Trail Stories
I created this page as a means of displaying photographs of my hikes and snowshoe adventures, which I still may post from time to time. However, it struck me yesterday that I also would like to post my thoughts in writing, the things that seem important to share: trail stories are also life stories.
August 7, 2008 ~ Today while giving massage at a local spa, the CD player decided to spontaneously stop even though it was set on “repeat.” After pressing “eject,” reinserting the CD, and pressing “play” once again, the CD finally began to play again, thankfully. The thought hit me that instead of trying to determine “why” the player quit to solve the problem, sometimes it’s best to just start pushing buttons to see what will get the music playing again. In life, it seems I often try to determine the underlying reasons for things that happen, in an attempt to gain full understanding of “why” or to try to prevent something from occurring again. Sometimes, it seems to be a good idea to determine why an event has happened in order to learn what not to do, but does it really help us in the end when time is so short? Perhaps finding out “why” something didn’t work isn’t as important as trying something new that might yet work. It seems to be a more present approach to living, doesn’t it?
January 27, 2009~ It seems that our lives are being affected energetically more than ever before. People are responding to crises in desperate ways. I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that we focus on the issues that really matter and remain unified, concentrating on assisting ourselves and others in creating common good, the best for all concerned. For some time, I feel that we will continue to be challenged physically, practically, emotionally and mentally. And so our energies, especially as bodyworkers or others who are in the business of assisting people, need to center on the things that are really important and take priority over smaller day-to-day interactions of the negative kind. I asked for guidance with regard to a small matter today, and the sense I received was to comply and let it go rather than let it become an issue. My feeling is that there are larger things at work needing my attention. The same might be for you. Just a thought.
October 1, 2009 ~ Letting the ego step aside is an interesting experience. The peace that comes from acting from the heart takes less effort ultimately, yet why did it take so long to determine this and put it into practice? Love is so much more expansive, so less competitive, so much more satisfying, so much more free for the internal spirit. Ego will always try to get in the way, so it’s a constant check in, a constant challenge in balance to also not be complacent or passive or participating in the extreme of irresponsibility or lack of action.
Here are some fall photos from my current residence in Jackson. They were taken last year, actually. I’ve been painting much from last year’s photos, for this summer and fall have brought challenges apart from being active physically; hiking has been limited. This year has been filled with work, painting, office organization, networking, service and more inward experiences. I hope all of us, all of you, can hang on with as much strength and patience as possible as our world speeds toward its goals at an ever quickening pace – much change is in store.
February 1, 2010 ~ Ah, the new year with its promise for change… When this year began, I had dreams of a lighter approach to my daily walk since last year brought much challenge. Alas, as our world is becoming faster paced, we must keep up with our learning. “New beginnings” still seems to be a good theme on which to focus, however, and changing my responses and perceptions of reality to permit “present” happenings to stand on their own, as opposed to repeating repetitive patterns based on past events, is my goal now for 2010 – a little more serious than my original intention for the new year. Also, it seems more responsibility has come my way in a spiritual sense, as I begin to assist some members of my church as their Deacon. So my prayers also include others’ requests and needs as well as my own. I find myself painting more and more. It offers a release from responsibility and gives my fun side a shot at lessening my mental load. At least I can attend to my creativity if not frivolity.
Secondly, the above endeavor keeps me honest in the efforts of reducing ego and handing direction to God. I still must make the moves; but willfulness must die to birth a new me, if I am ever to move on toward peace and less perfectionism. One layer at a time…
Over Thanksgiving, my roommate and I traveled to Moab. This is an arch in Canyonlands National Park.
February 20, 2010 ~ After almost a year and a half of challenge with my back, legs and feet, I am returning to the activities I have so loved. Last night I went dancing for over two hours with no consequences. The freedom I felt through this act cannot be compared to any other night of dance – the lessons I have been learning through having to take it easy, lightening my physical endeavors, and receiving much assistance from other practitioners, have been worth this path. And now that it’s being lifted from me, I cannot express the joy of being granted this blessing, even if just for the one night of complete freedom in movement. As humans we tend to take most things for granted; until last year, I sustained minor injuries but my body always plowed through, or I forced it to… Not until my body brought me to a new challenge did I truly value being able to move fluidly without pain and limitation. I didn’t have as much empathy for those suffering in their physical selves. I didn’t rely enough on my internal self to get through life with more peace – using my physical self was a means of escape, finding joy in endorphins and accomplishments counted in miles. As I continue to heal, let me never take for granted one moment the meaning of moving freely in the body; and let me keep my internal lessons learned. Thank you, God!
November 29, 2010 ~ Moving through the holidays reminds one that almost an entire year has passed and that a new year is just around the corner. Why is time progressing so quickly these days? Have I grown much over the past months to keep up with this fast pace? We are about to enter yet another year of crescendo toward an evolution of the human race to which some have alluded yet cannot completely define nor predict. As we walk this path of uncertainty, let us hold hands, support one another, and focus on what is important: how we all are connected rather than distanced. We are all children of Spirit. Our differences form perfectly fitted pieces to a puzzle, and further, we form one and don’t complete the beautiful picture without each other. Let us leave behind selfish “me-ism,” stand true as individuals with a joint purpose, and unite as community in universal love.
May 22, 2011~ Here we find ourselves at the tipping point, the place where we may decide to choose love, forgiveness, acceptance over the fight for rights, resources and religion. And if love isn’t prevailing, I bet there will be some challenges ahead, ones that some and not all will be prepared to face as a race. What is to be our path? When we studied history, did we not all learn valuable lessons about those people who became too confident, to complacent, the cultures that were brilliant making many civilized advancements, yet they all fell? Do we want to grow and develop with humility and intelligence or cling to the past desperately trying to protect our powerful reputation of the 1900’s? I have more questions than realizations these days. I feel a strong wind blowing at our back. My last question is, will we flow with it, resist it or be blown over?
Teton Pass Black Canyon Trail
Sept. 23, 2011~
And so here we are at the end of a whirlwind of a spring and summer, preparation and clarification having happended within us as individuals. We are all feeling the “pressure” physically, mentally and emotionally to let go of past “hang ups” and blocks in order to be more open, more light, more prepared for the next few months and its challenges. If you feel like I do, you have been pushed to your limit, challenged to progress, sometimes even kicking and screaming: “I can’t handle anything else!” Well… we may have to, and so the preparation and purification have taken place. Continue to find center and peace within. For now, it’s time for that huge deep breath before, well, we don’t know what yet. But it just might rock our world. Rely on the light that has penetrated into your dark places to help steady your path; pray and meditate as much as possible. And if none of this rings true for your experience, well, then deep breathing is a great tool, no matter where you are! Thanks for being patient with my suggestions! Blessings to you.
As winter approaches, I feel the coolness, the distance, the inevitable happening. Do you? Please enjoy these photos of recent hikes in the Grand Tetons. Most of the park roads will close tomorrow. And it was a treat to hike on it’s sacred earth so late in the season!
Jan. 22, 2012 ~
As this new year began, mostly without a hitch, I am reminded of the more subtle ebbs and flows of our lives. Winter is a good time to take in and cherish the present small wonders of nature and relationship. We rely more on the distinctive, detailed distractions welcoming us when we venture from our warm wombs and try our best to confront the cold: an eagle perched on a nearby tree, laughter over silly things, health miracles seeming to fall in the lap of my office, and the happenstance of turning back to witness a most dramatic sunset over the mountains. We are surely blessed, even through challenge and curious evolutions within our world and society. Take advantage of those precious moments to honor your miracles and your heart, if you can. Happy New Year!
