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.

The View from Doe Mesa

I am incorrigible. You'd think I'd had enough on Sunday. No. Monday I got up early and met the sun at Doe Mesa. This is the place a slightly vertical climb to a very flat top. It's like another world up there and it's a place I really enjoy doing ki gong. Breath-taking, cliff-hanger views. It was nice to be back again. I saw signs of some cat-like mammal, but I only glimpsed rabbits and lizards. It was quiet up there, except for the occasional sound of the wind through the pines and juniper. Yes, I could have spent the day there. But it was a Monday, a day which usually holds a greater share of the week's work. So, I sat, breathed in the atmosphere, stood on some rocks, did some ki gong at beautiful points of the plateau. It was a nice way to start the day.

I am sharing some photos of the mesa and views from the mesa. I smile as I think about it. It is a nice place to go back to; a nice way to shift perspectives.

Peace and blessings for the rest of your week,

Joseph

ps. Check out the field of the little white flowers which seem to really draw the bees here

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!

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!

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!