Reader Contributions
8/15/2009
Howdy:
I just read your article on meditation in the latest Tricycle. I spend a lot of time backpacking--I have been inspired by the walking Buddhists of old--China and the yamabushi of Japan. Also Santoka--the buddhist monk poet who has written a book called "All my Walking". For over 35 years I have looked forward to a backpacking lifestyle. Now I am retired, so can do it. I am finishing sections of the Pacific Crest Trail over 34 years and will finish the whole thing next year with completion of Washington. I look at the long distance trails as great pilgrimages. As thru hikers zoom past me, I am reminded of the modern world's fixation on speed and accomplishment--the trail is being used as an outdoor gym and prooving ground for people. The lack of any coming of age rituals in our society is another big reason for the fast thru hiking phenomena. Some kids are doing 40 mile days--trying to hike the entire 2650 mile trail in 66 days.
I definitely feel out of it--caught up in the fast hiking frenzy, but am clinging to my Buddhist mindfulness practice as an antidote. Long distance backpacking is definitely a lot like sitting meditation. Nowhere to escape, but each repetitive step. I just got off the trail near Hat Creek--big fire there. Also--the trail angels that help people on the Pacific Crest trail are modern day saints.
Keep up the good work,
--Mary Kwart
These photos of Arkansas were submitted by Renee Steinpreis, a participant on the Mindful Hike I led in Hot Springs, Arkansas in November, 2008. Renee took these photos while strapped to a powered parachute, a hobby of hers that has her husband biting his nails. The on-ground shots were taken on the hike by Renee as well. Many thanks for her contribution to these pages, and keep on flying, Renee!
American Beauty Berry
SA espousing on Mindful matters while leading hike in Hot Springs NP with Ranger Mark Blaeuer (at left w/ranger hat). A tip of the hat to his supervisor Lisa Garvin for arranging the hike which drew 38 people.
Fence Lizard
Yours Truly
Yours Truly hugging tree and emphasizing the importance of such activity
At Goat Rock overlook off Gulpha Gorge Trail in Hot Springs NP
Hills around Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park
Gulpha Creek in Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas
9/19/08--Alicia Nourse recently returned from a challenging trek to the Himalayas as part of a benefit for aa school in India. Here is part of her report:
"I have just recently returned from the trek to the Himalayas. It was quite awesome--I could use many words to describe it: fun, frightening, inspiring, crazy, and beautiful--but there are no words to describe struggling up the switchback of a 15,000 foot peak, gasping for oxygen, reaching the summit literally on top of the world--360 degree views--being so touched by the stark beauty of the peaks and valleys that I was either moved to tears or belted out a song.
There were 30 of us trekkers, as well as many horses, mules, donkeys and their handlers, equipment bearers, cooks, and fabulous guides--all in the services of our trek. Those in the U.K. Kriya Yoga who organized the trek did so voluntarily. The spirit and dedication of everyone was inspiring...
'Charity Challenge' was the tour organizer from the U.K. I guess charitable adventures like these are supposed to present great challenges so those who've sponsored us can see that we've worked hard for your contributions. So I want to assure you I worked hard for this, averaging about 9 or 10 miles in sometimes extreme conditions (heat, high altitudes), and near freezing temperatures at night. I also want to assure you that it was one of the most incredible awesome adventures of my life and I absolutely loved (almost) every minute of it!"
Kriya Yoga raised $140,000 for the Balashram School in India on this trek. If you'd like contribute, write checks payable to "Kriya Yoga Institue Inc" and send it c/o Alicia Nourse at P.O. Box 1074, Occidental, CA, 95465. For more information please go the website www.balashramtrek.org.
Haiku "tidbits", as poet Jeff Parker calls his lovely word images:
Goldfinch seeking seeds;
Sways on sunflowers; "July
Young and life is long . . . ."
Memorialize
Gerbil graves with flowers; they
Visit me in dreams.
Morning breeze speaks while
I remove cholla spines from
My shoes -- with pliers!
_________________________________________________________________________
Poet and lawyer Scott O'Brien of Sebastopol CA sent these great poems of the wild to share.
A Bobcat Sat © 2006, by Scott O’Brien
A bobcat sat
silent, still
alone
in a spot,
at a distance
in a chosen field, for
so long
that we sat, too,
our knees up, folded,
our binoculars shared
at each raised foot
groomed,
as ears, banded black and white,
turned
solemnly, taking in
any threat or prey,
while breathing in, out
letting go,
of all
in between.
Deer in the orchard yesterday had
stood transfixed.
An older buck had stood longest of all.
Now I know why.
We sat quieter than usual.
His raw, alert presence
radiated
from within
his widening
circle of danger.
Quail stayed away.
Birds did not fly near.
The three acre field
was his.
... At some small movement behind him, he rose, turned, and advanced eagerly, in control. His mottled coat melted with mortal purpose, into the cover of the nearby forest.
Be Like The Animals © 2006, by Scott O’Brien
Gather.
Together, yet alone.
Silent.
Watching, not waiting.
A sound turns ears.
Stillness surrounds all.
The cat folds her legs
in at the knees
wraps her tail
against the fog.
The dog lies on the doormat
staring out across the garden.
Blinks slowly.
Yawns beyond possibility
Lowers a wet nose across
warm legs.
Stay still
and birds fly close.
All sounds move toward you,
begin to fill you,
even as silence
empties you.
You become part
of what is always here
while you are too
loud and moving
to notice.
This is all:
breathe
attuned,
responsive,
and unperturbed.
Be completely,
within the space you fill.
Animal ease.
(10/14/06)
Mike Beckett of Berkeley sent these great photos of Henry Coe State Park in Morgan Hill, California, after a recent backpack trip:
A reader from Siberia, kindly sent the following photos from that country as well as Russia and South Africa (her home country). As for hiking in Siberia, it's not exactly the recreational activity it is in the West. From a recent email responding to my question on the subject: "From what I understand this is not really a formal, organised "activity". There are a few scenic spots that are "holiday" destinations and people do some walking in and around these areas. There are people who have organised official, scientific expetitions which one could be seen as hiking with a purpose, for example to study specific fauna or flora. "
A little part of Lake Baikal, near Irkutsk, Russia
Sedgefield, Cape, South Africa
Novosibirsk, Siberia. Sunset, January 2006
Here is the Chapel that marks the centre of Russia (from East to West), in Novosibirsk, on Victory day in May, 2005
Karoo town, South Africa
All rights reserved for preceding five photos.
copyright 2006 Dawn Garfath
Haikus by Jeff Parker
On culinary habits of ravens and crows:
A raven grabs my
Tofu offering; perhaps
He is a vegan.
Crow family floats
Down from the red rocks for French
Fries at McDonald's.
On Advaita and the culinary habits of dogs:
The Self blinks, the yawns
Then takes a crap on the lawn.
Then the Self eats it!
Thud on the window!
Tears wet quail feathers as I
Confirm his passing.
Two more by Jeff Parker
Kangaroo Rat lies
Dead in the road, deserves a
Proper burial.
One-legged, hopping,
A quail leads his mate and young
On their daily rounds.
And yet two more by JP:
During the Winter,
Cottontails seek out choice green
Grass shoots where dogs pee.
While "Mourning" is not
"Morning," at dawn these Doves start
scratching and pecking.
