Echoes of Sedona: A Pilgrimage Through Sacred Landscapes

An Earth Day Reflection

Drawn by the mystical allure of its famed energy vortexes, I accepted a childhood friend’s invitation to visit Sedona, seeking solace from the world’s persistent violence and injustice. There, amidst the timeless volcanic rock and towering red sandstone cliffs, our sessions of yoga and breathwork transcended their physical forms. These practices became profound dialogues with nature, connecting me to the rhythms of life itself and deepening my understanding of the land's sacred wisdom.

The resonance of the land's original stewards—the Yavapai, Apache, and Hopi tribes—wove their stories around me, enriching my respect for a stewardship that transcends time. Sedona was revealed not just as a place to seek answers, but as a realm where the earth itself guided and taught through its mysteries, linking ancient wisdoms to present explorations.

In the embrace of Sedona's red rocks, we discover not just awe-inspiring beauty but a mirror reflecting our deepest selves and the cosmic rhythms connecting us to the universe. This sacred land is a teacher, a healer, and a guardian, guiding souls toward enlightenment and unity with the infinite. - Sage Riverwind, Native American elder

Pathways to Peace: Discovering Sedona’s Sacred Sites

Our first hiking adventure led us to a secluded treasure near Boynton Canyon, a place deeply revered by the Yavapai-Apache Nation as Che Ah Chi (The Mouth of the Bear). Known for its spiritual potency as a center of power, this area is believed to balance the Earth's masculine and feminine energies, offering profound peace to those who traverse its sacred paths.

As we ventured through the Pinyon-Juniper woodlands, the contrast between the quiet forest and the stark mountain landscape was striking. The spirits of the land seemed to greet us in soft, ethereal whispers, setting a mystical tone for our journey.

In the depths of this enchanted forest, we encountered swathes of resurrection moss. To the untrained eye, these might appear as mere patches of blackness, but they transform dramatically to vibrant green at the slightest touch of moisture. This shift from a desiccated darkness to vivid vitality is a striking demonstration of resilience and adaptability—a reminder of nature's capacity to thrive in the face of relentless uncertainty.

This phenomenon reflects our own potential for renewal. Like ascending a spiral staircase, we revisit lessons we thought we had learned, each loop offering a new perspective and a deeper understanding. This relentless cycle—learning, relearning, illuminated by the persistent revival of the moss—set the tone for the weekend: to reencounter familiar truths through fresh eyes, underscoring our unceasing growth and the fluid evolution of our wisdom.

Elevated Tranquility: The Hidden Plateau’s Embrace

As we emerged from the enchanting forest onto the plateau, a profound presence enveloped us. My friend, visibly moved, broke into tears, and I too was overtaken by the potent energy of the place. A dynamic force seemed to emanate from the earth, coursing up my spine and sending shivers into the core of my being.

The energy field of the area seemed to envelop us, syncing our vibrations with the earth’s primal rhythms. The view was breathtaking—a vivid display of nature's raw majesty.

Amidst the age-old volcanic rock and red sandstone cliffs, our yoga and breathwork sessions transcended routine practice. They became potent channels for the earth's energy, which flowed through us, amplifying and guiding its power. This exchange fostered a profound sense of unity, turning our dialogue with the earth into a tangible connection that revitalized our spirits and deepened our connection with all life.

From Grief to Grounding: Healing Amidst the Red Rocks

Embarking from the plateau, I ascended further up the mountain, drawn by the call of Sedona's timeless terrain—a refuge promising solace amid my inner turmoil. Engulfed in grief from the ceaseless tide of global violence and suffering, I found myself navigating dark realms of rage and despair. The collective inertia in halting the march of mass atrocities, coupled with the toxic rifts poisoning our discourse, plunged me into a disillusionment that shook the very foundations of my faith in justice and the moral arc of the universe.

