Sweat Lodges_92014*

For at least hundreds of years human beings have created sacred rituals and rite of passage ceremonies that produce wellness, transcendence, and awakened consciousness. Many of these rituals require focus, discipline and challenge. Amongst these rituals have been the Native American Sweat Lodges of which millions of people have participated safely for hundreds of years and experienced important physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual realizations.

Inspired by the Native American ritual for healing, cleansing, celebrating,and connecting with the Spirit in all things. In the Lodge we contact the primal elements: fire, water, air, and earth. The Lodge is pre-cognitive and pre-symbolic; it strips away mental concepts so we feel the essential self. Join us for the entire ceremony— to build the fire, cover the Lodge, prepare the site, and enter.

If you intend to participate in sweat lodges here are few things to keep in mind:

• Do not take recreational drugs and stimulants, including tea and coffee, one date before and after the ceremony.  It is best to taper off tea and coffee in the days preceding the ceremony as this assists with the central nervous system. Rounds will be stopped if we become aware of anyone taking recreational drugs or alcohol;
• Do not have a heavy meal beforehand.  Please fast 6 hours before the ceremony.
• Drink about 2-3 quarts of water over the 6 hours preceding the ceremony, but stop drinking 1 hour before the ceremony;
• Bring a bathing suit, towel, and drinking water;
• Do not wear contact lenses or metal jewelry, such as rings, studs or bracelets;
• After the sweat, please rest for an hour or two and replenish your fluids.  We recommend you bring drinks, fruit and a light plate of food to share after the ceremony.  Don’t organize any major activity afterwards;
• If you experience any unusual symptoms during the sweat, please notify the sweat lodge leader immediately.
• For the health of the mother and the child, pregnant woman are not allowed to participate.
• Anyone with heart conditions, asthma, respiratory issues, high or low blood pressure and any other medical conditions should consult their doctor about participating.