Tai Ch'i Walkabout

A few weeks ago several members of my Quang Ping Yang style tai ch'i group, along with our instructor and a naturalist, went on a walkabout combining tai ch'i and hiking. Our destination was the Cathedral Rocks in the McDowell Mountain Preserve, which is way North outside of the city above Scottsdale.

Tis was a glorious day for a hike. The sun was out but not too intense, the air cool, and a fine breeze that would shift through now and then. We started at about 1430 hours as this was an afternoon/sunset adventure.

So our lively group of twelve went on our way through the desert surrounded by wondrous desert life. Our extraordinary naturalist would stop now and then and talk about something a long the trail about plants and some birds. Quite fascinating. As this is not my childhood natural habitat, I lack in the acute awareness of the different functions that the desert holds. And the more I continue to learn about the desert, the more I am amazed and in awe.

One of the biggest fascinations of our walkabout/hike was the giant Saguaros. They hold a certain aura of strength and majestic presence that only one can truly feel when standing amidst their shadows.

Also, very tragically we found one chopped down. Pictures were taken and a couple volunteered to report to the authorities. It is illegal to cut down a saguaro. If one is in an inconvenient area, by law, the Saguaros must be transplanted to a different location with no harm coming to them. We have no idea why one was so cruelly chopped down and just left there. The only hint suggested was the power lines but the lines are so high up that it would be impossible for the Saguaro to even be in the way.

And lo, after much hiking our destination came into sight. Ahead were the rocks.

The Cathedral Rocks are two large rocks amidst the cluster of rocks which lean into each other creating this opening overlooking the desert. We came at the perfect hour where the sun was starting to sink lower in the sky. And thus, creating shafts of light streaking through.

We picked our places and commenced to do Tai ch'i moves out in the desert surrounded by the glories of the natural world. The vistas were grand, especially looking northward.

Our instruction for the homeward bound journey was a walking meditation. It seemed rather fitting. Our walkabout to the Cathedral rocks were full of jubilee and cheer as we all were talking, listening, observing the desert. Now it was time for a more introspective nature to be reflected on. And so we went more quietly than before. There were times of comment and spoken thoughts, listening and observing.

The colors of the desert in the continuous cycles of each passing moment offered a renewed outlook. The evening was upon us and we continued. There is definitely something about twilight (both morning and evening hours) when in the desert. Each offering a gift to share. The setting sun casts shadows and changing light. And then the coyotes started to yip, yip and then a chorus of howls. Some longer than others. So beautiful being surrounded by the stillness settling, pierced by the symphony of voices rising up to send greetings to mother earth.
The stars came out and the sky turned aqua and then midnight to darkness. Off in the distance was the lights of the mass metropolis that we all call home. But home is the desert where feet tread the dusty floors surrounded by the life that waits and whispers to teach us. Pause, listen, watch and you will know.

Desert Glass

This morning I awoke bright and early before the sun rose as I always do on a Saturday morning. It is Tai Chi morning. The morning was a very special morning since the place that hosts our Tai Chi classes is at the Desert Botanical Gardens. I cannot think of a more perfect place to do our tai chi among the catci, succulents, yuccas, and other desert flora and fauna.

This morning the Desert Botanical gardens also hosted something very special in which led me to do wild and deviant behaviors... I am now a harden criminal. Today marked the grand opening of Chihuly Nature of Glass in the Desert Gardens!!! However, the gardens was not open to public with the exception of the elite few who could cough up 500 dollars for this exclusive package which included breakfast, lecture and video with Dale Chihuly himself, and the tour of the garden with the extraordinary exhibits of glass placed around the gardens. Oh, sure classes were still held but we were sent emails with explicit directions of how to proceed through the admissions and then to our classes.

When I arrived at the opening hour, the gates were open with staff checking in the VIP special folks and security guards checking people. I of course was stopped and when asked what I was doing, I said I am just going to my class (Tai Chi). The guy was saying "oh you need to wear these special wrist bands, etc." I was like ok and he pointed me in the direction of another security person. I walked right pass and continued into the gardens. I knew if I was caught I would be in serious trouble. Probably be kicked out.

Since I had arrived early before start of class and of course my other class mates were stalled behind me, captured into debriefing and being fitted for bands for the lowly few who only come to classes, I went ahead and toured the garden and started to take pictures!!! (And of course hide my wrists from being exposed to suspicious guards monitoring the area.)

So ENJOY!!!

And now you are probably wondering, did I see Chihuly???? After much sleuthing and peaking through cacti into the VIP area of breakfast and the hidden gallery of where the lecture was being held, I found out something. He was making an appearance by the entrance. Ah ha!!! And after almost an hour of waiting I saw him zip by on a cart.

I met Chihuly about 10 years ago in Tacoma. My Dad and I were listening to a Celtic band playing outside on the streets by a pub. Then suddenly my dad was saying something like NO WAY, there is CHIHULY!!! And sure enough there he was amidst the crowd with a pint of beer in his hand. If anyone is acquainted with Chihuly, they would know a very few obvious characteristics of Chihuly persona. He sports a patch over his left eye, has an afro (big hair), and shoes splattered with paint. He is looking much the same but just a wee bit older these days. But still winning smile.

And I marched out having accomplished all I set out to do without having to pay 500 dollars. Who cares about a breakfast and movie lecture. I was among the first to see the glass being set up and was there at the opening. And most importantly, see Dale Chihuly, and be illuminated by his artistic aura.

Of course, I highly recommend that everyone comes to the the gardens and view the glass exhibits themselves. Sometimes pictures do not do justice and this is only a smidgen of a few glass exhibits in the garden. There is much, much more. It will be open to public from now on till about May so come, come!