In this emotional tempest, Sedona's iconic rock sentinels offered an unexpected sanctuary. Enfolded by these silent guardians, I found solace and kinship with the earth, experiencing a profound communion that anchored me in the present. The landscape’s stoic beauty encouraged me to channel my grief into a search for deeper understanding.

The crimson rocks revealed a sacred web of interconnectedness—tying together nature, ancestral spirits, and the diligent stewards of this land. An energy, both soothing and invigorating, permeated my being, enhancing my resilience and sharpening my inner sight. This infusion reignited my unity with all life, prompting a profound reflection and renewal.

A gentle murmur on this sacred ground spoke of bearing the weight of the world's sorrows as a testament to our profound connection with the earth, sky, and every living soul. It highlighted the beauty of a compassionate heart that embraces anguish rather than retreating into numbness, urging me to value this sensitivity as a gift of our shared humanity.

Amidst this reflection, I was reminded that grief is but love seeking solace, a truth crystallized through my personal reckonings with war crimes, yet eclipsed amidst the clamor of recent anguish. Below the surface of indignation and despair, I discovered a foundational love, poised to inspire and transform our actions—from community activism to policymaking—into powerful agents of change.

This understanding, combined with the practice of metta meditation, allows us to extend this boundless love globally, offering solace to those afflicted and strength to those fighting for justice and liberation. Such acts of love and faith challenge oppressive systems and revitalize our communities, underpinning our pursuit of profound, lasting change.

Love, I was reminded, is the antithesis of fear, while anger and division fuel violence. Each act rooted in love not only confronts oppression but also nourishes our communities and safeguards our well-being, supporting our ongoing quest for meaningful change.

These insights have rekindled my spiritual journey, reinforcing the importance of building genuine connections with the inner light of the soul. Surrounded by the unseen yet tangible support of ancestral wisdom, universal energy flows like Qi or prana, and the ethereal spirits of nature, I am reminded of the vast, often overlooked support network available amidst the chaos of daily existence.

For those inclined towards science, the principles of quantum entanglement illustrate an interconnected universe where our actions resonate far and wide. By tapping into the transformative energies of the Earth, we undertake a path that is both collective and deeply individual, turning challenges into catalysts for awakening and transcendence.

Echoes of Creation: The Birthing Cave’s Legacy 

Our exploration in Sedona next took us to the captivating ‘Birthing Cave,’ a site resonant with the legacy of feminine strength and creation. Inside, the heart-shaped sanctuary enveloped us, its womb-like contours pulsating with the nurturing spirit of motherhood and the vibrant force of creation. The energy of the cave echoed this transformation from the infinite to the finite, the formless taking shape, the divine manifesting in the physical realm.

This sacred space is deeply rooted in the lore of the indigenous Hopi, who believe their ancestors originated from the earth’s core. Reflecting this ancient belief, pregnant Hopi women have historically made pilgrimages to the Birthing Cave to give birth, drawn by its sanctified energy.

Within the embrace of these spherical hallowed walls, I encountered Sabrina, a Bosniak from Banja Luka, her presence marked by a blue dress and tennis shoes. Our paths, though divergent, converged in the shadows of Bosnia's turbulent 1990s—she, a child during the war, and I, bearing witness to the horrors of ethnic cleansing and genocide under the auspices of the OSCE. Our discourse naturally gravitated towards the insidious tendrils of Islamophobia, a contagion birthed by nationalist fervor in her homeland, now echoing across continents from Myanmar to the Middle East, to hate crimes in Western countries and severe human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region of China. Sabrina, mixing humor with sorrow, shared her fears that the global cacophony of violence might unravel years of painstaking therapy, re-exposing her to the specter of deep trauma.

Our dialogue beckoned the presence of two more women, drawn by the gravity of our discussion on the world's afflictions. As our gathering swelled to five, I led a collective prayer within the sanctum of the cave, calling for an end to violence and seeking the balm of healing, peace, and reconciliation for all those suffering. With clasped hands and hearts in sync, the words echoed against the ancient stones, a testament to our shared humanity and the potency of collective will in the pursuit of healing. In an impromptu ritual that echoed the journey from conception to birth—from the dark void to the spark of life—we invoked the spirits of our ancestors and the guardians of the land. Our invocation sealed our firm commitment to actively participate in the ongoing struggle for justice and freedom. As we departed from that sacred space, we carried with us a renewed resolve to engage in the transformative work that lay ahead.

