Vortex or Joy?
The first question people ask when I say I’m visiting Sedona is, “Oh! Are you going into a vortex?” And the second question is, “What is a vortex, anyway?”
In simple terms, a spiritual vortex is an area where higher levels of energy are entering and leaving the earth. People use these areas to ground themselves, heal, tap into creativity or discover a deeper connection…it all kinda depends if you’re looking for more inward feminine energy or external masculine energy. (At this point, some of you might be like, “This energy stuff is nonsense.” You do you, bro.)
While all of Sedona is considered a vortex, there are a few sections believed to have a higher concentration of energy. And yes, I’ve been to these specific vortex spots and visited them again on this most recent trip.
Which brings me to the third question I get asked, “Can you tell that you’re in a spiritual vortex? What does it feel like?”
I don’t know how to answer this.
Because of all the times I’ve placed myself into these vortexes, I have a hard time determining if I’m feeling so good because of the vortex or because I’m in Sedona by myself and it’s gorgeous and I’m far away from my everyday routine.
To explore this quandary further, I invented a new game called: “Vortex or Joy?” It’s a game where I ask myself, whether I’m feeling so good because of the spiritual vortex or if i’m just really fucking happy.
Want to play? Great! Here are a few moments I experienced, and we can decide together if it’s VORTEX… OR… JOY! (please reread in your game-show-host voice)
Scenario #1:
Each day of my trip, I woke up around 4:30 and set out to find the perfect place to watch the sunrise. (sidenote: this is one of the reasons I travel alone. Because most people won’t put up with my bullshit of waking up early on vacation to chase the sky.)
On Sunday morning, I found the perfect vista and sat on a cozy rock to watch the sunrise. No one else was around. Just me meditating while little lizards scurried around the desert shrubs. I felt a deep sense of calm, groundedness and overall trust in all things.
QUESTION: Am I feeling peaceful because of the high concentration of energy in the earth OR is it because I haven’t spoken to anyone in many hours and got to watch the sun paint the mountains twelve shades of orange? Vortex or joy?
Scenario #2:
It was 100 degrees and the late-afternoon sun was directly in my sightline as I bounced around a flat, winding path. I reluctantly went for a hike even though I was tired, headachey and very warm. Eventually, the trail opened up and everywhere I looked, I was surrounded by giant walls of the reddest rocks towering above me. I was listening to a killer playlist and my body was buzzing. One of my favorite songs came on and I danced for awhile because I physically didn’t know what else to do with the excess creativity and tingles in my body.
Question: Am I feeling lit up because of the flow of energy under my feet, or am I moderately delirious from dehydration and excited about a Yeasayer song from 2009? Vortex or joy?
Scenario #3:
A goal of mine during this visit was to spend time at the creek. My AirBnB was within walking distance, so I headed that way to get a good view of Cathedral Rock at sunset. It was early evening and while most people were packing up from their day of swimming, plenty of families were still splashing around. Plus, a dozen women who appeared to be strangers gathered for what I assumed was the first night of their women’s retreat. I scooted around the women and moved toward the middle of the creek.
I was not prepared for how slippery the rocks would be from the late-season algae growth. I looked like a cartoon character circling my arms to keep myself balanced. I chuckled knowing I looked like a total tourist. A girl in the middle of the creek told me to get on my hands and knees to make it easier. We laughed together and I took her advice, arriving in the middle of the creek on a dry rock. I got a few artsy shots and more confidently made my way back to shore, passing the group of women now standing in a circle, engaged in some kind of icebreaker that honestly seemed like a nightmare. (It was giving Yellowjackets.)
I sat on the shore, feet in the water, observing people simply enjoying themselves. Playing, laughing, splashing, embarking on a transformational retreat…everyone doing their separate thing, but united in the creek. The world felt small and perfect. I was reminded of how much more connects us than divides us. It felt hopeful and unifying.
QUESTION: Am I feeling a deep interconnection of all things because of the famously feminine energy of Oak Creek or because being at a creek at sunset with strangers feels special? Vortex or Joy?
Is there a correct answer? Can it be both?
Sedona is a place that invites you to be VERY PRESENT in your experience. And from what I’ve discovered, when you’re vibing in the present moment, you’re way more able to access joy.
You notice things you might not otherwise see. Synchronicities pop up. Moments appear as if they were uniquely designed just for you. And guess what - they ARE designed just for you.
They’re there for the taking, waiting for you to look up and witness them.
There’s a chance you’re not in a spiritual vortex. But you are someplace where you can stop what you’re doing, take a few breaths and create space to be in this present moment.
Joy is a personal experience, and it’s yours for the taking. It won’t always show up at your feet. It’s something you notice, choose and co-create with the world around you. And if you’re really lucky, it’ll be somewhere that covers you for several days in a layer of fine sand.
Five things helping me access joy since coming home to the dumb non-desert:
Hugs from friends and snuggles from my big animal
Slow mornings with leisurely walks and post-sunrise wake-ups.
Cooking and fueling my body with actual nutrients that make me feel energized (I’m working with a nutritionist because your girl is legit struggling with this)
Looking at peaceful photos from my trip and feeling the gratitude of this much-needed experience.
Sitting outside listening to music in my headphones with my eyes closed and sun on my face
