Dr. B.'s Blogs!

Red Rock Mountain High

Posted: February 11, 2015
By: Dr Susan Burger

Looking up I see stunning views, giant looming red rocks, and shadows of blue/green and grey vegetation.  It’s winter in Arizona, where I came to visit friends for a needed break.

Challenging times and multiple changes have led me to what feels like a new phase of life. Unsure of what’s ahead I feel a bit apprehensive, yet boosted by the anticipation of boundless possibilities!

 

Peggy, Mike and I embarked on a hike up to Cathedral Rock in Sedona, one of the spots said to be a vortex area.  Halfway up the trail it was getting steeper and more challenging. With Peggy still healing from knee surgery they chose to stop there. I was determined to continue alone.  It felt good to hike, to push myself and my body.  

 

Climbing the rocks higher at one point I remember wishing someone was with me.  What if I fell? But the exhilaration of the outdoors and the beauty around me far outweighed that fleeting fear.

 

I crested the top of the trail to Cathedral Rock and as I looked out I found myself taking in a deep breath - the view was stunning.  To my delight there was a group of young adults sitting on the rocks singing with one guy playing guitar. A man turned to me and asked with a twinkle in his eye, “Do you have any requests?!”   A magical moment to hear music as an additional reward at the top of the climb.

One of my favorite lines from a John Denver song began playing in my head as a large bird flew overhead. “You know he’d be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly...Rocky Mountain high...”.    Colorado, Arizona, it doesn’t matter where I am in this world, Mother Nature is awesome.

 

Heading back down the mountain I ran into other folks along the way until there was a string of us descending together.  Eventually I spotted my dear friends who were enjoying each other and the beautiful scenery in their own way, patiently waiting as they gave me the gift of time to explore.


As we walked the end of the trail back to the car, it struck me that I was never alone on the mountain. I was a vital participant in life itself, supported by the seen and the unseen.  At that moment in time all was well in my world. Remembering that is always so, I relished the next moment, and then the next. The awesomeness that we are all a part of.  Now that’s my kind of high!