The Sedona Experience - Part III

Today, September 11, 2011 would be another day that I stepped out of the hotel into the cool early morning air of Sedona.  The darkness in the sky was still so very prevalent, much like it was hanging in my heart.   It is very early morning, 5:20 a.m. to be exact. The hotel staff was quietly performing their assigned tasks. Their emphasis is on the flawless operation of the hotel and the comfort of their guests.  I am cognizant of what today’s date is and what it means. Ten years ago today comfort, security and life as it was known to the family members, friends and co-workers of 2,977 innocent people was changed, destroyed and altered in a matter of a few minutes.

  I headed over in my red Kia SOUL to pick up my friend for our scheduled hike.  On the ride over I was anxious, I wanted to see my friend. However, I was struck by the thought that this beautiful woman that I had never seen or spoken to three days ago, in an instant has become a friend.  No, she is a kindred spirit in this Sedona journey, but now more importantly in my life.  I am struck by the irony of these thoughts. One moment can bring so much pain, loss and sadness, while another brings so much hope, joy and happiness!

    Our hike was scheduled to begin at 5:45 a.m.  As the group arrived daylight gave its first hint of appearance.  There was chatter among the group, however it was somewhat quiet and less than normal.  The lack of interaction wasn’t because of fatigue, but it was due to reflection.  This morning marked the ten years to the day that our lives as we had known it, changed.  Many of the people in our group live in the bedroom communities of New York City.  Every one of us had some sort of story, experience or connection to the events of that day ten years ago.

   We began our hike in silence. It was 5:45 a.m. Sedona time, 8:45 a.m. New York time.  Ten years and one minute removed from the most defining moment in modern day America. Dawn was breaking upon Bell Rock.  She became encased in white clouds.  Was it was Mother Nature’s way of wrapping her beautiful creation, Bell Rock, in the protective cocoon of her womb? Emotions and images of that day were flooding my mind.  The bluest of blue skies, the darkest of dark clouds, the deepest river of pain all came flooding back to me.  I know, and yes, I remember.

   September 11, 2001 at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Standard Time American Airlines Flight 11 scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles later that day, flew into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.  It was steel, piercing steel and cutting through concrete like scissors through paper. The fuel that was to give the plane life to fly across the country was engulfing the building in flames and weakening her being. Ten years later to the minute as I followed a rocky path, one that was lined by the vibrant red rocks that were now permeating my soul, the thoughts flooded in.  I thought of the families in my community that lost their husbands, wives, dads, moms, brothers, sisters and friends. Many of these were the beings who believed they could be more than human and save those that were trapped within the burning structure. The World Trade Center was created to house the essence of America.  One that we believed defined us, that is, us up until that moment: success, wealth and prosperity.   How wrong we were…………and what a lesson we learned.

  As our group continued our upward journey the clouds that surrounded Bell Rock began to change.  They became reddish/pink in hue. However, they now took on the shape that resembled the smoke billowing from the World Trade Center on that fateful morning. I was breathing deeply. The message I was recieving was amazing.  I continued to snap pictures.  I needed to preserve this moment. I turned to point out the clouds to a fellow hiker.  When I looked at the scene unfolding behind me I gasped in awe!!!  Behind us on the path as a rainbow!!!  There was not a hint of rain in the area, but there appeared a beautiful rainbow!  My gaze now turned forward and the reddish pink clouds that were emitting from Bell Rock had moved.  They now appeared golden yellow and were flowing from Courtyard Butte.  Courtyard Butte resides next to Bell Rock.  They are much like the two towers of the World Trade Center; aligned structures, supporting one another.

  I turned back once again to point out all that was unfolding before me to a fellow traveler  and when I did I saw that the rainbow was not only still illuminated, but a small pinkish/reddish cloud formed in the shape of a heart was residing within the rainbow!  Speechless…. I was totally speechless!!!

  Our group arrived at a clearing within the rocks on the back section of Bell Rock about a third of the way up.  Ten years ago on this day, September 11^th this series of events that is etched in our collective minds took place:

·       8:46 a.m. American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

·       9:03 a.m. American Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

·       9:57 a.m. American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.  

