What I Learned From Participating in a Traditional Sweat Lodge Ceremony

While I'm still processing the experience, these three key highlights of learning are standing out as important and worthy of sharing out to others. Perhaps they may resonate with where you are on your journey.
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.

2016-05-02-1462225428-6385075-EmilyMadillHornbyIsland.jpg
Photo Credit Kim Houghton

I recently had the unique opportunity and honor to be invited to a traditional sweat lodge ceremony on the West Coast of Canada. The ceremony took place on a tranquil island tucked in the middle of the Salish Sea. This was my first time visiting beautiful Hornby Island, and certainly won't be my last.

Sweating rituals and traditions have existed throughout history in different parts of the world. Some places use this method for purification and warmth. Traditionally the sweat lodge ceremony is used as a means of healing, and spiritual renewal of the mind, body and soul. Click here for more information.

I wasn't exactly sure what would transpire during the ceremony, but I approached the experience with an open heart and willingness to participate in what would become a rich and unforgettable time. After arriving at the location, I had some initial trepidation around the unknown and a bit of fear of the intense heat.

After speaking with the master Shaman, I recognized what an honor it is to take part in such a journey and I relaxed into what would come next.

This experience was so much more than a test of physical endurance. It was a spiritual journey that helped me move through some intense fear while connecting deeper to my inner being and truth. It opened my heart and eyes to how connected we all are. It helped me to see the possibility of life being even more incredible and magical than I had already imagined it was. By the end of the ceremony, I felt light in my worries and full in my heart.

I was gifted a sacred eagle feather by the Shaman, and I will treasure it always. Getting to have this experience with amazing people who were strangers to begin with, helped me to see just how similar and connected we all are. I'm sure that the learning I received will continue to bring new light to different areas in my life.

While I'm still processing the experience, these three key highlights of learning are standing out as important and worthy of sharing out to others. Perhaps they may resonate with where you are on your journey.

1) Your Light Can be Found Inside Darkness

Instead of being paralyzed by fear, see what happens when you step into the darkness and face what is holding you back from your truth and joy. Don't be afraid to live and never fear the brilliance of your light. You are amazing, embrace that and share it out with others around you. Let go of stories that keep you from joy, that hold you in pain, or that keep you stuck. Step into the dark, and you may be surprised to find that there you will be in all of your magnificence and beautiful light. Who you are in all of your essence, has the power to remove the shadows of doubt and extinguish the fears that hold you back from living your truth.

2) Honor Your Inner Voice

Trust your intuition, you are wise beyond measure. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of believing others know better, or that our voice doesn't matter. This simply just isn't true. Each of us holds our truth and we can guide our lives from this place within us. When we trust our inner voice and act on the wisdom that lives within us, we end our own self-inflicted suffering.

3) Life Is a Gift

Life is beautiful and we are never alone. The beauty that surrounds us is everywhere, at all times. We can draw on this beauty as a way of remembering our inner truths and to stay on a path that feels right. If we wake up each morning to breathe in air, we are blessed. Give thanks as often as possible for the journey you are on, embrace where you are. There is nothing you need to change about yourself - you are brilliant.

If you liked this post, SIGN UP to receive free weekly updates filled with joyful tips and heartfelt snippets from Emily's Blog, Listening When The Soul Speaks.

If you are interested in creating a lasting practice of joyful habits in your life, check out Emily's new E-Course, Fall In Love With Your Life, One Week at a Time. We are excited to be building a community of people who are all on the journey of embracing life. It is a chance to create your own life practice in a way that is meaningful to you -- all are welcome.

Popular in the Community

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE