Sunday October 11, 2009, 6:47 pm
Thanks Terry!!!

Jeppers people, this happens quite often, not like this to my knowledge, but when a person has high blood pressure and they don't take care to make sure that they are taking care of these people in the right manner, this can be deadly!!!

Frankly, when I had a massage way back at Al Capone's hang out here in Desert Hot Springs, I had a salt rub then was put into a backing area (kinda like the old I love Lucy shows) where your head just sticks out and you sit there and have ton of steam. While I was baking I started to feel very ill, when I got out I took a COLD shower and passed out!!! (The shock to my system was on overload) At that time I never had any blood pressure problems, NADA, but, they did not check on me.

These Sweat places can be deadly if a person is not regulated and watched, doesn't surprise me one little bit. Actually, I loved the massage and the "Lucy type sweat box" but, apparently, my body wasn't ready for it and they never came to check on me, when I got out I wanted a ton of COLD WATER, when they heard the thud on the floor all they had to say is that the massage is on us!!!

Unfortunately, there a TON of these places out there and when I had $$$ I went to them, but if they do not have a doctor or some type of medical person on charge, YEP, people can die if they are not totally healthy and sick.

Great story Terry, brought back memories of mine of 1998!!! Frankly, I was not hurt and actually felt great after I woke up after being knocked silly, but, a bunch of people need to watch what they are doing and where they are going, it needs to be "watched" and they need a person who knows what they are doing! They need to take care of some people that should not have this done in the first place.

Heads up guys...actually this is for all of us fuddy duddy's out there. I am very careful now, but still will never forget what I Call the "I LOVE LUCY EXPERIENCE!!!"""

Terrific News Terry, actually makes me want a massage right this minute!!!

Sunday October 11, 2009, 6:48 pm
s so unfortunate fo native americans will feel the heat for the ignorance of others trying to do native ceremonies,rituals,sweat lodges,etc.

Sunday October 11, 2009, 6:55 pm
Thanks Lone Wolf

Sunday October 11, 2009, 9:31 pm
My attitude is that if you TAKE another Culture's rituals, you are disrespecting them, stealing. You can't possibly understand it or 'perform' it accurately. It then becomes dangerous. There are many such 'sweat lodge "ceremonies"' in this area. I would never take part in one, unless it was on a reserve, overseen by a tribal Elder/Shaman, and even then, with my health conditions - bad idea. Also, as a woman, I would feel MOST uncomfortable unless I was in a woman's only sweat lodge. There is a time for separation of the sexes. Kinda like 'belly dancing' - beledi: a dance BY women, FOR women, deeply misunderstood, millenia old...

Sunday October 11, 2009, 10:19 pm
It is a disgrace every time a non-Native person steals and cashes in on Native/Indigenous sacred ceremonies. The fact that this particular self-styled "healer" [sic!] charged $9000 for a 'retreat' is in itself a powerful sign of both stupidity and of EVIL. When stupid, greedy people steal and misuse sacred traditions for personal gain it is never a surprise that ignorant and gullible victims DIE. For me, one of the signs always that EVIL is being done is that large amounts of money are being charged for what is held for free and with sharing of resources within the original traditions. Also, when money-grubbing narcissists call themselves "shamans" and then charge money for "workshops" or "retreats," only EVIL can result.
We are all connected - we are all related - we are all broken - we are all learning - but some of us are EVIL.
BEWARE OF RIP-OFF ARTISTS EXPLOITING SACRED TRADITIONS - THEY ARE ALL KILLERS OF SPIRIT AND OF THE BODIES WE LIVE IN.
And, yes, the irony is that these ripoff artists and charlatans give a bad name to the authentic, true practitioners from within the original, Native/Indigenous communities - and of course the media will demonize the real Native people, not the CRAPITALIST JERKS WHO ARE THE REAL CRIMINALS.

Monday October 12, 2009, 12:30 am
thanks terry

Monday October 12, 2009, 3:41 am
If someone teaches you their culture it is good education, but dont use it for self greed.

Monday October 12, 2009, 4:01 am
Sedona, Sedona, Sedona *shakes head*.

I was just talking about this city that has turned so commercial - getting worse year after year after year.

"world-wide reputation as a spiritual mecca and global power spot has drawn some of our planet's most amazing healers, intuitives, artists and spiritual guides. Come to Mother Nature’s red-rock temples to experience their life-transforming, soul-nourishing work in person. Sedona is a perfect place for spiritual and personal enrichment of the body and the soul. Sedona is also internationally known for the uplifting power of its Vortex meditation sites."

Spiritual site: http://www.visitsedona.com/index.php?action=article&id=95
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Unfortunately, it is so commercialized now that only the rich can afford to live there, sell things there, and stay there.

Spas listed here:

http://www.visitsedona.com/index.php?action=directory.browse&cat=Personal+Enrichment&subcat=Spa+%2F+Salon
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People come & do these spiritual self-help weekends (even week-long) all the time, and yes....they are VERY costly. They have guests & speakers come from around the world seeking to learn about self-help, health, enlightenment, etc. It does not surprise me that something like this happened, though. I have often wondered what kind of protection they actually have during these "seminars", and what kind of regiment you are put through in the name of enlightenment.

As for the last several times in the last couple of years that I've visited Sedona, I didn't see any Native Americans! I could hardly see Bell Rock on the north side of the road. (Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock are two popularly photographed features of Sedona's red rocks!)


This is why I hate to see Monument Valley start becoming more populated & commercialized. I fear the same thing will happen to that site, too.

Monday October 12, 2009, 5:12 am
People Beware!
When people are charging big monies for a "spiritual" experience in an inipi (sweat lodge) run for the hills.

These are being held by greedy people, who claim a lot of things, making a buck off of Sacred and Traditional Ways of the Native American peoples. Is no wonder there is such a debate among the Native peoples about sharing their Spiritual ways or not with the rest of the population. The Greed and Disrespect is evident by those who learn a few things then run right out and try to cash in on it.

To Walk in a Spiritual way that is via the red path is a long and deep walk that will bring you to the "true" Spiritual Elders and medicine people that will do the inipi in the Traditional Way and with the deepest respect. Too many people want to pay money and get a quick fix...and unfortunately there are many out there willing to take their money.

Remember "a fool and their money are soon parted."

Monday October 12, 2009, 1:02 pm
Yeow. Sad news. Tx T erry

Monday October 12, 2009, 2:46 pm
I find this 'resort' and its tourism to be a total blaspheme to Native American spiritual practice in an apparent 'New Age Feel Good' attraction. In Catholicism, for example, one is not allowed to take communion if that person is not of the Catholic faith (and supposedly has gone to confession prior to receiving that holiest of holy). The same can be said of all practices considered to be sacred in religions around the world. It is unfortunate that so many New Agers and others have come to view Native American spirituality as many turned to their East Indian Gurus during the 1960's. The white man slaughtered and stole away the Native Americans in every possible way. Now they want to rob their spiritual beliefs in a tourist setting. If only they knew how the indigenous view this travesty.

Tuesday October 13, 2009, 5:14 pm
Did the sweat lodge thing only 2 times, because I was invited. But honestly I couldn't last as long as the regulars. But it is an amazing experience when it's done right by experienced leaders. I think I only made it throw 3 rounds, and asked permission to leave. I had a panic attack, because the air was so heavy with moisture, I thought I was going to pass out. Kind people in there helped me out, but that was the last time for me.