Robert is a skilled
vision quest guide, whose ability comes from a lifetime
of authentic inner journeying, along with extensive
training and practical experience in moving safely
in the wilderness. The wisdom he has gained allows
him to create a safe, sacred space supporting profound
transformation for individuals, respectful of their
unique personal paths and pace of growth.
Spiritually, Robert
began his path at age 16, when he began the practice
of Transcendental Meditation. He lived and studied
at the heart of a prominent spiritual community for
many years, where he immersed himself in deep silence
and examined the fundamental principles of nature
and human growth through the study of the Science
of Creative Intelligence.
His wilderness experience
includes graduation from the School of Lost Borders
and membership in the Wilderness Guides Council. Robert
is an NOLS Wilderness First Responder (National Outdoor
Leadership School) and a Leave No Trace Trainer. A
former Eagle Scout and Brotherhood member of the Order
of the Arrow, he is an avid scuba diver and an adventurous
world traveler. He has participated in an annual vision
quest since 1996.
Robert has been successful
in the corporate world for over 30 years and is a
father of a daughter in her twenties. He also has
explored authentic relationship building through the
Mankind Project’s New Warrior Training and the
Source School of Tantra, of which he became an advanced
instructor.
A compassionate
and gifted communicator, Robert approaches people
with deep respect and intuitive wisdom. As a vision
quest guide, he brings a deep love of nature, an open
heart, and a healthy dose of humor into this transformational
work.
A lover of big sky and
wide open spaces, it is Jennifer's passion to connect
people to the wilderness around and within. From this
passion emerged the vision of the Sacred Mountain
- a collaborative with the Seventh Quest, LLC, which
was founded upon the transformative and healing potential
of the wilderness rite of passage experience.
Jennifer incorporates both her experience as a life
coach and teacher into her role as a wilderness guide.
She is a graduate of the Coaching for Authentic Leadership
program at Naropa University. She apprenticed extensively
in the old ways of initiation with the School of Lost
Borders, later guiding rite of passage retreats for
various organizations including the Ojai Foundation,
Naropa University, Crossroads School, and the Seventh
Quest.
Jennifer is dedicated to bringing the spirit of ceremony
into her work, her life, and her community. This young
and vibrant woman is a seasoned council facilitator,
a NOLS Wilderness First Responder, a certified trainer
for the Leave No Trace program, and a member of the
International Wilderness Guides Council, yet the heart
of her work remains in what she refers to as the "bare
bones" of being human. In daily celebration of
this life, she continues to live with her partner
in the southeast United States, cooking, dancing,
and laughing out loud - meanwhile working as a consultant
in private practice, coaching individuals and families
through the processes of death, dying, renewal and
reconciliation.
“The
Seventh Quest guides were exceptional in every way.
I felt absolutely comfortable facing this solo fast
in the desert, because they provided the knowledge
I needed and a safe emotional container. You don’t
go this far to hold back, and their leadership and
character were of such a high caliber that I was able
to do what I came for, going deeply within myself.”
~ Lorna C., Director Los Angeles, CA
“Robert and Jen created such a comfortable space for this adventure to take place. I could sense strongly that they knew what this quest was about, that they had been there themselves. They exuded a quiet confidence, a warmth and a depth that permeated the 9-day experience. They were completely present and very real as individuals…it was completely clear that they were there with you all the way. On a challenging inner exploration like this one, that’s priceless.” ~ Greg D., CEO Hebron, KY
“I felt very safe with Robert and Jen, and also felt their care and total attention on us. They knew of the transformation that we might experience and shared beautiful rituals to make the experience sacred and meaningful. They are wise and brilliant, expert at holding a safe space for the participants to do serious inner exploring.” ~ Carrie M., Massage Therapist – Concord, CA
Jennifer
Yamamoto, MA, CLC, Founder of The Sacred Mountain