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I've pushed myself too far both in all three--physically, mentally, and spiritually (although nothing close to the tragedy you start with above.)

For example, I love reading Yoga books. But every couple of months I realize I'm living too much in my head and not enough in my heart and actions. So I just go cold turkey on the Yoga books for a couple of months and make sure my really living my life and not just thinking about it.

I injured my wrist doing the seemingly benign Five Tibetans, to the extent that I had to give up tennis for six months.

What I like about Yoga is that, in general, it has built-in philosophies that rein in your ego and help prevent going too far in pursuit of achievement.

Bob Weisenberg
http://YogaDemystified.com

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I don't think it's necessary to push ourselves to an edge. I think it simply is that we need to dwell in our desire to know more, do more, learn more whatever it may be and then allow it to come naturally. Patients is often difficult. It's when patients has been removed or ignored that we have a tendency to get into trouble.

I just want to share how sad I am to here about this tragedy. I pray for all the people involved and those that have passed on. For those of us that hold space for intense processes, it is important to remember the potential dangers behind what we do.

I receive this as a reminder, that it is important to empower people to be able to opt out at the moment that feels right for them.

I know this is especially difficult in sweat lodges that are jammed packed with people and with only one entrance in and out. A consideration could be made here to only fit in so many people so that people can easily come out, or to have more then one entrance are exit.

The deaths are being treated as homicides. Again, I pray for all involved.

Please be loving with yourself and others. Honor your body. Honor your limits

This is a tragic story, but helpful in highlighting the line we walk between stretching our limits and caring for ourselves. Like many things in life, that line is much clearer in the rear view mirror than through the windshield. But you can't drive that way. One of the things yoga has given to me is the reminder that I'm driving, so I can stop at whatever the line looks like at the time. As a lifelong competitive athlete, I used to compete with other perceptions of what I needed, not my own. It is tragically ironic that these folks died or were injured while on that road of discovery.

Hmmm... I know I'm going to come across a little rough here, but here it goes....

These people paid up to $10000 each for this retreat. In my opinion, they weren't only buying a retreat but also all the false promises of "expanded spiritualality" that went with it. When will people learn that God lives within and there is no quick fix to enlightenment???

Mr James Ray should be held accountable for this, as conditions within the "sweat box" defy all common sense - who knows what drivel he served up to his clients.

My compassion is for alll involved, especially those who suffered the greatest loss. I truly hope there are some lessons learned here so this kind of thing doesn't happen again.

Peace.

I am very sad about this occurrence.

When I read about the conditions in the sweat lodge I am angry at the leader. I have read that the leader exhorted people in the previous days to go beyond their edge by fasting and eating little.. etc.. Then to stay in a sweat lodge.

I am one who will leave a situation when It is not good for me. Most don't. I woudl have left alive as I am used to saunas and know that the dizzy feeling one can get is a signal. However, they were egged on to endure hardship in a way which killed them. I am sure their death and injury was not the intent. I am quite sure of that. However power is sneaky. The presenter had a great deal of power. Just recently I remained in a soul dance group when I disagreed with the presenter. I fidgeted in the lecture with a model of adult development -pretty dry stuff and rigid- ultimately I simply left. Where do I get this uppityness which I am sometimes criticized for? In this case it would have saved my life.

More prayers to all involved..

I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy, especially since it is wrapped up with spiritual traditions that should be safe and wonderful. It has reminded me of how careful I must be when teaching yoga in heated rooms. I have actually been incorporation specific times to drink water during class, so that people really feel like it is ok to stop and drink. I am reminded of what a tremendous responsibility it is to be a teacher.