Return to Cockscomb

Sunday, July 18

I had to go back; I had to make it to the top. It was well worth the return journey. Besides the breathtaking views up there, it felt highly charged. I know this is not a vortex location, but it felt very powerful.

If you want to learn more about Sedona's vortices, check out this link: www.lovesedona.com/01.htm


As before, there was no one on the trail when I arrived. Very quiet except for the lizards and birds. The pair of young jackrabbits greeted me again at the entry road. Interesting coincidence.

I was excited and happy to return. I was walking faster, but my eyes and ears were open. This time I noticed a small subtle branching of the path. This was a direct route up to the top of the rock. Once I started moving vertically, the trail became faint and scattered. Thankfully, someone had left some cairns here and there. There were cool stones and little caves along the trail as I climbed higher. Breath thinning out, sweat pouring freely. I was encouraged and goaded by the ravens and hawks flying overhead. To reach the top, I was truly climbing--all four limbs active at the same time. And then....whoop! I was on top of the world.

In these photos I included some images of the Cockscomb from a distance, closeup and the views from the Cockscomb. The space between the ridges of the comb look small from a distance, but up close they were huge, intimidating gaps. Walking around the edges, sitting close to the ends, got my heart beating fast. There was ample room for me to stand or sit comfortably away from the edge, but the view made an impression on my inner ear. Finally, I found a good spot to meditate and then do some Earth Ki Gong. The wind was blowing lightly and big birds were flying around. It sounds dramatic, but it was very tranquil.

I continued to do Ki Gong as I walked and absorbed the beauty of the views in each direction. I didn't want to go back down, but the sun was getting higher and reminded me how hot it would soon be (it is regularly well over 100 degrees here--and I don't subscribe to that myth about "dry" heat, it is hot!)Anyway, I stayed for about 45 minutes and then headed back down. I was so energized I almost skipped all the way back along the trail. Enjoying the junipers, pinions and occasional Datura.

This hike was a good way for me to transform energy. I came down a little different than when I went up. I was thinking about my uncle who had just lost his wife. I couldn't make it to my aunt's funeral, but I was thinking about her, how good she was to me and the depth of connection she and my uncle shared. I am grateful for my life, my health, my ability to take this journey and that I have connected with so many good people in this life. I pray for the peacefulness of my aunt's soul and I pray for my uncle to have strength in his time of loss.

As I prayed I felt the support and love of the earth. I felt the gratitude I expressed return to me in multiples. I realized that we are not only valuable to each other, but we are also valuable to the earth. Love and gratitude flow between us and the earth, if we accept. Gratitude is infinite. Love is omnipotent.

Cockscomb/Aerie Trail

This morning I went out west in Sedona. I was looking for one trail and found another. The road sign says "Aerie" but the map and the trail post says "cockscomb."I had heard about the "Cockscomb" but wasn't sure where it was. This red rock formation looks small since it is surrounded by many mammoth formations. It is called Cockscomb because it looks like the top of a red roosters head from a distance. I tried to get photos from different angles. It is bigger than it looks from a distance. In fact the trail to get there was longer than it looked. I got close, but had to turn back before I could climb it. Unfinished business is the risk of hiking before work, but it is well worth it.

I knew I was heading in the right direction this morning when a roadrunner darted out in front of my car. I haven't seen one of them in a long time. Believe me, they are as funny looking as the animated version. This one was grey with leopard spots around its tail area. I laughed at the way it ran, but I also laughed in joy--it felt like a good omen.

As I rolled toward the trailhead two jack rabbits stopped in the middle of the road, then hopped to the side. Besides them, the parking lot, the trail, everything was dead quiet. After walking more popular paths the solitude was a pleasant surprise. Pure crisp quiet was what I encountered on this hike. I could literally hear myself think. I reflected on work to be done, my physical condition--I have been much much more tired than this, keep walkin'. I felt my legs, feet, lower back moving lightly and more freely. At the same time, I felt grounded and strong. This is really good training for my body. Then the sun climbed higher and the sweat started pouring forth. Today was a good workout, indeed. Woke up my body and mind.

I am grateful for the jang saeng walking meditation this morning. I will have to come back to get a look at the top of the cockscomb. Maybe on a weekend when I have more time. Until then, another day and another trail. Stay blessed!

