Reflecting on Thanksgiving

Back in the land of red rocks after time away in L.A. Thanksgiving is always a special time for me, I can definitely appreciate a day devoted to gratitude. Even if its origins are less than noble. I gave thanks for being able to see another such day, I gave thanks for my family, my friends, near and far. I am grateful for the beauty of nature in this place. The hills, the canyons, the trees, the beach, the birds, the flowers, the dogs. The blissfully clear sky.

Fun and reflection in the California sun. I gave thanks for a year full of blessings. This Thanksgiving period was novel in that I got to prep my belly for the day of feasting by visiting the fabled food trucks of L.A. Beyond the beauty of dumplings, we discovered a truck with sartorial savories. William B's truck is a very cute idea. Too bad they don't have clothes for men yet.

But shopping is not the reason for this journey. It was a good time to be with family, to reflect on our shared experiences. Especially, the down-home flavors and inherited challenges that have made us the strong people we are today. Surprisingly, I learned the value of dancing around this holiday. We danced for gratitude and we danced to work off our food. From now on, I will do my best to keep this new tradition in years to come. Maybe it should be a part of every holiday for me.

This life is a gift and I hope you all enjoyed time with family, friends or even your favorite football team. I hope you spent some time outside, despite the weather conditions. May we all grow together in love and gratitude. Ashe!

Day of Rememberance

Georgena Ruth Lee Alexander
October 8, 1940-December 15, 2003


I Can't Make it Without You...

Yesterday was my mother's birthday. She "went home" almost 7 years ago, so I wanted to honor her memory in some way. In many years past I have done something special on this day. Sometimes I place a bouquet of flowers under beautiful tree, make a donation to a charity or call one of my siblings for a deep heart-to-heart talk.

But I did none of these things this year. Somehow, I internalized it. Holding on to the special flame of her memory while I worked, telling my friends the story of how my parents got together, laughing out loud at some of the everyday quirks that made her unique. It was different; and maybe, because I am a little deeper into my fourth decade on Earth, I encountered a new feeling of gratitude toward her. You know, it is easy for us to thank God for the gifts and experiences of life, but it is not so easy for me to attribute any of what I have to my mother. I spent so much of my life trying to carve out my own identity within the overpowering presence of my relationship with her. Even when I was miles away from her.

This time, I acknowledged the integration of her choices and behavior in my life. I have to thank her for the influence that helped bring all of the loving people into my life, that helped me discover new adventures, that helped me reach out to the world and into myself. I can see now that I am so crazy about being of service, because it was something she valued highly. She showed us the beauty of sharing and playing well with others, even when her words were sharp or irreverent. She showed how a true artist is her own canvas, reflecting creativity through her life.

When I was young, I heard my mother tell the story of how she behaved differently when she was pregnant with me and that when I was born, she had a spiritual experience. She said that she prayed and dedicated me to God, offering me up to God. Just as Hanna did in the Bible, giving her son back to God, promising that my life would be spent in service to God. I really bristled every time I heard this. Not only because I thought my mother dramatic for comparing us to biblical personalities, but I thought it was not fair. How could she make that promise for me when I was not in a position to choose? Well, now that I am a more mature human, I know that there are many worse choices a mother could make. In fact, I can think of few better choices. On an unconscious level, I accepted that promise and made it my own. I truly believe it has gifted me with a continuing sense of life's blessedness and my own value. So, even in my toughest times, I had a sense of purpose and believed in the power of a divine connection. In fact, I cannot imagine life without it.

So, I am grateful, not only that my mother gave birth to me. I am grateful that she honored my life, taught me how to cherish the beauty of life and to create more beauty by being of service. She remains a part of my life. So even when she is not here, all of her prayers for me still protect me and bless me. I know she is resting in peace because I am.






----------------
Now playing: Shari Addison - Can't Make It Without You
via FoxyTunes

----------------
Now playing: Shari Addison - Can't Make It Without You
via FoxyTunes

On Top of Boynton Canyon

It was a beautiful Sunday morning. So beautiful,I woke up long before my alarm went off. I guess it was the hills calling again. So I packed up my little pack and headed out to the edge of town. The drive down Dry Creek Road was exciting. I felt like a kid heading off to Summer Camp. When I got there I decided to head straight for the trail, without changing into my boots.

I only had a short time, and this is a very long trail. So, I took the shortcut to the top, near the beginning of the trail. The sun was rising high and so were my spirits. There is one main trail up there that is well marked and wide. It's where the tourists were heading. But I spied with my little eye, numerous other trails leading over the ridge or into the trees. I took one and walked until I found a big comfortable boulder (excuse the oxymoron). There I sat down to meditate.

