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not have any outcome at all, or to have a blissful, joyful experience. It might just be a tour that shows you a particular place, but if you have any knowledge of the metaphysical, or are receptive to being informed, I can almost guarantee an amazing experience is available." At Torres' fi rst tour stop, he explains the geologic en- ergies, how they pertain to the human body, and how that connects with personal intention. "At the fi rst site we teach the mind, at the next site we teach the heart," Torres says. "As Eckhart Tolle said, you can do a Ph.D. on the sunset and still miss it. When I start a tour I tell people there are two things that will happen: I'll address your mind with science, and your heart with the ex- perience." To enhance the experience, he plays Native American fl utes at key stops. It's during the second stop, in the magical hush that o en seems apparent amid Sedona's red rock hoodoos (rock spires) and buttes, that visitors may fi nd a visceral, emotionally harmonic experience. Personally, I would describe it as an internal massage—a palpable, relaxing, almost euphoric sensation of healing, an acceptance of an unknown yet powerful presence. Some feel it, some don't, some don't feel it all of the time. "We get six million tourists in Sedona a year, and I believe the intention is to open one heart at a time," Torres notes. If your heart is ready, you may also want to check out M.I.T. author Pete Sanders' 90-minute lectures at the Abrigados Resort on the science behind vortexes. CHAPEL IN THE ROCKS J utting from red rock spurs more than 200-feet above the ground, the Chapel of the Holy Cross seems to have emerged through a parting in the rocks. e chap- el was a gi to the Catholic Church by philanthropist and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, who was committed to the belief that art should serve spirit. Dedicated in 1957, the chapel has a Taize Prayer Service every Monday at 5pm, but no formal Catholic liturgies are performed here, as determined by the Catholic diocese. It's an ideal site for meditation. As on the vortex tour, this is a spot that engenders a sense of peace and wonder. e views are amazing and a small, sweet garden area outside the chapel adds to the spiritual pleasure. PEACE PARK T he Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, perched at the base of Sedona's under Mountain, is another wonderful spot for meditating. Two dome-shaped Bud- dhist shrines, or stupas, the Amitabha Stupa and the Tara Stupa, tower over land considered holy by Native Americans. Consecrated in 2004 and surrounded by red rock spires, the stupas are accessed by following a short trail on the property. Although relatively rare in the United States, stupas are among the oldest forms of sacred architecture. ey are built to bring well-being, peace and prosperity to all living beings, and considered to be sites of healing and serenity. Open from sunrise to sunset, the strikingly beautiful Sedona stupas welcome seekers from every faith. GETTING GROUNDED O f course, no Sedona visitor can search for the spiri- tual in Sedona without a place to rest. We stayed at the serene Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa, a luxury inn with a beautiful Mediterranean design. Many of the boutique property's red-accented rooms feature fi re- places and rain showers with aah-some dual heads. From the stunning modern waterfall hotel entrance to the roo op deck with its outstanding views of under Mountain and Coff eepot Rock, the hotel's ambience emanates a peaceful, artistic beauty. Don't miss the courtyard's massive gates and Tu- nisian clay pots. And we loved our room's unusual furnishings, including Moorish wooden chests, ironwork and vases that felt culled from foreign lands. Spa treatments abound, including a 27-point Energy Balancing Treatment and massages from traditional Swedish to Reiki. e property also off ers yoga, meditation and chakra-focused healing programs. e pool area, replete with vibrant red umbrellas 30 wholelifetimes.com Photos: Bottom, Steven W. Dengler - Top Sedona Chamber of Commerce