·       10:03 a.m. United Airlines Flight 93 under the control of hijackers and overtaken by selfless United States citizens to save countless others, crashed.

·       9:59 a.m. after burning for fifty six minutes, the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.

·       10:28 a.m. after burning for one hundred and two minutes the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.

  It only took one hundred and two minutes to inflict the destruction that defines the world that we live in to take hold.  I was fully reminded of that when I arrived at the airport to travel to Sedona. I navigated my way through the security checks with my shoes removed, my body scanned and my identifying documents placed under a microscope for validation.

  So approximately within that one hundred and two minute time frame our group had hiked up the first third of Bell Rock.  We watched and observed, awaiting what was to come.  It was much like Christmas morning as the neatly wrapped gifts are being opened and exposed to the daylight, the miracle of this day and its grandeur was being presented to us.  We marveled in its beauty, the rainbow, the smoke colored clouds and the burning life flame within the red rocks and our souls.

  We stopped at a large open rock clearing that had a very small stream running through it.  It was a time of reverence.  We acknowledged the meaning of the day and any shared their feelings and stories from those moments. 

  I have many thoughts that rattle around in my head, but rarely do I verbalize them.  However, on this day I needed to.  I was compelled to.  Finally, I opened up.  I said:

  “As we began our hike and the dark skies became light I saw Bell Rock encased in white clouds.  As the hike progressed the clouds changed their colors.  They became a pinkish/reddish and to me, resembled the smoke that was rising from the World Trade Center ten years ago.  Today, much like then, our group was like the first responders.   We were heading into the smoke and danger, not out of it.  When I turned and saw the rainbow that had a pink heart shaped cloud intersecting it, I knew.  It was a message from the Universe saying ….Thank you!  You are supported in your journey of spreading love.  A message that is so very different from ten years ago.”

  It took a lot for me to speak up and share my thoughts, but I needed to. It wasn’t about me.  It was about all of those who lost………..but they did lose in vain.  See, as much as the warriors of that day sacrificed, they taught us a lesson.  This life is not about what material possessions you have.  It is about your heart connections.  Money, wealth, fame and fortune do not leave this earth with you, nor do they really, in the end, possess any tangible value.  The way you live your life, the assistance you offer other, the compassion you display and the love that you give freely, with nothing expected in return is ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS. 

  My heart was full. All of these thoughts that were sent from heaven and the angels above produced another gift.  Into our part of Bell Rock strolled a man with a guitar.  He introduced himself as Mark.  He asked if we would like to hear some Christian music.  Of course we agreed.  He began playing and singing.  Each note was clear and concise and just as it should be. Our compassionate group of seventeen started singing along with Mark.  The hymn he chose ……”How Great Thou Art”.    The notes and tones bounced from rock to rock and more importantly, from heart to heart! 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLLMzr3PFgk

  That morning we could have chosen to stay in our rooms watch the television as it replayed all of the sadness and grief with each roll call.  Instead we chose to honor the lives of the 2,977 souls who gave so much.  We went out enjoyed the gifts provided by Mother Nature.  See, our consciousness has shifted.  No longer are we totally focused on all the ideals that the World Trade Center represented…..success, wealth and financial prosperity. We are now focused on the wealth that resides in each of us.  Life, love and compassion; I am proud to say that I, along with sixteen other loving souls, honored those that gave so much to bring life and consciousness to so very many.

 We continued in our upward journey of Bell Rock.  I went higher than I thought I would or, for that matter thought I could. It was amazing how quickly the skys cleared and all that you could see above was the deep dark blue of the sky.....another reminder.

 After hiking higher and pushing myself beyond what I percieved my limitations to be, I exited the trail.  Right there where I had passed many times before was a sign.  The message was clear, loud and true.....

The Sedona Experience – Part II

After two fabulous days soaking in the Sedona magic I asked “what else can lie ahead?”  Well the red rocks answered me.  They said “more than you could imagine.”

