Flight’s ER doc friend had to go to work, so we made a caravan trip up to Sedona with his wife and their four kids. I had never been to Sedona, but had seen many references to this piece of paradise where the Earth’s energy wells up definitively. After my recent journey down the past life road, I was eager to see if I might recognize any rock formations and/or if the Sedona energy resonated with my own.
We caught lunch at a Mexican restaurant, although it was a rather frenetic dining experience as seven of the party of 10 were 12 and under. We emerged from the restaurant and took in a rather commercialized pass through town before making our way to the Crescent Moon Ranch. Our friend let us know that these particular rock formations were perhaps the most photographed in all of Arizona, and I could see why…
I was especially enraptured when the sun came out and the rocks appeared to illuminate from within. We snapped a few family pics and made our way to Oak Creek, one of the tributaries that feeds the Verde River.
As we approached the Creek, we came across a battalion of rock cairns. Rock cairns have been used for many purposes across the years, mostly for land navigation and burial purposes, but also for giving thanks and/or honoring loved ones. Curious as to why this place in particular had gathered so many monuments, I took off my shoes and stood amidst the precariously balanced towers, momentarily feeling the Earth’s deeply pulsating hum snaking her way into my feet. With seven children in tow, I knew I wouldn’t be able to tarry and mindfully soaked in the energy for a few moments until I was “hey, momma”-ed away from this magical experience.
I had heard that the land surrounding Sedona was riddled with energetic vortices and/or ley lines and, as I put my socks and shoes back on my tingling feet, I promised myself – and the vibrant energy – that I would come back, next time far savvier on how to explore and (hopefully?) less encumbered. Perhaps as a means of honoring my commitment to return, I felt compelled to build my own rock cairn, mine to recognize our four children I only briefly knew.
Giving thanks for the three who continue to bless our existence, our gaggle moved from this space down to the river where we enjoyed periodic sun breaks. Our family has always enjoyed riparian ecosystems, as we’re reminded with each visit to any such moving water, yet this one spoke to my soul.
As the sun parried with the evolving cloud masses, the alternating flat light and brilliance underscored the beauty of this space. Flight found the perfect seat with an easy path across stepping stones. WoodSprite mindfully made her way out to this energetic oasis and back, and spent only a few moments relaxing on the sunning rock before her equally mindful return.
Our friends helped us find our way from Crescent Moon Ranch to this delightful swimming hole. Not to be swayed from his intent to dunk himself in every body of water we encounter, Keeper vowed to submerge himself in the chilly waters. While Flight accompanied Keeper to the water’s edge, the rest of our Flight of Five observed from afar – and donned fleece jackets as the sun stretched to meet the last of its journey to the horizon.
We parted ways with our friends and journeyed the 45 minutes to meet my Mom’s sister and her husband. It had been ages since I had last seen my Aunt and Uncle and, once again, I marveled at the blessings this trip has provided. Despite how long it had been since our last visit, we settled easily into the business of catching up on family doings.
Although not surprising in retrospect, I was caught off guard by seeing a myriad of expressions I had only ever seen on my mother’s countenance move fluidly through my Aunt’s features. While the two sisters had grown up seven years apart and haven’t lived in the same place since 1961, they are very clearly cut from the same cloth.
All told, it was a lovely day. Yet, as is often the case with our journey, I’m left with the knowing that I need to return, for these rocks have much to tell me…
