Yesterday: Devil's Bridge

Devil's Bridge trail started with a nice gradual incline that led to some steep stone stairs about 40 minutes later. When I first saw the stairs, I thought they were beautiful and ingenious. More a stairway to heaven than to "Devil's Bridge." Well, I don't know who came up with the name, but I can tell you those stairs weren't so heavenly on the way down. The "bridge" itself was fascinating. I went out to the middle, I sat, I meditated and then admired the view. I have posted a few photographs.

I didn't cross the bridge though. The center felt solid but looked scary when taking in all that is below. I figured I could make it across, but I was worried about getting back. Later, when I hiked down under it, I noticed that there was a path to/from the other side. OK, I will have to come back again and take the challenge of crossing the bridge. There were other people hiking that day, and most of them did not bother to step on the bridge. I don't blame them. Even though it is kind of an optical illusion (it is not as far from the ground as it seems because it is on a slope), I understand that 90% of perception is emotional. Once fear enters the room, it's hard to see it as anything but a tiny piece of stone covering a vast chasm.It reminded me of one of the Indiana Jones films, where he was asked to walk over the edge of a cliff and such a stone bridge magically appeared under his feet. "Walk by faith and not by sight." I will remember it for my next visit here.

Many enjoyable and remarkable things along this trail, and I recommend a 4WD vehicle as transportation to the trail, including the fauna. The Sedona area lizards are curious and friendly and I always get some kind of greeting from them. At Devil's Bridge, they were beyond friendly---flirtatious! They were very comfortable around people, and stood still when I stopped to look at them. They were so still and patient that I decided to take some pics. There was one mating couple whose pic didn't turn out well. Anyway, if you ever visit this trail you can come see the world's friendliest lizards.

All in all, it was a fun journey and a good workout. While reflecting on my fear of crossing the bridge, I laughed at this opportunity to practice "the art of perception." That is the value of meditation and breathing practices. Learn to see the possibilities of life and not be fixated on emotions that color our perception. I am grateful for this little reminder lesson.

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