Wow, what a journey! I filled my soul with your words today, not only because it’s been a while and I’ve missed you, not only because I intentionally wanted to start the morning with your wisdom as soon as I saw that you had put out a stack, but also because as soon as I saw the title, I knew the universe was about to offer the insights I most needed right now through its adventurous child that goes by Mary. You brave and curious wonder. Yes, the epiphanies don’t come from thinking but through the suffering! A reminder that needs daily repeating. Looking forward to part 2. And I’d love to see some more photos!
Nov 12, 2023·edited Nov 12, 2023Liked by Mary Poindexter McLaughlin
How wonderful Mary!I
We so so need to get beyond thinking. A difficult balance sometimes, because thinking exists for a reason, and we should use it. But too much attachment to it is perhaps the number one ill of the modern world! It is well that there are still some shamans in the world to show us another way!
Also glad that you are managing to find such a rich, diverse life amidst the adversity being hurled upon us. I do think that going out and doing that is one of the ways that we must fight the madness.
Thank you, Mary, for sharing this and I so look forward to part 2. What an experience and deep reconnect with Earth!
I always know when I open one of your posts that a mix of vulnerability, honest self-reflection, intelligence and wisdom will present. You just being you, I guess.😊
Welcome back! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it’s so very powerful. It sounds like The Mountain accepted you and shared some of her secrets with you. ❤️ I’ve experienced her through a friend who visited same as you. One day I will experience her in person. ❤️ I’m looking forward to hearing more about your adventures.
Thankyou for your raw story telling Mary. I don't think humanity has ever been forced to confront and negotiate such an acute discomfort: take the last 3 or so years, and now add the viral circulation of footage and images of blown up children. What comes after this I have no idea (except for a highly regulated and censored internet, which now seems inevitable) but the collective transformation we are undergoing can't be anything except profound.
Nov 12, 2023·edited Nov 12, 2023Liked by Mary Poindexter McLaughlin
Couldn't help think how the human spirit is indeed mysterious as are mysterious ways of old (yup, they'ze mysterious too!) --an' "observin' " the workin's of such mystery is sort've breathtakin' even from afar! As you describe it so vividly Mary, I feel like it's a story of a "brave" enterin' a new phase in life, learnin' ta face fears or some sort of rubicon ya gotta cross to reach the next step of knowledge. Now, me, I'm more've an armchair-body when it comes to such explorin' (you'll git me ta poke around ruins, moo-seums, an' any his-torick kinda place with objects of old... but otherwayz even yoga is a too-far reach fer me, hence my long-distance appreciation!) One day mebbe I'll relate my own experience with a sauna! (it wuz a gift from a friend, a fellow actress, but in brief I skeadaddled outta there faster than roaches once the light's on!) So yer fortitude an' determination ta make it work are purdy inspirin'!
Anywayz, I used ta work nights back in the day ta pay the bills (cuz Ahart Don't Pay) an' one of my lovely big-hearted an' talented co-workers, a photographer (bread n' butter work wuz catalogue fashion), was passionate 'bout them sweat lodges an' she had a deep personal connection to the chief of that particular tribe (Lakota--Chief Archie!) an' traveled the world with'im--I'm a gonna share the link to some of her fine pix from that work she did as I think ya might like 'em -- here ya go!
Your writing is magical, it carries me along with you even to where I don't want to go! feel I touched the experience of that heat and was tearful afterwards. Amazing... and how open and courageous and generous you are...
Amazing story. I'm hyperventilating reading it. I'm glad you could go into the fire and bring this revelation back for me.
I will await the healing rosacea story. My dance teacher, Guatemalan lizard that she is, loves saunas and heat, heat, heat. And has itchy patches of skin that never go away. Connected?
