SEDONA , ARIZONA 2019
A Sacred Retreat in the Red Rocks of Sedona, AZ
December 4 & 5 2019
And so begins the Multidimensional Goddess Retreat with our guides Deva and Sharon.
https://www.wayofthesacred.com
There are hardly words to describe the beauty of Sedona for a first time visitor to this land of Red Rocks! We were grateful for a beautiful day in December. The sun shone bright and all that was needed was a light jacket for the 58 degree temps. Driving through this red rock vista was nothing short of jaw dropping. I wondered if we had somehow lost time and had actually flown in on a spaceship to another planet.
I was spending almost a week with a group of like minded souls-Lisa, Stacy, Nikki, Christina, (Deva, and Sharon, our guides) for an adventure of spiritual practice, hiking the expansive lands, eating delicious healthy meals and, of course, we devoured luscious chocolate and did a bit of shopping.
My adventure began flying out of Newark airport, NJ with my friend Lisa. We arrived in Scottsdale AZ and stayed with my other beautiful friend, Stacy, whom I later adopted in spirit. We had a lovely dinner and then hit the hot tub!
The next morning Stacy made us pancakes and gave us the gift of a guided meditation! We walked the golf course the surrounds her home and were in awe of the clean mountain air!
At 1:30 PM we packed up the car and headed to Sedona. Our adventure for the next 4 days would be guided by our spirited friends Sharon and Deva. Our small group of seven stayed at a gorgeous creekside retreat, Junipine, off of Highway 89A. We took advantage of the blazing fire, the rolling stream, the scent of evergreen and the enormous red rocks right outside our door.
On our first night, we feasted on amazing homemade chili, salad, salsa, chips and chocolate for dessert! (thanks Sharon!) Our special evening ends with a prayer circle and the making of prayer ties.
December 6, 2019
After a yummy frittata breakfast and a packed lunch of burrito rice, beans, cheese and snacks and we are off to hike these powerful mountains. We drive through the red rocks in silence to observe and surround our senses with the beauty that engulfs us on both sides. Hunter mountain and the Medicine Wheel are scared spaces in Sedona. Yes, the Vortex of Enlightened presence. Waves of compassionate to all beings is the message this area represents. This is the land of scared stupas. We are visiting the Amitabha Stupa. stupas are one fo the oldest forms of sacred architecture not he planet and haver graced the earth for over 2600 years.. We walk about a half hour up the mountain and spend the remaining couple hours in reverence and quiet reflection. The sun is shining and the skies are deep blue. We are grateful for this space and for Mother Earth.
https://www.tara.org/stupas/sedona-arizona/
Soon afterwards we enjoy our picnic lunch against the most awe inspiring view one can imagine. If you have not been here yet, it’s almost impossible to describe the powerful energy that runs through your body.
So, to sustain this feeling, we head to Synergy Lounge and Kitchen, for chocolate, of course! – A lovely organic coffee/chocolate cafe in the heart of Sedona. They offer, organic coffee, herbal Elixers, Kratom, CBD, and local artist events. Hot chocolate and good friends make for a perfect combo!
And, what would the day be without a little browsing at Tlaquepaque! This is a shopping area designed by Frank Lloyd Wrights son, Lloyd. It’s decorated and festive for the holidays packed with cool galleries and shops. A perfect way to spend the rest of the afternoon. I can’t resist a rose quartz necklace, so I indulge. Stacy buys some crystals too. The most fun thou, was trying to pronounce and spell Tlaquepaque!
We take goofy photos of ourselves and then have dinner at the Secret Garden, a cute cafe where we order appys and drinks for 1/2 price. As luck would have it, it is also First Fridays so all the galleries are open. We chat it up with artists and gallery owners. Heard some amazing powerful healing stories! Enough to write a book about!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch-we opt for a chill night and Sharon, Deva, Stacy and I have our own PJ party. We chat, eat chocolate, and of course, balance our chakras with Stacy’s new crystals. Yea, we are all good now.
