Meeting the Mystic Trail

Dear Folks,

I have written in the past about how much I enjoy the beauty, ease and simplicity of Mystic Trail. Yes, this is all true, but I learned something new today. I learned it because I have decided to visit this trail for the next 21 days for special meditation. Since my intention was to go to meditate at a great spot overlooking a quiet valley of red rocks, I met an unexpected challenge.

I have been on this trail and its offspring so many times, I felt I could do it in my sleep. Well, I can't. This morning, I must have been a little sleepy. I was definitely distracted; thinking instead of mindful walking. When I say "thinking" I mean that activity in the brain where we roll something over and over again like a dung beetle, so that it grows in proportion and importance. I was awakened from this counterproductive cycle by a small row of flat stones. Hmmmmm. I had never seen those before. Usually, anything lying across a trail, be it stones or a log or sticks, indicates that you should not go any further. I looked up toward the rest of the trail and it seemed to disappear. The trail seemed to be leading down, away from the row of stones. But I was going up, wasn't I?

That's when I realized that I had gotten of the trail I was on. Instead of trying to forge ahead (which is what we do when we refuse to admit we are wrong) I turned around. Backtracked, retraced my steps. Oy veh! I was far off the trail. I didn't recognize any of the trees or stones or vistas. I can't believe I let myself get so caught up!

Well, I found my way back to the trail I wanted. I headed back toward the canyon. I had to laugh at myself when I looked at my watch. My time before work was running out. I only made it half-way to the canyon when I realized it was better to sit and meditate and then head back. That's what I did.

On the way back, I saw the slight turn on the trail which had taken me in the wrong direction. Very subtle. But even on this easy set of trails I learned, once again, the value of mindfulness. Clarity does not mean focusing on your concerns. Clarity is seeing the concerns in the context of the big picture. They are but tiny obstacles that will move or be moved in time. Effective action requires focus on inner stillness.

Peace and love,

Joseph

The View from Doe Mesa

I am incorrigible. You'd think I'd had enough on Sunday. No. Monday I got up early and met the sun at Doe Mesa. This is the place a slightly vertical climb to a very flat top. It's like another world up there and it's a place I really enjoy doing ki gong. Breath-taking, cliff-hanger views. It was nice to be back again. I saw signs of some cat-like mammal, but I only glimpsed rabbits and lizards. It was quiet up there, except for the occasional sound of the wind through the pines and juniper. Yes, I could have spent the day there. But it was a Monday, a day which usually holds a greater share of the week's work. So, I sat, breathed in the atmosphere, stood on some rocks, did some ki gong at beautiful points of the plateau. It was a nice way to start the day.

I am sharing some photos of the mesa and views from the mesa. I smile as I think about it. It is a nice place to go back to; a nice way to shift perspectives.

Peace and blessings for the rest of your week,

Joseph

ps. Check out the field of the little white flowers which seem to really draw the bees here

Munds Trail Workout

Yes. Lot's of pictures here. Because the views along this trail were outstanding. I really didn't expect it. I had decided late in the day on Sunday to go for a hike. Normally, I think it is too hot to go out after 9am. But, I had to go. I decided to go back to Schnebly Hill Road, since it was a Sunday and I wasn't pressed for time. I was thinking to explore the road and check out a trail or two. I pulled off along the road and found what looked like a nice quiet spot.

When I set out on this trail, there were no signs save an thin vertical marker with the word "trail" and an arrow pointing in the direction of an entrance. The trail immediately descended into a grove of dead trees and large grey boulders. First thought in my mind was the Orisha Oya. It looked like a windswept graveyard. In that spirit, I said "Thank You" to Mother Oya; expressing gratitude for her energies and the destructive aspects of creation. What would I find on the rest of the trail?