  Saturday morning the group was to meet at a restaurant named The Coffee Pot at 7:00.  Our plan was to drive over to Boynton Canyon in tandem.  Boynton Canyon is on the other side of Sedona and our trip coordinator wanted to make sure that everyone found their way.

  My new found friend picked me up at my hotel at 5:40.  We planned on getting to the restaurant by 6:00, having breakfast and being ready for the 7:00 departure time.  Needless to say there was not much traffic on the road at 5:40 am! On our second full day and I was full of excitement and anticipation.  However, as we were driving my stomach was marching to the beat of a different drum.  It was twisting, turning and flipping!  I broke out into a sweat and at one point almost ask my friend to pull the car over.  I thought this cannot be happening to me!  Breathe deep…slowly, release, and let it go.  Once again, and again.  Think calming thoughts.  No, you can’t get sick now, it is not allowed! 

  Thankfully, all of my mental medicine paid off!   We arrived at the restaurant in the same state that we left the hotel.  When we walked into the Coffee Pot we immediately recognized the table of five sitting before us.  It was the part of our group from Northern California.  With encouragement and their welcoming arms we pulled up a few chairs and joined in.   

  I scanned the menu for something on the bland side.  As much as I love the southwestern spicy cuisine, it was not going to compliment my sour stomach….finally listed right after the biscuits and gravy; there it was a good ol’ New York bagel….or as close as I was going to come to it.  That is what I ordered along with a coffee that I gingerly sipped.  The funny thing was that I was not the only one battling with a topsy turvy stomach.  Two other women were feeling the same thing.  It wasn’t as if we had eaten any of the same things in the last twenty four hours, it must have been something else.  Maybe our upset stomachs were a result of all of the red rock energy that we were digesting.

  After a nice breakfast and some getting to know you time the rest of our group had arrived.  We carpooled to Boynton Canyon. The sun was making its way upward to take its designated place and it was shining brightly as it reflected against the deep blue, blue sky. There were strips of wispy clouds that looked much like cotton candy that made their way above us just to showcase how deep the blueness was that resided above.    As we drove into the canyon the clouds settled adjacent to the rocks as if to now accentuate the features of the red rocks.  Were the clouds acting as our own Vanna White, pointing out the importance of the message that was in front of us? Once again I stood in awe as I gazed upward and inhaled the magnificence around me.  I felt so small and insignificant, but at the same time, important because in my heart of hearts I knew I was meant to be at this spot at this moment.

  The canyon had a defined path that led upward toward a plateau that was anchored on either side by two tall rock formations.  One was connected to the massive red rock mountain; the other was like a light house that illuminated the way.  It was a structure standing on its own, a welcoming pillar against the blue sky.  While standing below on the tailored path I could not imagine that we were venturing to that spot above.

  While we walked I continued snapping pictures.  I wanted to commit to memory the abundant beauty and amazement around me.  Years from now when this memory of mine starts failing and skewing the facts, at least I will have the pictures to remind me and show me the truth!  As we had stopped at a location along the path I snapped a picture of the brilliant sunshine ahead.  One of the things that I have been realizing is that the soil upon the path that I have been walking in my daily life does not feel comforting, welcoming or quite right any more. However that being said, I am not sure which path will provide the homey feeling that I am looking for.  When I looked at this particular picture on the computer later that night I was amazed at what I saw.  It was another magical Sedona message.  The purple streak at the bottom of the sun filled in the dirt path with purple light.  This is the path that I need to venture upon.

  For the most part the climb was easy, the incline gradual, that was until we got closer to the top.  The grade became steeper and the terrain rockier.  Once again as much as I wanted to look up at my targeted location, it was best to keep my head down and focus of each step.  Slipping and sliding into one of the many cacti that lined the path would not be fun at all!!

 Eventually, we reached the top of the rock. Once again Mother Nature graced us with abundant beauty.  The view was beyond breathtaking.  As I gazed around I felt as if I was part of red rocks and I knew that at that moment they were permeating my being.  Looking down I was awe struck at where I was compared to where I had started. The distance great that measured with a degree of difficulty.  Much like my life I thought. Just like the previous days in Sedona there was no place else in the world that I would rather be at that moment.  It was perfect, pure and sacred.

