Sedona Pt 3

i kept most of my schedule here free so that i could hike as much or as little as i please. but the one planned event that i had booked was a "vortex yoga hike".

i read about this experience when i was researching "things to do in sedona". i wanted to hike. i wanted to visit a vortex. i wanted to do some yoga. and this promises to do all three! so it seemed like a no-brainer experience for me to try.

http://vortexyogahikinginsedona.com

this business was set up by "yogi blair" as a way to introduce people to the spiritual side of sedona.

we were a smaller group this morning, myself, a couple from connecticut celebrating their 20th anniversary, and yogi blair himself.

we met at the trail head for sugar loaf mountain. a smaller hill that overlooks the entire city of sedona.

the weather was perfect for the hike. sunny and brilliant skies with just enough of a breeze to keep us comfortable.

a slight incline hike took us up the side of sugarloaf for a stunning view of the entire area. here yogi blair led us through an aromatherapy ritual. breathing in the scents of bay leaf and tangerine to help us focus our minds and relax our thoughts.

we strolled down the mountain to an area known as "falcon's nest". one of the smaller vortex spots in the area. it sits just below coffee pot rock in a valley to the north of sedona. apparently one of the signs of a vortex is how twisted the trunk of the juniper trees are. look at how the bark twists and winds on this guy....

just a little ways off the trail there was a stretch of smooth red rock, perfect for laying down our mats!

it was amazing to be outside during this class. to feel sunlight on the skin, a breeze through the hair, and the wonderful stretch of the yoga.

i highly recommend this experience to anyone who comes here, even those who have never done yoga before. yogi blair will keep the class as basic or advanced as is comfortable.

this really is the best way to feel the energy that comes from these red rocks! though, at one point i did connect a little TOO close with nature. somewhere between bridge pose and pigeon.....i got stung by a bee. not the most zen-inducing feeling!!!!!

the last little ritual that yogi blair led us through was a "chocolate meditation". allowing a piece of dark chocolate to melt in our mouths as we stroll back through the scenery in silence. listening to the sounds of the nature around us and feeling the warmth of the energy around us.

definitely a "new age-y" experience. but an amazing one!!! you might sometimes roll your eyes at all the talk of crystals and life force. but i promise this really is a phenomenal way to explore the wonders of sedona!