by Emily King
Since I haven’t been to Sedona for quite some time, I decided that it was a good destination for my first bout of northern exposure. You see, if you have never been to Sedona, you haven’t experienced the power of the Red Rocks which seem to attract yogis, psychics, and good-old hippie types. I love these people and their off-the-beaten path approach to life. If I had my druthers, I would join them. Who doesn’t like a good vortex after all?
To get the uninitiated up to the speed; Sedona, Arizona is considered one of the most beautiful places in America due to the magnificent mesas and red rock formations. Sedona is also haven for New Age culture. The idea is that there are several natural centers, vortices or vortexes, that provide positive energy. If you hang out in one of these vortexes, you will feel great for days. Boy could I use that. Of course, it ain’t easy. They tend to be at the top of the rock formations.
We began our journey early on a Sunday morning with the goal of making it to Sedona for a 9:30 yoga practice. I was still weary from a late night of scrubbing floors and cleaning the kitchen (yes – I work at a restaurant), so my friend “J” and I decided to stop to fill up on caffeinated beverages and gasoline at a local gas station. Ok, I know what you’re thinking: “Don’t Yoga-people look down upon ‘fake’ energy?” But I think tea is okay, which is what I got, but I’m sure taurine is frowned upon which is why we will just pretend that I don’t like Red Bulls at all. Shhhhh.
At the gas station, a very nice Jehovah’s witness approached us and gave us some literature to read in the car. We very much appreciated this gesture. Clearly we were in for a very spiritual day.
We made it to Devi Yoga just in time for the class. Our instructor, Soni, was everything we could have hoped for in an instructor. She was enthusiastic and told us what every pose was doing for our internal organs. Her class was so rigorous, I think even my kidneys are more limber now. It was an absolutely fantastic 90 minutes. “J” and I walked out of the studio feeling strong and centered if somewhat inadequate on the yoga front. We might be stars at the local L.A. fitness, but we were seriously put to shame by the vortex elite in Sedona. Apparently, the laws of gravity do not apply to all people equally.
We were famished after our intense yoga session and began our desperate search for sustenance. We agreed that after such a spiritually cleansing experience, it would be a heinous crime to put anything unhealthy in our bodies, so we were set on finding some vegetarian food. As is generally the case in Sedona, the planets were aligned in our favor, and we found D’Lish.
As soon as we walked through the doors, we knew that we had found some of the freshest fare in town. The best part about the little joint was that it was sensitive to food allergies and had a great bakery section full of treats for every possible intolerance. I ordered the grain bowl which included stir-fried vegetables over the Chef’s choice of grain (in this case, Quinoa) while “J ordered the grilled veggie wrap. “J” enjoyed the sun-dried tomato pesto spread and would have liked to have more. We also ordered the house Hibiscus Iced tea which is a light refreshing tea cut with fresh apple juice. It proved to be the perfect beverage for two thirsty people on a warm, sunny day.
Renewed from our light-lunch, we headed off to Cathedral Rock because I had read that it was the site of a vortex containing positive, female energy. I have a pretty positive outlook on life, so I could only imagine that this vortex would infuse me with so much optimism that it would explode from my aura like fireworks.
Word to the wise: Do NOT attempt this hike if you ran 6 miles the day before and just performed a full lower-body workout. Some of the rock-faces are very steep and require Spider Man-like climbing abilities. “J” was very patient and waited for me to scale the rocks while I cursed myself for the damage I was doing to my quadriceps and hamstrings. I am proud of the fact that I managed to make it to the top where the view quieted my screaming thigh muscles. There is something other-worldly about the rugged red rocks of Sedona. I’m not sure that I am a believer in the power of vortexes, but I am a firm believer that the breath-taking beauty of nature evokes a spirituality and feeling of peace of its own.
It was an especially warm day for Sedona (almost 90 degrees), so after our Cathedral Rock adventure, “J” and I decided that we needed some ice cream and more water. We headed downtown where we found Black Cow Ice Cream Shop. The shop greets you with the intoxicating aroma of vanilla. Like patient little boys and girls we waited in the enormous line until it was our turn. I ordered chocolate and vanilla frozen yogurt while “J” decided to try the classic root beer float with homemade vanilla ice cream and draft-root beer.
In retrospect, I should have ordered the prickly-pear ice cream. It seemed to be a top-seller, and “J” was pleased with quality of his root beer float because the ice cream was rich and delicious.
Word to the wise: when it comes to ice cream, eat the full-fat stuff. The occasional splurge is completely acceptable especially when it comes to homemade ice cream.
Unfortunately, 4:30 P.M. arrived too quickly, and it was time to return to the vortex-free Valley of the Sun. We rolled up the windows, turned on the air conditioning, and grudgingly made our way home. As I drifted off to sleep enveloped in artificially-cooled air, I couldn’t help wondering, “can I pass off ‘over-stretched’ kidneys as a legitimate excuse for a sick day from the restaurant?”
Word to the wise: Don’t even try.
Click below for more on:
Leave a Reply