May 23rd and 24th, Sedona, Arizona

 Sedona is a spiritual space, I think due to its serenity in its beauty. People speak of vortex (7 of them) that produce positive spiritual energy. 

For me though the spirituality came from two locations. The Chapel of the Holy Cross  was one of the two places that we visited. I was immediately drawn to the garden angels as we walked up the path;  also to the surrounding beauty of the serene mountain landscapes that encircled the chapel. 

Upon entering, I wanted to light a candle for my family. I spent some time reflecting on which candle I wanted to light - the one day or the five day. I chose the five day. I then went up to the crucifix and stood on the two imprinted feet and looked up. It was as if the image of Jesus was looking right at me; the vision was one of infinite sadness and empathy (at least to me).  I could feel the Holy Spirit in that space

The second spiritual location was Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park

Here is a description: The stupa is one of the oldest forms of sacred architecture on earth, dating back to the time of the Buddha, 2600 years ago. Stupas are mostly found in the East, where Buddhism first took root and flourished. They are indeed rare in the West. A stupa is considered to be the living presence of the Buddha and as such represents the Mind of Enlightenment. Stupas have been built to avert war, end famine, and promote prosperity and well-being. Their sole purpose is to bring benefit for all living beings, and the mystical accounts of the healing powers of stupas are well documented.

Steve and I were thinking about a friend who had recently passed (Marsha Thibodeaux). We walked the spiritual path around the image of Buddha as suggested, with her in our prayers. We then walked the grounds. There was a prayer peace wheel in this space as well. Steve and I walked opposite ends around the prayer wheel, looking at each other and thinking about our blessed lives together. It was a moment of love and reflection. 

It was at Sedona, the next morning, that we learned that Mikey Wiley (my brother-in-law) passed from heart complications. This was sudden and unexpected. I can't help but feel the strong connection to the spiritual experience we had at Sedona just yesterday, and still feel that energy, as we all  move forward in our grieving. 

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Angels in the Garden

Amitabha Stupa and Peace Center

Cathedral Rock

The beautiful serenity of Sedona mountains. 

Rest in Peace, Mikey (May 24, 2022)