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Sweat lodge ceremony
A journey inward
A moment away from the rush of daily life. Back to the earth, to your breath and to whatever in you wants to be heard.
Guidance
Carried by the circle
Drawing on South American influences, I, Joanne May, guide sweat lodge ceremonies centred on our connection with nature, the elements and our ancestors. My own spiritual path and background form the foundation.
Jos van der Linden and I take turns pouring the water. We are carried and supported by the Keepers of the Heart: a dedicated circle of people who each bring their own spiritual gift, attention and strength.
In the lodge
What happens in the sweat lodge?
In the closed, dark lodge we pour water over heated stones. The warmth and steam, the singing, the silence and being together form the foundation for an inner journey.
You may feel whatever is alive in you. Sadness, joy, resistance, softness: it does not have to be any different from how it is. There is room to become still, to carry an intention and to reflect on what you want to let go of, or give more space to.
Who it is for
Who is this ceremony for?
For anyone longing for connection with themselves and with nature. For anyone at a crossroads, closing a chapter or consciously making room for a new beginning. You are welcome without any previous experience.
You have nothing to prove.
A deep journey is not measured by how much heat you can endure. Your boundaries always lead; you can say at any moment that you want to go outside.
Preparation
How do you prepare?
This preparation supports consciously moving towards the ceremony. It is no guarantee of a deeper spiritual experience. Also follow what your body needs.
- Do not drink alcohol from three days before the ceremony.
- Eat light, nourishing food in the days before. As part of our ritual preparation, we advise leaving out animal fats and heavy meals as much as possible. Keep eating enough; fasting is not necessary.
- If you drink coffee, keep it to the morning on the day of the ceremony. Within our preparation, limiting stimulation supports stillness, intuition and the third eye.
- Drink enough water spread throughout the day.
- Take some time for yourself beforehand: what brings you to the lodge? What in you is asking for attention?
What to bring
What do you bring?
- Two towels: one to sit on and one to dry yourself.
- Swimwear or loose clothing you feel comfortable in; preferably cotton or linen.
- Warm, dry clothes for afterwards.
- Slippers and possibly a bathrobe or shawl.
- A refillable water bottle.
- Optionally a personal object that represents your intention.
Health
Health and participation
The heat can be physically intense.
Are you pregnant, do you have health issues or do you take medication? Then discuss with your doctor beforehand whether taking part is responsible, and contact us. Never change your medication yourself for a ceremony. If you have a fever or are ill, postpone your participation.
If you feel dizzy, nauseous or unwell, say so straight away and leave the lodge to cool down.
You are welcome with your story, your silence and your own pace.
The lodge does not ask you to be stronger than your boundaries. It asks you to learn to listen to yourself. 🤎