Spiritual gatherings at "A Place of the Heart" Connecting with nature is a gift we like to leave time for during our get-togethers so we typically do not schedule a lot. The land calls and the creek calls; there are heart connections to be made. We do not strive to fill every waking moment with activity. We prefer giving time for just being here, and enjoying nature's gifts. Some of the "activities" that generally occur at some point in the weekend's unfolding are listed below, along with some general reminders for preparation. We hope to see you soon!
What we'll be doing at the get-together: Meeting others of like mind, playing in the creek, making a joyful noise, listening to nature, Sacred Sweat Lodges, Herbal Medicine Sweats, healing energy exchanges, Talking Circles, group meditations, hiking in the mountains, etc. We provide minimum structure--we want you to have lots of time for just being on the land and connecting with Nature in your own way. Private healing work is available on request. If you are an energy worker, spiritual healer, massage therapist or have other specialties, and would like to offer your services, feel free to do so at your tent. We only ask that any healing work you choose to offer while visiting at "A Place of the Heart" be on a love-offering basis.
Sacred Sweat Lodge Preparation:
For those who may not have attended a Sacred Lodge before, it is a Native-American ritual of purification and healing, involving group prayer and directed group energies. Though the Good Red Road is a natural and powerful part of our spiritual truth, we do not represent ourselves as any kind of Medicine workers in that way and the Lodges we share are not represented as traditional Native-American Lodges. This is an important distinction to us, as we greatly respect and honor the ways of the different Native tribes, as each has traditions specific to them. We only share the way this healing and purifying practice of Sweat Lodge has come to us. It is our way to honor Christian ancestors, Celtic ancestors and Eastern ancestors, as well as our Native ancestors so our Lodges will be different than a traditional Lakota Lodge, for example. We learned about doing Sweat Lodges from our Lakota Relative, Wanbli Gleska Cikala and are grateful for his bringing this teaching into our circle. It has helped many of our Relatives to heal.
When choosing to do a Lodge, Many people fast before a Sweat Lodge, or give up something for the day (sweets, cigarettes, speaking, chocolate, sex, etc.). Prayer ties are often requested by the one who pours the Lodge. If you've never made prayer ties, we will help you. Again, we know what we know of this from our Lakota Relations and understand that different colors and different ways of making ties exist. We do not represent any way but our own path.
Sacred Sweat Lodges are a communal event. Come prepared to assist by gathering wood, helping with the fire, covering the Lodge, bringing a gift of food or cooking food here to share, etc. If you would like to bring extra food, call ahead to see what we might need. When attending a Lodge in another place, it is appropriate to ask what is needed, in way of preparation, as our way is our way.
What to bring, when attending a Sacred Sweat Lodge:
* Loose-fitting, light-weight clothing
* Towel(s)
* Prayer tie cloth, tobacco and twine.
* Food to share after the Lodge
What to bring for the get-together weekends:Camping gear, for primitive camping
Dishes or paper plates, cups, bowls, etc.
Food, plus communal contribution for group use
Drinking water, or empty bottles to fill at the spring
Insect repellent and Citronella candles, citronella fuel
folding chairs & small tables if desired
Toilet paper and gargage bagsOther information:
Outside toilet and cold shower provided.Children are welcome but must be supervised, at all times, by responsible adults.
We do not provide childcare at all.For larger gatherings, please leave animal friends at home.
Bring rattles, drums, etc. We ask that you be considerate
of those who might like to hear the natural sounds of the creek and birds,
and the sound of silence. We have close neighbors so please keep late-night noise to a minimum.For women's gatherings, we request no men or very young children.
For men's gatherings, we request no women or very young children.We respectfully request your contribution of time, prayers and personal involvement
during group activities such as Lodges, Talking Circles and group meditations.We offer our services on a love offering basis at "A Place of the Heart.
We do not charge for ceremony or for our gatherings.
We are a nonprofit center and welcome donations.
Donations are utilized for operating expenses.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Thank you for your energy exchange.
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