This is a song about something that I have been questioned about. It deals with the traditional sweat lodge of the Native American. I get a lot of people who come to me and say stuff like "Man, I really want to do that. I think it would be like kewl!." I have a real problem with this sort of statement. In some ways I kinda take it as an insult to my own spirituality. For me the sweat lodges are not an experience or something one would do for entertainment. I take this very seriously and I would be very honest to say that I would never enter a sweat lodge with anyone who was doing it for any other reason except for its only intended purposes. In many tribes that I have spoken with, some will allow a visitor if trusted, while others wouldn't allow anyone outside of family enter and that is only with invitation. For a sweat lodge is a sacred ground which brings its own consequences if abused. For many stories have been handed to me about this. I will share a few to illustrate. One story was told to me about a man who drank alcohol, then entered causing the rocks to explode which chased everyone out of the lodge. While another couple who went in seeking some ultra-spiritual experience found second degree burns instead. This song is not about how serious I take the sweat lodge but an actual case of when I entered. So if you seek an experience find it in my words not in our lodges.

DREAMING IN PEACE



First the heat
Then the pain
Then the sweat
Then the dreams
Then the insight
Then peace in the night

I remember sitting as they rolled the rocks in
Seeing the glow from the fires contained within
I offered sage and sweet grass from my hand
Gave thanks for welcoming me to this land
Held my medicine close to my heart and pray
All became dark I knew now I was here to stay
The sound of water hissing before my face
Sweetness in the air touched my lips as I taste
Then the pain of searing heat joined against my skin
Afraid to breath my soul started to give in

(cc1)
This is life
How it all began
How it all will stay
Dreaming in peace
This is truth
How it all was
How it's going to be
Dreaming in peace

I closed my eyes as my mind cleared away
Lost myself inside as did all my pain
A singing started in my head from my own voice
I repeated it as everyone else started to join
In the darkness my eyes started once again to see
Things of past things of truth things meant for me
Why God only now do you come to my side
Setting in shadow but no place I can hide
I know who I am but there was not to be fear
So distant from life I know yet inside I was so near

(repeat cc1)

Paths lay open so many decisions to make
Yet none of them are really mine to take
Then the night air chills my skin and I rise
Everything is life everything before my eyes
Everyone said listen to the wolves howl in the night
I only heard the great lion speaking it will be all right
Wanted to return to the lodge wanted to know more
Because inside there was no more war
Silence came over me to hold my prayer
Searching myself I find that I am still there

(repeat cc1)
_______________________

WROTE BY: NIGHTHORSE

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