Sweat Lodge & Yurt

The Sweatlodge is a purification technique to align body, mind and spirit that is used in many indigenous cultures. Stones are heated in a ritual fire for many hours and then placed in a pit that is in the middle of the lodge. The lodge itself is usually made of saplings or bamboo - some kind of framework in a dome shape that is covered by blankets, tarps, canvas or animal skins to keep the heat in. Generally, the average-sized lodge is approximately eight feet by twelve feet and can accommodate four to six people comfortably; again however depending on the variation, it may hold as many as 15 or more people.The earth floor is usually covered with sweet sage, or flat cedar. Participants then gather within the darkened interior to endure the steam generated by the pouring of water over the hot stones. It is an honoring and utilization of the four elements and is usually done in four "rounds" corresponding to the four directions - four times stones are added, making the lodge progressively hotter. The process is one of returning to the "womb" and of being "reborn" . . . freer and clearer than before... Journeying deep into your own awareness of Self and finding the answers to questions long sought . . .

Here at High Mesa the Lakoka Sioux Ceremony is practiced. While the sweat lodge itself is simple enough to describe, the actual experience cannot be rendered in words. You have to participate in it to truly realize its fullness and depth. From the preparation of the fire, covering of the frame, making the tobacco prayer ties and on through the many facets of the ritual, the seeker is involved in a sacred inner journey that can be profoundly transforming. Every second Saturday of the month, weather and fire conditions willing, we celebrate this ancient method of purification through the ceremony and pot-luck meal afterwards.

Our Yurt was dedicated into service in October of 2001. The Yurt traditionally is a Mongolian Tent or Ger. The circular structure has been used for centuries as the main dwelling of those nomadic people living in arctic cold winters and warm summers. It was designed to collapse small enought to fit on one draft animal and could be set up again in half an hour. Our Yurt does not collapse, it is a fixed building where we hold many seminars, workshops and presentations. The door’s threshold is believed to contain the spirit of the room and is considered irreverent to step on it. Please step over it. Enjoy the peace and harmony within its walls.


	SWEAT LODGE The Sweatlodge is a purification technique to align body, mind and spirit that is used in many indigenous cultures. Stones are heated in a ritual fire for many hours and then placed in a pit that is in the middle of the lodge. The lodge itself is usually made of saplings or bamboo - some kind of framework in a dome shape that is covered by blankets, tarps, canvas or animal skins to keep the heat in. Generally, the average-sized lodge is approximately eight feet by twelve feet and can accommodate four to six people comfortably; again however depending on the variation, it may hold as many as 15 or more people.The earth floor is usually covered with sweet sage, or flat cedar. Participants then gather within the darkened interior to endure the steam generated by the pouring of water over the hot stones. It is an honoring and utilization of the four elements and is usually done in four "rounds" corresponding to the four directions - four times stones are added, making the lodge progressively hotter. The process is one of returning to the "womb" and of being "reborn" . . . freer and clearer than before... Journeying deep into your own awareness of Self and finding the answers to questions long sought . . . Here at High Mesa the Lakoka Sioux Ceremony is practiced. While the sweat lodge itself is simple enough to describe, the actual experience cannot be rendered in words. You have to participate in it to truly realize its fullness and depth. From the preparation of the fire, covering of the frame, making the tobacco prayer ties and on through the many facets of the ritual, the seeker is involved in a sacred inner journey that can be profoundly transforming. Every second Saturday of the month, weather and fire conditions willing, we celebrate this ancient method of purification through the ceremony and pot-luck meal afterwards. THE YURT Our Yurt was dedicated into service in October of 2001. The Yurt traditionally is a Mongolian Tent or Ger. The circular structure has been used for centuries as the main dwelling of those nomadic people living in arctic cold winters and warm summers. It was designed to collapse small enought to fit on one draft animal and could be set up again in half an hour. Our Yurt does not collapse, it is a fixed building where we hold many seminars, workshops and presentations. The door’s threshold is believed to contain the spirit of the room and is considered irreverent to step on it. Please step over it. Enjoy the peace and harmony within its walls.