  We spent about an hour up on that plateau.  We enjoyed the views, soulful conversations and music full of meaning that had been loaded to our MP3 players.  We talked of our inner child.  The one within that laughs just because they feel like it and cries because they are moved to.  It is important to connect to that inner child to understand from which we came.  That inner child still lives within. If you listen closely you will realize that it is the deep part within us that lives in freedom, even when we don’t in our waking lives. 

  It was a perfect morning…..or so we thought!  Just as our group was getting ready to begin our decent down the mountain of vibrant red rocks we were bestowed with yet another gift.  The sweet sound of Indian flute music began.  The notes bounced from each rock and went directly to our hearts. Clean, clear and meaningful we were in Mother Nature’s Cathedral, and with each note we were enjoying her simple and pure symphony.

 Much to our amazement a gentleman had climbed to the very top of the “light house rock”.  He appeared to be sitting inches from the blue sky; as close as you can get to heaven in this earthly life without entering it, but bestowing an unimaginable gift upon us.  If the trip coordinator had tried, she could have not planed an event to be executed so timely and perfectly.   We all stood absolutely still for the fifteen minutes he played his instrument.  There was nowhere to go and at that moment, nowhere we would rather be.

  Eventually we did make our way back down the red rock mountain.  Our surprise guest musician joined us.  He was welcoming and gracious with sharing his knowledge and wisdom.  He even took us to a secluded area where a medicine wheel had been constructed.  What a tour guide delivered with love from above!!

  After this hike one of our group mates said that they were going to have lunch at a particular restaurant if anyone wanted to join in, and join in we did! We had all but one of the group stop by.  The destination was a small outdoor café.  Now you are probably thinking much the way that I did……outdoors, Sedona Arizona at noon time?  But it was perfect and very comfortable.  It was a unique place that also housed an art gallery of sorts.  Our group overtook the outside dining area.  And even with their small kitchen it did not matter how long the wait was for our food.  It was once again about the experience.  Conversations flowed, pictures were shared and connections enhanced. That is until I knocked over the appetizer of one of my new found friends…or I thought, a former friend.  Well as bad as I felt for my mistake this woman could not have, been more gracious.  Another lesson, let go of it all.  It was an accident, and in the grand scheme of things…..this misstep is very insignificant!!

  After lunch our plans were made to meet at the Frank Lloyd Wright Chapel.  I picked up my friend at four thirty.  We didn’t want to be late for our five o’clock meeting time!  Of course not knowing where we were going or the parking patterns we parked at the very bottom.  The Chapel was built within the red rock mountain above.  We walked and then walked some more.  It is so comforting when you are in the company of someone who doesn’t get upset that you parked in the lower, well, very lower lot.  They just say “It is absolutely fine. Now we get to see the views from all angles.” 

  So as we approached the Chapel there was a small fountain.  I could see that some folks had used it as a wishing well.  There were many coins within and around the fountain.  So I dug my hand into my wallet and removed a few coins.  Now my friend and I had discussed our favorite numbers.  Mine are eight and eleven.  Hers is eleven for sure.  With all the loose change I had within my wallet, without looking, I pulled out four coins.  Two dimes and two pennies, twenty two cents and twenty two divided by two is of course eleven! So we each had eleven cents, our favorite number to make a wish upon!  We tossed in the coins along with our wishes and held onto the moment.

  The Chapel was built within the rock, so behind it was a huge rock formation that seemed to hold the Chapel within its womb.  We entered the Chapel and as soon as we did I was overtaken by the presence of my Grandmother.  This was my Fathers Mother who had passed in June of 1992.  Tears started to well within my eyes.   She was one of the great ones….a pure spirit who lived her life with grace.  Several years ago when I was going through a particularly difficult time, it was my Grandmother who sent the message that she understood me and heard me.

