Revisiting Doe Mesa

I went back to Doe Mountain or Doe Mesa yesterday. I like it because in a short time you can get to a dramatically view of the world. I became aware that "climbing" is my most favorite element of hiking. In addition to the cool views, I enjoy challenge to the legs and the lungs. The result is a cleansing and strengthening of the lungs, deeper breathing. Naturally, when the lungs get a good workout there is a substantial charge to the heart. Sometimes, I feel so charged that I run part of the way up.

Emotionally, the dancing heart and open lungs equals exhilaration. When I reach the top, there is more than a sense of accomplishment; I feel the truism that anything is possible and I feel very capable of being an instrument of possibility. It is in this frame of mind that I begin Ki Gong training at the top of a hike.

The last time I was here, I reflected on the slight falling sensation, even though I was safely inside the edge of the mesa. This time, it was gone. Looking down into the valley, walking close to the edge, I felt balanced and well-poised. Hmmm. I had walked around with that "near falling" feeling for so long, I thought it was normal. I guess we learn something new everyday...about ourselves. I am grateful for this path and all the paths that will follow.

Be peaceful,

Joseph

Return to Mystic Trail

On Sunday and Monday I paid return visits to Mystic Trail. Small, quick, conveniently beautiful Mystic. The trail with lots of happy energy. I chose this trail because of time constraints on Sunday. I returned again on Monday because I was excited about how much ground I could cover in a short time and I wanted to explore some more.

I had discovered some tributary trails. Namely, one trail leading toward the top. On Sunday, I was only able to ascend part of the way. On Monday, after Ki Gong in the park, I was joined by a new friend. We found that the tributary did not take us to the top, but took us deeper in the mountain of rock formations. Spectacular scenery with super-size views. And we returned before we could follow the trail to its conclusion. Maybe this is where it meets up with some of the larger trails in the area.

I hope you enjoy the photos. With the onset of the Monsoon, it's a little cloudy and the quality of light in the morning is harder to balance. This trail is certainly full of energy. My heart was lifted and reverberated with joy, especially after the post-Ki Gong hike. I felt connected to and supported by the earth like never before. My legs, hips and lower back felt solidly grounded--a physically empowering feeling, which made my heart feel light.

I think the energy of the full moon might have boosted this feeling. Before the sun came out, I saw the full moon floating above Cathedral Rock as I drove along the highway. All the Datura bushes along the way were standing at attention to the moon.
The scent of the Pinion and Juniper rolled up from the ground like a furnace blast. These phenomena filling my senses.

My Monday morning co-hiker brought me down to earth from my dreamworld by pointing out how some people were not living lightly on this land. At one point, some neighborhoods and the highway were visible below the trail. He told me about the blight or extra pressure introduced by some of these houses. Many of them luxury dwellings with un-ecofriendly swimming pools and extreme air conditioning. At another point he showed me a bunch of sightseers who may have been brought into that valley by 4 Wheel Drive Tour operators. He said there were places where the rocks had become black from the repeated assault of the vehicles. It made me think, if we can't get this kind of thing in balance here, in Sedona, it will be difficult for people to adopt a gentler lifestyle in our urban areas. But fear not, Paradise is not lost. There are plenty of opportunities for people to build and think differently around this special land. Maybe the economic downturn has slowed real estate development to a more contemplative place. Maybe the friends of the earth have a stronger voice in this community. Maybe earth friendly design has become a premium selling point, like the now mainstreamed idea of organic food. Maybe...

I will keep my eyes open as I smile. I will enjoy the journey and share my findings with you. Have a blessed day!

Day 19: Crossing Jordan Trail

While visiting Jordan Trail I was thinking about what some people have said about my blog. It seems that some people think I am on vacation. No, I am doing these hikes every morning before work. I have not traveled more than 40 minutes awayIt is my "Su Haeng" or mental, physical and spiritual discipline. from my house. Most of these hikes are within the Sedona city limits. Yes, this place is exceptionally beautiful. There is a saying that "God created the Grand Canyon, but lives in Sedona." I am sure that other people will argue for some other places as God's home, but I think we all know that God's home is everywhere.

Anyway, it was a beautiful morning and this trail went through a peaceful conifer forest. Pinion, Juniper, Yucca, Agave, Cactus,some trees that I hadn't seen before and the conifers with the little cherry-scented blossoms were everywhere. I tried to capture them with the camera, but their images were elusive.

I also thought about Jordan, the son of my good friend Angelique (friends since 5th grade). He would love this trail and not just because his name is on it. It leads me to think that more children should experience places like this. For their own self-awareness and to develop a respectful relationship with the environment. I am glad that someone introduced me to forests and camping when I was a child. The combined sense of freedom and wonder at that time is something that will always stay with me. This is why I think camps for children are worthwhile charities.

Walking through this trail was so energizing I didn't want to sit. Instead, when I reached the crossing of trails, I stood in horse rider stance, relaxed my shoulders and began Dahn Jon breathing. I then chanted Chun Bu Kyung. I was soon accompanied by birds that had been silent for a while. Somehow, this tickled me, made me laugh deeply. I am laughing again now as I write this.

