Sedona Story

By Michela Mangiaracina

The red rocks, Oak Creek, the top of a Reiki table—these are places many might say were good places to experience the Sedona spirit. Being there makes you feel good and connected to the best part of you.

One unexpected Sedona joint that instigates a peaceful, joyful feeling is Señor Bob’s Hot Dogs. A small store next to the Krazy Kyote Welcome Center, Señor Bob’s offers organic hot dogs with a buffet of fresh toppings including chili, cheese, and sauerkraut.

But the best part is the owner, Craig Nimtz. He always has a warm peacefulness and a ready smile that permeates the simple eatery. His presence seems to embody what many people come to Sedona searching for. They don’t have far to look—it’s even in Sedona’s hot dog joints.

Have you ever been to Señor Bob’s? What was your experience like?

Shaeri's Self-Published Book

by Dylan Reese Marshall

SHAERI RICHARDS

I first met Shaeri at a table read for the Paul Boyce mocumentary “The Sweat Lodge”…we did the movie and it was an amazing experience.

Shaeri is a woman of many talents and many skills.

She is, without a doubt, a beautiful soul.

Shaeri and her delightful dog, Muzzie

I am blessed to have a  connection with her.

It had been awhile since we had sat together and held palaver…and I am thrilled to be able to share it with you.

Enjoy this learned woman’s insight into Loving yourself…

The Unparalleled Beauty Of The Red Rocks

It’s in two parts for your listening pleasure!

Many Blessings of Light and Love to you ALL!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Open links in a new tab on your browser so you can listen and read the latest articles.

Franklin Hughes has recently posted two wonderful pieces.  Check them out!

Heart of Sedona- Shaeri Richards Part One

Heart of Sedona- Shaeri Richards Part Two

ROSE MOON

Hello my dear friends,

This is a two part interview with an amazing artist and dear friend Rose Moon.

Her website is:  http://www.rosemoon.net/

The photos here are only a taste of the voluminous amount of work that this woman has done over the years.

Rose is a wonderful person and I am so happy that I can count her as one of my friends.

I hope you enjoy hearing what Rose has to say, as much as I.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Rose Moon Part One

Rose Moon Part Two

The Call of Sedona- Journey of the Heart, by Ilchi Lee

Review by: Dylan R. Marshall

Many people have been to Sedona, and many more will come. The draw of its visual majesty is undeniable. Sedona is, and always will be a source of Awe and Inspiration.

Mr. Lee knows all of these things…and more.

He uses plain and straightforward language, and his personal experiences, to take you by the hand and share his Joy, Passion, and Discovery of this spiritual refuge.

‘The Call of Sedona- Journey of the Heart’ is quite possibly the most deeply passionate book ever written about the Red Rocks.

Ilchi Lee playing his flute

Mr. Lee takes us there by sharing himself:

“I was born in December 1950, amidst the fires of the Korean War. When I was young, I was unusually softhearted and physically weak. I encountered many difficulties because I couldn’t focus well on my studies at school…demanding questions like, “Why am I here?” wouldn’t leave me alone, so I couldn’t focus on what I was supposed to be learning.”

He speaks of a transformative experience:

“…at age 14, I was involved in a tragic accident. I went to go swimming in the reservoir with a friend and he drowned. Because of the shock and grief I felt, I was sick in bed for nearly a month afterward and experienced acute fear and anxiety about death.”

He comments on his indignation with Life:

“God, if you put me on this world without bothering to get my permission, shouldn’t you at least tell me why I should live?”…I felt a resentment that wasn’t directed toward anyone in particular and I was bursting with questions that had no answers.”

He shares his frustrating early searches for those answers:

“…I started wandering about in search of someone who could give me the answer to the issues of life and death, or at least offer some clues! I looked for and found books about philosophy and the spiritual world, and every time I had a chance, I would seek out people who were said to have performed ascetic practices in the mountains…But I couldn’t find anything that resonated within me…”

Moak Mountian in Korea

He speaks of his enlightenment:

“I had reached that moment where I had to give up on “life and death”- whether I wanted to or not. As I resigned myself to my fate, I said, “O Heaven…Please do as you see fit”…And that’s when something amazing happened…”

“…I had come to have faith that if I gave my sincere devotion to an extreme situation, a strength other than my own would come and guide me, lifting me up.”

“…music of the universe reverberated in my heart and the breath of nature went in and out through my skin.”

The Amazing Bell Rock, Sedona Arizona

He talks of his discovery of Sedona:

“In early 1996, I was reading a newspaper…I saw a photo that immediately grabbed my attention…The red rocks were so real they felt like they might jump out of the paper at me.”