December 7 2019
I’m up early for another day in ugly Sedona! After our delish breakfast and some caffeine, we pile in Sharons van and we are off to another sacred vortex – Bell Rock and Courthouse Rock. We literally lay down of the rocks and Deva leads us into a 20 minute mediation as the sun shone on our faces and warmed out hearts. This is how to experience the magic of Sedona.
Next stop is a visit to Rachels Knoll.
It’s hard to leave here but alas, we must. We enjoy our packed lunch (hummus wraps, an apple and energy bar- yum!) overlooking lush green canyon/golf course views.( I secretly wanted to play a few holes, but couldn’t jump that far down!)
Sharon and Deva have held out a surprise for us today. After a short stroll we lay down our blankets on the red rocks once again and are treated to a crystal bowl healing session. It’s agreed, zoning out, is good for the soul! Mission accomplished.
But the magic does not end there. At 3 pm we head off to Crescent Moon Rock to view the infamous Cathedral Rock at Buddha beach. If I didn’t have my camera, I think I would have gone mad! We sit along the nearby flowing river journaling, mediating and just being in nature and in awe of the magnificence of this mountain. The sun is starting to fade and the air is a bit cooler than we we arrived but my heart and soul are warm. I’m good. Still not believing what I am seeing. Someone pinch me please!
Yes, we are all tree huggers! Deva is hugging this one for us!
And Nikki can’t stop smiling!
So, of course, a visit to Sedona wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Crystal Magic and the Crystal store. Some of us have Aura readings and we all check out the crystals and purchase a few for gifts. I’ve never seen so many precious stones in one place!
Dinner at Chocolatree was another special treat. This place just oozed with love and had a vibe like no other. Not to mention that the food was incredible! Just wish there was one in New Jersey! If you go to Sedona, do not miss this place!
Veggie Burger!
Biggest Burrito I’ve ever seen!
December 8 2019
Private early morning meditation by Stacy for me! Yeah! Followed by a sweet smoothie bowl! (blend frozen fruits of your choice, banana, 1/4 avocado, – blend and add almond milk to desired consistency. Place in a bowl and add walnuts, dried cranberries, granola, chia seeds, cinnamon, etc.. too yummy for words! I made this at home and also added cacao powder and a teaspoon of almond butter) (yeah, I need to write a recipe book!)
Today we spent the day on our own and walked Upper Sedona. Stacy and I did some shopping and visited her friends Stephanie and Rob who live in Sedona. So fun to meet them, their cats and dogs and check out their 12 foot Christmas tree! We also did some Buddhist Chanting. Another treat!
We shared dinner tonight at an excellent Thai place – “Uptown Thai”.. My curry bowl with tofu was perfection. We ended with a chill evening pulling tarot cards. Always something new to learn about yourself.
Our closing ceremony with Deva and Sharon was powerful and healing. We burned our prayer ties in the fire to let go of all that no longer served us. Later we shared our reactions and asked what out spiritual names were.
Stacy- Daisy
Deb – Dancing under trees
Lisa- Whispering Bear
Nikki- Jasmine dew drop
Christina- Rosalynn.
We had a few laughs about out newly found names too!
December 9
Today is check out day.
After breakfast, we spent a quiet morning relaxing by the fire and learning EFT technique ( tapping) with Sharon. Very informative and healing. We had planned another short hike but due to the previous days rain, we opted out. Instead, we walked to the river, threw in our roses and had a small ceremony of our own, watched some kayakers and took a few photos.
So hard to say goodbye to this land and awesome friends, but no crying aloud. Just hugs and a farewell to clean mountain air and all the beauty that goes with it.
Stacy and I take off back to Scottsdale but on the way we stop at Airport Mesa, another jaw dropping vista overview for a picnic lunch.
Stacy meets an older couple with a dog and asks what her name is. Of course, its Daisy! Yup, the universe is talking to us and lets us know that we better take notice. On the drive back, we also see a sign on the highway – Daisy Blvd. We go to the food store “Sprouts” and see a bunches of daises. (these signs keep coming for the next couple weeks)
Our “Daisy”
So, the Sedona adventure has come to a close but the memories will last a lifetime. Thank you Deva and Sharon for all the love and goodness that you shared to make this a beautiful trip for all us sisters! Looking forward to more healing journeys!
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