Join Me for a Moment of Peace at Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park in Sedona, Arizona

A few years ago, I went through one of the most difficult times in my life. I'll never forget when a friend who had gone through something similar told me, "Find your peace and protect it at all costs." I had never thought about finding peace in my life before, but I took her advice, worked on myself, and found peace. And I am protective of it to the point that I seek out peaceful moments to meditate and just be, and it's made all the difference. Upon my last trip to Sedona, I made it a point to visit the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park in Sedona, Arizona, and it was an incredibly peaceful experience. So, join me for a moment of peace in Sedona.

I have wanted to visit the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park for many years now. The park is 14 acres and is a "spiritual destination for prayer, meditation, and the experience of peace in a sacred place." Its spirituality stems from Palyul, a Buddhist practice.

My last trip to Sedona was rather hectic, with an action-packed schedule, complete with a Jeep tour and a wine tour. As fun and memorable as it was, I decided to do something just for myself before I left town. So, I stopped here. Located in West Sedona, I pulled off 89A and drove through residential streets to find it.

The dirt lot barely had any cars and I could already feel the peace wash over me. The trailhead was right off the lot and I started a short and gradual uphill climb on the path. Along the way were Tibetan flags strung between the trees, and then I arrived at the backside of the Stupa where I found a serene Buddha statue with Sedona red rocks as a backdrop. Its simplicity was so beautiful to me.

The Amitabha Stupa itself can certainly be considered a man-made wonder, and it evoked a sense of peace in me as I gazed at it. It has a muted orange color with four sets of flags streaming down from its golden top. After taking a long look at the Stupa in all its beautiful glory, I continued on my walk. At one point, I came upon a bird feeder with birds happily grabbing seeds and chirping. It made me smile to see these beautiful creatures enjoying the Peace Park as much as I was at that moment.

My walk continued on, and I was feeling rather relaxed and almost in a state of meditation. Then, I came upon a circle of rocks with two lines meeting at a smaller circle of seven stones in the middle. This spot is called The Medicine Wheel, and I read a sign about it before stepping into the large circle.

The Medicine Wheel represents spirituality, and the Circle of Life, and someone would walk it "for guidance, healing, or clarity when life challenges us." The wheel is to be entered via the East entrance and is to be walked in a clockwise direction with an intention in mind. I spent time walking around the circle several times in a meditative state.

The short trail circled back to the 36-foot-tall Amitabha Stupa. In front of it are benches where people can sit in silence, take in the gorgeous Sedona landscape, and gaze upon the Stupa. There's also a bench for offerings, and nearby is a prayer request book and prayer wheels (pictured below). After my visit, I felt a sense of renewal alongside overwhelming peace, and I decided to return the next time I found myself in Sedona.

To me, a moment of peace brings a moment of clarity. Meditation and spending time in nature have become so incredibly important to me over the past few years, and finding a place like the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park in Sedona, Arizona, was simply what I needed at the moment.

What brings you peace in your life? Is it pampering yourself at a resort, going for a long hike, or spending time surrounded by nature? Whatever it is, find that time as often as possible—it's so important to take the time and find a sense of peace for yourself.