Scaling the Heights of Cathedral Rock: Beyond Physical Limits

Later that day, as afternoon melted into evening, my friend and I embarked on our ascent of the iconic Cathedral Rock, racing the encroaching darkness. This 1.4-mile trek was no ordinary hike; it became a profound test of endurance. Each step was a battle against gravity’s relentless pull through the rugged, unforgiving terrain. The toll of my cancer treatments magnified the ordeal, with each incline intensifying the pain in my joints and my labored breath—a stark reminder of my physical limitations.

Yet, as I scrambled up the steep paths, I drew strength from the earth itself. With each breath, I silently called for aid, tapping into the energy that radiated from the ground beneath my feet. The mountain's rough edges became unexpected anchors. Each solid step on the ancient rocks steadied my body and began to bolster my spirit. This connection with the earth transformed my perception of the climb: what began as a strenuous ascent shifted into a journey of inner strength and renewal.

As I climbed higher, the earth beneath me became a bastion of stability in a tumultuous world. Each step evolved into a meditative practice, each breath a silent prayer for grace and understanding. Surrounded by the crimson majesty of Sedona, tears streamed down my face—not from grief, but from an overwhelming sense of liberation. The landscape, with its towering rock formations and expansive valleys, echoed my inner state: both majestic and vulnerable, ancient yet constantly evolving. The renowned healing energy of Sedona, known to both reveal and mend, subtly wove through me, gently drawing out my deepest fears. These fears were not brought forth to overwhelm, but be acknowledged, allowing me to confront them with newfound clarity and strength.

Along the trail, we met other hikers, including one struggling with a recent ankle injury. Instantly, an impromptu alliance formed, offering solace and strength in our shared challenges. As we continued our ascent, each pause to catch our breath became a moment of mutual support, binding us in our collective endeavor.

Upon reaching the summit, the experience transcended the mere conquest of a physical peak; it became a communion with the awe-inspiring grandeur of Sedona's panoramic vistas, now bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. Standing in that sacred space atop Cathedral Rock, as the light slowly faded, I felt deeply connected to the cyclical rhythms of life, rooted in the eternal dance of nature’s beauty. This moment wasn't just a physical achievement but a profound spiritual connection, echoing the transformative journey I had embarked upon.

Moved by the transcendence of the moment, I was compelled to practice yoga at the summit. It felt like a fitting tribute to the harmony between humanity and the natural world, and a celebration of the indomitable spirit that sustains us through life’s trials. In aligning body and breath, I acknowledged the profound journey of the day, both upwards and inwards.

As dusk began to cloak the landscape in its shifting hues, we prepared to descend, mindful of the darkness that soon would envelop the trail. Our shared descent was also enriched by the camaraderie of our newfound companions from distant shores. These young men from Lebanon and Palestine, who offered us a ride back to our car, brought a cultural richness that transcended the mere physical contours of the land. Their warmth and generosity unveiled yet another layer of connection, weaving into our shared adventure a profound reminder of the universal threads of kindness that bind us all.

The Power and Perils of Tarot Predictions

For a trip to what many consider the mystical capital of the U.S., it felt both fitting and deeply kind for my friend to arrange a tarot reading session for me.

Nestled within a crystal shop that was quintessential Sedona, I was greeted by an elegant elderly Taiwanese woman. Her presence was captivating, with sparkling eyes, gently swaying turquoise earrings, and flowing silver hair. Our initial conversation, peppered with my somewhat rusty Mandarin, deepened as the tarot cards began to lay bare insights into my journey.

As the reading started, she asked if there was a particular aspect of my life into which I wanted to delve. I said I had no specific preference, open to whatever insights the cards might offer.

