I embarked on a Vision Quest this past fall. The principal elements are prolonged isolation, fasting, and exposure to the wild.

I participated in this ritual as a way to shed my layers of comfort, ease, and knowing that have solidified in my persona. I approached curious, eager, and longing for an experience that dismantles these distractions in order to bring me closer to my Soul’s purpose.

“Lamenting” is a traditional name given for a vision quest. I ask for those who feel inclined, to spend some time to pray; and in your own way, hold this lamenting with me as we all embark on this journey of the Soul.

I embarked on a Vision Quest this past fall. The principal elements are prolonged isolation, fasting, and exposure to the wild.

… MY VISION

As the layers shed, I become intoxicated with empty

And Gratitude pours from the endless cauldron of my Soul

Behold:

Crystal dewdrops shimmering,

Highlighting an aura of light around the young pine.

I lay basking in that kindred spotlight, blazing down…

My body pressed in a perfectly shaped mound of velvet moss

Ferns feathering my skin…

Ease, you help slice time ever finer

So that I can tend to the tiniest of moments

You are the sweet space in between everything and itself

My gratitude contains multitudes:

Gentle bubbles in my solar plexus

And a massive roar that rattles like an earthquake

A wellspring as I bring to mind the intimacy I share with my nightly fire vigil

Cycling dead wood for night medicine

Snuggled up, I can hear the red hot coals speak their glowing wisdom

Both And…

A gentle pulsing glow,

And a dangerous fury

Fire attacks and feasts on its fuel,

And whispers the softest breath of a lullaby

As powerful as Grief itself

THE VISION QUEST