September 10, 2014–It’s intense in a sweat lodge. You enter a round structure, about five feet high at the center, and sit down on an earthen floor. The flap of heavy blankets closes and you’re left in utter darkness. Moments later, the leader pours water over hot, volcanic rocks. Like a sauna, thick steam rises and spreads. For some people, the experience can be terrifying, at least at first. For others, it’s a welcome home. Samuel Martinez’s first sweat lodge ceremony was like a déjà vu, he says, a coming home. In this… [Read More…]
Native American
September 10, 2014–It’s intense in a sweat lodge. You enter a round structure, about five feet high at the center, and sit down on an earthen floor. The flap of heavy blankets closes and you’re left in utter darkness. Moments later, the leader pours water over hot, volcanic rocks. Like a sauna, thick steam rises and spreads. For some people, the experience can be terrifying, at least at first. For others, it’s a welcome home. Samuel Martinez’s first sweat lodge ceremony was like a déjà vu, he says, a coming home. In this… [Read More…]