SACRED SPACES IN SEDONA
When traveling, I rarely go back to the same place twice. That being said, there are a few places on my short list that keep drawing me back. One of those special places is Sedona, Arizona. In the last three months, I’ve been to drawn to this modern day spiritual mecca on two separate occasions. Each trip was different in terms of excursions and activities, but both were equally relaxing and healing for my body and soul.
For those who are open to the belief that Mother Nature emits energy, once you step foot into Red Rock country – Sedona in particular – you can feel a powerful and potent energy.
It is believed that there are four major vortexes, or energy sources, in Sedona. Believers say they can feel the energy around these unique spots. Many claim they feel uplifted, joyous or simply just good when they’re near these sites.
I took a one-hour hike with Yana from Sedona Soul Adventures, climbing up Mescal Mountain in Boynton Canyon, where one of the vortexes is located.
With temperatures in the 90s in the late afternoon, Yana guided me up the trail to the top of the mountain where there is a medicine wheel and spectacular 360-degree views.
After getting quiet and taking it all in, we sat around the medicine wheel that the natives believe symbolizes the circle of life and the individual journey we each must take to find our own path. Yana walked me through a ceremony where I set intentions and let go of old beliefs and baggage that we all carry around that doesn’t serve us. For me, I set intentions to find inner peace and grace under fire. I consciously let go of self-doubt and fear of the future and the unknown. After the ceremony and hike, I felt more connected to the earth, grounded, and more at peace with myself and my thoughts.
ORGANIC FOOD FINDS IN SEDONA
If you like nourishing your body with tasty and healthy food like I do, I have two spots in Sedona that you have to try! There are only two 100% organic restaurants in town and I would highly recommend both.
This restaurant was opened by David Warr and his daughter, Radhika Jen Marie, over a decade ago. I met David during dinner and his passion for creating healthy, organic, and sustainable dishes is unmatched. He says his children grew up eating organic, plant-based dishes which have became the main entrees and appetizers served at the restaurant today.
I tried an array of vegetarian and vegan dishes including spinach curry, a mushroom medley, “cheesy” vegan rice, a green goddess salad, and a platter of hummus, avocado, and raw flat breads. The highlight of the meal for me was the Live Sampler which included tahini hummus, pico de gallo and guacamole. The vehicles for the dip were all homemade and included delicious flat bread and chia crackers that are available online (monthly delivery on the way!).
If you enjoy feeling energized in the morning or need a pick me up in the afternoon, go to the Local Juicery. The only other 100% organic spot in Sedona, this place is a juice junkie’s haven and a superfood lover’s dream. I was able to learn more from the proprietor, Summer Sanders, who is both delightful and has quite an impressive background as a raw foodie and chef.
Sanders grew up in Sedona and moved to Southern California when she was 18. While living in Venice, California, she trained and worked for raw food pioneer Matthew Kenney. When I asked her why she opened her restaurant, she said she wanted to fill a void in Sedona and make tasty, healthy food accessible while cultivating a community. Mission accomplished, Summer! Well done!
RELAX, REST AND EAT IN SEDONA
I chose to stay at Enchantment Resort for a second time, because the grounds are beautiful and it’s situated at the base of the magnificent red rocks with a vortex on-site. As mentioned earlier in the post, a vortex is believed to be a special spot on earth where energy is either projected into or out of the earth in a spiral motion. Twisted trees indicate the presence of this spiraling energy being emitted by the earth in Sedona. Native Americans believe spiritual transformation can occur more quickly near these energy centers. Others believe the energy aids in healing.
Whether or not you believe in the healing properties of the vortex, the resort is beautiful and it was easy to forget about the stress of everyday life. The suite was spacious and perfect for relaxing with a king size bed, two bathrooms/showers, a separate living room, and kitchenette.
The room was close to the main pool and restaurants and I dined at Che Ah Chi. This restaurant features anything from meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan dishes so it was easy to stick to our plant-based lifestyle. I truly enjoyed the vegetarian and vegan appetizers and entrees, especially the vegetable “linguine” (instead of pasta, it was zucchini strands).
Take me back!
Links:
Traveling Tips from the Chamber of Commerce: Secret 7
One of the four major vortexes is located here at Bell Rock:
