You pose the question of personal responsibility beautifully and you give us plenty to think about without judgement on the tragedy that has come to light. Thank you for your insight.

It is important that this isolated event does not start a legislative onslaught of limits on a profession designed to defy limitations. At the same time it is an important reminder that no one should swallow any philosophy or technology hook, line and sinker without being clear about that they have the right to rebuke it or recuse themselves from participation.

Thanks for taking this one on.

Laura Berman Fortgang, Career and Life Coach and Author of

"The Little Book On Meaning" and "Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction"

As consumers, we need to take responsiblity for our choices. It’s time to stop looking outside ourselves for our answers and it’s time to stop waiting for the “right” teacher, book, coach or workshop to make us feel complete!

We are complete already! Isn’t it time we knew this? And, we can choose to continue the path of exploration, but we can choose it from a place of wholeness and not from a place of weakness.

To that end, I am taking on re-inventing self-help! And I can’t do it alone. Who would like to join me?

http://reinventingselfhelp.blogspot.com/ http://www.filedby.com/author/kristen_moeller/360…

Yes it really does sadden my heart & your comments on Suzanne's blog around being initiated into a culture to then lead their traditions/rituals is so very true. While I've never done a sweat, one of my spiritual teachers has led them, but she spent years training with the Native American community first.

I think the caveat emptor Guru question as well as leader/participant responsibilities are an important conversation for us all to have.

Again, thank you so much for taking time to join in, read, and comment here.

thank you for wording this so beautifully. I found your post on Suzanne's Get Known Now blog and after reading your post, I am enlightened by your opinion.

This issue pushes emotional buttons for me- first of all, it hurts my heart to know that people died in the act of personal transformation. Like you, I hope it doesn't deter people from continuing the quest to rise above limitations and engage in a full life.

Second, I am a longtime member of the community of people who sweat and do Native ceremonies as a spiritual expression. When I see unqualified people use these traditions in the wrong way, it too hurts my heart.

I want to suggest that you and your readers listen to this radio interview with a woman who was on site at the James Ray event. It's long but listen to the whole thing. In the 2nd half she brings in a man with the Native American perspective to clarify a number of things. He does so in a very non-judgmental way.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ShawnaBowen/2009/10/…

all the best

Nancy
.-= Nancy Marmolejo´s last blog ..Are You Confusing Top of Mind With Conversions? =-.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/art…