She laid the cards out on the table and prompted me to pick two for an overview. I selected the Six of Swords and the Wheel of Fortune, painting the broad contours of recent years—a move from DC to NYC that heralded a time fraught with challenges and profound change, including my cancer diagnosis, a detail unknown to her. She accurately described a transition into peace despite these trials, also mentioning my son and our close relationship, her insights strikingly resonant.

Midway through our session, driven by a nagging curiosity, I inquired about my health. I drew the Ten of Swords, depicted starkly with a figure lying face down, pierced by ten swords against a dark backdrop. Her face tensed as she registered the card’s gravity, her eyes filling with concern as she prepared to deliver its somber message.

With unwavering clarity, she said, “Oh dear, I sense you are battling a serious illness, something very dark, reminiscent of cancer to me.” Her empathy deepened as she continued, 'It seems to have been with you for some time, and you've been trying to come to terms with it during this period.”

Suddenly, she clasped her right side in a spontaneous gesture of empathy, as if the pain, though not her own, echoed within her body. This instinctive act of connection not only highlighted her deep intuition but also bridged the gap between the physical and metaphysical realms. Her insightful words and compassionate actions peeled back the layers of the narrative laid out by the tarot, marking a moment of stark realization amidst the tranquility of our surroundings.

This encounter was not my first venture into the piercing realms of intuition; rather, it has been part of a journey deeply intertwined with holistic modalities, each enriched by significant insights. Tarot has proven to be a powerful tool, not only fostering creativity but also acting as a reflective mirror of life's complex nature. The cards' symbolic imagery, insightful layouts, and intuitive interpretations offer deep psychological insights. Through this process, I've managed to let go of outdated narratives and reshape my life amidst upheavals, navigating the complexities of change and uncertainty while illuminating the often obscured aspects of my journey.

The Tower's Omens: Embracing Cataclysmic Change

My previous encounters with the equally ominous Tower card, much like the Ten of Swords, have often marked pivotal moments. On the eve of my diagnosis, seeking solace in the "Playful Heart Tarot" for a lighthearted connection with my inner child, I drew the Tower—a harbinger of cataclysmic change. Nothing says "fun and games" quite like pulling a card that screams impending doom from a deck designed to be playful! Despite the foreboding message, the card somehow sparked an unexpected fortitude within me, affirming my readiness to face life's challenges head-on. It has appeared at other critical junctures, for example before a devastating breakup, and also just prior to dissolution of family ties weeks after my mother's death.

Over the years, enriched by a diverse tapestry of experiences, I have learned a profound truth: the most jarring, unwelcome changes often precede new awakenings and insights. These cataclysmic shifts, though often resisted, hold the potential to reveal beauty in the most unexpected forms. This principle mirrors the journey of the lotus, which, in its purity and beauty, anchors itself firmly in the mud to eventually bloom splendidly. Similarly, the Tower card suggests that from the ashes of destruction, there emerges a chance for profound growth and renewal.

"No mud, no lotus”. - Thich Nhat Hanh 

This awareness has led me to embrace the deeply disruptive experiences in my life. Often, these situations shake us to our core, yet they invariably steer us towards growth and deeper awakening. In the quiet that follows the tempest, amidst the remnants of what was, the essence of rebirth and wisdom stands revealed—resplendent and transformed. This cycle, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, reassures us that even the deepest upheavals are fertile ground for new beginnings and astonishing beauty.

This cycle of destruction and renewal, of delving into the depths only to rise anew, has become a poignant part of my narrative with terminal cancer. As I’ve detailed in previous posts (here, here and here) it's a dance of coming to terms with the immutable, finding light in the darkest recesses, and witnessing the lotus within me find its bloom in the unlikeliest of places. 

