Day 3 Sunday January 17 Yoga, long walk/short walk

Down in the canyon, by the water, with sand under my feet. A crescent moon and one star reflect the light of the sun that blessed us today as we descended the steep, rocky surface – down the rainbow staircase of white, red, and green. I dip my hands into the Colorado River, washed my face, running that cleansing, healing water into my bones. If rainbows had an end to that colorful arc, this would be the place. With a myriad of tie-dyed rocks, and kaleidoscope colors, this is that pot of gold. I am thankful for the small uphills after the toe-crushing downhills of the last two days.

Saturday Day 2 January 16 Camp on the Ridge

Snow. Two miles down, a tango lesson taught by moi, peanut tofu and rice with veggies and (much needed) chocolate for dessert. Camping on the ridge with a full, 360 view of the canyon. Blown open with emotion. Humbled by the terrain, kissing the feet of nature, I weep hot tears of joy and gratitude.

Friday January 15 Day 1 On the Rim

Finally, finally, finally! Two hours to the Grand Canyon, one pee break, one detour for gas, and one Alan hamburger later (of course it was only 8:52 in the morning), we arrive. I am antsy and ready to get moving! But before we descend, we must see for our selves…

We are led, eyes closed, senses alert, inching forward to what anticipation could not touch.

“Breath deep,” came Jakob’s voice, “listen to your heart, feel with your skin, breath in, breath out, now, open your eyes.”

My eyes slowly opened. I thought I knew what to expect, but what met my gaze brought unexpected tears to my eyes. How could I possibly be touched this deep? The magic it held this time, was not ego driven – it was real, is real, It is right here, right now, those everyday miracles.

Last week was an excerpt from a daily journal I kept while in the wilderness for three weeks. I decided to start at the beginning, so enjoy this piece, and stay tuned for more updates on the past month!

Listen with our eyes. See with our ears. 1/12/10

Listen with your eyes. See with your ears.

A place that seemed so familiar, is suddenly seen anew

Through eyes of wondering beings.

Through fresh eyes and new joys.

Their enthusiasm makes my awe THAT much greater

I take to heart their joy.

I look out over this town I thought I knew so well.

I open my arms and embrace the beauty – both new and old.

Then I shut my eyes.

I see with my ears.

The call of a bird, the wind through the trees, my own breath and my belly rumbles.

I stand, basking in the light of the sun and new discoveries.

There, on the rock beside me, clings a cluster of ladybugs.

Their tiny legs move, so I know they are live –

A pile of one, two, three, soak in the sunlight.

What are they doing up so high on this mountain, in the middle of winter?

Where have they come from, where are they going?

I’d like to know.

I deem myself observer.

I lift my head – my eyes take me a hundred miles away to the San Francisco Peaks,

But my senses keep me here, and present, with the smell of smoldering logs that fills my nose, and the cool breeze that kisses my neck, and the warm sunshine that hugs my back.

There’s nothing like being up high –

The expansiveness one feels.

I am humbled by the sea of green trees, turning into blue mountains,

Stretching out farther to reach the golden meadows of the flat places between.

The vastness never ends, the details ever-present, if you look closely you will see

Four, five six ladybugs… 

This Evening

 “Shut up.” I mumbled to the dog across the street.

As it’s incessant barking grated on my nerves.
Irritated, I stacked my jacket, yoga mat, water bottle, sneakers, book, purse, and keys –

Precariously balancing them between my two arms, and chin.

Just then I saw a figure moving toward me.

It tipped his hat and said, “Good evening.”

Speechless I stared at the elderly man and his dog.

Heart beating, but not terrified, I quickly blurted out, “Evening!” and turned away.

As I reached my front door, a smile crossed my lips, and I silently thanked the old man for making my day.