Oh my goodness, Mary. I felt like I was right there with you. I have yet to be in a sweat lodge and always think "Well, I'd have to be next to the door because I'm a champion claustrophobic." And yet, I felt myself being able to endure something like this while reading your words. Remarkable telling. Thank you for sharing. 🔥XO
Aw gorsh, so kind've ya Mary--we gals have endured lots, ain't it so? Hardy AND hearty--made of stronger stuff than the current melty snowflake variety, right? Glad ya liked them photos, ditto here! I just wish Veretta had posted more of 'em on her site cuz there are mebbe thousands! Guess she's mostly sharin' her more commercial stuff that brings in the sheckles now but she spent 15 years documentin' the Lakota (livin' with them, the whole 9 yards!) It's all healin' an' it's fascinatin' how ye kin come by such healin' so many ways (tho' the sweat lodge intensity seems a tad hard ta control, like method actin'!, once that horse gits outta the chute, whoa nellie!). I guess here, tho', it's about lettin' go--of pain, personal demons, loss, grief--all fascinatin' stuff fer sure.
Are ye gonna ever do the Wim Hof ice thing? Lordy, I hate the cold like that but all I hear is cheers an' folks sayin' they've never felt better in their lives, more in touch with the universe, all kinda talkin' bout it like it's better n' bacon! (it's temptin' cuz ya don't need ta go to "Darkest Peru" ta try it tho' fer now I'm settlin' with our Amish bacon ;-) Anywho-- I'll be a' lookin' out fer part II of this surprisin' adventure!
So many things in common with you, Mary, including a daughter named Madeleine whose kids attend Waldorf School in Puerto Vallarta; a decision to not have a television available in our house after reading 4 Arguments in the early 80s (we had one in a closet for a rare movie and watched news of the Gulf War on it); and a sweatlodge story as well! Thanks for writing.
Woo hoo! Yikes! and more power to you, girl! You made me hold my breath, and get all tense and nervous reading this saga of the sweat lodge, but I knew you'd emerge victorious. OK, so look, Mary, I just have to mention that I've been with you here since you wrote about the "Ayahuasca retreat", and as I recall that was an intense experience too. So, what I want to know is, "Are you done yet?" I doubt it. This is just what you do, and I admire you for it, you crazy girl! I look forward to hearing about the rest of your adventure. Thanks for sharing the lessons you learned, and I'm glad you made it back all in one piece. XOX
Wow, what a journey! I filled my soul with your words today, not only because it’s been a while and I’ve missed you, not only because I intentionally wanted to start the morning with your wisdom as soon as I saw that you had put out a stack, but also because as soon as I saw the title, I knew the universe was about to offer the insights I most needed right now through its adventurous child that goes by Mary. You brave and curious wonder. Yes, the epiphanies don’t come from thinking but through the suffering! A reminder that needs daily repeating. Looking forward to part 2. And I’d love to see some more photos!
This is beautiful, powerful well-cooked wisdom. Thank you, Mary!! I feel the medicine
How wonderful Mary!I
We so so need to get beyond thinking. A difficult balance sometimes, because thinking exists for a reason, and we should use it. But too much attachment to it is perhaps the number one ill of the modern world! It is well that there are still some shamans in the world to show us another way!
Also glad that you are managing to find such a rich, diverse life amidst the adversity being hurled upon us. I do think that going out and doing that is one of the ways that we must fight the madness.
Thank you, Mary, for sharing this and I so look forward to part 2. What an experience and deep reconnect with Earth!
I always know when I open one of your posts that a mix of vulnerability, honest self-reflection, intelligence and wisdom will present. You just being you, I guess.😊
Welcome back! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it’s so very powerful. It sounds like The Mountain accepted you and shared some of her secrets with you. ❤️ I’ve experienced her through a friend who visited same as you. One day I will experience her in person. ❤️ I’m looking forward to hearing more about your adventures.
Thankyou for your raw story telling Mary. I don't think humanity has ever been forced to confront and negotiate such an acute discomfort: take the last 3 or so years, and now add the viral circulation of footage and images of blown up children. What comes after this I have no idea (except for a highly regulated and censored internet, which now seems inevitable) but the collective transformation we are undergoing can't be anything except profound.
Couldn't help think how the human spirit is indeed mysterious as are mysterious ways of old (yup, they'ze mysterious too!) --an' "observin' " the workin's of such mystery is sort've breathtakin' even from afar! As you describe it so vividly Mary, I feel like it's a story of a "brave" enterin' a new phase in life, learnin' ta face fears or some sort of rubicon ya gotta cross to reach the next step of knowledge. Now, me, I'm more've an armchair-body when it comes to such explorin' (you'll git me ta poke around ruins, moo-seums, an' any his-torick kinda place with objects of old... but otherwayz even yoga is a too-far reach fer me, hence my long-distance appreciation!) One day mebbe I'll relate my own experience with a sauna! (it wuz a gift from a friend, a fellow actress, but in brief I skeadaddled outta there faster than roaches once the light's on!) So yer fortitude an' determination ta make it work are purdy inspirin'!
