Revisiting Doe Mesa

I went back to Doe Mountain or Doe Mesa yesterday. I like it because in a short time you can get to a dramatically view of the world. I became aware that "climbing" is my most favorite element of hiking. In addition to the cool views, I enjoy challenge to the legs and the lungs. The result is a cleansing and strengthening of the lungs, deeper breathing. Naturally, when the lungs get a good workout there is a substantial charge to the heart. Sometimes, I feel so charged that I run part of the way up.

Emotionally, the dancing heart and open lungs equals exhilaration. When I reach the top, there is more than a sense of accomplishment; I feel the truism that anything is possible and I feel very capable of being an instrument of possibility. It is in this frame of mind that I begin Ki Gong training at the top of a hike.

The last time I was here, I reflected on the slight falling sensation, even though I was safely inside the edge of the mesa. This time, it was gone. Looking down into the valley, walking close to the edge, I felt balanced and well-poised. Hmmm. I had walked around with that "near falling" feeling for so long, I thought it was normal. I guess we learn something new everyday...about ourselves. I am grateful for this path and all the paths that will follow.

Be peaceful,

Joseph

Return to Mystic Trail

On Sunday and Monday I paid return visits to Mystic Trail. Small, quick, conveniently beautiful Mystic. The trail with lots of happy energy. I chose this trail because of time constraints on Sunday. I returned again on Monday because I was excited about how much ground I could cover in a short time and I wanted to explore some more.

I had discovered some tributary trails. Namely, one trail leading toward the top. On Sunday, I was only able to ascend part of the way. On Monday, after Ki Gong in the park, I was joined by a new friend. We found that the tributary did not take us to the top, but took us deeper in the mountain of rock formations. Spectacular scenery with super-size views. And we returned before we could follow the trail to its conclusion. Maybe this is where it meets up with some of the larger trails in the area.

I hope you enjoy the photos. With the onset of the Monsoon, it's a little cloudy and the quality of light in the morning is harder to balance. This trail is certainly full of energy. My heart was lifted and reverberated with joy, especially after the post-Ki Gong hike. I felt connected to and supported by the earth like never before. My legs, hips and lower back felt solidly grounded--a physically empowering feeling, which made my heart feel light.

I think the energy of the full moon might have boosted this feeling. Before the sun came out, I saw the full moon floating above Cathedral Rock as I drove along the highway. All the Datura bushes along the way were standing at attention to the moon.
The scent of the Pinion and Juniper rolled up from the ground like a furnace blast. These phenomena filling my senses.

My Monday morning co-hiker brought me down to earth from my dreamworld by pointing out how some people were not living lightly on this land. At one point, some neighborhoods and the highway were visible below the trail. He told me about the blight or extra pressure introduced by some of these houses. Many of them luxury dwellings with un-ecofriendly swimming pools and extreme air conditioning. At another point he showed me a bunch of sightseers who may have been brought into that valley by 4 Wheel Drive Tour operators. He said there were places where the rocks had become black from the repeated assault of the vehicles. It made me think, if we can't get this kind of thing in balance here, in Sedona, it will be difficult for people to adopt a gentler lifestyle in our urban areas. But fear not, Paradise is not lost. There are plenty of opportunities for people to build and think differently around this special land. Maybe the economic downturn has slowed real estate development to a more contemplative place. Maybe the friends of the earth have a stronger voice in this community. Maybe earth friendly design has become a premium selling point, like the now mainstreamed idea of organic food. Maybe...

I will keep my eyes open as I smile. I will enjoy the journey and share my findings with you. Have a blessed day!

Views from Airport Mesa

Yesterday, I hiked along the Airport Loop on Airport Mesa. Until now, I have stayed away because this is such a popular and accessible trail. Many people go to Airport Mesa to watch the sunset. I've done it, it is a beautiful sight. But I had not tried the trail. When I got there, many people we around the vista point, a trail to the top of the Mesa near the entrance. Much to my surprise, as I traveled further along the trail, I was alone, except for many mourning doves and lizards.

This trail is as "urban" as it gets for Sedona. The mesa is smack dab in the middle of the town. So you can see various rock formations and neighborhoods on all sides, including Bell Rock, Cockscomb, Courthouse Butte and Cathedral Rock. On one side, I could hear sounds of the highway and people at work below. An interesting vantage point. I considered how we as a society can plan to live better with our natural world. If more people have the experience of enjoying nature, we could be more mindful of how we build, travel and how we use our resources. Sedona is not perfect, but I think in many ways it can be a model community for our future. The key is a critical mass of people who care and who care to take action. I salute "Keep Sedona Beautiful" and other organizations and individuals who have worked hard to develop a community with respectful lifestyles. The way I see it, the Earth loves us unconditionally. Its time for us to start returning some of that love.

Peace and blessings!

Return to Cockscomb

Sunday, July 18

I had to go back; I had to make it to the top. It was well worth the return journey. Besides the breathtaking views up there, it felt highly charged. I know this is not a vortex location, but it felt very powerful.

If you want to learn more about Sedona's vortices, check out this link: www.lovesedona.com/01.htm


As before, there was no one on the trail when I arrived. Very quiet except for the lizards and birds. The pair of young jackrabbits greeted me again at the entry road. Interesting coincidence.

