| Suggestions for KarmaFest BEFORE THE EVENT 1) Bring a yoga mat, if you have one, if not, bring a small blanket or towel. 2) Bring a journal. *******************IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN OVERNIGHT CAMPING, SPACE IS LIMITED, SO PLEASE EMAIL PATTI AT hawsejourneywithin@yahoo.com TO SECURE YOUR SPACE******************************* NO SHOWERS AND NO HOT WATER ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT 3) Arrive early, so you get the most for your money. 4) Read the agenda and map out what lectures you wish to see and what activities you wish to participate in. 5) Field parking only so bring your "other" car (not the sports car). 6) CAR POOL 7) Reserve your space in shamanic journey, workshops or sweat lodge online (see reservation's page) 8) 9) Enjoy your day. Suggestions for Sweat Lodge Sweat Lodge Sweat lodge is an ancient and sacred ceremony. It may be the oldest ceremony on the Earth, and has been practiced everywhere on the planet at one time or another, in one form or another. Sweat lodge is a rite of purification, of healing on all levels, and of rebirth and renewal. The lodge was given to us by the Mother. We enter her womb to cleanse our body, clear our mind, awaken our spirit, and heal our emotions. We come to create a deeper connection with Earth Mother, Creator (God), and all things. We arrive looking for a deeper understanding of who we are and what our purpose is in this life. The Ceremony Stones will be heated in a fire. Participants of the lodge ceremony will enter into the lodge and sit in a circle on the Earth floor inside. The hot stones will be brought into the center of the lodge. The door will close. No light will be left except for the glow of the stones. Songs and chants will welcome the spirits of the lodge. Water will be poured onto the hot stones, and we will pray. When the first round is over the door opens, more stones are brought in, and the chanting, prayers, and water pouring continue, with the next intention. Those involved will be given the opportunity to pray about their lives, for their friends and family, for the Earth, and all things. The door will open four times. Each time more stones will be brought in, and in every round the emphasis of the prayers will be different. The ceremony will run approximately two hours. Who is invited to Participate? Everyone is invited to participate. Only you know if lodge is the experience you need right now. Listen to your heart and your intuition. At least one day of sobriety is essential before entering the lodge. * If you are unsure and would like to feel better about your decision, please come and talk to one of the sweat staff about it. If you are on medication or have any health concerns, you are advised to speak with a lodge crew member, and/or the water pourer before entering the lodge. Generally, accommodations can be made related to most conditions. Ways to deepen your lodge experience Stay sober for at least three days prior to, the day of, and three days following the lodge. Take some time each day during this time to connect with the ceremony. Pay attention to your dreams especially during this time, but also from the time you decide you will go. Allow yourself to become more vulnerable, and pay attention to what comes up for you. Think ahead of time about what you don't want in your life anymore, as well as what you would. After the lodge, enjoy some down time to process. Important Notes for Your Participation There is a lot happening in a sweat lodge ceremony. Stay centered and grounded. Pay attention to what comes up for you. Ask yourself what you want and what you don't want in and for your life. Try to allow yourself to be more vulnerable. . When you come, bring a towel or two, and a cup or bottle for water. In most cases, there will be the opportunity to drink water while the door is open during the ceremony. Wear clothes that you can sweat in. Self Care Following a Sweat Lodge The sweat lodge ceremony can be an intense experience on many levels. Take time to nurture the experience and your body. Allow the process to integrate. Drink plenty of water. It is highly recommended that you stay sober following the ceremony. The longer you nurture this experience, the more you will benefit from it. If you need help processing your experience following the ceremony, feel free to return to the lodge area and/or contact a staff person for assistance. *Important Notes • Sweat lodge is not clothing optional • Drink plenty of water before and after the lodge • Sobriety 1 day before and immediately after the lodge is essential • All personal conversations concerning lodge, as well as prayers made in lodge, are held confidential and anonymous • Donations are greatly appreciated, but never let a lack of finances keep you from ceremony Additional Notes, Reminders, and Frequently Asked Questions What to Wear? Women: It is recommended that women wear a long (cotton) skirt (to their ankles) and a t-shirt or tank top with a sarong to cover shoulders. Many times women tie a sarong or tapestry around their waste for use of a skirt as they are usually cotton and make a great long skirt for lodge. Shorts and a t-shirt are OK if one isn't comfortable with the idea of a dress or skirt. Men: It is recommended that men wear swimsuit shorts or other loose fitting comfortable (cotton) shorts and a t-shirt. It is actually cooler to have a thin layer of cotton than to be bear skin. What to Bring? Please bring a towel or two, a cup or bottle for drinking water, and of course don't forget to bring a full change of clothing and undergarments. Showers will not be available. Most people would agree that after a lodge they feel cleaner and fresher than after a shower :>) Temperature? The temperature of a lodge always varies. It is not required that one remain in this lodge for the entire ceremony and everyone will have the opportunity to cool off in between rounds. Time? These lodge ceremonies will be approximately 2 hours long with four rounds. How many people can fit in the lodge? The number of people in the lodge seems to work out the way it does. No one gets turned away. If that is a concern, there are early sign up sheets for each lodge. *When registering to participate in a particular lodge ceremony (Saturday 1pm, 5pm or Sunday 1pm) it is not necessary to make a payment online. It is still recommended to reserve your space and you can do so by emailing Patti Hawse at hawsejourneywithin@yahoo.com or by calling 410-446-2569. Donations are greatly appreciated and there will be a donation basket at the sweat lodge site. Thank you :>) Please e-mail Chelsea at: waterspeaceful@yahoo.com with any other questions concerning lodge. If you are in need of a quick response please call (973) 462-6989. Hope to see you soon :>) Many Blessings Intergalactic Agape Love Light and JOY! Namaste Chelsea Serraino |