Yadira Meets Reiki Master Laurelle Shanti Gaia at The Reiki Center of Sedona

In a whirlwind trip to magical Sedona, Yadira meets renowned Reiki Master Laurelle Shanti Gaia, who together with Michael Arthur Baird founded The Reiki Center of Sedona and The Infinite Light Healing Studies Center at Peace Place. Will Yadira be able to resist the temptations of the fabulous store there too?

Story by Yadira / Lake Forest, California / August 28 2008

Sedona is truly a magical place. Its gargantuan sandstone formations stand like titans, majestically cradling the tiny city which nestles below. In the rising or setting sun, those same stone guardians bathe the city in a radiant orange glow as if easing a young infant into the promise of a new day, or into the peaceful rest of waiting dreams. It is small wonder that Sedona is a magnet for those seeking the peace and solace of Reiki, and why Laurelle Shanti Gaia and Michael Arthur Baird chose to make it their home, and the spiritual center of their Reiki practice.

Laurelle and Michael are founders of The Reiki Center of Sedona, an affiliate of William Lee Rand's International Center for Reiki Training, and are Reiki Masters with over 25 years experience in the healing arts. It was therefore a very exciting moment when I was granted the opportunity to visit their Reiki practice during my latest trip to Sedona.

My arrival at Peace Place — the quaint little building that is home to The Reiki Center of Sedona — was a memorable one. As you approach, it is difficult not to be taken in by the beautiful backdrop of sandstone peaks and their never–ending hues of vibrant color, but also there is an unmistakable air of peaceful tranquility about Sedona, and Peace Place too seems to have its very own “hot–spot” of calming energy; it oozes a sense of peacefulness that draws you closer even without realizing it. It is easy to see why it was named so.

As I stood in front of Peace Place however, an altogether different force began calling to me. Right above the entrance was a big sign announcing the presence of a store. I should confess right now that I am a hopeless shopping fanatic, and the promise of the wonders that might be found within quickly became irresistible. My feet began to walk, and I followed. And so it was that I found myself stepping into an Aladdin's cave of glittering crystals, intricate ornaments, instruments of one kind or another, and a myriad of other little things; some recognizable, some demanding that I take a closer look to satisfy my curiosity.

I was in paradise.

It wasn't long before I noticed a large citrine crystal that I totally fell in love with. I tried walking off to other parts of the store to see if the feelings would pass, but it was no good — somehow I could feel it calling to me no matter how much I tried to distract myself.

It was then that Laurelle and Michael both appeared. They had been teaching a Reiki class next door. I went over to Laurelle and she greeted me with such a warm loving smile that for a moment I thought I was in the presence of an angel. She made me feel so welcome, and when she offered to show me around, I couldn't resist! Michael appeared to be busy with a few things, so I eagerly followed Laurelle out the door.

Laurelle took me to the classroom (which was still full of students!) and explained that they were on their break. It was a big room with four massage tables, and it seemed like a very comfortable place to be teaching and practicing Reiki. Laurelle keenly pointed me in the direction of a huge mural covering one of the walls. It reminded me of something, and when Laurelle explained that it was of Mt. Kurama in Japan, the place where Mikao Usui had received Reiki for the first time, I suddenly recalled that I'd seen another large mural when I went to visit Reiki Master Jessica Miller in Pasadena recently. (You can see that mural in the background of my photograph with Jessica Miller.) I was fascinated by this picture, and could sense a kind of serene and gentle energy emanating from it.

On our way back from the classroom, Laurelle mentioned that they also have a place nearby where those visiting Sedona on Reiki retreats are able to stay. I made a mental note to come back one day to take part in the experience. Knowing full well what the energy is like in Sedona, I am sure it would be a truly magical experience.

Entering the store once more, I couldn't resist asking Laurelle if she would be kind enough to have a picture taken with me. She obliged, but said she wanted it taken in her favorite spot — a corner of the store with a large painting of an angel in the background. How fitting for her, I thought to myself. (I hadn't noticed at the time the picture was taken, but if you look closely you will also see the citrine crystal I fell in love with in the background, shaped like a huge ring, right between the two of us!)

We hugged (how nice she is!) and with the tour over, all that remained was to give the citrine crystal a brand new home. Laurelle's son was on hand to finalize my shiny new purchase, and he very kindly helped carry it to my car. I've since named the crystal My Baby, on account of it weighing almost as much as one of my kids, so I was very appreciative of the help given in moving it!

My Baby now sits proudly in my home, and it fills me with wonderful memories of Laurelle and of all those at Peace Place in Sedona every time I look at it. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart for having provided me with such a magical experience.