When I wanted to go to Sedona to attend the memorial for a long-time friend who had passed, my husband could not join me, nor could he stay home alone. I held to the knowing that I would be in my right place and the miracles began to unfold. I got a yes from George’s daughter who agreed to stay with him while I was gone….…first miracle.  I got a yes from my girlfriend, Cathy, who agreed to go with me….... second miracle.  From the outset, I felt very strongly about driving not flying.  AAA mapped out the route. We got a rental car with cruise control and enough get-up-and-go to pass trucks!  When I picked up the car, the color was red…….third miracle.  Did you know, except for one charcoal one, throughout my life I have owned red cars? Not bright, hit-you-in-the-face red but sleek, passionate, deep red ones.

We packed the car on a Thursday morning and drove straight to Sedona getting in about 9:30pm.  We were given a great room at the Sedona Real Inn and Suites overlooking a beautiful swimming pool and the red mountains. 

Next morning, we slept in, had a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, and then were off to do some sightseeing. The concierge gave us a map of the local vortexes. We went to Cathedral Rock, hiked in to stand in front of Bell Rock, and stood in the vortex at the airport. The vortexes were magical and the views spectacular.

Late afternoon, we attended the “Celebration of Life” memorial for Beth Carrigan, founder of LightHeart Foundation, who I was proud to claim as my best friend for 23 years.  She was a great example of how to live life fully with an open heart.  Everyone I knew connected to Beth was there – family, friends and community leaders. She and her husband, Gene, were very active in their community, respected and loved by all. Many gathered to honor her memory and in the LightHeart tradition it was a magical, memorable event.  Cathy and I ended the day with dinner and the Oscar nominated movie, Up In the Air, with George Clooney.

We woke with no plans. The day was a blank canvas. Recounting it seems mundane, but living it was magical. The universe provided homemade blueberry pancakes for breakfast, a hike to the top of a gentle hill for a brief meditation and a stroll through the largest art gallery in Sedona with some of the most unique pieces I have ever seen. Such a delight walking from room to room each dedicated to a popular artist. I enjoyed choosing the pieces I would buy to adorn my home, if I were an art collector.  Following a relaxing dinner in another fabulous Sedona restaurant, we met our new friend from breakfast for a group meditation that evening. Small talk and comradery preceded closing eyes and opening hearts to those around the world ready to receive our love and light. Then a blessing was bestowed upon us from an unseen source for our willingness to be of service.

Undisturbed by the rain during the night, Cathy and I woke early on Sunday.  First out of bed, I yanked open the drapes and out the window what did I see?  Everything but the water in the pool was white!  What fun we had clearing the snow off our car before we could open it.  We drove all day arriving home safely without incident.

The miracle of our trip was that it was devoid of drama, upset or trauma. The magic of the trip was that the universe orchestrated the entire adventure; we were never out of the flow.  Until you return, fill your days with GIGGLES, JOY, APPRECIATION and STAY IN THE FLOW!


Sylvia Silk, D.D. Director of the Institute For Balanced Living, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Doctor of Divinity, Spiritual Coach, Reconnective Healing Practitioner, Writer