Sedona Story

By Mike Casto

Alchemy: a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation or combination.

In 2004, I thought I had been to Sedona. My wife and I had passed through on our way to the Grand Canyon a few years before. Honestly, the only thing I remember is Uptown and I specifically remember thinking, “It’s a tourist trap. What’s all the hype about?” I was soon to discover, though, that there’s a huge difference between “driving through” and “being in” Sedona; between seeing it pass by on the other side of a window and walking in its energy, experiencing it firsthand and intimately.

Every year, in September, there’s an event held in Sedona called Tai Chi Alchemy. You’d think that it’s a Tai Chi event and, in fact, some Tai Chi does happen there every year. The event, though, isn’t really about Tai Chi. It’s really about the Alchemy and, for me, that meant so much more than Tai Chi or even the amazing community of practitioners who attend the event each year.

In December, 2004, I met a man named Stephen Watson, “Stephe” for short. We met at a martial arts event in Miami, Florida. Stephe and I hit it off immediately. He’s a Tai Chi instructor and also teaches other martial arts. I have been training in martial arts pretty much all my life but had always considered Tai Chi to be “boring” and, at best, something I’d get around to when I was “old.” Almost from the moment I met Stephe, though, he started sharing Tai Chi with me and he started talking about this event in Sedona. He rarely even mentioned the name of the event. He just said, “You’ve got to go to Sedona.”

I said, “Why would I want to do that? I don’t train in Tai Chi. The event is several hundred dollars, plus travel and lodging. Why would I want to spend that kind of time and money for something I’m not directly involved with?”

He said, “You’ve gotta go. It’ll change your life.” Incredibly prophetic.

Over the next 6 months we talked regularly via phone or e-mail but we also saw each other in person about once a month. Several times it was by accident. We would just happen to be in the same area at the same time and we’d hook up. We randomly encountered each other in San Francisco, New York and Colorado. We also visited each other; he lived in Connecticut and I lived in Kentucky. Every time we talked, whether in person or on the phone or via e-mail, he’d bring up Sedona.

Finally, after all Stephe’s cajoling, I ponied up the money for the travel, lodging and event. First, the event was amazing. It was so much more than I could ever have expected. It’s indescribable and I would highly recommend the event to anyone. Google it; it’s easy enough to find information. It’s organized each year by an incredible man named Rick Barrett and his family.

So in 2005 I spent a long weekend in Sedona, basically attending Tai Chi Alchemy (TCA). At one point, though, the group went out to Bell Rock and we all went our separate ways to do a hike. While on that hike, I thought, “So this is what people mean when they say ‘home.’” Prior to that moment I had never associated the concept of “home” with a geographical location.

In 2006, I spent a week in Sedona. I thought I was just doing it so I could hang out with some of the TCA folk who stayed after. I had an incredible experience at Bell Rock, though, and I e-mailed my wife about it. When she read the e-mail she was in a business meeting. She said she read the words but literally couldn’t wrap her head around what they meant because she was in such a different space.

In 2007, my wife, Margaret, came out to Sedona with me. She figured she’d at least be in the same geographical region and might be able to actually share some of the experience with me. We rented a house for two weeks. Our second day here, Margaret said, “So, when are we moving here?”

In 2008, we rented a house near Chapel of the Holy Cross for a month. We were hooked. We weren’t sure how we would manage it but we knew, without a doubt, that we were ready to live in Sedona. It called to both of our souls like nowhere else we’d ever been and we’re both very well traveled.

In the spring of 2009 we moved here. We lived in Rimrock for about four months, then in Oak Creek Canyon. After returning from some extended traveling we rented a house in Village of Oak Creek. Through our windows we can see Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.

People ask me if I ever take the amazing scenery for granted. I say, “No. Every day I go outside and I have at least one moment when I just stop and say, ‘Wow!’”

I’m generally not a person people would describe as “woo woo” or “new age.” Most people would describe me as being very intelligent, level-headed and practical. However, in Sedona I have walked with ghosts, flowed like water down Bell Rock and seen a UFO driving down the street. I routinely give rides to strangers, something I almost never did before moving here. I have found sheer, unadulterated wonder in the flight of a raven, the running gate of javelina and the awesome power of an elk. I have watched breathless as a large mule deer buck ran across the road in front of my car and felt the reverent peacefulness of the Buddhist stupas amidst the red rocks. I’ve stood meditating on a ledge half the width of my foot and marvelled at the sound of an unseen flautist; apparently sourceless music drifting through a cave when I was sure I was alone.

