This morning we woke to the news that 2 people had died and 20 or so people taken to the hospital as the result of a Sweat Lodge experience held by James Arthur Ray, one of the people featured in the movie, “The Secret.”
This is sad for everyone: the families, James Ray and his staff, and us, the larger spiritual community.
But why did it happen? Of course there’s an investigation, but I’d like to explore this issue from another perspective.
All of us are searching for an answer. All of us long to go “Home.” This longing takes us on our own personal quest whether we acknowledge it or not, and that quest will lead us home – one way or another – in this lifetime or another one.
When “The Secret” was revealed, there was a lot of excitement. Everyone wanted to understand and partake of its magic – everyone wanted to end up rich, happy and maybe even famous. But there is a dark side of “The Secret” – if it causes you to give up your power.
There is a danger in embarking on one’s quest: and that danger is simple on its face, but complex to the person experiencing it. On the one hand, we’re looking for THE ANSWER. On the other hand, if the Answer is ‘out there’ and then we find it, we must of course, submit to it. All of the personal grit and bravery we displayed in searching for the truth is now out of place and must be sublimated to the rules of the Answer – or the Secret. In other words, we marshaled all our wits, our inner guidance, our belief that we’re more than bodies adrift in space – only to arrive at the Answer. And that answer is that someone else has the power.
At one time or another, everyone wants to be rich, happy and famous. It’s natural. The world we live in here in the west would have it no other way. The question is, if you want it, what will you do to get it?
The rules of the spiritual quest as I see them, go something like this: look everywhere – don’t rule anything out, but don’t invest completely in any one idea or person. Try on as many hats as you want, but always know where the door is. Never hang around if it feels wrong to you, and if you’re not sure – get out. You can’t NOT be on the path. No matter where you turn, you’re on the path, so don’t do anything that seems sketchy, dangerous or wrong. Don’t let anyone pressure you into doing anything. If you leave a situation that seems right for others, but not for you – no worries – you’re correct. Act on that…
…because the answers are not ‘out there.’ And absolutely no human teacher has all the answers. The greatest power you can wield is to know that the answers are inside of you and that TRUTH is uncomplicated – if you leave your and everyone else’s egos out of it. If this weren’t true, life would be a terrible, cruel cosmic joke.
Keep looking. It’s perfectly fine to check in with someone whose ideas you trust. It’s extremely helpful to debate your findings with those who see things differently. It’s OK to change your ideas and align them with what you’ve learned along the way, but make those changes in alignment with your inner self. No exceptions. Don’t give your power away.
Be courageous, because no one can do this for you. Remember to be kind to others you encounter, whether face to face or across the electronic spectrum because we’re all on this quest together. And if you’re stuck, just sit with it. You will get unstuck. It’s the nature of life for change to occur.
Most of the people whose work is aligned with “The Secret” point to Jane Roberts’ channeling of Seth in her many books. Seth always said, “The point of power is in the present.” And it is. That’s the only place it is. As long as you’re breathing, there’s an answer – so, don’t settle. Keep looking.
There is no hierarchy of teachers. All of our Guides and Teachers appear in our lives to help us navigate a part of our path. One teacher is no better than the other, intrinsically; but for you, one could be better or worse in relation to your understanding of your quest. Test, test, test what they say. If their words are helpful, walk with them. If their words don’t make sense, take your leave. You can always come back if you want to.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Really enjoyed this. It’s like another cosmic wink from God/dess/Universe/Spirit…reminding us that we all have our own best answers for our path.
The best teachers don’t have to push us beyond our limits, but we always have a choice. When we find ourselves in group-think (whether in the HS cafeteria, saving animals after hurricanes, or at a 10K retreat) we lose sight of our inner compass. Thanks for the reminder to always check IN before sticking it out or “sucking it up” to be with the group.
Bonnie, I’ve never done a sweat, but it seems he didn’t have the proper ventilation. With such a large group, it’s been stated that the oxygen was used up very quickly. It’s sad. Very sad.
I just Googled the news reports on this tragedy. Ray had three time the people in the small space that he should have had, and had them in their for twice as long as was normal for this ceremony. ALso, the structure of the ceremonial tipi was not right – it was tarps and blankets.
And … people paid $9,000 for this!
Off to do more thinking!
We all already know the secret. We just have to be still and listen.
Oh boy. This is sad and thought-provoking. Deb, thanks for your perspective and your compassion in expressing it. Hearing that the two who died are a couple, one of my many thoughts is that maybe they were ready to leave, and wanted to do so together. Who knows.
This is the first time that I read about this story. I am shocked, and grieve for those concerned.I also feel the need to look for the “metaphysical” reason for this happening. There are no accidents in life – this happened for a reason. Well written artticle!
A tragedy–and it seems the two who died were a couple (from the latest reports). I’m still puzzling over it and have great compassion for all involved. I’m curious to know the reason why they died, while knowing there is such a deeper “why”.