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Special Note--Feb. 2010
Due to the Oct. 8, 2009 tragedy that occured in a sweat lodge in Sedona, Arizona which was lead by a non-native individual, I have decided to discontinue offering sweat lodges (earth saunas).
I have a deep understanding that I must re-evaluate my own personal vision which occured in 1987 in light of this event.
I will continue to offer sacred gatherings and vision quests.
The Sacred Gathering will be a place where individuals can honestly explore who they are in a safe space with others who wish to do the same. Each retreat will offer experiential events which will spiritually push you slightly out of your comfort zone so that you might experience a new or broader dimension to your own personal reality. Your individual work and sharing will be witnessed by others in the community and will strengthen the bond of that community. . Part of this weekend will include time to share what was important to you from past retreats (either with Mother Earth Adventures or elsewhere) that you would like to see included in future retreats that are offered through Mother Earth Adventures.
Sacred Gathering Schedule
Sat.
12:00 Registration
1:00 Guidelines for creating our sacred space for the weekend
Friendship Circle
Individual Check-in
2:30 Break
3:00 Building the fire for evening sharing
4:00 Sacred Time outdoors at Camp Tuckabatchee
6:00 Brainstorming
7:30 Experiential Sacred Event
9:00 Sharing at the Sacred Campfire
11:00 Breaking the Fast
Sun.
8:00 Breakfast
9:30 Group Sharing
10:30 Final words
11:00 Depart for home
Earth Sauna
The Earth Sauna Sacred Gathering is
a purification ceremony. It comes to us from deep within the spiritual
framework of indigenous peoples; particularly from some of the First
People of America.
This is a highly personal experiential spiritual experience however
the other participants who make up the community both in the earth sauna
and supporting you outside the earth sauna significantly impacts the
tenor of the event.
The earth sauna itself consists of a small, dome-like shelter in which
participants experience four rounds or "endurances," with
a brief respite between each endurance. During each endurance, water
is sprinkled on heated rocks creating a steamy atmosphere in which the
participants can meditate, sing, pray and share aspects of their personal
life journeys and longings. The physicality of the ceremony as well
as the use of only the basic elements needed for our existence (earth,
air, fire and water) assists one in viewing life from a different perspective
and opens one up to the possibility of obtaining new wisdom. Most importantly
we may experience a deeper connection to ourselves and to that which
many call the Mystery. In the end, we revel and celebrate and know that
we are a small but infinitely sacred part of a much larger process.
Time will be taken prior to entering the earth sauna to get to know
one another, discuss safety issues, and look at some of the traditions,
symbols and imagery around this most sacred ritual. Alone time is provided
as part of the preparation prior to entering the lodge.
The Earth Sauna Sacred Gathering is provided in two different formats
and locations. There is a two-day weekend in a wooded 250 acre camp
located near Ottawa, Illinois. There is also a 1 day retreat located
at the 5 acre Relax4Life Center in Barrington, Illinois.
Physical Issues:
Fasting, some limited physical work, as well as exposure to heat and
cold, are all part of this weekend. Adjustments to accommodate people
with differing physical abilities can be made. If you are seeing a counselor
you should notify him/her that you are attending this event. If you
have significant medical problems you should notify your physician that
you are attending this event. If you have any concerns, please contact
Terry prior to registering to discuss your specific needs and let him
know of any medical or mental health concerns.
Schedules
2-day Earth
Sauna Sacred Gatherings
Arrive by noon on Saturday and leave by 12:00 on Sunday.
Saturday
Noon: Registration— set up in cabins
1:00 p.m.: Friendship Circle
Earth Sauna Logistics
Preparing the earth sauna
Personal Preparation Time
Earth Sauna Ceremony
10:30 p.m.: Breaking of the Fast
Sunday
8:00 am: Breakfast
9:00 am: Group Sharing
Dismantling of the earth sauna
11:00 a.m. Final Words and Departure
For more information, e-mail Terry at MotherEarthAdventures@gmail.com
One-Day Earth Sauna Sacred Gatherings
Arrive by 8:15 a.m.
Preparing the Earth Sauna
Friendship Circle
Earth Sauna Logistics
Personal Preparation Time
Earth Sauna Ceremony
Dismantling of the Earth Sauna
Breaking of the Fast
Group Sharing
7:00 p.m. Final Words and Departure
For more information, e-mail Neal Harris at
neal@ relax4life.com