   I also felt the presence of my Mother-in-law.  Now, I know many people don’t understand this because “Mother-in-Laws” are perceived to be “evil”, but my Mother-in-Law was my friend and my champion. She “got me” in more ways than you can imagine.  It was told to me that she was giving me permission and blessings to take this trip, even though her son, my husband wasn’t.  So it did not surprise me that these two very strong women made an appearance this day.  Both of these women were reverent and devout in their beliefs. And I knew that both of them were cheering me along and encouraging me on this journey of self-discovery.   That afternoon I lit two candles in the Chapel, one each to honor each of these amazing women who continue to light my path.

  So before the rest of our group arrived my friend and I went downstairs to the Chapel Gift Shop.  It contained so many beautiful things; crosses, religious medals, Christmas ornaments and books.  I happened to a small rack and picked up a pocket type book called “One-day-at–a–time Therapy.”  It had a cute drawing of elves on the front of it.  I opened the book to page number eight.  The message read, “Be patient with your child within.  The child has much to discover.”  Now, not only is the number eight the favorite number of our trip coordinator, the energy intuitive, she spoke extensively this morning about honoring our “inner child”!  Was this a coincidence…..or a message? I purchased two copies. One copy each for the event coordinator and for me.

The red rocks served as a back drop for the Chapel.  They were full of life and imagery.  In them, when you looked close you could see a dolphin and an eagle. Of course when you looked to the right there was the rock formation that had Mary holding Jesus and surrounded by guards for comfort and protection.   As our group convened and we settled into this most sacred space another magical Sedona message appeared.  Against the bluest of skies and slightly above the red rocks appeared a cloud…..a perfect heart shaped could!!!!  With our logical minds we think, how can this be happening.  But when we listen to our souls, we know exactly why it did! The group was to re-convene at 8:00 at Bell Rock for a full moon gathering. 

It was now five forty five.  As others disbursed, we sat upon the bench that outlined the Chapel and listened to a playlist of song both modern and classical that honored Mother Mary.  During this time the purest and clearest of thoughts and intentions came to life.  It was an unbelievable way to share, but yet enjoy our own experiences.  We both kept gazing above at the blue, blue sky, the clouds that told stories and the sun that wished to solidify and bond the experience.   Rich, spiritual, moving and amazing should be the words to describe the experience, but honestly, they all fall short, extremely short…….the peacefulness and oneness felt at that moment goes beyond any words that I can  imagine formulating……………….

  Really not wanting to leave, but knowing that the clock was working against us, my friend and I made our way down the mountain from the Chapel.  We chatted the whole time.  Our souls enriched by what we had just experienced.

 We decided to grab a bite for dinner, but for our quick bite we ended up at an elegant restaurant that had an outside patio for dining.  Of course we asked for outdoor seating.  We were continually drawn not only to the beauty that was contained within each other, but also the red rock beauty that surrounded us.  Our table was perfect.  Outside and at the same time encased within Mother Nature’s stage.  Our twenty something waitress was enchanted with us.  Two middle aged women, having a wonderful time, soaking up all of the goodness and life around us.  And she rewarded us with very full glasses of wine!!!  Thank you Universe!!  The food to the palette was as vibrant as the red rocks were to the eye!  We could not have imagined anything better.

  We were enjoying our meal so very much that we lost track of the time.  We were running behind in meeting our scheduled meeting time.  A quick drop off and change of clothes was in order!!  Now as much as I tried to get it right, I misdirected my friend and we had to make a loop around to our designated meeting place.  Yes, we were five minutes late…..but it was all okay.    By now the sun had retreated and retired for the day and the moon, in all of its fullness was gracing us!  The full moon ceremony was a wonderful way to top off such a full, rich and amazing day!! 

  When we finished the question was asked what time are we convening for our hike tomorrow morning.  Times were thrown about.  Six o’clock, six fifteen…maybe five forty five, loudly, clearly and without judgment the group said five forty five AM! 

