After spending so many wonderful days in this beautiful place, I began to think that it would be a great place for Clyde to do a photo workshop. The problem was that I needed someone to give me an overview of areas that weren't so well known. I needed a guide to show me areas where a group of photographers could set up and not be run down by tourists. We found that person in James Endready.
James Endready is a teacher, mentor, and guide to thousands of people through his books and workshops. For over 25 years he has learned shamanic practices from all over the globe, while also studying with kawiteros, lamas, siddhas, roadmen, and leaders in the modern fields of ecopsychology, bioregionalism, and sustainbale living. He is also a nationally certified Wilderness First Responder.
We met James at a morning talk given by the Time Share where we stayed. He seemed like the kind of person I'd like to know, so we approached him with the idea of taking us on some short morning walks. He was an excellent choice. We all felt very comfortable with this gentle, spiritual, kind man. I'm glad he came into our life. If you'd like to reach him for a walk here is his information:
Sedona Nature Excursions
(928) 282-3748
www.redrockhikingtours.com
www.JamesEndredy.com
Although James can hike with the best of them, he was kind enough to walk at our pace. He never made us feel uncomfortable about NOT being athletic...very kind of him!
The flowers in bloom were wonderful.
We finally reached our destination. It was a very large flat rock that overlooked the valley and those wonderful rock formations that you see in the background of this picture. James said the area was an Indian religious area and very few people know about it. He asked us not to tell anyone where it was, otherwise it would be over run with tourists. But he felt a small group of people who love nature would not offend the spirits. He then offered to do a shamanic blessing over us. Since being blessed is good for everyone, we took him up on the offer!
This land was purchased by the local Budist community in order to save it from development. They erected this monument here to symbolize peace for the world. The inside of it is filled with thousands of prayers written on tiny pieces of paper. Along the edge of this circle is a place in the shade to sit and pray. What a wonderful idea to have an "official" prayer area in the great outdoors! Why do we have indoor churches...doesn't the roof keep us from lifting our hearts to God?
Prayer alter
Our day with James ended in a wonderful uplifting way. He added a depth to our trip to Sedona that had been missing...the connection with God and nature.
(928) 282-3748
www.redrockhikingtours.com
www.JamesEndredy.com
Although James can hike with the best of them, he was kind enough to walk at our pace. He never made us feel uncomfortable about NOT being athletic...very kind of him!
The flowers in bloom were wonderful.
We finally reached our destination. It was a very large flat rock that overlooked the valley and those wonderful rock formations that you see in the background of this picture. James said the area was an Indian religious area and very few people know about it. He asked us not to tell anyone where it was, otherwise it would be over run with tourists. But he felt a small group of people who love nature would not offend the spirits. He then offered to do a shamanic blessing over us. Since being blessed is good for everyone, we took him up on the offer!
Our next adventure with James was across town to another location he thought we would enjoy. We parked in the presence of another Vortex...and this one I actually felt! It was a shock to feel an emotion so deeply. One minute we were talking about nothing much in the car, parked the car, and then when I got out I was hit in the chest with a powerful emotion and tears came to my eyes. I was so suprised by the feeling that this is the first time I've talked about it! Soooo...just maybe, there REALLY is something called a vortex!
We weren't headed for the Vortex though. We headed in a different direction.
We hiked in the opposite direction of these towering rocks and came to a circle of life. This Indian circle has been located here since before the written word. Sometimes, throughout history, it has been disturbed...like when the white man insisted that the Indians give up their religion...but the Indians always rebuild it. It is a sacred place and we walked quietly as though we were in church.
After pausing at the circle we walked onward eventually coming to what Jan thought was laundry hanging out to dry...but as we got closer we saw that it was Prayer Flags.We weren't headed for the Vortex though. We headed in a different direction.
We hiked in the opposite direction of these towering rocks and came to a circle of life. This Indian circle has been located here since before the written word. Sometimes, throughout history, it has been disturbed...like when the white man insisted that the Indians give up their religion...but the Indians always rebuild it. It is a sacred place and we walked quietly as though we were in church.
This land was purchased by the local Budist community in order to save it from development. They erected this monument here to symbolize peace for the world. The inside of it is filled with thousands of prayers written on tiny pieces of paper. Along the edge of this circle is a place in the shade to sit and pray. What a wonderful idea to have an "official" prayer area in the great outdoors! Why do we have indoor churches...doesn't the roof keep us from lifting our hearts to God?
Prayer alterOur day with James ended in a wonderful uplifting way. He added a depth to our trip to Sedona that had been missing...the connection with God and nature.
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