Moving Meditation: Hiking & TCC

Several years ago I purchased hiking boots and poles for hiking while away from Minnesota that winter. But just before departing, a dermatologist scraped the top of my left foot (during a pre-cancerous procedure), which prevented me from wearing shoes or boots for an extended period. Since sandals are the preferred footwear in Arizona anyway, I put the new boots and poles in the back of the closet. (We are now retired and living six months in Arizona.)

My husband is fussy, especially about his vehicle. In Minnesota we have two; during the winter we share his new sporty black car, but it isn’t allowed off road. In order to participate in water aerobics and sitting meditation in Arizona, I do a quick one-mile bicycle ride across the bridge that connects the community.

Last month an email asked for input from community members interested in starting a hiking group. My first thoughts were negative: Gravel roads lead to the mountains. How would I get there? I’ve never done this before. What if I can’t keep up?

I worked it out, though, during T’ai Chi Chih practice. I’d buy the hiking pass and share it with whoever was going to drive. I took a deep breath and replied: I’d love to learn to hike.

Walking in the Sonoran Desert, around Saguaro Lake or up the Superstition Mountains is another form of moving meditation like TCC. And on those walks I have experienced ah-ha moments, had meaningful conversations and developed deep friendships. Again similar to what I experience being part of the TCC community.