2014 Thanksgiving Sweat Lodge, Feast, & Talking Circle

Posted by in Community Updates, Thanksgiving Lodge Weekend

Dearest Friends and Family,

This weekend we gather again for our annual Thanksgiving Lodge: and oh, how much we have to be thankful for!

This year has provided so much movement, grace and beauty in all of our lives and within the Circle.

Please join us in person, or in your heart, as we once again circle up to support one other and give back to the Hoop.  Each of us sits in a critical spot in our lives and as we gather, we strengthen and let go of what is not needed. And we laugh… a lot!

So even if you are not able to make the lodge physically, please take a moment to tune in, feel the support we carry for Carl as he heals, the connection we have for our Grandmother who just passed, and for each of us who are truly doing our best in the world.  Most importantly, join us for pie and laughter.  Both are in abundance and are so vital to our lives.

HOOOUGH.,

Lalania & Anna

 

Thanksgiving Sweat Lodge, Feast, & Talking Circle

*November 22 & 23, 2014*
Ashokan Center – Olivebridge, NY

Sweat Lodge – Saturday, November 22

10am – building & lighting of the fire | crawl into the lodge between 1pm and 2pm

Medicine Bear will be pouring the sweat lodge on Saturday. Because Carl Big Heart is in recovery from his recent surgery and won’t be able to make the journey to join us, he has asked Medicine Bear to pour the lodge.
Medicine Bear has been pouring lodges at Omega Teen Camp for many years now and is a central elder in our community.
“In the midst of this ceremony for healing, connection, and thanksgiving, there will be a focus on supporting Carl’s healing and recovery through our prayers and intentions.” – Medicine Bear  

Talking Circle – Sunday, November 23

9:30am – 12:30pm | Pewter Shop

Talking Circle on Sunday

In the absence of Carl and Stephanie, Mary and Darrell Birchenough will hold the space for us to come together on Sunday morning for a talking circle.“As part of our weekend together, we would like to create a space for a talking circle to reflect on what is moving in and around us as we head into the quiet of winter.  What is it that you’re sitting with or nurturing with the hope of Spring ahead?  What is our community collectively moving towards? Let’s join our hearts and minds together to share our deepest hopes, dreams, and prayers.” – Mary and Darrell

Saturday’s Sweat Lodge Schedule: 

10:00 AM:
Build and light fire, and cover the lodge. There will be an orientation for those who are new to the sweat lodge ceremony and an opportunity to make prayer ties to focus our prayers and intentions.

Between 1:00-2:00 PM:
Crawl into the sweat lodge

Evening:
The pot luck which follows the lodge is a part of the ceremony and one we provide for together. So please bring nourishing prepared dishes that are ready to serve: main dishes, salads, fruits, etc.  Food can be dropped off for the day in the Pewter Shop. Bring your own plates, utensils and serving utensils, as none will be provided. There is no kitchen on the premises for heating or refrigerating food.

What to bring:

  • 2 gallons of drinking water – one for yourself and one to share with the community.
  • 2 towels
  • Sweat lodge clothing:
    • Women: skirt or sarong and short sleeve top or modest dress.
    • Men: shorts (and shirt if you like)
  • Food for the pot luck

Where:
The lodge site is south of the pewter shop out in the far field. There will be plenty of people around to help point you in the right direction.

As you head south along the road from the pewter shop, with the stream on your right, you will wind up a small hill to your left, and see a red barn. Turn right at the barn and proceed out across the field, following the dirt road. This road will lead you out to the Lodge site where you will see cars parked and folks preparing for ceremony.

Sunday Talking Circle:
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM in the Pewter Shop.
In circle we bring our hearts and minds together in a talking circle with Mary & Darrell holding the space.

Registration for the weekend (Pewter Shop):

Registration

There will be donation baskets for the Elders of our community and for expenses (fire wood and basic supplies),along with a waiver to sign and a separate $15 land-use fee that Ashokan requires.
Please, let us together support the important and valuable work of our elders by being as generous as we can. That being said, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Lodging:
$20/night camping (weather permitting) and $40/night dormitory lodging are available on site. Lodging will only be available if we have the required amount of reservations. If you will be needing lodging, please let us know ASAP. Contact Natalie Little Crow:bigheartcircle@gmail.com

 

A Call For Volunteers:

There are a few specific areas that it would be lovely to have some volunteers commit to support in advance.

Sir John of Rhinebeck

Whether cleaning up after the feast on Saturday, tiding up the Pewter Shop after the talking circle on Sunday or helping to hang, fold and put away blankets – your helping hands would be greatly appreciated. 

If you feel able to commit to being available to help on Saturday or staying a little later on Sunday please email Anna Christina about your availability: annachristina133@gmail.com