He shares his first experiences with a Sedona guide:

“This guide…came to me one day and said, “There’s a saying, ‘When you come to Sedona, you have to set aside all of your personal thoughts and desires. If you don’t, you can’t receive Sedona’s energy and furthermore you could pollute Sedona.’ That’s why, you have to clear your mind and prepare yourself before you come.”

He tells us the most Important Question:

“…though I had had many names and titles, there had always been only one question behind everything I had done. That question was, “Who am I?”…”

He explains the role of the Earth:

“…the Earth is also an organic life form; it has an energy system similar to that of the human body. Vortexes perform a similar role for the Earth as chakras do in the human body…The vortex energy of Sedona has the power to correct the energy imbalance in the human chakras.”

He Illuminates the Pathway towards Self-Realization:

“…You have to know that the sense of being that seems to extend infinitely without beginning or end is not an illusion…you are then able to embrace all moments of life with confidence…”

He shares his Sedona epiphany:

“As I looked at the dazzling beauty of Sedona’s Earth and sky awash with the morning sun, my heart skipped a beat, and it occurred to me that this just might be the place that I had been searching for for so long.”

And this is only a mere fraction of this amazing book…

‘The Call of Sedona- Journey of the Heart’ is a rich, interwoven tapestry of personal experiences, philosophical reflections, and celebration of the harmonious energy of the Red Rocks. It delves into the infinite possibilities that will manifest themselves when you meditate on the bucolic serenity of Sedona.

It is poignant and engaging at every turn.

‘The Call of Sedona’ is a Love Letter written not only about Sedona, but also about a Deep and Abiding love and concern for all humanity.

Thank you so much Mr. Lee!

Sedona, AZ: A special evening of rhythm and unity, Celebrate the Sedona Spirit: Collaborative Meditation for Global Healing, will be held at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, behind Red Rock High School, on November 12, 2011 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

It is a free-admission community gathering put on by the newly opened Sedona Meditation Center that expects a crowd of 700 people from in and around Sedona. A host of artists are preparing to bring the spirit of Sedona to the stage in a musical concert, including well-known Taiko drummer, Ken Koshio, Vusi Baba Shibambo who plays the African drums, and Sedona’s Rhythm, a local Korean power drumming performance troop. Lively chorus music will be also be performed by Red Rockapella and A La Mode; Hip Hop group, Light Vibe will give an exciting demonstration to drums, and Shondra Jepperson of Tom and Shondra Entertainment will serve as the host.

Special guest Ilchi Lee will present on the topic of Collaborative Meditation, a group meditation that will rise to new heights in the 700-person auditorium. He will also give a performance and lead a style of collaborative healing that is practiced every Friday at 6:00 pm at the Sedona Meditation Center.

Lee is the author of The Call of Sedona: Journey of the Heart (BEST Life Media, 2011), his most recent book and his 33rd on the topic meditation, peace and global healing. He is also an educator, mentor, and trailblazer who has devoted himself over the last 30 years to developing the awakened brain and teaching energy principles through numerous mind-body-spirit techniques. For that purpose he founded Sedona Mago Retreat, a place for spiritual awakening located in the wilderness of Arizona’s red rock country.

The Sedona Meditation Center is a special project of Dahn Yoga Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The center has a mission to inspire people to connect to their inner rhythm, to improve well-being and promote peace and happiness in the local community.

Celebrate the Sedona Spirit is a unique event that promises to be one of intimate sharing, dance and song, drumming and uplifted hearts. While the event is free to everyone, the Sedona Meditation Center asks attendees to RSVP by calling 928.282.3600 or emailing info@sedonameditationcenter.org.

By Michela Mangiaracina

Murmurings of excitement filled the air as I eagerly dashed through the crowd in the lobby of the Sedona Creative Life Center, past the main performance space, and into the small backstage, where I quickly changed into the traditional Korean drumming outfit that was to be my costume. The latest event the drumming group I belong to, Sedona’s Rhythm, played at was the book signing and launch of Ilchi Lee’s latest book, The Call of Sedona: Journey of the Heart, which took place on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

As an editor at the publishing company that produced the book and hosted the event, I was thrilled to be helping at the first public appearance Ilchi Lee has given in the United States in over a year. Many Sedona residents and fans of Ilchi Lee from Phoenix and nearby states such as Nevada, New Mexico, and California were in attendance, necessitating extra seats to be placed along the walls and out into the lobby. Over 240 people in all watched not only Sedona’s Rhythm’s act but a dance performance by Hansori Keliikuli and Yolessa K. Lawrinnce and a singing performance by Jeanie Carroll, who sang “The Power of the Dream.” Shondra Jepperson of the popular Sedona entertainment duo Tom & Shondra emceed the event. Many in the audience had their first taste of The Call of Sedona when local photographer and voice talent Bob Coates read the book’s introduction and Rev. Janet Kingsley of the Center for Positive Living Sedona recited a poem from it.

