04/02/2024
This past weekend was a BIG Sweat Lodge experience. We had over 20 participants including several Veterans join us for this one. A special thanks to Doug McGhee, founder of the The Realm.Men Initiative, for his leadership and willingness to bring a group of courageous and curious individuals from his coaching community into what was one of the most challenging ceremonies I’ve ever been part of. It’s been a true honor for me to help facilitate these experiences for others with the guidance and support of our incredible guides and healers from the Native American community.
Usually, I try to describe a little of what these experiences are like for me and what I learn from them but this time I felt called to share a bit of the survey feedback I’ve received from the other participants regarding their own experiences during the ceremony. If you would like to participate in future sweat lodge ceremonies please feel free to reach out to me at tim.spalla@agilewg.org.
Describe any physical or emotional responses you experienced during the ceremony.
“Sight deprivation, sound stimulation, heat/humidity challenges. Felt supported, loved, safe, in community, honored to be included, uncertain at times re: could I make it through, comforted by prayer, relief in shedding of fear, doubts, judgment, relief when the flap opened. Exhaustion, relief, pride when we finished. Cleansed physically, Emotionally, mentally & spiritually. Later felt an alignment of all 4”
“All of it; and seriously difficult as well as impactful, and the only way to get there is at these limits.”
“As pre-warned, I thought my ears would melt off and the rest of my body wanted to exit towards cold air.”
“Anticipation, anxiety, fear, irritation, doubt, self judgement, ego, performance focused, all gave way to complete surrender, acceptance, peace despite the intensity of the ceremony.”
“I loved pushing through something hard and driving myself to make sure I completed the experience.”
“It was very complex and difficult to summarize. Physical suffering that evolved into trance-like state with dysphoria and temporary loss of functionality. The emotional response was intense, as though my ego was in battle with my soul's purpose.”
Did you face any challenges during the Sweat Lodge ceremony (e.g., physical discomfort, emotional difficulty)?
“Yes. I got what I needed.”
“Yes. Body felt like I was going to burn up, it was a mental challenge to push through. Tim's teachings prepared me to mentally "refocus" my mind from the heat and suffering.”
Yes. Emotionally, Rage, sadness… the heat from each round and the steam intensified the physical experience, round 3 I believe was elevated by the Eucalyptus or Sage… that was a mo********er brief moment of nausea. but it quickly passed.”
How do you feel the ceremony impacted you spiritually or culturally?
“Culturally, I felt an intense connection with the idea of privilege and suffering, that my suffering in 15-minute increments was something that lives in others persistently and internally in others.”
“It was powerful in the sense of pushing you to a limit in an unconventional way. The power of prayer, endurance, music and sensory deprivation is unique. I loved the message of praying for others through your physical challenges.”
What benefits, if any, do you feel you gained from participating in the ceremony
“I experienced incredibly intense feelings of community and wisdom.”
“I was able to clearly see some of my history including my childhood and war trauma in a very clear and different
perspective that brought me peace and understanding such that I was able to make a mental, emotional, and spiritual shift in how I see myself.”
What is your overall impression of the Sweat Lodge ceremony?
“Intense. Impossible to comprehend unless you've done it. It was extremely valuable, healing, and profound.”
“Emotional release, cultural connection, focus, group prayer, community building, compassion, physical and endurance testing.”
“I can see why this practice has been used for thousands of years in many forms.”
“Excellent! I’ve never felt such cleansing and alignment”