Anywayz, I used ta work nights back in the day ta pay the bills (cuz Ahart Don't Pay) an' one of my lovely big-hearted an' talented co-workers, a photographer (bread n' butter work wuz catalogue fashion), was passionate 'bout them sweat lodges an' she had a deep personal connection to the chief of that particular tribe (Lakota--Chief Archie!) an' traveled the world with'im--I'm a gonna share the link to some of her fine pix from that work she did as I think ya might like 'em -- here ya go!
http://www.veretta.com/native-american/p6tqq7dbe7m4k8je7fwpk8us28r8qb
Lookin' forward ta the next install-mint!
Aho Mateo!!! Xoxo
Your writing is magical, it carries me along with you even to where I don't want to go! feel I touched the experience of that heat and was tearful afterwards. Amazing... and how open and courageous and generous you are...
Wow Mary. Tears and chills! More later.. gotta run.. amazing, inspiring writing as always.
Also.. and many levels less important.. but still I hafta say, impressive abs 💪🏼
Exquisite, Mary. I hope one day I will have the courage you had. I am in tearful admiration.
Vic
Amazing story. I'm hyperventilating reading it. I'm glad you could go into the fire and bring this revelation back for me.
I will await the healing rosacea story. My dance teacher, Guatemalan lizard that she is, loves saunas and heat, heat, heat. And has itchy patches of skin that never go away. Connected?
Oh my goodness, Mary. I felt like I was right there with you. I have yet to be in a sweat lodge and always think "Well, I'd have to be next to the door because I'm a champion claustrophobic." And yet, I felt myself being able to endure something like this while reading your words. Remarkable telling. Thank you for sharing. 🔥XO
Aw gorsh, so kind've ya Mary--we gals have endured lots, ain't it so? Hardy AND hearty--made of stronger stuff than the current melty snowflake variety, right? Glad ya liked them photos, ditto here! I just wish Veretta had posted more of 'em on her site cuz there are mebbe thousands! Guess she's mostly sharin' her more commercial stuff that brings in the sheckles now but she spent 15 years documentin' the Lakota (livin' with them, the whole 9 yards!) It's all healin' an' it's fascinatin' how ye kin come by such healin' so many ways (tho' the sweat lodge intensity seems a tad hard ta control, like method actin'!, once that horse gits outta the chute, whoa nellie!). I guess here, tho', it's about lettin' go--of pain, personal demons, loss, grief--all fascinatin' stuff fer sure.
Are ye gonna ever do the Wim Hof ice thing? Lordy, I hate the cold like that but all I hear is cheers an' folks sayin' they've never felt better in their lives, more in touch with the universe, all kinda talkin' bout it like it's better n' bacon! (it's temptin' cuz ya don't need ta go to "Darkest Peru" ta try it tho' fer now I'm settlin' with our Amish bacon ;-) Anywho-- I'll be a' lookin' out fer part II of this surprisin' adventure!
So many things in common with you, Mary, including a daughter named Madeleine whose kids attend Waldorf School in Puerto Vallarta; a decision to not have a television available in our house after reading 4 Arguments in the early 80s (we had one in a closet for a rare movie and watched news of the Gulf War on it); and a sweatlodge story as well! Thanks for writing.
Woo hoo! Yikes! and more power to you, girl! You made me hold my breath, and get all tense and nervous reading this saga of the sweat lodge, but I knew you'd emerge victorious. OK, so look, Mary, I just have to mention that I've been with you here since you wrote about the "Ayahuasca retreat", and as I recall that was an intense experience too. So, what I want to know is, "Are you done yet?" I doubt it. This is just what you do, and I admire you for it, you crazy girl! I look forward to hearing about the rest of your adventure. Thanks for sharing the lessons you learned, and I'm glad you made it back all in one piece. XOX