SWEAT LODGE
Even if you have attended lodge before, be sure to read the details on this page. You will find details specific to our lodge about what to bring, what to wear and what to expect.
Community lodges will be posted on the SCHEDULE
We do offer private lodges for groups, retreats, families, etc.
Please CONTACT us for more info.
RSVP (ALWAYS): Even if you have attended one of our lodges before, please notify us if you plan to attend by emailing info@littlebearspiritualwellness.com. Then we can let you know about last minute changes or cancellations especially when rain, snow, or wind are in the forecast. Lodge will only happen if we have enough participants so please always let us know that you are coming.
CHECK YOUR EMAIL: Be sure to check your email the day before and the morning of ceremony. If we need to cancel for any reason (rain, wind, snow, fire ban, etc.), this is how you will be notified. We only cancel when it's absolutely necessary.
SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY (Inipi): The “Inipi ceremony" provides us opportunity to come together in community for prayer, healing, and purification. The traditional Native American ceremony has been practiced for thousands of years and has been passed down through the generations.
WHO MAY ATTEND: Whether you are a new-comer or have been participating in sweat lodge for years, you are welcome. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary. We simply ask that you hold the ceremony as sacred and respect the traditions and guidelines as they are shared with you.
THE LODGE: We have a large lodge and can fit 20 people. The structure is built with willow branches covered by canvas and blankets. Participants sit on the ground. The floor is dirt covered by blankets. You must be able to squat/crawl to enter the lodge. The door is about 3 feet tall.
LOCATION: Sweat Lodge is held at the home of Little Bear and Jennifer in Ranchos de Taos in the foothills of Miranda Canyon surrounded by National Forest. Directions provided with RSVP.
TIMING: We ask that you allow a 3.5 hour window for the whole process so your group does not feel rushed before or after ceremony. The gate to our property is unlocked 45 minutes prior to ceremony. We encourage you to arrive early to have some time to get settled and centered. The ceremony itself is usually 2.5 hours (sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less).
ENERGY: Little Bear offers a compassionate lodge. He wants each participant to have a beautiful healing experience and wants everyone to feel as safe and comfortable as possible. We will offer an "introduction" upon arrival so everyone knows what to expect and we can answer any questions the group or individuals may have.
TRADITION: Little Bear is Lakota, Crow and Zuni. He was taught the Lakota ways of ceremony. He pours lodge under his own altar which means he no longer pours under the guidance of his former teacher.
ATTIRE: It's easiest to come in your sweat attire with layers over (as needed) it that can be taken off before ceremony. Don't forget to bring a full set of DRY CLOTHES to change into after ceremony. Anything worn in the lodge will be wet.
*Please do not wear jewelry, hats, glasses, or shoes in the lodge. (Anything with metal can become very hot.)
WOMEN: Traditional sweat attire includes a long skirt and shirt (or shawl) that covers your shoulders OR traditional sweat-dress. If you don't own a long skirt/sweat-dress, you may wear a sarong/beach wrap over shorts/leggings. We ask that you respect tradition and not wear shorts/leggings on their own without a sarong/beach wrap. A long kaftan is an excellent substitute for a sweat dress.
MEN: Please wear LOOSE-fitting shorts/swimming trunks that keep your privates private. (No speedos, bike shorts, or underwear to be substituted for loose-fitting shorts) Please make sure that the waist of your shorts covers your body in an appropriate manner.
TOWELS: Some people prefer to bring 2 towels:
* One to bring into the lodge to wipe your face (sweat, tears, runny nose) or for extra coverage on your legs when wearing a sweat dress
* One to dry off after the lodge. The one(s) you bring into the lodge will be wet from the steam.
OFFERINGS: Participants are asked to bring an offering of tobacco, sage, sweet grass or anything else that feels appropriate. This is an exchange between the participant and the ceremony holders (Water pourer, fire keeper, etc.) It’s a way of saying, “I ask you to hold this ceremony for me and I trust you to do so.” and by accepting the offering, the ceremony holder is essentially saying, “I agree to hold the space/energy for this ceremony.”
DONATIONS:
SUGGESTED DONATION of $20-$40 AND/OR donation of labor/time (We always need help with cutting firewood, building the fire, cleaning up, etc.)
Lodge is a community effort. Regular lodge expenses include porta-potty $150/month, firewood $300/cord, tobacco $20/bag, sage $25/pound, load of wood chips for lodge and parking areas $30, fabric and string for flags/prayer ties, fuel for tractor (we regularly need to maintain the lodge area after big rains/snow), general upkeep and replacement or tools, blankets, chairs, etc. Most months we spend money out of our own pocket to cover many of these expenses. We are unable to continue doing that. Little Bear spends about 6 hours on each lodge in preparation, running the ceremony, and clean-up after. We need everyone to help financially or otherwise.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:
1. You can bring water into the lodge. Traditionally, water is not brought into the lodge, but Little Bear has a blood-clotting disorder and must drink water during ceremony. He extends this option to anyone who would like to bring water in.
2. Lodge gets about as hot as a very hot steam room. If you have any health conditions that could be affected by the heat, please check with your doctor before participating.
3. You are not trapped in the lodge. We believe you should be allowed to exit if necessary. We prefer that you exit when the door is open between rounds, but we will open the door at any time if it is urgent. We want everyone to have a safe and comfortable experience.