“Believe as a child believes and the magic will find you.” — Theresa Langdon

I think Sedona is a huge catalyst that makes this phenomon incredibly easy to bring into being.

By Ilchi Lee

Hope has the power to save even a person who is dying. I came to Sedona in search of hope, looking for a place that could give me hope. This is where I found it. The environment and energy in Sedona gave me strength and encouragement. You might wonder, why did it give me that? I think it’s because I wanted hope. I was able to feel it because that’s what I wanted.

By Mary McKinley

I recently went to Bell Rock with the intention of climbing to the top. I had done it before about 7 years ago, but since then I had only done the short climb. While I was climbing up I realized why I never tried to do it alone. It is quite steep in certain areas. But certainly worth the effort. The person I was with knew the climb well, so I felt very safe. On the way up we met with some other people who were climbing separately. It is amazing how they showed up just at the perfect moment. They needed our help and we needed theirs. It proved to me what a magical place Sedona is and especially Bell Rock.

We enjoyed the views and energy from the top and even found a very special cave where we could rest and enjoy. On the way down we accidentally locked our keys in the car … so many people stopped to offer help, giving us water, directions, AAA card (very helpful btw). With their help we didn’t pass out in the blistering heat and we got our keys so we could drive back to Phoenix. And we had plenty of interesting conversations while we waited for the locksmith.

On the drive back we realized how wonderful the people are who visit Sedona. They truly have a special energy in their heart. I suppose it is that energy that draws them there. I believe the spirit of Sedona lies in those who have a strong sense of humanity.

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 Bette Castoria

My first visit to Sedona was in the summer of 1990. It was just a day trip. My mother, six sisters, and I were having a reunion in Scottsdale. After our dad died in 1987, we regularly got together to spend a long weekend of shopping, eating, and visiting. MaryAnn, my oldest sister, was living in Scottsdale at the time and she was in charge of our agenda. She planned a day trip to Sedona for an afternoon of shopping, followed by an evening dinner in the nearby town of Jerome. I had heard stories of the ‘spiritual’ town of Sedona—that it was one of the power center sites of the harmonic convergence in 1987. That was interesting to me, but I was too busy working and raising my daughter to take much stock in such things. I was immediately struck by the beauty of the landscape as we approached Sedona. In contrast to the Arizona high desert, which is very beautiful, the massive red rock cliffs of Sedona situated at the base of Oak Creek Canyon was spectacular. I could see why it was considered a special place. We had a delightful afternoon there—many purchases were made.

My second visit to Sedona was under much different circumstances. It was in November of 2005. I was driving out there with 2 women I had met at a Dahn Yoga workshop in Albuquerque. We were going to the Sedona Mago Retreat Center for a week long workshop called Healer School. I was very excited and nervous to be going to this workshop. At the age of 51, I was beginning to explore the spiritual side of my life. I had joined a Dahn Yoga Center 8 months before and my life was changing rapidly. I mean I was going to Sedona for ‘healer school’ not for ‘shopping’.

Again I was struck by the beautiful landscape as we drove in from the high pines of Flagstaff, down through the winding Oak Creek Canyon, and into the large red rock formations of Sedona. The town itself was impeccably groomed and clean. It seemed bigger and more populated.

Our first stop was at Bell Rock. We wanted to see the famous vortex that Ilchi Lee, the founder of Dahn Yoga, climbed so many times. We hiked around the base of Bell Rock but could not conceive scaling it’s steep cliffs to the top. The retreat center itself was not in the town of Sedona. We drove further south and then 16 miles on a bumpy dirt road to the remote location.

Sedona Mago Retreat Center is like a sparkling jewel in the desert. The vast variety of nature that gathers there paints a rich visual texture that delights the eye. It is a beautiful contrast of arid desert, and lush gardens, surrounded by mountains and rock formations ever changing in color, and framed by an endless deep blue sky by day, and blazing starlight by night. Exploring the grounds on the first night, I discovered the ‘Healing Garden’. A tranquil lake with a meditation walking path around it, several quiet sitting places, a delightful secret herb garden, and peaceful energy radiating from the center. I knew I was in a very special place.

The quality of the training I received during my week stay was the most rigorous I had ever experienced both physically and emotionally. In juxtaposition to the calm surroundings, quiet living (no TV, radio, or computer), simple but delicious food, my body was put through intense training such as stretching, tapping, dancing, walking, running, and hiking. The mind was exercised also through deep meditation and contemplation. We learned healing techniques to release stagnant and stuck energy in our physical and spiritual bodies. Being in a place like Sedona Mago Retreat Center while purifying your body and mind allows you to relax and deeply heal in the times of rest. I slept a deep and restorative sleep every night, waking up feeling strong and healthy for the next day of training.

