Discernment

I've been following with much interest the story of James Arthur Ray's healing retreat in Arizona which included a sweat lodge. The death toll is up to 2 with one person still listed as critical in the hospital. 19 others were injured. This story captures me because it is in my industry and because I have always had much interest in participating in a sweat lodge.

James Ray is famous for his book "Harmonic Wealth: the Secret for Attracting the Life You Want". He was in the movie, "The Secret". He's been on Oprah. He's pretty famous in the spiritual circles...yet somehow I had know idea who he was. There are so many self-proclaimed gurus running around right now, it's hard to keep track of them.

The retreat was called "Spiritual Warrior" and was designed to push people to their edges. Apparently, Ray's organization constructed a massive tent. There were more than 50 people participating. The people who died were in the back of the tent and had been there for 2 hours after fasting for up to 36 hours. Revenues generated from the event are estimated at $650,000. Costs were as low as $30,000. There was a nurse present, but no medical team. The retreat was in a remote location not less than 20 miles from medical care.

These are my unedited thoughts...

A sweat lodge is meant to be a sacred experience that is guided by a Shaman in the Native American Indian tradition. It is to be intimate and guided in a responsible and caring manner. It is not a large group activity. A traditional lodge is not more than 10 feet in diameter with a 2 foot hole dug in the middle for hot stones that water is poured over to create the steam. There are generally four flaps which are all opened and closed during the ceremony to refresh and cool participants.

Self is the Guru. We have officially entered the age of Aquarius. What this means on a spiritual level is that more and more people will start turning inwards to themselves to find connection to spirit. We no longer need spiritual leaders telling us what to do and think. We only need teachers and access to teachings. If a spiritual leader is swaying you to any extreme, its a red flag.

Discernment. When you embark on a spiritual journey, you end up at some point in a frenzy of spirituality. You are so excited by the changes taking place in your life that you keep seeking out more and more spiritual hits. At this point in your journey, you will participate in just about anything to feel that connection. This is when you must acutely practice Discernment. If something doesn't feel right...don't do it. Even in yoga, if you do not like the words or the poses, just skip them. Listen. Take what you love with you. Leave the rest. It is always okay to physically leave an uncomfortable situation. I have personally been to workshops where they make you promise to not leave...no matter what...because you are guaranteed enlightenment at the end. They are lying.

Spiritual Warrrior. I have friends who have dropped acid, participated in group sex, and fasted for 45 days to have an extreme experience to connect to spirit. It appears to have worked for them. They and I sit in the same space of spirituality. I, on the other hand, think of myself as a Spiritual Peacemaker. With no harm to myself, my body or others, I have connected to spirit. This is my safe and effective methodology and I do guarantee results:

• Every morning, wake up with gratitude.
• Spend a little time in silence each day.
• Meditate.
• Practice Yoga.
• Spend time in nature.
• Be Kind, Compassionate and Non-judgmeantal.
• Know what you want.
• Make good choices for your body and mind.
• Every evening, go to bed with gratitude.

Be careful on your journey. Don't give yourself over to anything other than your very own heart. My prayers are with the families. Namaste.