Navigating Tarot’s Ethical Dilemmas: A Glimpse into the Future

I am grateful for the resilience I've developed through past encounters with Tarot's stark forewarnings. This strength was tested when the tarot reader spontaneously disclosed a timeline for my life's end, claiming I had approximately two years remaining. She further described the end of my life in terms of declining energy, nausea, and pain. While such predictions are ethically contentious, this one served as a sobering reminder of life's impermanence and underscored the importance of cherishing each moment.

Despite the unsettling prediction, the session concluded on a positive note. The final cards drawn, the Ten of Pentacles and The Empress, symbolize enduring support and maternal power. These cards affirmed the presence of potent spiritual support and a deep reservoir of intuitive knowledge to guide me through my transition at life's end. This reading was a profound affirmation of something I've long felt deeply: a reaffirmation of my bond with the natural cycles and rhythms of existence and my anticipation of one day embracing the role of an ancestor.

Counting Moments, Not Days: Embracing Life’s Impermanence

On the journey back, I shared with my friend the tarot reader's stark announcement: 'Two years left.' Given the prognosis of stage 4 bile duct cancer, reaching a two-year survival milestone from here would place me among a remarkably rarefied group—the mere 2% of patients who manage to defy such odds. Had I received such a five-year prognosis at the outset of my disease, I would have considered it good news, given the typically dire survival rates associated with this form of cancer.

Loved ones often express optimism about my ability to continue defying the odds. Yet any attempt to pin down precisely how much time I, or anyone, has left is ultimately pure speculation. The journey of each cancer patient, even among those with the same diagnosis, is profoundly individual. I harbor a steadfast belief that I will remain in this life for exactly as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes of this incarnation.

Everyone has experienced moments that stretch into eternity and epochs that vanish in the blink of an eye. Such experiences reinforce my belief that the quality of life in our days far outweighs the quantity of days in our life. Whether my time here is short or long relative to others, measured in mere ticks of the clock, is of little consequence to me. What truly counts is how we choose to spend the time we are given.

All conditioned things are impermanent — when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering. The Dhammapada, verse 277

Embracing the Cycle: From Mortality to Ancestry

In my final moments among Sedona's majestic red rocks, cradled within the mystical embrace of Cucina Woman and Warrior Rock, a message of unwavering clarity found me. This revelation served as a potent affirmation of our intrinsic wisdom, beckoning me to rise above fear and fully embrace the beautiful cycle of life and death. The surrounding landscape, a vivid tableau of this cycle, reminded me of the fleeting nature of our earthly pursuits and highlighted the importance of fostering self-compassion and love—not merely as a personal quest but as a vehicle to dissolve all barriers to love.

I was invited to welcome love unconditionally, to honor my deepest truths, and to release any judgments, obligations, or burdens that no longer serve my highest good. I was called to lay aside the tools I had long used in my attempts to change the world—tools that had left me feeling weary, burdened with too many battles. I was encouraged to let go of my over-reliance on sharp instruments—my voice, my intellect, my keen sense of justice. I was urged to become a warrior of love, drawing strength from deep within, and to immerse more profoundly in each moment.

The spirits of Sedona reaffirmed what I have felt deep in my bones: my journey on Earth is unfolding in perfect harmony with my soul's purpose. They reminded me that our concerns over the passage of time and the number of years we spend here are distinctly human worries. Reflecting on the ancient Greek concepts of Chronos—chronological time—and Kairos—the right or opportune moment—underscored the vital distinction between merely counting time and truly embracing its deeper, qualitative essence.

This understanding instilled a profound peace within me, deepening my trust that each moment is revealed exactly when and where it should be, affirming that the quality of our experiences is what truly enriches our lives.

Reflecting on Life’s Impermanence: Lessons from the Land

As I observed the natural world around me, the interconnected cycles of life and death were manifest in every direction, encapsulating our collective journey through existence. To my left, prickly pear cacti in various stages of decay intertwined with signs of new growth. The decomposing cacti revealed intricate geometric patterns, showcasing the inherent symmetry and structured organization of their fibers and tissues. These patterns, a testament to the orderly processes that govern both plant development and decay, illustrate how nature adheres to a precise architectural blueprint even in its demise. The geometric forms of the cacti, honed over millennia to efficiently store water and nutrients in challenging environments, underscore their adaptability and mirror the deep-seated order in natural processes.

