Happy Trail to You

Yesterday.....Mystic trail is short and a little hidden--I almost drove right by it. I checked out the other end of the trail, it ends at a cul de sac in a residential neighborhood. Barely a sign visible, only one with the word "bicycles" and a big arrow. Hmmmm. Someone is keeping this gem to themselves. I am glad I found it.

A little rabbit greeted me when I got out of the car. This is a short trail, but it's positioned to have some incredible views and there is a light "happy" feeling. I started thinking of it as "Happy Trail." It is situated between two neighborhoods, so I am thinking it may be a neighborhood walk area. One neighborhood person used a little side trail and walked to the spot where I was doing "Earth Ki Gong." It was nice sharing my Ki Gong practice with someone else. She enjoyed it and asked me to teach her some breathing techniques for energy flow. It was a nice way to start the day and reminded me how much I enjoy teaching. The photo of the flat stone with white covering is where I did Earth Ki Gong.

This happy trail also had a very happy dog. She was with an older couple and they let her walk ahead of them without a leash. She was excitedly running up and down the little hills. I walked up to her and patted her fur around her head and neck. I asked her if she was having fun and she let out a loud dog yelp. I could feel what she was feeling. There was truly happy energy emanating from this little trail. I wonder if that is why it is called mystic.

Today's gratitude award is presented to the young lady at REI in Tempe, who helped me with new laces for my hiking boots. Such a small touch made a big difference. It is like I have new, lighter shoes (see photo). It added peace to my journey.

Even if you never make it to Sedona, I am sending happiness from this trail.

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!

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.