION COMES IN The key thing to recognize is peak experiences involve novelty and scale. They light up lots of areas of our brain as we struggle to comprehend the entirety of what we’re seeing. This lighting up of the brain results in lots of memories, ideas, and thoughts flowing all at once and this is often said to be the perfect condition for ideas to emerge.

At the same time, beautiful scenes and majestic sights trigger the release of neurotransmitters that make us feel relaxed and exhilarated at the same time. Again, this puts us in a state that is conducive to creative thought and mental experimentation.

HOW TO HARNESS PEAK EXPERIENCES So, how do you harness these peak experiences to trigger more innovation and creativity in your life? One way to do this is to subject yourself to more beauty. Go on walks, travel the world, even spend some time on Google images! Another is to try and appreciate the majesty in even your smallest moments. When you see a flower bloom for the first time, or when you see a swarm of bees, stop to think of all that it represents and of the intricate beauty therein. The greatest poets are those who can see inspiration in all they survey. V

Judi Moreo is the Ultimate Achievement Coach. She is also the author of 14 books including two international bestsellers, You Are More Than Enough and Ignite the Spark. For information on Judi’s coaching programs, call (702) 283-4567.

Experience Awaits Experience

Awaits

By Denise Houston | Photo Credits: Denise Houston

Tucked away in a very special place between The Grand Canyon National Monument and The Gold Butte National Monument, sits Aravada Springs Ranch and Campground. This is not any ordinary spot on the map. Surrounded by beautiful landscape with remarkable colors, this oasis in the desert offers amazing sunsets to close out every day of your adventure.

There is plenty of fresh spring water to drink and a pond to slide into on a massive water slide. Go for a swim! If you catch the season just right, you can pick blackberries as you relax in the waters.

Spend an afternoon reading a book under the large shade trees. The orchard, depending on time of year, is graced with peaches, pears, and a variety of apples. You may even catch a glimpse of deer passing through. Giggle at the goats as they bounce There

Giggle at the goats as they bounce around their playground and sit in awe of the beauty of the peacocks. You may recognize the team of Haflinger horses, as they pull wagons in the local parades. Get your dose of cuteness overload, when brushing the miniature horses, Waylon and Willie. Hay rides may be requested by groups during crisp fall afternoons.

Enjoy exploring endless ATV trails or hiking the Whitney Pockets area. The surrounding areas are known for viewing petroglyphs, ice caves, and the fiery landscapes of Little Finland are a must see. ATV's are available for rent. Return to the lodge for some family time - board games, card games, a game of pool or ping pong are a few options. Or take it back outside for sand volleyball, badminton or star gazing on the lifted deck. A million stars glitter in the night sky with zero city light distractions. A high powered telescope is available for all to see what lies beyond our natural sight. Finish the day with an outdoor movie on the large screen above the amphitheater. And don't forget S'mores over an open fire pit!

Roughing it is easy with the "Glamping" amenities! When you are ready to wind down, cook a meal in the large industrial kitchen, take a warm shower, and climb into your soft king size bed. Enjoy your tablet for a bedtime story, with free WIFI, and electricity.

If you prefer, bring your own tent or RV. There's plenty of room for groups of all sizes. Visit the ranch for family reunions, weddings, work retreats, ATV groups, youth camps, or just some solo time for yourself. Personalized events are welcome and the ranch hosts are great at accommodating your wishes.

Aravada offers therapy for the body and soul. People of all ages enjoy being at the ranch. Senior, Military and First Responder discounts available.

Temperatures are generally 10-20 degrees cooler than Mesquite. So take the drive, about 35 miles, south of Mesquite, NV. You won't regret the beauty you will see and the tranquility you will feel.

Come recharge your spirit! Don't just take our word for it, come check it out for yourself. V

Reservations can be made at Aravada.com

SEE WHO YOU CAN BE

AT THE SPORTS PERFORMANCE CENTER

By Miri Reber, BS Exercise Science S outhern Utah has always been a hub for outdoor recreation. The dramatic red cliffs, nearby crags, vast network of trails for running and biking, and events including the St George Marathon and Ironman offer limitless potential for adventure to locals and visitors alike. A popular training destination for both amateur and veteran outdoor enthusiasts to improve in their respective activity is the focus of Intermountain’s Sports Performance program in St. George.

