Illustration of a heart, brain, intestine, and a person sitting near a river, with a desert landscape and open highway leading to a sunset in the background, celebrating Route 66 at the Grand Canyon.

11     GRAND CANYON

KEY CONCEPTS:  travel, success, worldliness, qualities of permanence and impermanence, hospitality, rhythm, legacy, wonder. (Corresponds to World)

MESSAGE:  Next stop...Grand Canyon. When do we get there??  Millions of far-flung folk speak these words in hundreds of languages as they flock to this bucket-list destination each year.  In peak season 25,000 visitors per day take a gander at one of the most recognizable landscapes on the planet, visible even from space.  Tourist dollars shower success on local entrepreneurs.  Like a breathtaking rose in bloom, this enduring site opens a portal to view earthly splendor.  But even a massive landmark nearly 6 million years old falls shy of permanence; it exists in a state of constant change. Travelers hope to rejuvenate here, to regain harmony through communion with nature.  South rim dancers draw quite an audience; natives educate visitors seeking deeper understanding of indigenous culture.  The Grand Canyon’s vast majesty inspires people to slow down and explore their surroundings. It’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Hospitality is a Divine gift, even when it doesn’t feel that way.  It’s a sacred privilege to welcome visitors into our care.  Meeting physical and emotional needs of strangers fosters your soul development.  But when your roadside attraction goes viral, expect sharp growing pains from catering to the masses.  It’s challenging opening space enough to accommodate a throng. Visitors from vastly different backgrounds mix and mingle; hospitality’s rhythm ebbs and flows. Both enemies and pals pool in tides of diversity, but soulful travel expands provincial minds to embrace more worldly views.   Are you irritated at entertaining all the clumsy sightseers, dear traveler?  Focus on fellowship; exchange essential tools for a happy life. Have you questioned why it always seems to be your turn? That shows your heart is not as open as your door, friend. 

RELATED SITES:  HUALAPAI CULTURAL CENTER, PEACH SPRINGS, AZ; GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, GRAND CANYON, AZ.  ELEVEN FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES ARE OFFICIALLY AFFILIATED WITH GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, OF WHICH TWO HAVE RESIDENT COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES.  MANY OF THESE HAVE DANCERS WHO PERFORM AT THE SOUTH RIM.  TRIBES HAVE VARIED POLICIES SO IF YOU HOPE TO VISIT, DO YOUR RESEARCH TO SEE WHAT IS AND ISN’T PERMITTED. (GRAND CANYON IS A SIDE TRIP OFF 66 NORTH OF FLAGSTAFF.)