This post is by Jackie Ayers, a BAMRbassador from Bend, Oregon, who regularly contributes to our blog. She’s written twice about running the Portland Marathon, as well as other adventures.

“Where’s the vortex?” I ask as our group of seven women hike in a flowing line that accordioned along the single-track trail through the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness on the Coconino National Forest outside Sedona, Arizona. I continue, “Also, WHAT is a vortex again?” According to Visit Sedona, vortexes are “thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Many people feel inspired, recharged, or uplifted after visiting a vortex.”

Our group of online-friends came from all over the country to feel that energy. While I’m not certain if it could be attributed to the multiple hikes we went on or just being around people who simply get you, we all left Sedona feeling like the best versions of ourselves. 

Two gals spent the weeks leading up to our weekend retreat planning an itinerary that included sunrise hikes on both days, one longer hike to a well-known vortex, and multiple opportunities to take advantage of the energy healing and metaphysical readings provided all over Sedona. 

On our first sunrise hike, we are all a bit giddy and sleep-deprived, getting up earlier than usual to make it up the Tea Cup Trail to view the sunrise. We reach the overlook with plenty of time to spare and spend the next 20 minutes posing for photos with each other as the sky gradually comes to life. This is actually our first IRL meeting, having spent the past three years getting to know each other over Zoom calls as we discussed various personal development topics. (Love and appreciation go out to our Enneagram 6’s who hosted a fabulous retreat for us!) By the time the sun rises, we have laughed so hard that our cheeks hurt. We stand shoulder to shoulder, looking in awe at the sunrise as it crests Coffee Pot Rock. We can already feel the energy of the environment flowing through us.

For the rest of the weekend, we share laughter and tears, opening our minds and bodies to the energy of Sedona. Our hikes aren’t long, usually less than two miles, but each one leaves memories of the magical environment we traveled through and also of each other. With each dusty footfall, we grow closer, often offering a hand to each other as we ascend steeper climbs—the metaphor not lost on us. 

Monday morning, decked out in newly purchased crystal jewelry, we tearfully hug goodbye before departing for the airport. Our hearts were full. As promised, we all feel inspired, recharged, and uplifted after our trip to Sedona—and the vortexes.