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Enveloped in red rocks, you can't help but feel inspired. There is an overwhelming sense of something greater than yourself, an inexplicable feeling that like nature, you are limitless. Perhaps if you tune in hard enough, you might find yourself touching the sky like these mountains.
Let's turn back a time a bit, because there's actually a lot more to do in Sedona than stare at red rocks. Before reaching Mars, I visited Montezuma Castle National Monument, a Sinaguan structure built on an edge of a cliff. When you're looking up at it, a lot of questions pop into your head, the main one being: why? This structure is essentially a modern day high-rise, home to an entire village of people who sustained themselves using their landscape. The castle truly is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Sinaguan people. Fun fact: Prior to 1951, visitors could actually climb a ladder to access the rooms inside the castle.  The view from the castle while looking up. There is a bench that aligns directly in front of this, so you can sit and stare till your heart is content! Siblings to Montezuma Castle is the Tuzigoot National Monument, another piece of Native American history that honors the genius of the people who once lived here. Tuzigoot means "crooked water" in Apache, and when you're standing atop of the monument you definitely see the crookedness of this pueblo ruin. It's pretty insane to think that this structure was put together by hand, alternating between rock and mud. It's surreal to think about the lives of the hundreds of people who occupied these walls.  The Chapel of the Holy Cross Don't walk, run to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This one really surprised me; I'll admit I completely underestimated this place. I'm quite a lazy person, so when I say this I truly mean it - if you can, you should start from the bottom and walk all the way to the top. The walk itself was such a spiritual experience, especially as you take in all the surrounding mountains. Once you make it to the top, you'll feel elated but the real reward lies inside the chapel. I was overcome with so much peace the moment I stepped inside, and what's waiting for you inside truly is a work of art. This place is at the top of my list of must-see things in Sedona! A bit outside of Sedona is a really off the beaten path museum, the Arizona Copper Art Museum. It's a wacky place dedicated to all things copper; perhaps it doesn't sound like the most exciting thing, but it is pretty funny to think that what once started as a collection has now become an entire museum. I now appreciate copper a lot more than I did before I visited this museum. Fun fact: copper and gold are the only colored metals on the periodic table and copper is associated with the Roman goddess Venus. Tlaquepaque Village is reminiscent of Old Mexico with its painted tiles, peach stone buildings, and quirky statues. There are a lot of artisnal shops, which makes sense since Sedona has a very unique art scene. If you can't afford copper statues or turquoise jewelry, I still think it's worth walking through Tlaquepaque at least once in your life. You're walking in a seemingly never-ending maze, not knowing what might strike you in your path - a fountain perhaps? Or maybe a kissing frog with pennies on its head. It's a wild, bohemian fever dream. Time for one of the reasons so many people visit Sedona in the first place - vortexes. I'm a pretty spiritual person, so I believed in the power of the vortexes. After all, Sedona is a sacred and beautiful place, so there's bound to be a certain energy tied to it. Completely ignorant to the adventure that lay ahead, I hiked to the Airport Mesa vortex accidentally. Red mud soaked boots, unknown paths, and cloudy weather - the perfect combination for a spiritual awakening, right? I clung onto the rock for dear life as I was hiking up, I'd never walked on rounded surfaces before but the view that waited for me at the top was so worth it. I closed my eyes, attempting to meditate. I could feel the energy, it was very strong. Airport Mesa's vortex is filled with masculine energy, inspiring confidence in those who discover it. I was feeling too confident, so I opened my eyes - maybe next time? A question that came up during this time was: who am I when I'm standing still? In other words, who am I in the absence of action? I'm still figuring out the answer to that one.
Last but certainly not least is the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park. One word: wow. Although the weather was rainy while I was in Sedona, it did not take away from the beautiful landscape and this park only highlighted it. You need to take your time here, choosing silence and contemplation as you walk the path. To honor the traditions of the park, there is a lot of walking in circles. There is something symbolic in the circular motion of everything that you do there, and in being present during those practices, I did feel at peace. The sound of songbirds also helped to make me feel calm; I appreciate how there are bird feeders all over the place! This park is really something special, and I'm glad I got to tune into my inner world by being here. Honestly, Sedona gave me so much more than I could have ever imagined. I was deeply uncomfortable for a good part of the trip, but even amidst the discomfort I found peace. The most difficult things in life can be the most rewarding, especially when you walk on the other side of it. The red rocks didn't give me what I wanted, they gave me what I needed.
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