With scientifically backed protocols, Intermountain Sports Performance builds the foundation that any athlete needs; whether they climb, run, bike, swim, or compete in team sports. These include a powerful lower body for dynamic movement, strength and core stability, kinesthetic awareness, and improved energy systems.

One of our fundamentals is plyometric training. Plyometric training refers to any exercise where the muscle is stretched, and then rapidly contracted. This can range from something as small as a shift in direction, to a dynamic burst up a climbing wall. St. George Sports Performance facilities house specially made plyometric floors and presses, designed to allow athletes to safely learn proper form and technique while increasing their explosive power. Plyometric training also improves dynamic movement by increasing your ability to control the body's center of mass. When climbing, it is important to control where your weight is being distributed in order to properly utilize various holds and techniques. And mountain biking postural control is needed to maintain balance. Our plyometric drills serve to improve core stability and kinesthetic awareness, or a sense of where the body is in relation to the environment, by forcing the athlete to quickly move and change direction through many different planes.

The other staple to our program is high-speed treadmills. Racing upwards of 25 mph with an adjustable incline up to 40% grade, are used to teach proper running form, increase economy, improve overall conditioning, and build explosive power alongside our plyometrics.

While power is important for all athletes, it’s equally important to have the strength to back it. Intermountain Sports Performance offers tailored strength protocols to fit your goals and needs. To serve our climbing community and others who need a strong upper body and forearms, we have Olympic weight racks, stacks of free weights, and the unique Pro

Another key tool is our Pro Multi-Hip machine. Hip strength and pelvic stability are key in most, if not all, sports. When climbing, the legs are needed to create leverage in many different planes of movement. Runners need strong hip muscles not only for speed, but to maintain proper mechanics over long distances. The Multi-Hip also contributes to core stability, and postural control by strengthening the abdominals and back as well.

For those whose interests lie in distance running, Intermountain Sports Performance has recently introduced our Running Performance program. Running Performance offers strength and plyometric training specific to distance running, as well as a pre and post gait analysis, and three consultations with a physical therapist who specializes in running injury and prevention. Or, if you’re one who goes the distance, but isn’t as worried about speed as you hike through red cliffs and navigate canyons, Running Performance and any of our other training protocols will build the stamina and strength you need to go further without fear of injury.

All of these resources, plyometric training, strength, and endurance protocols combine to create a strong athletic foundation by increasing the body's capacity to utilize energy. St George Sports Performance protocols are specifically designed to improve the performance of the body’s three main energy systems; phosphocreatine for those dynamic bursts over the crux of a climb, improved glycolytic system and lactate threshold to decrease fatigue and pump out, as well as aerobic capacity for endurance events; all important for our marathoners, Ironman, cyclists, hikers, climbers, or recreational athletes.

Southern Utah is truly every outdoor adventurer’s dream come true. Nearby state and national parks offer vast networks of trails where you can pound out the miles through the gorgeous scenery. Unparalleled access to climbing and world class bouldering. Events ranging from the Mayors Walk to the Red Bull Rampage. At the center of it all, is Intermountain Sports Performance to help you maximize your experience out there. V

St. George Sports performance now has two locations to better serve the community:

NETS ON FIRE 1871 W Canyon View Dr, St. George, UT 84770 (435)-251-2299

IHC HUMAN PERFORMANCE CENTER 652 S Medical Center Dr #310, St. George, UT 84790 (435) 251-2256

In Cedar City, Scen ic Won der

Takes Center Stage

By Kaylee Pickering B etween the perfect photo and the stories you can’t wait to share with friends, these are truly the moments that take your breath away. Between the indescribable view, the landmark that connects you to the past, and the moment the curtain rises; these moments make a destination worth it.

With both Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park a little over an hour away, Cedar City is center stage to scenic wonder. Stunning red rock formations almost everywhere you look, panels of petroglyphs etched carefully into jutting walls of Navajo sandstone, and unparalleled night sky views are only the cherry on top.

For those perfect photos, those breathtaking views, and those unforgettable moments, there are a few places you won’t want to miss.

