Sedona Vision Quest: Episode 2- Snowflakes,People, and Trees

M = MMMMmmmmmm  I wonder?

It's Alaskan winter...so even though I'm writing about Sedona, AZ; this little ditty seems appropriate:

Every friend is like a snowflake, unique in beauty and design. Each sparkles in a different way—some are playful, some refined. But, unlike fragile snowflakes that fade when the sun appears, friends grow even more beautiful with every passing year.  (Author unkown)

I= Look inside:
I leftoff sharing my Sedona Vision quest Episode one when I made it to the end of Boynton Canyon.

  It is said that this is where the spirit of First Mother and her Beautiful Women live today.  (Kind of like Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men!)

  I had just added a rock to one of the alter piles travelers leave to honor our journey.

 As I entered the pool of the forest energy, I felt it was sacred ground.  I stopped taking pictures.  That is why you do not see the Chasm of Growth that used to be the vibrant flow of water. 

( I feel like Anne of Green Gables as I write names for places I just met.) 

There are no photos of the gentleman, Russell, who sells ionized water.  He accompanied me up the steepest challenge.  He was an amazing metaphore for my own life. He gave me hope for the situation I faced so fearfully the previous few months.

There are also no pictures of the man I met who is touring the Vortexes around Phoenix.  I pray he finds the source of energy he seeks.

There are, sadly, no pictures of my new friend Maia and the ladies she accompanied through the Canyon.  Thank you, Maia for heeding your own calls!

You see, Maia finished the story of First Woman for me.  I had asked all around the resort for anyone who knew more information.  I thought it would stay a mystery. 

The night before,  I tried to come down the canyon. I only made it 3/4 the way when I knew I was to stop.

I'd written First Mother a letter and read it then and there.  Briefly, it was an apology for controlling things in others' lives that were not mine to maintain.

 I  had the impression that I had done what I needed to and I was supposed to go home.  Flights, however, were not available.  I traveled all the way down the canyon this time to pay homage and leave my offerings.

At the seat, Maia explained the missing pieces.  As the surviving tribesman, the young girl saved from the flood was not to populate or recreate the tribe.  Her purpose was to "Call the Tribe back." 

Legend says: "All of us who come home to the canyon ARE THE ORIGINAL TRIBE."

Could it be that my spirit is part of the tribe called home?

As I turned to come down the hills, I saw this beautiful couple.  They were on a birthday hike and had no camera.  I knew it was okay to start taking photos again so they could have this souvenir.  Thank you, Oliver and Joanna, for sharing!



I'll show on later posts what Alaskan vegetation looks like.  Suffice it to say that these trees are much taller and wider! The air in the forest is wonderfully cool, moist and comfortable. 





 The trees of the forest are as unique as the people.

You can tell by the woods in back that there are MANY beautiful and healthy trees around.  My subjects, however, are far more interesting.  This reminds me of a lightning strike- sharp and sudden.



This is more like the results of a life lived in the straight and narrow- guiding it's surrounding offspring to do the same.

Here the knarled branches hide a treasure of life and fertility.  If I were a bird, I would build my nest here.



This is the stump I lovingly refer to as "The Giving Tree."  Re: Shel Silverstein.  It has given all there is to give, and yet it is still a comfy seat for two people and surrounded by forest alters and friends.

These are the "Brambles of Confusion."  I knew I needed to enter the center to meditate. 
The impression I received, is that I had apologized to God for trying to control the lives of my family.

I had not apologized for trying to control my own life.
This was an example of what my life looks like when I try to do too much- all my way.

The forest was filled with sturdy platforms on which to sit or stand and pray or meditate.   A surprise answer came to me when I envisioned that I could use Conscious Loving and yoga practices to help other women find peace and their place.

Back to the Giving Tree.  I dedicated a long session to my mom.  As sad and lonely as this trunk can look, another amazing moment happened as I took this picture.



A couple came along in Santa hats looking for a sight for their Christams card picture.  They told me about trees like this one- Nursing trees.  A trunk holds and nurtures a seed into full and beautiful life.  An amazing gift for Mom! 
Thanks, Santa!

Here is my "Tree of Life."  My husband thought this looks like a juniper.  Most of the juniper's I've seen are about knee high.  Make no mistake: This tree is HUGE.  I'm about 5'4" and my head comes to the bottom branch. 

Could be pretty cool if my life can blossom like this tree.

Willing: What can I bring into Brighter Focus?
I had an amazing flight home.I usually don't sleep deeply and I barely sleep when I'm not home. The flight away from Phoenix, however, was so turbulent that the airline wound up changing out the plane before we could fly the next leg.  Me?  I was out cold from take-off to landing!

Maybe if I'm willing to relax and enjoy the scenery more often, I'll find more peace along the way.

Like the snowflakes in the beginning, beauty is all around us in the uniqueness of our circumstances and the uniqueness of the people we meet.

 I think the key is simply to stop and look around, look up.
To look someone in the eye and hear their story. 

I  am willing to see beauty.

May you see beauty where you are as well!