Training on the Mystic Trail

I am writing for several days worth of hiking here. The Mystic Trail has proven to be quite a treasure. From the entrances it looks like a nice neighborhood walking path. I see a lot of local people in the morning bringing their dogs. But if you follow the trees with heart shaped rocks in them (instead of cairns) you will find wonders.

I have really fallen in love with the canyon that can be found off of this trail. On Monday, I went farther along the rocks to explore it. Unlike the other canyons I have visited in this area, this canyon is reached from above. I haven't yet gone far back enough to climb down into the canyon. One local woman showed me the trail, but I know I will need at least an extra hour to get down there and back. I have found a nice plateau of rocks (they look like frozen lava) where I like to train. The peace and quiet of overlooking this canyon is a great atmosphere for meditation, ki gong and other energy training.

Today I followed a side path up to a tall thin outcrop of rock. It had been attracting my attention the last few times I hiked here. I felt a strong peace and protection up there and gained another view of the beautiful canyon below. Committing to hike here for 21 days is a good thing. I am starting to notice important things and I feel like I am establishing a relationship with the land. The weather is starting to change, cool breezes are softening the glare of the desert sun. The breezes carry the scent of those "cherry blossom"like conifers. I wish I knew what they were. New flowers are appearing. They look like little daisies and chamomile. There are also some tiny violets sprouting up in many places. I have also noticed more of the cliffs and drops below my path, taking more care as I travel.

Maybe it's the weather, maybe it was my timing, but I seemed to encounter more animals now than before. On Monday I saw a young buck with new horns. I am seeing ground squirrels and many rabbits--one curious enough to stop and eat in front of me today. In addition to the crazy desert quail, I am seeing more bluejays, smaller hawks and small birds that move too quickly for me to recognize.

I am grateful for this special time in the morning in this special place. Focusing on dahn jon and yong chuns, my lower abdomen and centers of my feet, I feel healthier and livelier with each step. Each step is a blessing.