  When I returned to my hotel room full of life and energy from the day’s experiences a thought crossed my mind.  Tomorrow is September 11, 2011. Ten years ago life as we know it changed at 8:46 AM eastern standard time…….5:46 AM pacific time……So we will reconvene early in the morning ten years to the day and just about to the minute.  We will honor those who gave all that they could, and all that they held dear so that we can be here today…….free……. And it was with that thought I placed my head upon my pillow, I was grateful, so very grateful on many levels, but mostly for all the abundance  and joy I have in my life…………..

The Sedona Experience- Part I

The “power words” are words that describe an event, a feeling or encounter that touch your soul and leave your heart overflowing. The power words unbelievable, amazing, phenomenal, beautiful, astonishing, etc. all fall very short in describing my visit to the Red Rocks of Sedona.  When you enter the canyon from the desert your senses are immediately heightened and are on overload! The desert drabness morphs into a vibrant red.  It is a red so bright that it stimulates not only the eye, but awakens the soul.   Beauty abounds and your being is left gasping for breath.  You cannot inhale it fast enough.

  I have spent so very much of my life doing for, and giving to others.  Whatever it was that my family or friends needed from me to validate them or make them feel whole became my mission.  The problem was that in the process of doing this I lost sight of myself.  Who I was, what I needed and what I believed in.

  So when I heard about the trip to Sedona Arizona that was being run by an energy intuitive friend, that voice within told me loud and clear, you must be there!  I did not know why, but I had to go.  I needed to take part in this experience. It was my time to stretch beyond what I perceived were my boundaries. And the Universe agreed.  It readily supplied a few of the key components to my travel. So I was Sedona bound.

    Our first group meeting was at two o’clock at the rented home of the energy intuitive and her support staff.  It was literally right around the corner from my hotel.  I could have easily walked.  I was greeted outside by an energetic and lively woman named Libby.  She directed me inside the house. It was spacious but cozy at the same time. I was the second to arrive.  I took my seat along with a deep breath and released any residual worries that were clinging onto me. I waited for the ride to begin.    All tolled there were seventeen of us on the trip.  The group consisted of two men and fifteen women.  The youngest was in her late twenties, the oldest in her mid-seventies.  The majority of us fell within the age range of mid-forties to late fifties.  There was a group of five people from Northern California; two others who were also from California, one person from Missouri, one person from Florida and the balance were from Southern New York.   The odd thing was that even though I was among a group of total strangers, there was a familiarity.  I felt comfortable and safe. 

  Our first official “hike” was Thursday afternoon after our house gathering.  It was in a park near Cathedral Rock. Although we were not actually hiking Cathedral Rock at this time, her presence loomed greatly.  The tall reddish/orange pillars were our focal point.  With each step we got closer to the majesty that was ahead and also closer to the goodness and richness that was contained within each one of our trail mates.

  We entered a clearing where there was a creek and a perfect view of Cathedral Rock’s pillars. That is where the energy vortex resides. The creek flowed gently but was full of energy and life.  Each of us place our feet in the water.  We closed our eyes and experience the cleansing powers. Our souls that arrived somewhat battered were slowly and gently releasing the burdens and toxins within. With each changing current we began to let go of those items and issues we carried to Sedona with us.  We were cleansed, relaxed, free and clear to move forward.

  We returned to the house for a group dinner.  The wine, beer and chatter flowed effortlessly.  The meal was simple, elegant and delicious. Light appetizers along with grilled chicken, burgers, mixed potato salad, tomatoes with basil, green salad. While breaking bread with one another, you could sense that bonds were beginning to form.  I found myself drawn to a woman named Corina.  I sensed that she was strong, but also very compassionate.  We had much in common regarding career, families and our core beliefs.  It is funny how you can meet someone and be immediately drawn to them.  Our conversation was warm and flowed effortlessly. 

   That night Sedona gave us another glimpse of her magic.  A light show was provided!  A storm was brewing in the distance and the bolts of lightning that danced across the sky provided entertainment.  It was Mother Nature putting out her welcome mat.  It was a mesmerizing evening on so many fronts!  We were told to meet the next morning at Bell Rock at 5:45 am for our morning hike. I said my goodbyes and returned to my hotel.  I was full, both physically and emotionally.

