Sedona Story

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 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 Phil Kim

One of my favorite places in Sedona is Bell Rock. Not only because I can see Bell Rock very well from Highway 179, but also it gives me a lot of inspiration, encouragement and power. From time to time, I enjoy hiking trails around Bell Rock in the morning. Sometimes, I climb up to the top of it.

On June 9th, I went to Bell Rock in the morning. As soon as I arrived at the foot of Bell Rock, I felt refreshed and good already. To me, it feels like very powerful energy is being emitted out from Bell Rock ceaselessly. To be refreshed and feel passionate about my life—isn’t it a very good way to begin the day?

Even though Sedona is in the middle of the desert, there are many forms of life. I could see many century plants and cacti while I hiked. How do they survive in the desert with so little water? How do they handle the wide daily temperature range everyday?

I began to climb Bell Rock. The sky that I could see between rocks was really blue and clear. The blue sky and the red rocks were making a great harmony of colors. I looked down on my way to the top. I could see the two lanes of Highway 179. Several cars were passing through the fresh and pure air in Sedona, heading somewhere. As I was getting higher, I sweated a bit, which made me feel very good.

As soon as I got to the top, it was a pine tree who welcomed me, waving its many hands. The morning was a little windy. The sun was shining through the branches of the pine tree, which looked out over the world. Money, personal desires, success, fame… Certain things that seem very crucial to our lives didn’t seem to bother this tranquil tree at all. I meditated and prayed in front of the tree. Thank you for being here.

From the top, I could see the beautiful Coconino National Forest surrounding Bell Rock. I breathed calmly and slowly. Tried to listen to the sound of the wind and sense the color of the sunshine. A few birds flew above me out of nowhere and were singing cheerful songs. Yes. I am given another brand new day today. No matter what difficult challenges I may meet today, I will not give up. I love myself.

Humming songs with a big smile on my face, I climbed down Bell Rock and headed home.

Thank you, Bell Rock.