As part of the festivities, Dean Patterson, a spokesperson from Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters gave his own congratulatory message to Ilchi Lee. Like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mr. Lee said he wanted to give something back to Sedona, which is a special place that has inspired his philosophy and work. Shondra announced that he would give 30% of the proceeds from his book sales to three Sedona nonprofit organizations.

The part of the event I anticipated the most was Ilchi Lee’s talk. There were several touching moments, starting with Ilchi Lee’s introduction by his son, Jeonghan Lee. Another was the telling of Bette Castoria’s story through an engaging video. Bette, a Body + Brain franchise owner in Nob Hill, New Mexico has been practicing the LifeParticles Meditation described in The Call of Sedona for over six months. She attributes the disappearance of an inoperable brain tumor to the practice and to the innumerable LifeParticles sent to her from well-wishers around the country.

The part of the talk that touched me the most, however, was when Ilchi Lee said that although everyone would agree that Sedona was beautiful, what he found even more beautiful was each person’s soul. He hoped that through meditation, such as the guided meditations in The Call of the Sedona, everyone can experience that inner beauty for themselves. To help them, the current Sedona Mago Healing Center on Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona has decided to become the nonprofit Sedona Meditation Center.

After his talk and a question and answer session with Shondra that ended with Ilchi Lee playing a flute built into his walking staff, everyone lined up for the book signing. Ilchi Lee sat on the stage and the line went all the way out the door.
Before and after the main part of the program, people milled around the lobby and outside, enjoying Ilchi Lee’s displayed calligraphy, sandwiches and fruit from the Marketplace Café, and the lilting sounds of the duo Meadowlark.

After the crowd dwindled, we began a swift cleanup aided by a few generous guests. I was satisfied that everyone had seemed happy. We were all able to experience that Sedona spirit Ilchi Lee wrote of in The Call of Sedona.

On the evening of Saturday, August 20, 2011, Sedona-based publisher BEST Life Media will launch its latest book, The Call of Sedona: Journey of the Heart by Ilchi Lee. The event, which will include a talk and book-signing by Mr. Lee and entertainment by local artists, will be held in the front yard of the Sedona Mago Healing Center at 340 Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

Author Ilchi Lee’s fascinating personal stories and profound awakenings in Sedona are beautifully interwoven in this book. The book also contains many color photographs that capture inspiring moments in Sedona. Those attending will have the rare opportunity to meet Ilchi Lee one on one while having their book signed.

The Call of Sedona launch also promises to be an evening filled with entertainment that will include popular musicians Meadowlark, Sedona Diva Jeanie Carroll, dancers Yolessa Lawrinnce and Hansori Keliikuli, the power drumming of Sedona’s Rhythm under the direction of Paul Yanson and entertainer Shondra Jepperson as the evening’s emcee. There will also be excerpts from the book read on stage by a few local celebrities, in addition to the talk and book signing by Ilchi Lee. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served during the event.

In the book’s introduction Ilchi Lee writes,

“The essence of the message that Sedona has conveyed to me is that inside each one of us there is a much greater and more beautiful truth and dream than the ordinary ones we know. And that we already have everything we need to achieve them. I hope that through this book you realize that you have always been great and that you will gain a fresh inspiration and a dream that will infuse vitality into your life. Finally, I hope that you can take part in the beautiful dream that Sedona gives through its profound connection with the earth.”

According to publisher Jiyoung Oh, The Call of Sedona is Ilchi Lee’s dedication of love and gratitude, as well as a beautiful invitation to Sedona. Through his personal stories, including the meditations he has engaged in at many of the vortex sites in the area, he endeavors to share with readers the spirit of Sedona that has made such a significant difference in his life. She says, “Sedona’s nurturing and restorative environment inspired much of Ilchi Lee’s art and philosophy,” and, “He considers this magnificent place his true home.”

While the event is open to the public, those wanting to attend should RSVP. To RSVP, call Yolessa K. Lawrinnce at 347-885-3456 or email her at yolessa@hotmail.com.

Because the event will be held in the front yard and parking lot of the Sedona Mago Healing Center, guests should use the several public parking lots in the vicinity.

By Michela Mangiracina

On Saturday, July 30, 2011, SedonaStory.com hosted its first annual Live Storytelling event in the Cheers parking lot next to the Sedona Story store in Uptown Sedona. Almost one hundred people passed through the open air event, despite an intermittent light drizzle.

Local musician and actress Shondra Jepperson MC’d the occasion, which featured performances by the drum team Sedona’s Rhythm, hula dancer and Sedona Story manager Hansori Keliikuli accompanied by belly dancer Aziza, modern dancer Yolessa K. Lawrinnce, and ballroom dancers Sam and his partner.