Directly below, a juniper tree clung to the cliffside, its steadfastness serving as a vivid metaphor for the unseen forces that support us in the most unlikely circumstances.

Reflecting on Life’s Cycles: The Agave’s Tale

In the vicinity, agave plants of varying ages demonstrated the cycle of life. One mature agave, in its final act, unfurled a towering flower stalk—a dramatic display of growth representing decades of silent accumulation of wisdom. This extraordinary bloom, though marking the end of the agave's life, ensures its legacy continues through seeds and offshoots, embodying the natural flow from life to death and back again.

The lifecycle of the agave serves as a metaphor for our own existence, teaching us to invest our energies into meaningful pursuits that contribute to the collective good and nurture the environment around us. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of intentional living, graceful transitions, and the creation of legacies that sustain future generations. Sedona's timeless landscapes have imbued me with peace and a resolve to embrace each moment as part of an ongoing cycle of renewal.

This brief journey through Sedona felt like a culmination of years of meditation and learning, a dense recapitulation that deepened my gratitude for the land's guardians. As I departed, I was reminded that the answers we often seek are indeed close at hand—beneath our feet in the earth we tread and above us in the skies we gaze upon. Sedona reaffirmed my belief, as an ardent observer of earth's teachings, that our only home generously offers all we need, revealing profound truths in the simplest of places.

In Sedona’s Embrace: A Journey of Renewal and Connection

Drawn to Sedona's mystical energy vortexes, I embarked on a transformative journey through its ancient terrain. Each session of yoga and each breath taken amongst the towering cliffs connected me deeply to the earth's primal rhythms, uncovering spiritual wisdom that spoke of life’s eternal cycles. This connection was not just about achieving inner peace; it was a profound dialogue with the universe itself, teaching me about resilience, interconnectedness, and the endless flow of energy that sustains all life.

As the sun painted the cliffs in fiery hues, I pondered Sedona's lessons on the impermanence of life and the resilient spirit of the human heart, forever renewing itself through nature's cycles. Sedona taught me to see grief as part of a continuous cycle of love and legacy, and the resilience of its landscape—as seen in the thriving moss and enduring agave—spoke of the strength within us to rise anew from challenges. These lessons were deeply felt, etched into my soul by the land's ancient wisdom.

Questions for further reflection

As we observe Earth Day, I encourage you to explore the sacred spaces around you and within. Let the stories of Sedona inspire you to embrace life's cycles and the transitions that define our existence. Reflect on your personal resilience, like that of the juniper tree, and consider the legacy you aim to leave, just as the agave does. May these natural symbols enrich your journey with a deeper sense of purpose and connection.

1.      Have you ever experienced a profound connection to nature or a specific place? How did it impact you ?

2.     How do you balance embracing the present moment while dealing with the uncertainties of the future, especially under challenging circumstances?

3.      How does the symbolism of natural elements, like the agave plant, resonate with your understanding of life, death, and legacy?

4.      Reflecting on the juniper tree's survival in rock fissures, where do you find resilience in challenging times, and how do you both give and receive support?

5.     Where do you find sources of renewal and regeneration in your life, and how can you more consciously engage with these cycles?

6.     Have you experienced unwelcome cataclysmic change that then reveals unexpected beauty?

These questions are designed to deepen your connection to the themes of renewal, resilience, and transcendence, inspired by the transformative power of Sedona.

Feeling deeply doesn't require that you suffer. You can be an empath with an ocean inside and still soothe your heart with gentle song. You can cradle the world’s pain and tenderness in a sacred basket of loving kindness. Let your feelings float like feathers. Sweet talk the heaviness into breeze.  Lullaby your heavenly heart.  So it can dream you all the way to peace. –

Dr. Jaiya John