Day 2 in Sedona called for an early morning wake up to start testing out our Omni-Freeze Zero gear.  After sending in our RSVP to the Columbia Spring Preview we were asked to choose what activity we’d like to do: vortex yoga, mountain biking, or hiking.  Knowing that we would be hiking into the Grand Canyon just a couple days later and also knowing that I lack mountain biking skills I went with yoga.  However, yoga was still a new experience for me since I technically had never had an official yoga experience. We started the day all wearing our Omni-Freeze Zero shirts.

Heather, Katie, Jon, Me, and Katie

Katie, Katie, Jon, Me, Gina, Steve, and Heather

After a buffet-style breakfast we were taken via Red Rock Jeeps to our specified locations for our daily adventures.  Although there were others that chose yoga, Katie and I were the only Omniten that chose this as our activity.

So what exactly is vortex yoga?  According to YogaLife.net

Legend says that Sedona is one of the “power spots” of the world, and that its red rock country is a vortex of energy.  Indians tell us that Sedona’s “towering crimson peaks stimulate sensitivity and are the home of the Great Spirit.”  Amid red rock vortex country, people come face to face with themselves and the potentials of their nature. Author Dick Sutphen says psychic vortex energy in Sedona is “greater than anywhere else in the country,” and Sedona’s increased vortex energy rapidly expands higher consciousness.

In the 1970′s, a woman named Page Bryant located several major electromagnetic fields of vortex energy in the Sedona area: Boynton Canyon vortex, close to the ancient ruins of Palatki; Bell Rock vortex; Cathedral Rock vortex and Airport Mesa vortex.  There are said to be additional vortexes on Schnebly Hill and Chapel Road close to the Chapel of the Holy Cross as well as in many other areas in Sedona. Some say that the whole of Sedona is one giant vortex or swirl of powerful energy.

Similar vortex energy centers have been cited in Stonehenge, England, Machu Picchu, Peru, and the Great Pyramids of Egypt.  From as early as 1936, there have been writings suggesting that ley lines (grid lines deep within the earth) are “lines of power” linking prehistoric sites and sources of cosmic vortex energy within the earth. Nicholas Mann wrote about the the ley lines causing amplified energy in Sedona. The crossing of ley lines in Sedona is said to create a heightened vortex energy field much like the power of the meridians in the body.

Sedona has long been used by Native Americans for its healing atmosphere and sacred sites. The Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon area has been sacred to aboriginal people since prehistoric times. The Hopi, Navajo and their ancestors, as well as natives from Canada and Central America would journey here for healing and learning. Their sacred ceremonies and offerings of prayer have blessed the land with greater spiritual energy. dick Sutphen says that the Native Americans regarded Sedona to be “the wigwam of the Great Spirit.”

So there you have it.  As with anything, I went into this experience with an open mind, ready to feel any forces if they were to arise. Johanna and Andrea met us at Bell Rock with warm, welcoming spirits.  We started with a short hike to Bell Rock. a deep centering followed by aa clearing meditation with aromatherapy oils, and finished with yoga on one of the flat surfaces of Bell Rock.

One of my favorite photos from my new camera provided by GoPro

I didn’t have the sense of spinning like some do when on the vortex but I understand the forces of Bell Rock can wax and wane depending on the day.  Not to mention, although I tried to shut off my mind to the best of my ability I was also attempting to document the experience through camera.  It was a learning experience but more importantly I definitely felt centered following the meditation.  I had that, “Oh! This is what it’s supposed to feel like.” How refreshing and what a fantastic first yoga experience.

Another GoPro shot

Johanna assisting me

Although the temperatures were in the 90s we all felt surprisingly cool in our Omni-Freeze Zero shirts.  On our hike back to our transportation we randomly came across these people that were ready set our gear to full activation.

You see, when you sweat the Omni-Freeze Zero technology activates, but if you add actual water it kicks it up several notches.  So not only were we feeling calm but also cool post yoga.

Following our activities we took a quick trip up to the Sedona airport that is located on top of a high mesa providing fantastic views of the city.

We then headed to arts and crafts village of Tlaquepaque for lunch on the rooftop veranda.  Tlaquepaque is a small little area loaded with little galleries and boutiques that make you feel like you’re in another world.  Once again. BeCore came through with my food options.

After eating some grub we were able to discuss the updated Drainmaker shoe line that will be available Spring 2013 with Adam Craig and see the footwear in action.

Many other innovators and designers were also available for us to learn about new gear and provide our feedback to be taken into consideration in the future.

Seeing Omni-Freeze Zero in action through the use of a thermal camera

We were even given the opportunity to discuss the possibility of sports bras containing Omni-Freeze Zero with Mick McCormick.  Will these be in the future?  Let’s hope so!

After a quick trip to the The Hike House most of us headed back to the Hilton Sedona Resort.  Heather and I took advantage of our time and got a quick run in the resort gym.

Before we knew it dinner time was upon us. This time around we were shuttled to The Briar Patch Inn by trolley.  It was these little details that made our already cool experience just that much more special.  We once again had dinner outside under the stars, by candlelight, with Oak Creek flowing quietly below, being serenaded by acoustic guitar.

Team Omniten took the opportunity to get to know each other a bit more.  And while many of the attendees of the Spring 2013 Preview were seeing their Columbia experience coming to an end, we all knew that our adventure was just beginning. The Grand Canyon was in our future….

Read more about our Vortex Yoga experience from Katie here.

 Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)