The Dance

I am in love with the Southwest! As you know, the landscape is really stunning, but I admire the native wisdom, and I am fascinated by Indian culture.

‘Western man’ has usually perceived Native Americans Ceremonies as beautiful, and everyone is very respectful of them. Behind these Indian ceremonies, there are many true values and a culture which reflects a wonderful philosophy which has been maintained and celebrated in exactly the same ways for hundreds of years. (See ‘Philosophy’ from Tom Bahti)

Each pueblo has its own Dances and Ceremonies. Although these occur at a regular calendar date, it is important to always inquire about the actual date and time.

Each ceremony celebrates and calls for something important within Indian beliefs, and most of them, if not all, are in connection with nature, earth, sky, animals, plants, rain, sun etc…(the turtle dance, celebrated at Ohkay Owingeh and Taos pueblos, calls for renewal, regeneration, and the continuing process of creation)

Hunting ceremonies not only honored the animals but also ensured their propagation The Buffalo and Deer dance of San Ildefonso Pueblo is particularly moving.
The ceremony begins the night before with firelights on the plaza of the Pueblo, to guide the animals to the village. At dawn, a group of Drums calls the animals from the hills surrounding the pueblo.
This is fascinating, listening to the rhythms of the drums and the songs. When several drums are playing together, it’s so powerful that the vibrations sink into your body and resonate within you, a sensation that could last long after the drums stop playing.
Then suddenly, you’ll see smoke coming up from behind the hill, and there they appear…first you see only the figure, and the very distinctive antlers, coming from the East with the sun rising. Then you begin to distinguish the entire body and movements. Very delicately, gently, deer are coming down the hill.

What fascinates me with these dances is that the dancer/”interpreter” is so much imbued with the animal spirit, that you don’t see the dancer, and you feel the energy of the animal; the deer and its gentleness and elegance, the buffalo and its power, the eagle flying- they are light and imposing at the same time.

I realize how much these ceremonies are important in the perpetuation of traditions and culture. Robert Mirabal (see my Newsletter title Magic through Music) said: “I visited many cultures and I think it is the dance that keeps them alive and keeps them together”.
I agree with him. Coming back from one of these dances, I was thinking of how ‘commercial’ and meaningless many of the western celebrations seem to have become, and how we have even lost the true meaning or spirit.
When coming to the Southwest, inquire about those ceremonies and take the time to attend them; you will feel the sacred, the connection between the past and the present, between all things, man and animals, plants and earth.
Bring the drums' "rhythms" back with you within your heart, to celebrate meaningfully all events.

Sedona, Did you know?

Sedona was named after a pioneer. Sedona Schnebly

Sedona & Carl Schnebly arrived in Sedona in 1901. Carl saw the need for a mail Service and applied to the government in 1902 for a post office. He suggested naming it 'Schnebly Station', which was too long for a Stamp cancellation. His brother suggested using Carl's wife's first name: Sedona. The name stayed.
Before the town was named Sedona, the area was referring to as: Red Rock neighborhood.

Sedona, AZ, 1st most romantic place!

Sedona, one of the ten most romantic place, before Paris!! woow, read what the trip advisor as to say about it!

It looks like Sedona as it all: The energy, the spirituality, and the romantism!
Did you know that Sedona is the first name of a pionneer...I'll post the story soon!

Sedona, AZ

Sedona, is one of the jewel of the United States. The energy is something to be rediscover. The diversity of places and vortex helps us to play with the different energies.
Because of its great energy Sedona, is a place of great spirituality too. And during 5 days in April we will explore some deep spiritual place, Medicine wheel, Holly Cross Chapel, Buddhist Stupa.

Sedona, the red town, the spiritual town!

Sedona, red town, spiritual town....!

Located in central Arizona and about two hours south of the Grand Canyon, Sedona is one of the jewels of the United States. Travelers discovering this city for the first time are really amazed.

Sedona is nestled in Oak Creek Canyon. Its richness resides in the red landscapes and high energy of its vortexes.
The rock formations shift their color shades from red coral, pink, golden brown, and burgundy depending on the time of the day. Colors are striking due to iron in the sandstone and limestone rock.

Some rocks are named after their shape: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Coffee Pot.

These extraordinary old red rocks, (1.8 billion years) are the result of sedimentation and erosion. Sedona has been completely covered by an ocean several times. It is not uncommon to find sea shells while hiking.

Some of these places are filled with a channeled and amplified energy. These sites are called 'vortexes'. These vortexes are said to enhance meditation, prayer, visualization, inspiration and creativity.

Surrounded by beauty: Abiquiu

Abiquiu is located north west of Santa Fe, NM.

While we were watching Europe and the East coast dealing with 'El Nino' and an unusual amount of snow and storms, New Mexico was waiting for more snow to fully enjoy our ski resorts!

Meanwhile this gave us the opportunity to share a ride with my friends Fred and Sol in a stunning and inspiring landscape.

We went horseback riding last week in Georgia O'Keeffe country. Breathtaking views, petroglyphs, and nice company. Abiquiu is an area that I especially like and where you can easily rejuvenate.

New Mexico is said to be “the land of enchantment”, and it takes on all its meaning when you are in Abiquiu. This land and the surrounding area are absolutely gorgeous, magical! You feel the sacred of Mother Earth.

The shape of the mesa, the hills, and the colors, everything is inspiring.
It inspired many painters; Georgia O’Keeffe is the most well known. In fact, it is difficult not to talk about Georgia O’Keeffe when talking about Abiquiu and vice versa.

O'Keeffe was fond of this landscape and painted it many times, especially ‘the Cerro Pedernal’. She even wrote to her friend that: ”God told her that if she painted it enough, he would give it to her” – Her ashes were scattered on its top.

For those who do not know Georgia O’Keeffe well, do not miss the museum dedicated to her in Santa Fe. She is a major American artist, and this museum pays her a beautiful tribute.

Abiquiu includes a reservoir that creates a lake and enhances the view of the beautiful surroundings. It became a recreation area where many come to enjoy themselves during the warm months of summer.

During winter, horseback riding in the area is extremely enjoyable. It feels like you are blending with nature, being one with the horse among such beauty. Whether you are an artist or not, you can’t help but be inspired.

There are many hikes in the Abiquiu area, short or long and strenuous, there is something for everyone. You can also spend a few days there just relaxing and reconnecting with this sacred nature.

Ghost Ranch is a famous retreat and educational center where you can stay. This site was once a hiding place for two men who stole horses. To be sure nobody would come there, they spread the word that ghosts haunted this place. The name stuck!

Magic Through Music

What a terrific evening! On a Sunday evening we went with some friends listening to Robert Mirabal a flute maker and flute player, native of Taos Pueblo and two times Grammy awards!

I am writing this note listening to his music to retrieve the spirit of this magic evening.
We met with my friends Dorota and Denise, here in the picture are the three of us!
I was so excited, inspired and in admiration of this man!

The energy that radiates from him is very special. It is powerful and very soft at the same time. His messages are beautiful; you feel his love, passion and pride for his heritage and culture and his enthusiasm for sharing it all.

This is such a perfect example of success in following your heart and passion. I wish that all of you will be able to deeply connect with your own talent, passion, and that each of you has your purpose that you need to share with the rest of us. Please do.
Like Wayne Dyer said: "Don't die with your music inside".

Whatever your passion or talent is, share it with the world.
Following this inspiring evening we found a 'motto' for this 2010 New Year that we decided to live up to: Be Fearless!

So this will be my challenge and big move for this year to come. Being fearless and stepping into greatness. And I am looking forward to sharing extraordinary journeys with you.