Padre Canyon

Padre Canyon

I was in need of some nature immersion, so I went out to Padre Canyon this morning.  The energy of that area is utterly low-key and peaceful.  I’ve never felt intense spirit energy there like that of Wupatki or Walnut Canyon, but it is quiet and solitary with fine views.  Usually I see some pottery shards, so I know this area was once inhabited by Sinagua people.  For some reason, however, it seems like their spirits are no longer there.   

It is lower and drier in that area than it is here, and the juniper trees are clearly right on the edge of what they can tolerate.   Nonetheless, there are lots of birds.  Today, walking along in the previous day’s snow, I saw many tiny bird footprints, as well as a multitude of rabbit tracks.  I noticed a coyote had been there, and observed a jackrabbit dashing off.  Intermingled were mysterious prints and tail marks of small animals I could not identify: probably deer mice and other rodents going about their business; unknowingly revealed by the snow. I did not resist the sense of kinship I felt with these little timid animals. There is a part of myself that is as meek as they, and we get by. 

I sat on the edge of Padre Canyon with my face wrapped up against the icy wind, watching the blowing clouds.  I felt an intense love for every rock, tree, and landform.   Some little birds landed in the low junipers around and above me, chirping to one another.  Birds have sharp eyes, so they knew I was there, but they didn’t seem to care about it.  One of them was bright, sky blue, which told me this was a flock of male and female mountain blue birds.   A number of them flew over me in a rush, like a shower of meteorites or fairy dust.  Of course it was no surprise that the message of the bluebirds was joy.  I have trouble giving myself permission to experience the joy of life, but I am encouraged by these kindly messengers from Creator with their beautiful medicine.