  Not wanting to be late for the morning festivities I set my alarm for 4:30 am.  I will admit as excited as I was to begin this adventure, I had to have a cup of coffee before I could get myself moving! I quickly showered and dressed. I choose shorts and a tank top.  I was in Arizona you know, heat for sure.  I grabbed a few cookies and packed my backpack.  Two bottles of water, a few granola bars, a first aid kit, tissues, I-pod (with the loaded playlist from our event coordinator) a camera and small video camera. 

  As everyone else in the hotel slept I ventured out into the darkness to witness the day come to life.  As I exited the hotel I was greeted by the morning chill.  I was sure that as soon as the sun was awakened the warmth would return.  I drove my rented red Kia Soul to the designated parking area.  I was concerned since I was the only one there.  Could I be in the wrong spot?  I checked my cell phone.  No messages.  Just as I began to send a text message to our leader, she and another group arrived.

  You know how some people’s names just seem to fit them; well Bell Rock’s name does fit.  She is bell shaped.  After the group gathered we began our trip along the trail.  The beginning part of the trail is somewhat flat, not rocky and graced with blazing red clay and gravel.  We made our way to a clearing to rest before we would begin walking in an area that is a bit more challenging.  We stopped to regroup, reflect and relax.  As we were in this spot the sun was rising higher and higher into the sky.  Since we were up so very early Mother Nature decided to reward our perseverance and dedication.  Over the rocks to the left there was a beautiful, clear rainbow.  Then a sibling joined her. Finally to leave us speechless the rays of color intersected with the original bow…..a triple!  What a sight!

 As the colors began to fade we turned and made our way along the path.  It was rockier.  You had to watch where you were stepping.  As much as I wanted to gaze upward at the beauty that abounded I kept my eyes downward to ensure that I did not take a misstep.  However, the sun was not gracing us with her warmth. The lightness became dim and the dark clouds rolled in.   Shortly thereafter the raindrops began to fall. Slow at first, but then they picked up their intensity.  We continued moving forward and upward.  We arrived at a clearing that intersected with an energy portal.  We stopped and with the rain falling we received all that was offered to us.  I climbed higher onto the rocks.  As the saying goes….slippery when wet…well this did pertain to the rocks.  Each step was taken with caution, but also with faith. As finished our time here and moved on from this spot something hit me.  I am a person that is always cold.  I can eat ice cream in the summer, but then have to put on a jacket to rid myself of the chill.  And as my trail mates were cold and putting on jackets, the chill did not invade me.  Then I thought, “Maybe I am warmed since I finally released that last cold chamber of my heart.  The one piece within me that I have not been able to let go of…Did these red rocks finally release it?”  I moved on along the trail knowing that this was the case.  The warmth that is fully within my heart was now heating my being.

 We were instructed that when you reach your limit on the trail, stop.  Wait. We will gather you on the return trip.  Some folks did just that, but I continued along.  Upward we went. The further up you go the less spacious the trails become.  You must be cognizant with each step.  We were about two thirds of the way up and parallel to Courtyard Butte.   Two huge rocks nestled against one another.  Protecting each other and having one another’s back.  At that moment I felt so small, so insignificant, but yet at the same time I sensed my presence was important.  In comparison I was just a grain of sand on the beach.  The rocks were as magnificent and as overpowering as the ocean.  But I was supposed to be exactly where I was at that moment. The message was clear.  Everyone and everything, no matter how big or small, is relevant important and integral to our existence.

 After our decent from Bell Rock we gathered in the parking lot.  We received our meeting instructions for that evening. Six o’clock at Airport Mesa.  I made plans to meet Corina for breakfast.  I returned to my room for a shower.  As the warm water touched my skin I finally realized that I had been cold, just not able to feel it.  The warmth felt good.  It was as if I had traveled full circle. I changed and headed out to meet Corina at the Red Rock Coffee House.  I was there, but she wasn’t.  After fifteen minutes I called her.  She was at the Red Rock Café.  Easy mistake for both of us….everything has Red Rock in its name!  I re-routed and we had a wonderful meal together.  What was supposed to breakfast became lunch, but it didn’t matter! Once again we found ourselves engrossed in conversation……and without a lull. We decided that we would drive together to Airport Mesa for our next excursion. 