Well, more gradual descent along a section of "Slip Rock," which a sign warned was dangerous. My limited experience on these trails is that the real dangers are never marked--that's the danger--and the signs usually referred to some limited, specific danger. I was right. This sign was for the equestrian users of the trail and, during times of heavy rain, everyone else. Today those Slip Rocks had little or no water. Just beautiful smooth steps and stones. The views from those rocks were magnificent and things just got better and better.

I had intended to do a short one hour hike, but I felt compelled to stay on the trail and enjoy the beauty. I ran into my friend and colleague EJ, who was hiking in the opposite direction. We both commented on how the unusually cool breeze made it a pleasant experience. Her photo is up above. She took a better photo of me. The other photos are self-portraits of me trying to include my camera in my ki gong practice.

So many beautiful spots for mediation and ki gong here. I had wanted to climb up some of those red rocks, but I did not see the side trail until my return journey. Some other time. Anyway, since I started my trail on a descent, the return was a gradual climb that was a really good work out. I was breathing pretty heavily at certain points and laughed at my naivete. By the time I got back to the car, I could feel the heat in every muscle of my body and covered in sweat. I was excited, happy, out of breath and pleasantly exhausted. So much for my Sunday afternoon stroll!

Fay Canyon Mystery Revealed

A couple of weeks ago I told you how I went to Fay Canyon with my friend John and we got horribly lost trying to find the famous arch there. I felt like the land was either testing us or teaching us how to approach it more respectfully. Either way, we were not alone; we ran into other people who were wandering around on scary paths in search of the arch. So today, I wasn't taking any chances. I wore my Elegua beads on my right arm and sang my little song of gratitude and offering.

It was very quiet as I walked down the path, wondering if I would miss the arch again. I felt a wave assurance and confidence, which urged me beyond the initial false openings. At a certain point I stopped and I saw the entrance to the side trail.


At first glance, it was bold and bright and clear. I asked myself "How did I miss this?" As I look at the photo, I now have more compassion for myself. I see it is well camouflaged. I can understand how that couple had come back two or three times only to find new false paths. Even as I approached it, though there were cairns all around, the path was slightly covered with bushes and thorns, with little signs of footprint or prior human visitors.

The arch is similar to the "Devil's Bridge" I had visited. Above the arch there is a wide flat swath of land, which I may climb up and walk across someday. Anyway, the rocks were beautiful and the short climb up to the arch took my breath away. "Whew! Somebody wants me to work for this experience!" The views from under the arch were spectacular. It seemed like a good meditation or picnic spot. Did I mention that it had rained the night before? Well, besides making the paths muddy and creating puddles, it brought the mosquitoes to life here. Since I was the only mammal on that hill, I was becoming popular. So, I said my prayers, took some photos, but did not tarry long.

Once again the rain had created a new environment. While walking down the mountain from the arch and back through the forest. I smelled the faint scent of hyacinth and myrtle. When I was at Long Canyon, this scent was powerfully strong. Ironically, since it was more subtle here, I could identify the source. There were extremely tiny white flowers on what looked like average "weeds." The bees did not waste any time finding them. Though they weren't following me like the ones in Long Canyon, they seemed to be all around me. Since they were distracted by those little flowers, none approached me or flew near me. Nonetheless, the loud sound of many buzzing bees was a little disconcerting. Now that I think about it, the other times I have been to this canyon, I kept hearing lots of bee sounds. On the other occasions, I could not see them. Maybe I wasn't ready.

I resumed my thoughts and song of gratitude, praying for an open heart. I made my way safely through the "valley of bees." At that moment, the clouds were moving away and the sun came out.

Boynton Canyon Vista

I returned to Boynton Canyon yesterday. My third visit, so I knew I would enjoy it. But I decided to take the path to the "vista." Many trails have these paths near the beginning. It gives those who don't want to go to the end of the trail a chance to ascend to a place with good views. I decided it would be a good time to explore the vista, since I had some time limits.