I was excited and happy to return. I was walking faster, but my eyes and ears were open. This time I noticed a small subtle branching of the path. This was a direct route up to the top of the rock. Once I started moving vertically, the trail became faint and scattered. Thankfully, someone had left some cairns here and there. There were cool stones and little caves along the trail as I climbed higher. Breath thinning out, sweat pouring freely. I was encouraged and goaded by the ravens and hawks flying overhead. To reach the top, I was truly climbing--all four limbs active at the same time. And then....whoop! I was on top of the world.

In these photos I included some images of the Cockscomb from a distance, closeup and the views from the Cockscomb. The space between the ridges of the comb look small from a distance, but up close they were huge, intimidating gaps. Walking around the edges, sitting close to the ends, got my heart beating fast. There was ample room for me to stand or sit comfortably away from the edge, but the view made an impression on my inner ear. Finally, I found a good spot to meditate and then do some Earth Ki Gong. The wind was blowing lightly and big birds were flying around. It sounds dramatic, but it was very tranquil.

I continued to do Ki Gong as I walked and absorbed the beauty of the views in each direction. I didn't want to go back down, but the sun was getting higher and reminded me how hot it would soon be (it is regularly well over 100 degrees here--and I don't subscribe to that myth about "dry" heat, it is hot!)Anyway, I stayed for about 45 minutes and then headed back down. I was so energized I almost skipped all the way back along the trail. Enjoying the junipers, pinions and occasional Datura.

This hike was a good way for me to transform energy. I came down a little different than when I went up. I was thinking about my uncle who had just lost his wife. I couldn't make it to my aunt's funeral, but I was thinking about her, how good she was to me and the depth of connection she and my uncle shared. I am grateful for my life, my health, my ability to take this journey and that I have connected with so many good people in this life. I pray for the peacefulness of my aunt's soul and I pray for my uncle to have strength in his time of loss.

As I prayed I felt the support and love of the earth. I felt the gratitude I expressed return to me in multiples. I realized that we are not only valuable to each other, but we are also valuable to the earth. Love and gratitude flow between us and the earth, if we accept. Gratitude is infinite. Love is omnipotent.

Cockscomb/Aerie Trail

This morning I went out west in Sedona. I was looking for one trail and found another. The road sign says "Aerie" but the map and the trail post says "cockscomb."I had heard about the "Cockscomb" but wasn't sure where it was. This red rock formation looks small since it is surrounded by many mammoth formations. It is called Cockscomb because it looks like the top of a red roosters head from a distance. I tried to get photos from different angles. It is bigger than it looks from a distance. In fact the trail to get there was longer than it looked. I got close, but had to turn back before I could climb it. Unfinished business is the risk of hiking before work, but it is well worth it.

I knew I was heading in the right direction this morning when a roadrunner darted out in front of my car. I haven't seen one of them in a long time. Believe me, they are as funny looking as the animated version. This one was grey with leopard spots around its tail area. I laughed at the way it ran, but I also laughed in joy--it felt like a good omen.

As I rolled toward the trailhead two jack rabbits stopped in the middle of the road, then hopped to the side. Besides them, the parking lot, the trail, everything was dead quiet. After walking more popular paths the solitude was a pleasant surprise. Pure crisp quiet was what I encountered on this hike. I could literally hear myself think. I reflected on work to be done, my physical condition--I have been much much more tired than this, keep walkin'. I felt my legs, feet, lower back moving lightly and more freely. At the same time, I felt grounded and strong. This is really good training for my body. Then the sun climbed higher and the sweat started pouring forth. Today was a good workout, indeed. Woke up my body and mind.

I am grateful for the jang saeng walking meditation this morning. I will have to come back to get a look at the top of the cockscomb. Maybe on a weekend when I have more time. Until then, another day and another trail. Stay blessed!

Happy Trail to You

Yesterday.....Mystic trail is short and a little hidden--I almost drove right by it. I checked out the other end of the trail, it ends at a cul de sac in a residential neighborhood. Barely a sign visible, only one with the word "bicycles" and a big arrow. Hmmmm. Someone is keeping this gem to themselves. I am glad I found it.

A little rabbit greeted me when I got out of the car. This is a short trail, but it's positioned to have some incredible views and there is a light "happy" feeling. I started thinking of it as "Happy Trail." It is situated between two neighborhoods, so I am thinking it may be a neighborhood walk area. One neighborhood person used a little side trail and walked to the spot where I was doing "Earth Ki Gong." It was nice sharing my Ki Gong practice with someone else. She enjoyed it and asked me to teach her some breathing techniques for energy flow. It was a nice way to start the day and reminded me how much I enjoy teaching. The photo of the flat stone with white covering is where I did Earth Ki Gong.

This happy trail also had a very happy dog. She was with an older couple and they let her walk ahead of them without a leash. She was excitedly running up and down the little hills. I walked up to her and patted her fur around her head and neck. I asked her if she was having fun and she let out a loud dog yelp. I could feel what she was feeling. There was truly happy energy emanating from this little trail. I wonder if that is why it is called mystic.

Today's gratitude award is presented to the young lady at REI in Tempe, who helped me with new laces for my hiking boots. Such a small touch made a big difference. It is like I have new, lighter shoes (see photo). It added peace to my journey.

Even if you never make it to Sedona, I am sending happiness from this trail.