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.
Please check the SCHEDULE for sweat lodge dates
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SWEAT LODGE (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.
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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.
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WHERE:
The Little Bear Spiritual Wellness Center is located just North of Hillcrest Bank at 1350 Paseo del Pueblo Sur in Taos, NM. We are in Suite A in the back building.
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PRAYER TIES:
Little Bear has requested that everyone make prayer ties for lodge. You are welcome to make prayer ties with us at the Center or to bring ties that you have made at home. If you plan to make prayer ties with us, please arrive just before we light the fire. All materials are provided (colored fabric, tobacco, string, scissors, sage, etc.).
Please make 7 black, 7 red, 7 yellow, 7 white, 3 blue, 2 green ties
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WHEN:
Start times vary. The ceremony time line is based on when we light the fire. (Please check the schedule for specific details for the date you are interested in coming.)
Lodge is a 4-5 hour commitment for prayer ties, changing clothes and gathering outside, lodge ceremony, shared meal, clean-up. Sometimes it moves a little faster. Sometimes it takes a little longer.
Please notify us if you plan to attend so we can let you know about last minute changes or cancellations especially when rain, snow, or wind are in the forecast.
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SHARED MEAL:
As a close to the ceremony, we will share a meal together. This is part of the ceremony. Please bring a dish to share. At this time, WE DO NOT HAVE A REFRIGERATOR or any way to heat dishes. You are welcome to bring a crock pot or a cooler if your dish needs to be heated or kept cool. Please also bring a serving utensil for your dish. No need to worry how much you bring or whether someone else brings the same dish. The importance of the meal is that we share it together.
Please plan to help clean up. It goes much faster when we all help. Please also plan to take any leftovers home from the dish you brought.
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ATTIRE:
Changing area is available.
Don't forget to bring DRY CLOTHES to change into after ceremony.
TOWELS: Some people prefer to bring two towels: one to bring into the lodge to wipe your face (sweat, tears, runny nose) or to place on your lap and one to dry off after the lodge. The one you bring into the lodge will be wet from the steam.
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/wrap over shorts/leggings. We ask that you respect tradition and not wear shorts/leggings on their own without a sarong wrap.
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 manor. Shorts that hang too low on the waist will not be allowed. Most men go shirtless, but a t-shirt may be worn if you prefer.
*Please do not wear jewelry, hats, glasses, or shoes in the lodge. (Anything with metal can become very hot.)
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AFTER THE LODGE:
Pay attention to your dreams. After lodge, some people have vivid dreams with messages for you from Spirit.
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CONFIDENTIALITY:
Sometimes people share personal stories or prayers during Inipi (sweat lodge). We ask that anything shared by anyone is kept confidential.
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SUGGESTED DONATION:
Donations are appreciated. (Donations cover prayer tie supplies, firewood, facility rental, etc. There are many expenses involved in making these ceremonies happen.)
PLEASE COME EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO DONATE. No one will be turned away if they cannot make a donation. We mean this from the bottom of our hearts.
The Little Bear Spiritual Wellness Center is a non-profit organization that supports the mental, physical and spiritual health of the community by offering group and individual services in these areas. We appreciate any donation, large or small. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide this center for health and healing, and community gathering. Much love to you all. Mitakuye Oyasin. We are all related.