 I picked Corina up at the bed and breakfast that she was staying at, at 5:40.  When we got to Airport Mesa there was very little parking.  Thankfully I had the compact Kia Soul and we snagged the very first (and tiny) parking spot.  This climb was not as drastic at first.  Since we parked in the back of the rock we were already most of the way up.  However the last twenty feet were straight up…all rock.  It was one of those entry ways where you had to scale the rocks.  I felt my legs were wobbly, probably from the morning hike.  I thought, maybe the place where I was standing was just fine.  I didn’t need to be at the very top of the Mesa.  Then I looked up.  Standing at the very top was Sally, the woman in her mid-seventies.  With the assistance of the two men on the trip and with her cane, she made it to the top!  So, now the gauntlet was thrown!  I HAD to get to the top.  I took a deep breath and began my upward journey.  Every step was carefully thought out and executed.  Somehow I made it to the top, wobbly legs and all.  I owe a debt of gratitude to Sally, for without her inspiration I would have missed out on one of the most breath taking views I had ever seen.  We were at the top of the rocks looking outward and downward and the world surrounded us.  It was to be a sunset hike, but Mother Nature did not agree.  Sunset or no sunset the view was amazing!! 

 So after a quick stop for drink fatigue set in.  We were drunk on the sights, the energy and the experience.  On the ride back to the hotel I thought "A few phenomenal days, what else could posibly lie ahead?"  Soon I was to find out just how very much Sedona has to offer!

Showering Obstacles with Light

Talk about stepping out….I am in Sedona AZ. Of course this is a great distance from New York and my life of obligations.  When I had heard that a friend and energy intuitive was hosting a trip to Sedona AZ something in me just said “I have to go.”  At first the date was going to be in May or June, then late September.  Finally, early September was chosen.  It didn’t matter to me, no matter what or when I was going! The red rocks were calling!

 Now that I had made my mind up I had to configure the obligations and details to fit.  I have never done anything like this before, and never has my mind been so keenly aware that this is something that I need to do.  In the past I would let the obstacles clutter the way and then walk away from my goal.  Really, what are most obstacles anyway?  They are limits and perceptions that our minds allow us to believe to be true.  Simply put, in the past I would have said, “I would love to go to Sedona but I cannot afford it.”  A valid point at times, but is it really? In my case I was now dedicated to the end result.  I knew that I have provided my family what they have “needed”, but what about me? So in my heart of hearts I just knew that I was destined to take this trip and low and behold my sister who travels the world for business gave me the necessary frequent flyer miles for an airplane ticket….and a first class one to boot!!!  At work we finished a special project and I received a bonus that was sufficient to cover the cost of the hotel.  Now what were we saying about limits?

 Sometimes, deep down within ourselves we know we really know what it is we need to feed our souls and the Universe agrees. 

I am a lover of quotes and two days ago on Facebook I saw what I had posted as my status the same day a year prior.  This is what it said:

  "It's all about being lost enough to want to find yourself."...........Joan Erikson

And then while sitting in Chicago’s O’Hare Airport waiting for my connecting flight to Phoenix I opened a book to a page and this was the quote that was staring at me:

‎"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in; their beauty is revealed only when there is a light from within."......Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

  And within these two quotes lies the theme of this whole trip.  Finding the light within yourself!!!

  It is not necessary to travel afar to find it.  The light is there as it always has been.  Sometimes shining bright and other days it is dim.  And sometimes you just need a little nudge to brighten it.  So here is the message, take time for yourself, nurture your soul, and find what you enjoy. 

Today while traveling the Flight Attendants reminded of a very important point. Something that I usually seem to forget.  Always place the oxygen mask on yourself first, if you don’t you will not be of service to others…….