More energized from the chanting meditation, I ran up the the rocks of the trail on my return. I barely stopped to catch my breath. I felt like a child, garnering joy from the feeling of running. My legs and hips felt so strong, like I had to put them in action. When I committed to this 21 Day regimen of hiking, I didn't know it would be so challenging and I did not expect to derive this much strength and joy. I am not sure I will want to stop. I am grateful that Sedona offers seemingly endless opportunities for this training.

Enchanted Boynton Canyon Trail

For Independence Day I decided that I should hike a Vortex trail. I chose Boynton Canyon Trail. This time, I was able to complete the journey to the trail's end.Click on the photo above for a link to a photo album of my hike.


This time, I moved more quickly along the trail. But that did not stop me from experiencing the magic and enchantment of this trail. They say this is the only Vortex that combines "male" and "female" energies. I know it's a very special place with a very special feeling. When I reached the top of the trail, I found a nice flat space for meditation.I started with Dahn Jon breathing, since the climb at the end almost winded me (high altitude climbing). Then basic sitting meditation, focusing on my breathing. After that, I moved into Brain Wave Vibration. It felt really great around my neck and shoulders. Sometimes Brain Wave Vibration takes you into deep meditation, theta wave zone. Often, it also relaxes small muscles and joints, which opens you up to deeper meditation. Today it was both for me. In this deeper relaxed state, I left my hands open on my knees. I began to feel warmth over the center of my palms. These are special pressure points called "Chang Shim." They are sometimes referred to as outer chakras. The warmth increased and my hands, wrists and arms grew more relaxed.

I finished my meditation by doing "Ji Gam" or energy meditation. As you breathe, you focus on the sensations of Ki energy on your hands. Moving the hands toward and then away from each other. Usually, we keep our eyes closed during Ji Gam since it helps maintain the concentration. However, I had the sense and feeling that I should open my eyes. When I did a gold hummingbird flew in front of my face and hovered near my left eye for about 30 seconds. I was so delighted that my Ji Gam practice felt powerful, substantial and expansive. Later as I walked back down the trail I kept seeing hummingbirds flying near me. A rare and special treat!

The photo album includes some of the views from my mediation spot, as well as interesting trees and great walls of red rock along the trail. I don't yet know what this experience has to do with independence, but I do feel that I gained some insight today about how I relate to people. How I did in the past and how I have changed. I am happy for where I have grown to, but I see room for improvement. I am grateful for the lesson.

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 8: Doe Mountain Trail

What a day, what a day! I started out with a trek up Doe Mountain. Both Mr. Sedona's guidebook and the Forestry map promised this would be a moderate hike. It was way better than that! Within a few steps, this trail was taking me vertical. As the trail progressed it got steeper and steeper. I was beginning to wonder if I had strayed onto the wrong trail. But it was a pleasant challenge, stimulating deep lung breathing. It was very exciting. And just as I was ready to keep going up and up, I met a couple who told me I was near the top. When I got to the top I reached a beautiful plateau. Slightly overcast skies and red rock mountain views all around.

There were a lot of little trails up there, but I stuck to the main trail. That is, until it let me to a large rocky ledge on the other side. It was breathtaking. First I sat in half-lotus, started Dahn Jon breathing. I relaxed my shoulders and did a little Brain Wave Vibration. After a while, I had to stand. The view was captivating. The ledge was flat enough and large enough, that I could see the edge and the large drop down, but I was safely far enough in to avoid falling. I started walking along this "edgy" path. It was amazing. I was able to "manage" that slight vertigo feeling you get when you look over the edge of a building or hill. Normally, it is a natural reaction to pull back when encountering this feeling. But I was conscious of the fact that I was safe and secure, with little danger of falling. So I watched and reflected on that feeling. It became invigorating and I started doing Hand Ki Gong. Then full Ki Gong. I was standing on one leg despite the illusion that the edge was near. I walked away with yong chon sparking the red stony ground. Jangsaeng walking was so natural.

It's a good life lesson. Sometimes we focus on feelings or even our limited perception of circumstances and let that take us away from the potential blessing in the circumstances. I think that experience really opened some energy points for me. On my way back, I encountered numerous Agave trees--funny that I didn't see them on the way up. And I felt little droplets of rain as sunlight beamed off far away mountains. Then the scent that arose was like nothing I had ever experienced. Maybe it was the soil, the combination of plants, the pre-rain atmosphere. I don't know, but I wish I could record it.

Yes there were wonderful views, but once again Sedona has showed me that beauty is a holistic experience!

Day 5 of Hiking Su Haeng

 

I was feeling better than yesterday, legs, hips all fluid and fine. I started out very early and headed for "Red Rocks Crossing." When I looked in the guide book and the information provided by the forestry department, this looked like a good place to go because so many trails meet up here. Also, there are views of the famous Cathedral Rock. Finally, it is one of the trails closest to where I live and the guidebook promised a short hike. I thought I would add time management to my practice today.

