Kindness in the Canyon
This week we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the U.S., and I’m extremely grateful for all the joy, beauty, and healing I experienced while traveling the first part of the month. As much as I love traveling, I also love where I live, so I’m very thankful to be home.
One of this month’s trips was a magical six-day visit to the beautiful state of New Mexico, aptly nicknamed “The Land of Enchantment.” I was there to reconnect with longtime friends in Albuquerque and to facilitate a Family Constellations workshop in Santa Fe. It did my heart and soul so much good to spend quality time with my old friends and have sacred time with some new ones.
It was also a treat to soak in a landscape so different from my everyday surroundings here on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The trees proudly showed off their golden fall leaves while majestic mountains created a stunning backdrop. It was gorgeous.
My trip was filled with many moments of beauty and connection, but one moment in particular stood out…an unplanned gathering of like-minded souls at the top of a canyon. It affirmed what I believe to be true about humans. We are naturally kind, generous, and collaborative. It’s only when the voice of fear takes over that we act otherwise and forget our interconnectedness.
We had sunny blue skies and temperatures in the 70s on my first full day in Albuquerque with my friends Katie and Marcy. Perfect for an outdoor adventure. Katie suggested we go for a hike in one of her favorite places just north of the city called Tent Rocks National Monument. It had been years since I’d done an elevated hike like this, so I was all in.
When we arrived, Katie led us to Slot Canyon Trail, an hour-long hike winding through the canyon and up to a ridge overlooking the area. I soon discovered that this land was named Tent Rocks for the numerous tent-shaped rock formations scattered throughout the canyon. It takes thousands of years for wind, rain, and frost to sculpt these formations (called hoodoos) into their unique shapes. It made for a very scenic hike.
However, the trail was more strenuous than I expected. Flexibility came in handy where the canyon walls narrowed to just a few feet apart. Several spots required scrambling over large rocks and debris. It was exhilarating to move my body and use muscles I hadn’t used in a long time. And very satisfying to discover I was still able to do so! I suspected my leg muscles would complain the next day, but I didn’t have to wait that long. They were fatigued and a bit shaky by the end of the hike!
Just before we reached the summit, we encountered two women, probably ten to fifteen years my senior, slowly and carefully making their way up a challenging stretch of fallen rocks. We told them to take their time. We were happy to take a water break and catch our breath.
It didn’t take them long to traverse the rocks, and then we followed. For a few moments, all five of us stood together, admiring the expansive vista stretching out before us. Katie offered to take a photo of them with the beautiful landscape behind them. They graciously accepted, and then the three of us continued on while our new friends stayed behind to rest a bit longer.
A few minutes later, the trail leveled off, and within minutes we had reached the summit. The somewhat strenuous hike was absolutely worth it! The sunlit perch offered spectacular views of the entire canyon and surrounding area. It was a perfect place to be still and breathe it all in.
No more than ten minutes had passed when our new friends arrived at the top, and our sacred gathering began to form. We soon found out these women had been friends for fifty years. Both had been professional dancers who met while performing. One of the women now lives in Maine, the other in Tennessee. They decided to reunite for a week of adventures and reconnection in Albuquerque before one went to a retreat in Taos.
Maybe it was the insightful way they spoke about our connection to nature. Maybe it was soul recognition. Whatever it was, we shared stories, trail mix, and mango slices as if we had known each other for ten years, not ten minutes.
Then another pair of hikers (who apparently received the same cosmic invitation) arrived. We never learned how they knew each other, but they radiated kindness as well. Within a minute of arriving, the man asked if everyone had enough water and offered a spare bottle to anyone who needed it. When Marcy told him she had finished hers, he handed her his extra bottle without hesitation.
This act of generosity toward a stranger touched me deeply.
We learned he lived in Florida and loved the ocean as I do. When I asked where in Florida he lived, he gave a sheepish grin and said, “West Palm Beach… less than a mile from Mira Lago.”
His vulnerability opened something, and suddenly we were all sharing not just water and snacks, but our worries about the divisive climate in our country. It was inspiring to listen, laugh, and exchange words of encouragement with four strangers for just a few precious minutes on that ridge, surrounded by Mother Nature’s beauty.
As I descended the trail with Katie and Marcy, it struck me how much had to align for this cosmic convergence of kindred spirits to meet at that exact moment in that remote location. Had we arrived thirty minutes earlier or later, we would have missed it entirely. I truly believe the seven of us had a date with destiny to meet and remind one another of our true nature.
Chances are we will never meet again, but the kindness and connection shared in that canyon will stay with me forever. It was a powerful reminder that underneath all the noise, the headlines, and the fear, we are hardwired for compassion. We naturally gravitate towards collaboration. We are one human family.
If you’re longing to feel that same sense of connection with spirit and others in your daily life, I would be honored to assist you with a series of Spiritual Coaching Sessions. During our weekly or biweekly one-hour conversations, we will explore whatever is trying to take away your peace and find ways to help you return to center with strength and grace. This holiday season, give yourself or someone you love this gift. You can book a session, purchase a gift certificate, or find more information on my website. I look forward to creating miracles with you!
When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter.
A Course in Miracles ~ T-8.III.4