Posted by: Lori Reinhold

Sedona is known for the beauty of its red rock landscapes and the rich spirituality the land inspires in locals and visitors alike. These two things combine in Sedona citizens to create a generous spirit and desire to make a positive impact in the world. No organization better epitomizes this mindset than SedonaKind, a local non-profit dedicated to spreading acts of kindness across the city, country, and globe. Their goal is to establish Sedona as a place where beautiful acts of kindness flourish and spread out across the world to create a more loving and interconnected planet.

SedonaKind has spearheaded a variety of programs across town, including the Forest Service Workers Project, Kindness Benches, Kindness in Schools, and other amazing local community projects. With the Forest Service Workers Project, they provided aid to Federal Forest Service workers who had been furloughed. During the previous government shutdown, many employees depleted their savings and incurred debt. The Forest Service Workers Project helped to lessen their burden and give thanks to the incredible men and women who maintain the beautiful federal lands of Sedona. The Kindness in Schools committee donates books and supplies to local schools and helps sponsor speakers that encourage students to lead lives of kindness and generosity. Local women have made beautiful Kindness Charms out of broken, surplus, or recycled jewelry and distributed their creations all across the world. In conjunction with National Kindness Day, SedonaKind has declared November 13th as Sedona Kindness Day and hosts a whole week of events and activities helped to inspire acts of kindness both big and small.

One of our favorite SedonaKind projects is Sedona’s Kindness Benches. As part of this project, individuals, businesses, and groups sponsored the creation of 16 uniquely designed benches all across the city. Each bench has its own one-of-a-kind story. The only requirement was that each bench be designed with the “kindness” theme in mind. Other benches were dedicated to beloved members of the community that we have lost. A true grassroots effort, Sedona citizens even donated natural or ceramic tiles to decorate the benches. The benches have helped to spread SedonaKind’s message throughout public spaces across Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. The Kindness Benches are a testament to Sedona’s esteemable ability to work together to make our beautiful town even more beautiful. Watch a full slideshow of all the benches, and be sure to keep an eye out for them during your stay.

This post only scratches the surface of all the countless amazing things SedonaKind does for the local community. SedonaKind also builds Kindness Trees, delivers cards and “boxes of love,” works with the local food bank, and so much more. To learn more about this inspiring organization and see how you can get involved, please visit their website. SedonaKind is the type of organization that makes us proud to be a member of the Sedona community. They remind us to commit small acts of kindness and live better, kinder, and more empathetic lives. In the words of the Dalai Lama, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

Interested in contributing to SedonaKind during your time in Sedona? We host charm making the 2nd Thursday of each month at Alma de Sedona from 11am – 1pm. If you would like to join us (guests, locals, and tourists are all welcome), please feel free to show up! No experience necessary! You may bring supplies to work with, but materials will also be provided. Come spread some KINDNESS with the Alma de Sedona Inn!

Planning a trip to Sedona, Arizona? Book a stay at the Alma de Sedona Inn for warm service and breathtaking red rock reviews.