I walked along the banks of Oak Creek for many miles looking up at Cathedral Rock towering majestically ahead. There were so many paths, footprints and bicycle tracks that it was difficult to tell which was the true trail. Lots of little waterfalls and beautiful trees. It was a cool refreshing walk. Eventually I found a trail heading up. Somewhere along the way I had passed or missed any signs or cairns. I had no idea which trail I was getting on or where I was going. It was exciting. Each step I walked up the hill, pressing my yong chon to the red ground, brought a sense of adventure. The terrain and plants quickly changed. Soon I was back in the familiar open heat and scent of juniper and pinon. Large vistas opened up and I could see many rock formations. I saw cairns and people and I knew I was near Cathedral Rock. I saw signs that confirmed my suspicions. The signs also told me that I had been walking along Templeton Trail. Exactly where I wanted to be.

For safety's sake, I have pledged not to do any challenging hikes alone. So, I did not join the crowd of merry makers scaling Cathedral Rock. I was also really enjoying the quiet solitude of the red rocks below. Silence only broken by the scampering of lizards, or the occasional pant of Sedona hiking dogs. It also gave me space to enjoy the beauty of the Red Agave undisturbed. No bees this time, just a small group of birds feasting on the nectar which was visibly dripping from the flowers and glistening in the morning sunlight.I stood in front of it in Horse Rider Stance, doing Ji Gam and then Ki Gong. I felt powerful energy flowing from the Agave and sent it gratitude and love.

I returned to the trail energized and almost laughing. I saw the dogs again on the way back down. They also seemed to be laughing with their mistress. She told me be careful because they were wet. Very soon I reached the spot at the creek where they had been swimming. A little pool was created by big round stones and the roots of an upturned dead tree. Such a pleasant spot. I sat down on the roots of a living giant tree, resting under its shade, I began to meditate. The sound of rushing water filled my ears and relaxed my posture. I cleared my mind of all thoughts and images, focusing on the breath in my lower abdomen. When I opened my eyes sometime later, a world of amazing things I had overlooked came into view.

I saw tadpoles and little fish swimming in the creek. I saw Morning Glories and other flowers posing around the banks. I saw little trees pushing through the ground and beautiful stones polished by the rushing water. The oaks that seem like visitors from another world. I reflected on all of this and realized how much I had taken water for granted. I grew up in the Midwest where rivers and lakes seem too numerous to name. But here, one little creek is supporting a network of plants growing up into the sandy hills, thousands of people and animals. I have so much respect for all the work that little creek does. Here, not only is water precious, but so is this little body of water. I am also grateful that people have kept it clean and unfettered...

Just as I had intended, I returned by the Baldwin Trail. Great views of Cathedral Rock, interesting little forests and the sound of Oak Creek rushing by. It was a good hike!

2010-06-21 Day 4 Three Little Trails

Day Four: I was a little stiff in the legs and hips this morning. Good thing I took a combination of three trails that started out very flat and smooth. Little Horse Trail, Bail Trail and Llama Trail are all a part of a loop of trails north of Bell Rock. To make better time, I got up earlier this morning. Good thing, too. I started out on the trail well before the sun had reached full bake status. I am not kidding, either. Later when I was walking back to my car along the same path, I took my hat off and sweat poured off my head like there was a faucet.

Despite the stiffness in the beginning and heavy sweating in the end, I stayed cool and smiling. I relaxed my shoulders and breathed deeply, with a focus on my Dahn Jon. I began "Jang Saeng" walking. Discomfort passed and I greeted the beauty all around me. I was also privileged to be greeted by many rabbits near the entrance. One juvenile female ran in front of me, then kept looking back to see if I was following her. When I caught up to her, she just started nibbling on something green and looked at me with her right eye. It reminded me of times with my pet rabbit when I lived in Bangkok (another story entirely). After that I saw an adult male; he was as big as a tomcat, but he was not interested in me. He darted by me very quickly. Like the rabbit in Alice's story, he seemed to have things to do and places to be. Then I saw a tiny baby male nervously feeding on some flowers at the side of the trail. After that, they were rustling through the bushes around me until I reached an area with different foliage. What kind of meditation would have me "playing" with rabbits? I can only tell you that those rabbits were entertaining and joyful and I had walked a couple of miles without "noticing" my achy legs. By that time, circulation was moving and my legs felt fine.

I did a big loop with these trails and watched my mood change. The first trail I took ran close to the highway and I could hear complaints rising in my mind about the sound of the cars. When I climbed to a red rock clearing under the shadow of one of the noble gigantic rock formations, I even accepted the sound of someone's car alarm. It was too beautiful to spoil. The raised clearing faced Bell Rock. So I sat there and meditated, Brain Wave Vibration, and chanted the Chun Bu Kyung. I was singing by the time I got on the next path. I was treated to delightful views and wonderful flowers and trees. One tree in particular catches my eye whenever I see it. I have been calling it a "bee condominium" because those trees look like some futuristic building and they are often covered in bees. Here's a picture:



I learned later today that these are Agave trees. So amazing. I love agave nectar. No wonder the bees hang out there. I believe that most of the agave sold on the market comes from "blue agave," but the sight of those bees tells me that the "red agave" must be pretty sweet as well. My appreciation for the plant has grown, as has my gratitude for this sacred place.