Popular Self Help "Sweat" Guru James Arthur Ray Now The Subject Of Homicide Investigation

Self-help guru James Arthur Ray who once appeared on Oprah and the Larry King show, and was even featured in a popular book "The Secret", is now at the center of a homicide investigation.

It all started earlier this month when over 50 participants signed up for a seminar/retreat that Ray would lead in Sedona Arizona at the Angel Valley Retreat center. According to reports, each participant paid upwards of $10,000 to be a part of his event. One of the features of Ray’s program was having each individual spend a two-hour stint in a makeshift sweat room. While Ray declares that it each acted of their own free volition, the group pressure to participate was no doubt intense. According to Ray, the purpose of this exercise was allegedly to help each individual experience a feeling of euphoria and spiritual cleansing. If you've been following the news, the end of this story is tragic. 19 people were hospitalized due to complications and three have now lost their lives.

What drives people to participate in such events? What motivates a person to pay over $10,000 to spend two hours with 50 other people in extreme heat, sweating for the purposes of spiritual and personal growth? We examined James Arthur Ray’s website and it's typical of those touting themselves as experts who are doing nothing more than trying to sell books, seminars and coaching. There is a lot of fluff and promise but it seems very few concrete ideas on his webpage that will help people change their lives for the better.

Over the years we have seen a lot of people look for the quick fix or a faster way to self-improvement. We seen it in weight-loss, bodybuilding and of course personal growth. Many have been done irreparable damage to their bodies and in some extreme cases have lost their lives. People like James Arthur Ray prey upon others, telling them what they want to hear and charging them big bucks to do it!

The case is still under investigation but we are hoping that out of this tragedy will come a new awareness by the general public that will result in proceeding with caution. Additionally we’re hopeful that new laws will be enacted and perhaps certifications and licenses required for people like Ray who front themselves as experts in the self-help arena. Until that time, our best advice is be careful. Use your head and remember-there's no quick fix.