My stay in Sedona was the beginning of my awakening. I started to realize that there was so much more to me than I had previously realized. I gained a sense of purpose and lost a lot of self-doubt and self-judgement. I left that beautiful spot in the Arizona desert with new hope for my life. I keep a piece of Sedona in my heart now. I have returned countless times to renew and grow further. It’s feels like I’m home when I’m there but the outside world always calls me back. That’s where my work needs to be done.

By Alina Pikula

I came to Sedona to find peace. I wanted to experience quiet meditation and visit me inside of me.

When I saw the red rock I was overwhelmed with its beauty and power. I couldn’t wait to touch it with my feet.

Bell Rock was magnificent and proudly welcomed me. I needed to ask permission to enter. It felt right.

I climbed up gently but with strength. Some passages were not too easy. The challenge was welcomed.

I sat to rest and feel the wind in my ears. Almost right away I felt like a fly. I circled above and then flew inside of Bell Rock. There was a cave. Just a cave, but the light was bright. Something sparkled. I looked around with curiosity and a man walked in. I only saw his blue eyes. He talked to me through his eyes.

He told me to trust myself and never give up. After that he left. I will never forget the feeling. A feeling of quietness and happiness. When I opened my eyes I was still sitting on a red rock with the wind playing with my hair.

Even today I feel eyes of that man and can create the feeling that he left me. To me that was real.

I came back to Sedona several times and I believe one day I will stay there for good.

By Kathy Atencio

I remember the first time I went to Sedona. It was in May 1988. I went there with a friend for a week. Neither one of us had been there before. When we saw the red rocks we were so awe struck. They were so beautiful. One of the first places we went was to Long Canyon. We hiked in to a cave where there was shelter. At that moment a huge thunderstorm moved in. We watched from where we were sitting as the storm came in and blew over us. It rained like it seldom does in the desert. The message we got that day was to never worry, we will always be protected.

We sat in meditation on Devil’s bridge. My understanding is that this large bridge is closed to hikers now because it is in danger of collapsing. How beautiful it was back then to climb on and sit for a while.

I climbed Bell Rock while my friend waited at the bottom. I could feel the energy of the rock that day. I felt the rock was inviting me to climb it and was very happy to have me there. I will never forget that feeling of the rock being alive and having consciousness.

In September 2006, I found Dahn Yoga and then went to Dahn Healer School in November 2006, which was held at Sedona Mago Retreat in the national forest just outside of Sedona. Now it is one of my favorite places to go. I feel at home there. I look forward to many more trips to beautiful Sedona.

This picture I am posting was taken when I went to Dahn Healer School in Nov 2006.

By Del Lawrence

Photo courtesy of Jordan Diamond

I went to Sedona to visit with my daughter during the spring time; she had recently moved from New York and I was curious to find out where Sedona was located and what the place was like. I had only heard of Sedona in passing Geography. I arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport after travelling from Toronto, Canada, travel time 3 hours travelling from Toronto Central time zone to Arizona Mountain time zone, there was 3 hours’ time difference to which I had to get used to. My first visit to Sedona was for a 3 day weekend. I stayed at the beautiful Sedona Mago Retreat Centre, to see the red bricks that were similar in colour to the rocks of Sedona, with the backdrop of pristine wilderness and huge red rocks was amazing. I have never seen a place like this before. The quietness that existed—it is as if amidst that quiet environment, my mind, body and spirit became very relaxed.

On a couple of occasions we journeyed from the Centre, travelling along the pristine red dirt rocky road, and for miles there were no buildings, only desert land, cactus and scattered vegetation, passing all this on our way into the town of Sedona for supper at a fine dining restaurant.

The next day I woke up early and joined the group in meditation and prayer. At the retreat centre, I was introduced to a form of relaxation therapy in the form of special massage techniques and this was very relaxing and for the entire day, I felt very relaxed and had a calming spirit.

My daughter and I visited one of the national parks and I was most impressed with the preservation of the environment and the natural habitat. The formation of the rocks was a sight to behold, they had their definite shape as if they were carved by God and they were just sitting there as if they were wonders of the universe. I began to ask questions as to why Sedona was so beautiful and why those huge rocks. I have never see such wonder, such perfect shapes. The closest that I have come to seeing such wonder was when I visited Alberta, Canada and there were huge rocks but they were natural colour. The mystical energy of Sedona was amazing. I think of Sedona as the Garden of Adam and Eve. There was this rock called “Bell Rock” because it shaped like a bell, we tried climbing it, the sun was too hot and the rock was so hot that it could be used for sauna. There were markers in the park and this was placed there should visitors need to find their way back. The rocks were like between God and man the unspoken word of something eternal. The wilderness reminded me of watching the John Wayne cowboy movies; the background in the films looks like Sedona, especially when driving on the road to the Mago Retreat Centre.

