Sedona Arizona was a very sacred place to visit during winter solstice 2012. In the midst of a fast pace life accepting the invitation from Carissa Schumacher to slow down, connect with nature, and turn attention to prayer and shaman ceremony was a blessing. This land of red rock and mystic history is stunning!
Winter Solstice 2012 was extra special this year as it was also 12.21.2012 which marked the end of an age according to the Mayan Calendar. Taking time out to honor these gateways of time and cycles that nature moves us through is an incredible way to feed the soul and synch up with nature.
Led by Joseph Grey Wolf and Carissa Schumacher, we turned our attention to the immense natural beauty around us. As we hiked out to Shaman's cave, known as a site for prayer and ceremony for many ages, Grey Wolf introduced us to the traditions
honoring the resonant frequency and aliveness in all of nature. Joseph explained that the Native American's hold great reverence for the "Rock People" and the "Tree People".
We stopped on the path to breathe through our eyes, with our eyes closed, as a practice to strengthen the visual connection to the magic we were surrounded by. This level of awareness heightened my connection to this important transition of time and the honoring of all that has been, and the visioning of all that will be.
Our afternoon at Shaman's Cave was surreal. We sat for intentional meditation and sent blessings and prayers out to the world, we danced and drummed, and explored the phenomenal red rock that held the cave.
I challenged my fear of heights and practiced hugging to the mid-line stronger than ever as I explored nature yoga within the edge of the cave's natural window.
On the eve of 12.21.12 our group ventured out to sacred Apache land for an intentional medicine wheel sunset walk and night time fire ceremony under the stars.
We each offered something to the fire and danced in celebration of all that we intend to create in our lives. Blessings and love were pouring out into the world from our little spot on the planet that night!
Our last morning in Sedona we hiked up into the majestic rock for our morning stillness practice. I brought my cozy bear "Teddy" along for the adventure to inspire a more playful journey.
At the peak we sat in stillness with the morning sun on our faces and breeze in our hair. At first I felt tired and relieved to have reached the peak safely again challenged by my fear of heights. 
Softening and focusing on slowing down my breath I eventually found the gateway to stillness. Practicing breathing through my eyes as the shamans had encouraged, I opened my inner vision to the magnitude and aliveness of the red rocks supporting us. Turning my attention to feeling the actual frequency of life in the rocks I thanked the "rock people" and felt the stability of the rock supporting me.
High on the red rocks near the ledge, I noticed my legs feeling weak and a bit shaky as I stood up and started to stretch. Exploring natures platform I slowly began to move, deepening my breath and finding trust I focused on hugging all my power into the mid-line of my body. Leaning back into the support of the rocks, I breathed into them, and before I knew it I was trusting the rocks to support me and surrendering to opening....and screaming in delight:)
These moments of spontaneous nature yoga play continually amaze and fulfill me...within moments of connecting with my breath and the pulsation of life in the elements of nature around me I find myself catapulted from limitation to inspiration again and again! I'm so grateful for these moments that remind me how energy and passion pulse right thru me....WOW...I am humbled.
I hope these images inspire you into gratitude, imagination and playful exploration....I hope you will pause at times for a few moments of "breathing through your eyes".
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