sWEAT LODGE.LOVE
"Matthew provides a safe place for those looking for alternative modalities and who are exploring methods of healing the heart, mind and spirit. His guided ceremonies are peaceful and provide an excellent space for reflection."
-Tabitha T
"I've attended several sweats with Matthew over the last couple of years. Each one has been outstanding and unique. Thunderstorms or calm, night or day, summer full moon or winter solstice-each one has been very special in it's own way. I would recommend them to anyone who has ever wondered about doing a sweat. You will be rewarded!"
- Arvin P
For a PDF copy of the flier and a list of sweat lodge protocols, please click on the image to the right.
About
The Sweat Lodge is a purification ceremony that utilizes prayers, songs, meditation and stories. They are used around the world from Celtic tribes to the more commonly know, Mesoamerican sweats.
I have spent the last decade studying with indigenous elders from the Lakota to the Mayans. My lodges utilize many Native American and Mesoamerican aspects, but also incorporate singing bowls and other musical instruments.
The lodge itself consists of a round, domed structure about 14 feet in diameter, made with flexible branches tied together. It is covered with blankets and tarps to insure that there is complete blackness once inside. Although it is sealed from light, the cloth is still breathable and air freely flows.
The participants sit on the ground around a shallow pit used to hold the stones. Outside of the lodge, these stones are heated in a fire. When they are brought into the lodge, I place copal, cedar and sweet grass on the stones to bless them and clear the space. The door flaps are drawn and I pour water on the heated stones, creating steam and heating up the interior. It never gets hotter than a sauna. You can handle it! It's not only physically, but also spiritually cleansing.
The ceremony consists of four “rounds,” each lasting approximately 20+ minutes. The door is opened for a few minutes between each round, so that more stones may be brought in.
You do not have to speak or sing if you do not wish. If you want to sing or say words during the lodge, I guide you on when is the appropriate time. Everything said in the sweat lodge is kept private and confidential and nothing is ever repeated outside of the lodge.
The lodge is a form of "medicine" in its own right. It may bring insight and internal guidance, calmness and clarity. For some, it is a fantastic form of meditation. We make no claims and pass no judgment here. The event is for you and what you wish to get out of it. Sacred medicine, ritual events, are all just a means to help you heal yourself.
Addiction and Recovery
The Sweat Lodge is just one of many healing modalities offering a holistic approach, healing the mind, the body and the spirit. It can be very helpful in addiction recovery and for sobriety maintenance. Whether it is the spiritual connection or the physical detoxification or both, the lodge is for those who wish to explore a non-traditional, spiritual approach to recovery. It is a beautiful practice of mindfulness, meditation and reflection, along with the physical cleansing of the hot steam, the heat and the herbs. I have worked extensively with those in recovery.
The reason there is a charge for the lodges is so they can be offered to those in need for free. Please contact me to discuss your needs.
Contact me
SWEATLODGE.LOVE