When we visited the town, the many shops along the way, with so much to sell, the various artistry, psychic readings, Sedona jewelry were all very tempting. The people were amazing and all so ready to assist. I ended up buying a beautiful piece of crystal which I currently have displayed in my office on my credenza.

As I looked around, I noticed that there were several churches, almost on every corner. I wondered why so many churches? The houses and the landscape all blend so beautiful amidst the red rocks. There were only low rise residential homes and condominiums. This gave Sedona that vacationing community feel.
I wondered about the soil, water minerals from all those rocks and the effects on mankind. The flow of the water in the rivers, how clean was it. I thought to myself that since there were lots of cactus plants that there had to be lots of water underground. Driving back to Sky Harbour, the travelling route was amazing, great roads and very scenic route.

I would not mind visiting Sedona more often. There is no ocean nearby and I love the ocean, but because of all the other wonderful attributes, Sedona is absolutely wonderful for a relaxed and stress free lifestyle. I think of Sedona as that beautiful gift to mankind—“An American Gem.”

By Nikki and Steve

We try to come to Sedona every year for our anniversary. We got married here at Bell Rock 21 years ago. We just go with the flow while we’re here. We recommend not making plans when you come to Sedona. Don’t feel like you have to rush through it. Just give yourself the moment to feel it.

The stars above Bell Rock were UNBELIEVABLE during our trip this year. What amazed us in looking into the night sky is that we saw so many satellites. I mean literally no less than 9 in the time we were out there. That tells you how much our skies have changed from the days 21 years ago that we slept under those same stars.

After climbing onto Airport Mesa and Bell Rock, we were both exhausted and tired (this is where the realization of us getting older comes to play). It makes us really appreciate how fast time flies, and that it was just yesterday that we started our 21 year journey. Now we are much older, and much more appreciative of what we have with one another, as well as being much more in love today, than the day we started this journey.

Here are some of the pictures of the red rocks we took this year. Although the skies may change and we may change, they always seem to stay the same.

By Nicholas Fiorito

I have visited Sedona almost 10 times over the course of my spiritual journey. Every time has been absolutely amazing, but my most recent trip was unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

The Meditation Tour through Sedona Mago Retreat I staffed in June of 2011 was absolutely incredible. I had the opportunity to go to many of the most famous vortexes in Sedona, including Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. The energy was spectacular, and to actually feel the difference between them was also something very new to me.

When I am in Sedona I always experience a lot of “spiritual energy.” The environment itself seems to infuse my mind with so much light it is almost hard to process. This last trip, however, I had an absolutely astounding experience. One night, unable to sleep in bed, I felt so much energy surging through me that my body and mind began to go into what would normally be categorized as a “panic attack,” but it wasn’t that, and I knew it. The energy inside me was stirring up all manner of things from my unconscious. My heightened state of perception made it seem as though my brain had cracked open and I was staring at its contents under a magnifying glass.

I saw all my worries, fears, doubts, and memories. Each one I acknowledged in turn, and then dismissed. My heart was racing, I was sweating, the fear of deathn the most pervasive and basic of all fearsn was pulsing through my veins. I realized I was letting go of all my attachments—all the imperceptible, but nevertheless weighty, entities that burdened my soul. I kept “saying goodbye.” Goodbye thoughts, memories, fears. Goodbye everything. The last things to which I needed to bid farewell were my loved ones. I saw my parents, family, people I loved and cherished so deeply. I said goodbye to them, as though I would never see them again. And finally I said goodbye to myself and to the Earth.

At that final moment, having extinguished every last bit of “self,” I was overcome with a feeling that can only be described as unconditional love, but that term is too over-used and thus not appropriate. I became the Love that infused all things. It was incredible, and my heart no longer beat with fear of losing the things I loved, but now pulsed with a passion that embraced all life and all things. It was a transformative moment I shall never forget.

The next day I felt reborn. I slept for just a few hours after that experience, unable to really rest. Nevertheless I was incredibly energized. I was born anew, and given a clean slate in my life. I continue to live this way, and always come back to my yoga and spiritual practice to return to this empty state of pure love.