Member-only story
I Attended A Sweat Lodge And Ended Up In A Cult
It altered the course of my life, possibly forever
I never intended to join a cult.
But in December 2011 I attended a shamanic sweat lodge at a New Age ashram in Denton, Texas.
Around 30 people attended, and I was one of two first-timers there. Most people in attendance were in my age group: early 20s or fresh out of college.
Everyone had a role that night. But the environment was totally relaxed. It was the definition of “go with the flow.”
The people were warm and friendly and welcoming. They laughed a lot. There was silliness and camaraderie as everyone worked together.
It was the most beautiful, powerful and unique experience of my life.
I walked home that night in a state of bliss. I had no idea this event and the community would influence the course of my life for the next decade.
I Was Searching For Healing
I was in therapy at the time, but it didn’t seem to be going anywhere. It was too painful for me to talk about the experiences that had led me to seek therapy in the first place.
So when I learned about a “Native American Sweat Lodge” that would provide me with mental…