Before I got started, though, I realized I leaned into a big cactus when I sat down. I laughed at myself and decided that removing the needles from my shirt would be the start of my meditation. Yes, anything can be a practice in mindfulness. It really was a good exercise for focus. After that I sat as still as the stone I was sitting on. A light breeze blew by me and shook the leaves on the alien looking tree (see the photo where leaves and branches are blended together). I admired its beauty and its resonance with the breeze. I felt the heat of the sun, and it felt like pure power. Yes, the weather is cooling off and I am gaining a new appreciation for the sun. How much life it generates, how generously it shares its energy. I felt its rays shining through my hat, my clothes, my sun screen--it is after all, only a screen.

Remembering the beauty and bounty of life on this planet was a great way to start my week. Grateful for the oneness!

Munds Trail Workout

Yes. Lot's of pictures here. Because the views along this trail were outstanding. I really didn't expect it. I had decided late in the day on Sunday to go for a hike. Normally, I think it is too hot to go out after 9am. But, I had to go. I decided to go back to Schnebly Hill Road, since it was a Sunday and I wasn't pressed for time. I was thinking to explore the road and check out a trail or two. I pulled off along the road and found what looked like a nice quiet spot.

When I set out on this trail, there were no signs save an thin vertical marker with the word "trail" and an arrow pointing in the direction of an entrance. The trail immediately descended into a grove of dead trees and large grey boulders. First thought in my mind was the Orisha Oya. It looked like a windswept graveyard. In that spirit, I said "Thank You" to Mother Oya; expressing gratitude for her energies and the destructive aspects of creation. What would I find on the rest of the trail?

Well, more gradual descent along a section of "Slip Rock," which a sign warned was dangerous. My limited experience on these trails is that the real dangers are never marked--that's the danger--and the signs usually referred to some limited, specific danger. I was right. This sign was for the equestrian users of the trail and, during times of heavy rain, everyone else. Today those Slip Rocks had little or no water. Just beautiful smooth steps and stones. The views from those rocks were magnificent and things just got better and better.

I had intended to do a short one hour hike, but I felt compelled to stay on the trail and enjoy the beauty. I ran into my friend and colleague EJ, who was hiking in the opposite direction. We both commented on how the unusually cool breeze made it a pleasant experience. Her photo is up above. She took a better photo of me. The other photos are self-portraits of me trying to include my camera in my ki gong practice.

So many beautiful spots for mediation and ki gong here. I had wanted to climb up some of those red rocks, but I did not see the side trail until my return journey. Some other time. Anyway, since I started my trail on a descent, the return was a gradual climb that was a really good work out. I was breathing pretty heavily at certain points and laughed at my naivete. By the time I got back to the car, I could feel the heat in every muscle of my body and covered in sweat. I was excited, happy, out of breath and pleasantly exhausted. So much for my Sunday afternoon stroll!

Singing at Jim Thompson Trail

Yesterday, I took my morning hike at Jim Thompson trail. It is about a five minute drive from the center of Sedona, but it truly feels like another world. I started out with gratitude and wonder; still thinking about my hike at Long Canyon. The strong sent of juniper here reminded me of the incredible scent at Long Canyon--it was an overwhelming combination of hyacinth and myrtle. It was everywhere and I could not find the source. It was so omnipresent I began to think it was the soil.

Walking in the current reality at Jim Thompson helped me realize that it had to be a combination of plants unique to that canyon. So I walked and reflected, walked and smiled, walked and listened to the birdsong, walked and felt the strength of my own legs, walked and breathed in deep, powerful circles. I was in such a mood to walk that I barely rested a minute when I got to a big flat rock, perfect for sitting. I walked until the earth energy seeped through my feet, up my legs into my belly and gave me song.

There was really no one there and the valley had amazing acoustics. It was fun to hear myself sing. I know you are wondering what I was singing, so I will tell you. An old gospel/spiritual song that used to make me laugh as a child. I considered it so "old-timey" that it was a great source of gigglement for me and my brother. It is called "O' Mary Don't You Weep" For some reason, as an adult, I feel that song! I can feel the power and encouragement of every word.

At first it was just ringing over and over again in my head. Then I did Ki Gong on another big rock and the Earth energy was humming through me. I immediately started singing the line "if I could, I surely would, stand on the rock where Moses stood." After that, I couldn't stop singing the whole song again and again. I was reminded how the old folks used to get so moved by their songs, when they had no musical accompaniment. I suppose I am one of them, now. Thank you!

Not something I planned to do, but I would do it again. And I would recommend it to others. "Singing Ki Gong." By the time I left that trail, I felt like I was roller skating back to my car. I am sure the melody and minor keys are powerful healing for the brain and the body, but I think those words really lifted my spirit. So simple. "O' Mary don't you weep, tell Martha not to moan...Pharoah's army drowned in the Red See. O' Mary don't you weep, tell Martha not to moan." The biggest threat you face in life can miraculously disappear. So don't worry. You are protected.

That's how I interpret it, anyway. Maybe all those trees and mountains were reminding me that the true source of peace is my awareness and assurance that this Universe is on my side. For this message, I am grateful. For my singing Ki gong, I am grateful. For another day of life, I am grateful.

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!