Brian Head Peak | Scenic Byway 143 After taking in the sites at Cedar Breaks National Monument there is a view that is unrivaled by any of the others surrounding it, and it’s one that often gets missed. Between Cedar Breaks and the resort town of Brian Head, stands Brian Head Peak. At 11,312 feet in elevation this is the Alpine forests, and more. At the highest point it is possible to gaze at three different states at once: Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. The open-air stone structure that you’ll note when you reach the top was built by the CCC in 1934.

Navajo Lake | Dixie National Forest Known to the Paiute as “Pa-cu-Ay” or “Cloud Lake” this pristine lake is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Navajo Lake was formed when an ancient lava flow dammed the eastern side of the lake valley. Crystal clear waters provide a beautiful backdrop for any summer adventure. Boating, swimming, and fishing are all popular activities at Navajo Lake in the summer, but spring adds an extra attraction through the nearby Cascade Falls trail.

Resting on a layer of limestone, the lake developed underground drainage through sinkholes. While some of this water drains toward the Virgin River some tumbles over red rock and into the valley below, forming Cascade Falls.

Zion Scenic Overlook | SR 14, Cedar Canyon One of the incredible breathtaking effects of Zion National Park seems to be that no matter what part of it you see, from any angle, it’s bound to take your breath away. Even if it’s only for a moment. There is really no wrong way to view Zion National Park. Along SR 14, on your way to Cedar Breaks National Monument, Navajo Lake, Brian Head, and more, is a popular scenic overlook.

This well marked overlook offers a unique view of Zion Canyon in the distance and while it’s not the same as staring up at the Court of the Patriarchs in wonder, it’s definitely worth the drive.

Cedar Breaks National Monument Striated layers of vibrant red, dusty pink, and pleasant rose wind beneath red rock hoodoos and spires in the natural amphitheater of Cedar Breaks National Monument. As you cross the small ridge leading to the Spectra Point Overlook there’s a small moment when your breath catches and you can’t believe what you just stumbled upon. Peering down into the red rock formations you can spot hidden arches, unique shapes and formations, spires that twist, and more. Keep an eye out for Marmots sunning themselves near the edge of the amphitheater and the ancient Bristlecone Pine that call the surrounding forest home.

Parowan Gap Petroglyphs Out of nowhere in the midst of flat fields rise a jutting formation of dark navajo sandstone. This natural passageway serves as a record of the past with over 1,500 petroglyphs carved into over 90 panels. The Parowan Gap is believed to be one of the most concentrated collections of petroglyphs in the west and one of the most accessible. With solar and lunar calendars, hunting and cultural glyphs, and even the initials of later pioneers an afternoon can easily be spent pondering the glyphs and those who left them. The iconic Zipper Glyph is a must-have for any vacation photos from Cedar City.

Kolob Canyons | North Zion National Park Turning the first corner of the 10-mile scenic drive is a moment that is sure to be the highlight of any vacation. Rising to meet you, stand the vibrant five fingers of Kolob. Towering formations of striking red rock surrounded by forest, standing stark against a bright blue sky. Kolob is one of the few national parks that can be experienced from the comfort of your own vehicle, but for close up and more memorable views there are several hiking trails that are more than worth the walk. Wind along Taylor Creek as it cuts through the canyon floor among stretches of forest, bright red sand, cacti, and more. At times you’ll find yourself in dense forest, cozied up to towering rock formations, taking a break next to a historic cabin, and gazing in awe at the beautiful alcove that concludes that trail. But at all times on this trail, you’ll find yourself immersed in scenic beauty.

Utah Shakespeare Festival | Cedar City How could we hope to be center stage, without the stage? While our outdoor recreation opportunities are endless and the natural backdrops are beautiful, the Utah Shakespeare Festival is one of Cedar City’s most unique experiences. Walking the tree-lind courtyard of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, lively music beckons you like the Pied Piper. Taking your seat in the grand Englestad outdoor theater, the spotlight rises as Elizabethan costumed actors take to the stage. You’ve entered a time warp and a magical evening beneath the stars is about to begin. A performance from this Tony Award winning theater is sure to be the highlight of your visit.

Between the trails, between the drive, between the evening spent beneath the stars and the glimpse into the past, Cedar City is center stage to a scenic wonder, the possibilities are endless, the photos are stunning, and the memories are worth repeating. V

For more information visit www.VisitCedarCity.com