Day 21: Views from South Mountain Park

Inside the Phoenix city limits lies what is considered the largest municipal park in the US. Who knew? With more than 16,000 acres of wilderness and 51 miles of trails, it is a remarkable find in this land of sprawl. From a distance these mountains blend into the background-- camouflaged by the haze of city smog and possessing minimal greenery. I am told the winter time is the best time to visit, not only for the cooler weather but also for the array of desert flowers in bloom. The views from these mountains are pretty spectacular and it is surprisingly quiet and clean in the park, except for the occasional visitors who do not pick up after their dogs. I also heard that night time is the best time to get a view of the city from above. The day of my visit, this past Saturday, was overcast. This was good for the heat index, but not so great for camera lighting.

I walked along Kiwanis Trail, but because I had limited time, I did not walk all the way to the top. I walked along the lower part of the trail, meditated and a beautiful stone pile and traced my way back to the trailhead. From the advice of a fellow hiker, I decided to drive to the top to get a birdseye view of the city. It was a pleasant and invigorating way to start the day. I reflected on how many more treasures are unacknowledged, but right in front of our eyes. I expressed gratitude for this opportunity. From a social point of view, it was a pleasant surprise to see so many people of color hiking. I hope this can be a part of more urban lifestyles. I am grateful for this special outdoor aspect of Arizona.

Day 18: Embracing the Earth in Deadman's Pass

I know the name does not sound encouraging, but this trail intrigued me. I had seen a sign for it when I visited Boynton Canyon. It jumped out at me last night when I was reading the Forestry Service's recreation guide for Coconino National Forest. It mentioned that the trail could be reached from Long Canyon Trail. It is actually a connector for these longer and more important trails. Hmmmm.I had been wondering about Long Canyon Trail, too. So, off I went this morning to Long Canyon. The guide mentioned that it was a short and easy trail. I am now used to their oversimplifications and walked in joy to what I sensed would be a treat.

Yes, it was an easy and quick moving trail. However, the trail to the trail had beautiful views and an interesting variety of trees. When I turned the corner onto Deadman's Pass, the sun was moving up to its "preheat" position. Actually, a beautiful warmth when mixed with light morning breezes. Red soil and red cliffs punctuated by deep green of the ubiquitous pines and juniper. Very few flowers here. Limited to accents on this well-textured tapestry. The sparseness was impressive. It made the flowers really standout with magical vibrancy. I only recognized the tiny white flowers that look like strawberry plants. Here they were not gathered in clumps, but poking up singly behind stones or old logs. The soil seemed to have a clay-like texture, unlike the sandy paths I had been taking. As I said, intriguing.

Walking along this trail, I encountered very few animals. Rabbits darted quickly, barely revealing their tails. Many lizards scampered and hid. Unlike their cousins at nearby Devil's Bridge, they were very shy and not interested in my company. I saw the usual signs of coyotes and javelinas: their poop. Only one person, too. So, this was essentially a trek of solitude this morning. Being alone in this environment really touched my heart. Deeply. I realized that I have fallen in love with this Sedona area land. Honestly, I now feel inextricably connected, but also emotionally lifted by the sight of it. If I were reincarnated, I would be happy to be a simple flower on the floor of these red stone forests. Sounds dramatic?

Well, this feeling led me into deep Meta meditation when I sat down. I could feel the energy building in my heart chakra and extending out to the trees and ground. I was wearing that stupid smile that people tend to get when they are in love or on some drug. No drug here, just the intoxicating beauty of the soil, trees, rocks and air.

On the way back and throughout the rest of the day I noticed that my stance and stride had changed. I felt just a little taller. I also felt more confident and compassionate. I hope I can use this energy creatively and effectively in my work. I also hope that I can be of benefit to others. I have talked about being an "Earth human" but I really felt like one today. Ashe!

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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Now playing: Janelle Monáe - Smile
via FoxyTunes

Day 13: Wonders of West Fork Trail

Wow! I hope these photos do a good job of giving you a taste of the beauty on West Fork Trail. It is generally an easy walk, but I enjoyed the trail's criss-crossing of the stream. It was fun finding stones and old logs to walk on. Also, this morning two of my friends joined me on the hike. I think this was a more appropriate hike for friends than an uphill challenge. Having three sets of eyes and ears allowed us to enjoy many little natural wonders that I might have overlooked on my own.

It was cool with all of the trees and the flowing creek. We commented on how our pre-existing ideas about Arizona were disintegrated. Funny, when I first visited this area, I saw desert everywhere. By the fifth or sixth time, I could see that we were in the middle of a forest. West Fork Trail takes that vision to a new level. Very lush.

Walking with companions created a different sense of focus. Today I constantly kept my attention on my Dahn Jon and felt the effects in my hips, legs and feet--the power of Ki energy flowing down. I also felt loving energy flowing up from the earth and blowing through the grand and beautiful trees. So many flowers shining like stars kept hope aglow as I walked. My heart is so grateful!