Respecting the Mountain

5 minutes

Inhale: Breathe In
Exhale: Breathe Out
Hands: Vitaka Mudra

I had decided I was going to climb Camelback Mountain (Echo trail) this morning with or without anyone accompanying me. I had asked a very good friend of mine if she wanted to go hiking with me and she agreed. Although I was happy, I thought she may change her mind, so I extended the invite to another friend and she accepted as well.

All three of us set out together for a quick drive up to Echo Canyon, parked and began our climb to the top of the mountain. I have the ability to stay extremely focused when it comes to physical exertion and quickly pulled away from my two friends, leaving them to work at their own pace. (I ended up climbing alone after all that!)

I made it to the top of the mountain and after regaining my breath and taking in the beautiful views I considered that this would be a wonderful place to meditate. I looked around for a nice flat rock to ground myself on, took a seat, closed my eyes and focused on “Breathe In,” “Breathe Out.” I kept the meditation very simple since there were many climbers and much activity surrounding me. I could feel the texture of the rock beneath my thin shorts. It was very rough and cool on my exposed skin. I found it uncomfortable beneath my bottom but had resolved to immerse myself in the feeling and enjoy the discomfort. I’m not absolutely certain how long I stayed in meditation, but it was long enough to regain calm breathing, a slowed heart rate and an overall sense of peace for the climb back down the mountain. The rocks are very slick and a focused mind is essential to keeping one’s balance.

After meditation I waited several more minutes for my friends to show up and when they never did, I started to think that they might have turned around so I made my way back down the mountain.

As I positioned my foot on one extra slippery rock, I slipped and exclaimed “Holy Moly.” (One of my favorite exclamations.) A hiker behind me said, “Be careful,” and I replied, “Yes, thanks. I don’t need to fall of the mountain, today!” He told me, “The mind is a very powerful tool, don’t even think that for a moment.” We went on to have an amazing conversation the entire descent off the mountain. It included encouragement such as, “Be one with the rocks.” “Let the rocks lead you down their path.” “Follow your instinct and the path will appear.” I truly enjoyed our time together.

I found my friends patiently waiting for me at the trail head… They didn’t make it to the top on Sunday, but are ready to give it another try next weekend.