Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) stated: “Give me the power to create a fever and I shall cure every illness.”
I thought I knew what to expect since I had been here before. There was so much I had forgotten and so much endurance required I underestimated the power of mother Earth.
I joined a group of yogi’s in teacher training for a field trip to Ojai Sweat Lodge lead by Paul Eagle Bear. He has open sweats and even women sweats. You can get on his email list to find out days and times. The Ojai Foundation is beautiful and you experience nature and beauty on the short hike up to the lodge. On the way up, you will see shrines, labyrinths, critters and more. The sweat is truly a ceremony sending gratitude to nature and reconnecting with our true selves in this magical man-made womb.
After Paul gives us some tips on what the ceremony will look like (individuals having their own experiences), we lined up to be cleansed with burning sage by the Fire keeper. As we slowly crawl into the lodge that we as a group, cleaned and dressed everyone sits with their back to the outside concrete frame of the lodge. There are four rounds- each with a dedication, East, South, West and then North. Gratitude is spoken, prayers are cried out and monsters are released during these dedications (or rounds). It is truly an amazing journey that even though I have so much resistance, I crave to be in the womb again. Individuals may have visions, creative ideas may spark or complete liberation may arise. Each individual has their own unique experience. Typically, you do not leave between the rounds but the doors are open to let air in.
I joined a group of yogi’s in teacher training for a field trip to Ojai Sweat Lodge lead by Paul Eagle Bear. He has open sweats and even women sweats. You can get on his email list to find out days and times. The Ojai Foundation is beautiful and you experience nature and beauty on the short hike up to the lodge. On the way up, you will see shrines, labyrinths, critters and more. The sweat is truly a ceremony sending gratitude to nature and reconnecting with our true selves in this magical man-made womb.
After Paul gives us some tips on what the ceremony will look like (individuals having their own experiences), we lined up to be cleansed with burning sage by the Firekeeper. As we slowly crawl into the lodge that we as a group, cleaned and dressed everyone sits with their back to the outside concrete frame of the lodge. There are four rounds- each with a dedication, East, South, West and then North. Gratitude is spoken, prayers are cried out and monsters are released during these dedications (or rounds). It is truly an amazing journey that even though I have so much resistance, I crave to be in the womb again. Individuals may have visions, creative ideas may spark or complete liberation may arise. Each individual has their own unique experience. Typically, you do not leave between the rounds but the doors are open to let air in.
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