Wow Endless, you impress me with your knowledge and viewpoint, definitely an observer you are. As for the Sweat Lodge, the heat does become unbearable, but the trick is to continue breathing and know that your body can handle it and cool itself. When you are in the lodge, the steam created helps oxygenate your blood, and the heat itself makes you want to take long, slow breaths. The Sweating itself is cooling your body immensely to deal with the extreme heat, and at times I felt myself getting full body chills or "Goosebumps" during the hottest times, not due to being cold, but rather feeling the energy of creation run through me. One person in the lodge said he could not continue at one point, but a fellow sweater in the lodge encouraged him to stay and reassured him that he was fine, at which point I began sending loving energy towards this person as well. He decided to stay through that round, but had to leave the last part due to obligations outside of the lodge.

It is not looked down upon at all if you decide to leave, as soon as you feel you can't take anymore, that is when you must push on through and allow your spirit to guide you through the physical strain. The Indian guide who facilitated the lodge spoke of ceremonies he would do with other guides, in which they would have endurance trials. During these sweat lodges, they are trying to test their limits, and they bring in many more stones, pour more water, and stay enclosed for longer. The sweat I had was a test of my endurance, physically, spiritually, and mentally, however I know I could have taken more. I plan on attending many more in the near future.

Last but not least, as far as indigenous cultures and our culture. I definitely understand where you are coming from here, as I have done much research and thought on the subject. I am aware not all indigenous peoples are peaceful, and some of their ways are considered wrong, but many have mastered living in harmony with nature in a sustainable way, and have existed for thousands of years or more. As far as looking at only what is wrong with modern society/culture I must assure you that I look for the good aspects way more than the bad, due to that being the way to improve upon my own lifestyle (Which is truly all one can do, although influencing others is acceptable/possible, controlling them is not.) My conclusions on the subject are that the direction that the U.S./U.N./Europe/Asia/NWO is headed has no midway point, and is directly in opposition to nature and natural rhythms. On the other hand, cultures like the indigenous ones I am mentioning are in direct relationships with nature and natural rhythms. This leads me to seeing the good or as I like to say Truth lies directly in traditions that have been held for thousands of years or more, compared to ones brought about just recently.

I will end this one with my thoughts on modern high-technology and more specifically the internet, I believe it has come about specifically for the purpose of guiding us back into nature and true community living. I see very little communication where I live in actual communities, however I observe massive amounts through the Internet. It will take famine, disaster, and horrible things to bring people together face to face. Imagine everyone at the Nexus meeting face to face, instead of on the Net, we would "Rediscover Communication" and community, to quote Enoons thread in the Tavern. Bless your insights, I am grateful for your help.