Day 19: Crossing Jordan Trail

While visiting Jordan Trail I was thinking about what some people have said about my blog. It seems that some people think I am on vacation. No, I am doing these hikes every morning before work. I have not traveled more than 40 minutes awayIt is my "Su Haeng" or mental, physical and spiritual discipline. from my house. Most of these hikes are within the Sedona city limits. Yes, this place is exceptionally beautiful. There is a saying that "God created the Grand Canyon, but lives in Sedona." I am sure that other people will argue for some other places as God's home, but I think we all know that God's home is everywhere.

Anyway, it was a beautiful morning and this trail went through a peaceful conifer forest. Pinion, Juniper, Yucca, Agave, Cactus,some trees that I hadn't seen before and the conifers with the little cherry-scented blossoms were everywhere. I tried to capture them with the camera, but their images were elusive.

I also thought about Jordan, the son of my good friend Angelique (friends since 5th grade). He would love this trail and not just because his name is on it. It leads me to think that more children should experience places like this. For their own self-awareness and to develop a respectful relationship with the environment. I am glad that someone introduced me to forests and camping when I was a child. The combined sense of freedom and wonder at that time is something that will always stay with me. This is why I think camps for children are worthwhile charities.

Walking through this trail was so energizing I didn't want to sit. Instead, when I reached the crossing of trails, I stood in horse rider stance, relaxed my shoulders and began Dahn Jon breathing. I then chanted Chun Bu Kyung. I was soon accompanied by birds that had been silent for a while. Somehow, this tickled me, made me laugh deeply. I am laughing again now as I write this.

More energized from the chanting meditation, I ran up the the rocks of the trail on my return. I barely stopped to catch my breath. I felt like a child, garnering joy from the feeling of running. My legs and hips felt so strong, like I had to put them in action. When I committed to this 21 Day regimen of hiking, I didn't know it would be so challenging and I did not expect to derive this much strength and joy. I am not sure I will want to stop. I am grateful that Sedona offers seemingly endless opportunities for this training.