It was not a long climb, though it was a nice challenge. When I got there I was surprised to see so many cactus fruit ripened. Seems to be ripening earlier than other areas. It was beautiful to see the landscape dotted with the reddish-purple orbs. I have placed some photos in this collection. The atmosphere was so inviting, I decided to explore the area around the trail. I discovered more trails and interesting rock formations. I sat for a while, too. I felt the strong buzzing vibration of a vortex. This was much stronger than I had felt on my previous visits. I was in a relaxed meditative state, very deep. I almost walked right into a young snake. You will see his photo, too. Looks like he recently shed his skin. Once I stopped, he stopped. So, I watched for a while. Noticed how his tail responded to my subtle movements and sounds. Then I continued on.

So many beautiful vibrations flowing through my body, through my brain. I walked along several tributary trails. Exploring the plants, rocks and cliffs--which were relatively safe at this elevation. On my way down I was startled by the recognition that I had walked by two juvenile deer. I think they must have been enjoying the cactus fruit so much they didn't notice me. I watched them for a while, too. Very peaceful. They moved gracefully and carefully. As long as I stood quietly, they made no sudden moves. It was remarkable. I felt an incredible lightness of being. That little walk to the vista was like a deep cleanse. More than even the other special times in these red rocks, it helped me deeply remember my connection to the earth. It helped me remember my purpose.

I am doing my best to hold on to it. I feel like the character in Paulo Coelho's Alchemist, who has to go through a palace and note all of the wonders and artworks while holding oil in a spoon. I have to try, try again to remember. Everyday. Like my ancestors before me I must recognize the purpose that is greater than my own individual life, and pass it on...

Singing at Jim Thompson Trail

Yesterday, I took my morning hike at Jim Thompson trail. It is about a five minute drive from the center of Sedona, but it truly feels like another world. I started out with gratitude and wonder; still thinking about my hike at Long Canyon. The strong sent of juniper here reminded me of the incredible scent at Long Canyon--it was an overwhelming combination of hyacinth and myrtle. It was everywhere and I could not find the source. It was so omnipresent I began to think it was the soil.

Walking in the current reality at Jim Thompson helped me realize that it had to be a combination of plants unique to that canyon. So I walked and reflected, walked and smiled, walked and listened to the birdsong, walked and felt the strength of my own legs, walked and breathed in deep, powerful circles. I was in such a mood to walk that I barely rested a minute when I got to a big flat rock, perfect for sitting. I walked until the earth energy seeped through my feet, up my legs into my belly and gave me song.

There was really no one there and the valley had amazing acoustics. It was fun to hear myself sing. I know you are wondering what I was singing, so I will tell you. An old gospel/spiritual song that used to make me laugh as a child. I considered it so "old-timey" that it was a great source of gigglement for me and my brother. It is called "O' Mary Don't You Weep" For some reason, as an adult, I feel that song! I can feel the power and encouragement of every word.

At first it was just ringing over and over again in my head. Then I did Ki Gong on another big rock and the Earth energy was humming through me. I immediately started singing the line "if I could, I surely would, stand on the rock where Moses stood." After that, I couldn't stop singing the whole song again and again. I was reminded how the old folks used to get so moved by their songs, when they had no musical accompaniment. I suppose I am one of them, now. Thank you!

Not something I planned to do, but I would do it again. And I would recommend it to others. "Singing Ki Gong." By the time I left that trail, I felt like I was roller skating back to my car. I am sure the melody and minor keys are powerful healing for the brain and the body, but I think those words really lifted my spirit. So simple. "O' Mary don't you weep, tell Martha not to moan...Pharoah's army drowned in the Red See. O' Mary don't you weep, tell Martha not to moan." The biggest threat you face in life can miraculously disappear. So don't worry. You are protected.

That's how I interpret it, anyway. Maybe all those trees and mountains were reminding me that the true source of peace is my awareness and assurance that this Universe is on my side. For this message, I am grateful. For my singing Ki gong, I am grateful. For another day of life, I am grateful.