The main thrust of the evening was the live storytelling contest, in which anyone could register and tell their Sedona-related story to the crowd. Bearcloud, a local artist and gallery owner, opened the contest with his testament to the singularity of Sedona’s spirit. He used Native American drumming and chanting to help the audience feel that spirit. The winner of the contest, which was judged by BEST Life Media publisher Jiyoung Oh, Sedona city councilor Barbara Litrell, and Friends of the Posse Grounds president Madeleine O’Callaghan, was Sue Ostapowich of Canada. Sue received a gift certificate to the Uptown Sedona store Peace Place. All open mic participants received a water bottle with a 20% off coupon to the BR Clinic.

Prizes were also awarded to participants in the trivia raffle. Individuals who signed up for the SedonaStory.com biweekly e-newsletter were entered into the raffle and four were chosen to participate in a trivia contest. They answered questions related to Sedona, with the winner, Curtis Hudson of Sedona, receiving a turquoise necklace made by local artist and acupuncturist Banya Lim. Runners up were also given prizes: Chun Bu Kyung Wisdom Cards and Healing Chakra Wall Art from BEST Life Media and framed calligraphy by Ilchi Lee from Sedona Story.

Finally Shondra announced the winners of the Sedona Storyfest Contest. The sixty entries to the contest in the Audio/Video, Picture, and Writing categories had been thoroughly considered by SedonaStory.com staff. Three in each category were awarded gift certificates donated by contest sponsors, and the grand prize winner of all the entries was awarded $500. All winners who were not present were mailed their award certificates and prizes.

And the winners are:

Grand Prize:
- Randy Fridley

Writing Category:
- Dean Merrell
- Loretta Hido
- Elizabeth Bishop

Picture Category:
- Carol Rongholt
- Bonnie Sedan
- John Beck

Audio/Video Category:
- Carl Bring
- Margaret Emory
- Elizabeth Bishop

SedonaStory.com would like to thank all who attended and participated in this annual celebration.

by Phil Kim

From July 22nd to 24th, a festival “Firefly” took place in the Coconino National Forest of Northern Arizona. Firefly is an intentional gathering created by a group of like-minded Northern Arizona friends and family. They had their first annual event last year. More than a hundred Northern Arizonans gathered in the beautiful forest. I liked what they said on their website—”We understand that a shift in consciousness is necessary, at this time, for all humans to live in harmony with each other, the planet and the cosmos,” so I went there to feel and join the vibe, on July 23rd.

During the opening ceremony, we danced together and experienced oneness with each other and with beautiful nature. Is it because even before the event began, the staff made their three guidelines clear—Leave No Trace, Participate, and Radical Self Reliance? All of us participants had a really good manner and joined in the party fully.

When darkness fell, Circus Bacchus, a collective of performers based out of Flagstaff, Arizona, showed a variety of performances. With the chilly weather at about an 8,000-foot altitude, their shows—especially the ones with fire—were great. They created a very personal, intimate feeling, and they received great cheers and applause from the audience.

We got to know each other and I made friends with many people.

By Editor

SedonaStory.com, an online community of expression featuring the stories of the people who love Sedona, is hosting Sedona StoryFest, a live storytelling event on July 30 between 5 and 7 p.m. in the Cheers parking lot, across from the Hyatt in Uptown Sedona in order to celebrate its recent launch.

From June 20 to July 23, the site held a multimedia contest for a grand prize of $500, as well as several other prizes valued up to $75 each. Sponsored by local Sedona businesses including New Frontiers, Chocolatree, Picazzo’s, Crystal Magic, Peace Place and Mountain Flowers, contestants are eligible for gifts from these establishments. Winners will be officially announced at the live event.

Performances by Korean Power Drummers, Hula by Hansori Kellikuli and Modern dance by Yolessa K. Lawrinnce, as well as a local ballroom dance team are included as part of the festivities. In addition a trivia raffle and several other activity booths will be made available to encourage audience participation.

SedonaStory.com hopes to feature local storytellers and poets, as well as an impromptu open mic for anyone who has a good story to tell. Any person who pre-registers as a storyteller on the day of the event between 3 and 5 p.m. will be eligible for one of the sponsored prizes.

Sedona StoryFest is set to take place in the Cheers parking lot at the corner of State Route 89A and Forest Road across from Pink Jeep Tours and the Hyatt. It is intended to encourage local Sedona residents and visitors who genuinely love Sedona, to share foremost about their experiences in Sedona.

The site aims to introduce the beauty, adventure, creativity and inspiration that marks the spirit of Sedona to the world. With sights on building a community of inspired individuals acting upon their concern for the earth, SedonaStory.com looks for contributors who share a common goal. Anyone who wants to tell their story, whether in audio, video, text or picture format can submit contents to the site, online or by mail and get published.

Email Yolessa K. Lawrinnce at contact@sedonastory.com or call (928) 275-1414 for more information