Sedona, known for its rearing rust-stained rock faces, orange-dust pathways around sage-scented mesas, and searing blue skies induces a natural state of beauty that is significant and awe-inspiring. For me, there is nothing more important than preserving the outdoors in its natural state of beauty.
I remember coming to Sedona more than 10 years ago and falling in love with the beauty and the unexplainable special “energy” of the land. Now working as a Guide, Healer, and Outdoor Yoga Instructor, I feel blessed to share the beauty with others and to witness their relationship to the nature of this special place.
The experience that people take in when roaming, hiking or just sitting among the red rock’s glory is very personal. For some, the energy and the beauty that the landscape emanates could be the best and most profound connection someone has ever felt, while at the same time, it may stir up heavier emotions that were under the surface coming up to be released. This is known as the “Sedona Effect”. As the locals say, whatever energy you bring with you to the vortices will become magnified.
Living in Sedona, I find the “Sedona Effect” to be true for myself and I also witness the effect it has on others while on the land. As a former Park Ranger with a BA in Environmental Studies, I was at first skeptical of the influence of the Vortex sites, though I did notice an effect the landscape would have on me. I found that every time I came to Sedona, I would leave with exactly what it was I needed whether that be gaining clarity, releasing stuck emotions, or becoming more centered. After understanding the environmental influence of the landscape and witnessing the effect it has on others, I started to sense into something more about the area.
Over the course of nearly a decade that I have been in Sedona, I find the energy of the vortex sites to be changing as more people are frequenting them - leaving not only their energy, but sometimes other remains behind. (Imagine if you were blind on Bourbon Street in New Orleans early morning with no one around vs. being in a Japanese Zen Garden and not knowing where you were, but still sensing in to the “energy” of the remains of the place -- that residual energy and respect for the space makes a difference.) While some of the physical remains left behind on the land may not have been intentional, some of the impacts of the environmental imprint can be preventable.
On my tours, I encourage people to “Leave No Trace” and to leave the place better than we found it. Regardless if one is visiting a world-renowned site such as the Bell Rock Vortex or any other place in nature, it’s important to treat the landscape with respect. By honoring the Earth, we are supporting not only our planet, but all the generations who come after us to also appreciate the beauty it provides.
On my yoga hikes and yoga on the red rocks tours, I use eco-friendly mats which help not only with the environmental impact, but it also helps to ground and center while connecting with nature. There are so many ways to practice environmental consciousness. If you practice yoga, it’s easy now to find environmentally friendly clothing, but to find sustainable yoga mats can be more challenging. I came across this site which rates the best eco-friendly, non-toxic yoga mats which takes the research work out for you.
I’d love to hear from you...
What are some of the ways you support the Earth and help preserve the beauty of your backyard?
