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