A week of learning, connection, and a little bit of desert magic.
Reflections from the Quantum Leap! MFR Seminar in Sedona, AZ
The other week, I travelled to Sedona for Quantum Leap! Myofascial Release Seminar.
We spent 3 days immersed in learning myofascial maneuvers to help people get ‘unstuck’ and learned a powerful technique called pandiculation, that is particularly helpful in releasing tightness in chronically tight areas.
Pandiculation is a neuromuscular re-education process that includes:
Active contraction: You gently contract a muscle or movement pattern that feels tight or restricted. Tech neck. . .that spot in your back or torso that’s chronically tight. . .I’ll be using this technique in your next session!
Conscious awareness: You notice the sensation of contraction and feel the tightness— this activates sensory feedback to the brain.
Slow, controlled release: You slowly release the contraction, which tells your nervous system to reset the resting tone of the muscle and its associated fascia. Next, I do a cross-hand MFR release into that area which is now able to release deeper.
The process of pandiculation re-establishes brain–body communication (sensorimotor loop) and reduces hypertonic muscle tension (muscles “stuck on” or “bracing”). A pandiculation contracts and releases muscles in such a way that the gamma loop, a feedback loop in our nervous system that regulates the level of tension in our muscles, is naturally reset. It is particularly effective for clients who have plateaued or when their pelvis alignment is not holding.
I’ve been seeing great results with this technique and one client noticed her walking felt better right away in the hallway.
With 170 people in attendance, it was the largest MFR seminar I’ve ever been to!
It felt like a reunion — reconnecting with therapists I’ve met over the years, and even a few familiar faces from Massachusetts. We’ve kept in touch via Facebook but it’s always so much better to connect in person.
Outside of the classroom, Sedona worked its magic on me once again. I made daily visits to the Bell Rock vortex, where I had the chance to charge my father’s Rutilated Quartz crystal (which I carry with me wherever I go!).
The energy there was so incredibly grounding, peaceful, and deeply calming. It was the perfect spot to sit for my daily meditation practice.
Two years ago, I was walking the trail alone at dawn and when I heard coyotes howling at the sunrise, I hightailed it back to my car! I posted a video about it on Instagram if you want to check that out - click here to watch!
One of my favorite moments was meeting Morgan and Megan, a Navajo mother-daughter duo who were making jewelry right on the trail.
They not only sized the bracelets to fit my wrist perfectly, but also shared the meaning behind each stone and juniper berry.
It was such a beautiful reminder of the sacredness in craft, story, and our connection to all things (and each other).
I also ran into my friend Gwen, another MFR therapist from California, while hiking Bell Rock. We first met a few years ago at an MFR seminar and crossed paths again at last year’s shamanic retrieval. It felt like such a full-circle moment — we ended up doing some much-needed MFR right there at the vortex, which was such a beautiful and unique experience!”
And of course, no Sedona trip would be complete without my little tradition!
On the last day, I always enjoy my farewell meal at Tamaliza which is a wonderful family-owned Mexican restaurant with a gorgeous view of
Their tamales are out of this world, and it’s the perfect way to end my time.
I can’t wait to get back to the magic of Sedona!
I’m planning on returning in October of 2026 for more seminars. I’ll give myself more down time to explore, hike and bath in the beauty of the view!
I came home with a full heart, renewed inspiration, and lots of insights I can’t wait to integrate into my sessions with you.