This sweat lodge journey transforms into a revelation of one’s life mission.
I’ve done a lot in my 40 years: I have a B.A. and B.ED and am working on a Master’s in Curriculum Studies. I am a psychic, have no children yet, and am engaged to my fiancé, and I attended a sweat lodge ceremony many years ago that sparked it all.
Throughout it all, I tried to keep up with my so-called meditation practice. Many years ago, in my Native Community in Gesgapegiag, Quebec, I attempted meditating in a new way through a sweat lodge ritual.
This sweat lodge event proved instrumental in reawakening my life’s purpose. I needed a good kick in the knee.
I sometimes used to think of myself as an invincible party girl who was incredibly superficial.
You know, I used to take my native American cultural traditions of breathing meditation and vision exploring the world in a sweat lodge ceremony for granted.
I used to take my native American cultural traditions of connecting with my breath and having a vision quest in a sweat lodge ritual for granted. Until I had a vision, I believed it was worthless.
My sweat lodge vision would re-insert me back into my spirit, unbeknownst to me at the time.
During the second round of the ceremony, I became aware of a vision of a man warrior riding a horse up a hill projected on the sweat lodge’s inner wall. Except for the burning fire in the center, which contains 12 rocks, it’s pitch within. Before I became a recovered alcoholic, I never imagined myself in this situation.
From the Mawiomi Treatment Center, I reapplied to Bishop’s University’s B.A./B.ED degree program.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon with the clients, and Bernard’s Sweat Lodge ritual was happening. I’m wearing a skirt with little shorts underneath, and my faithful beach towel is tugged in my left hand as I enter the dome-shaped sweat lodge. A medicine man talks with all of the clients while staring closely at me.
While the men and women alternate rounds, I sit silently with five or six clients while Bernard tosses tobacco, cedar, and water onto the glowing grandfather rocks in the center of the womb-like structure for deeper meditation.
I initially hear drumming, then heat, and finally spirit voices.
I always ask the drummer for advice. He tells me that I shall get spiritual messages.
After another break, it’s time for another round of grandfather rocks. After that, I remained in the same position, waiting for my vision.
Voices from the spirit world come in and out. My breathing slows, my heart slows, and heat rises from the top and sides of my body.
I can’t take it anymore. I tell that I can hear and see spirits and that my first vision is of a masculine warrior on a wild horse, which I see out on the wall.
My third eye begins to open. It’s tingling.
At this point, I start bawling. My heart is finally opening as I openly discuss my life purpose with everyone — the vision brightens, and my heart whispers, “You already realize your path.” Be a fighter. Jump at the opportunity to gain experience and become your own warrior.
As soon as the flap unfolds, the image vanishes. I strain my eyes and return to silence.
Spirit voices come to a complete halt.
The round had reached a conclusion. We all climb out, and the elder offers wise advice to each of us before passing me again as I stare at him, hoping for a particular message.
It was at this point that I understood how to integrate meditation throughout my everyday routine and how to be still on my own.
The sweat lodge experience transforms into a revelation of my life’s purpose.
I sense my spirit of becoming a teacher while I sit in that tranquil moment.
I grab a seat quietly. There isn’t a word that comes out of his mouth.
Despite being compelled to participate in the sweat lodge ritual, I know I should just be more connected to my own cultural origins and believe what I already know to be true.
I already had worked as a teacher. When the elder skipped over me, I feel he understood my life’s mission.
Yes, I got accepted into the teacher education program.