|
|
Why would anyone willingly put themselves
into the middle of a mountain
wilderness, alone with a minimum of
shelter and no food for three days and
nights? For as far back as we can
imagine human beings have sought out
just such circumstances, often in times
of transition, to seek guidance, inspiration,
and a deeper connection with the
sacred.
Almost every culture on Earth has traditions
involving initiations or rites in
the natural world: the Walkabouts of
the Australian Aborigines, the quest of
the Native Americans, the Himalayan
cave for the yogi. Jesus, the Buddha
as well as Mohammad, all made their
pilgrimages into the wilderness.
The Vision Fast at Narrow Ridge
Earth Literacy Center returns you to
Earth as the original source and
teacher. This can be one of the most
powerful, life changing experiences a
person could ever have. The first two
days will provide safety and basic
survival training and introduce you to rituals
and experiences that distance you from
habits and routines of the busy world and
open you to your deeper self.
Following the preparation phase, you will
be taken to a mountain wilderness area for
three days and nights of silence, solitude,
and fasting. Narrow Ridge staff will be located
at a base camp in the wilderness
area in order to be available in case of an
emergency.
After returning from the fast, participants
will be provided the opportunity to share
their stories with one another and the Narrow
Ridge support community. This will be
a time of celebration and reflection, a time
to talk about the future and prepare to take
on the tasks of everyday life again. Included
in this celebration will be a sweatlodge
ceremony. |
Accomodations
Before and after the mountain fast, participants will live at the Strawbale Lodge, one of the “greenest” lodges in the United States with flushless composting toilets, passive solar design, AC and DC solar electricity, an on-demand hot water heater, and straw bale construction.
Wonderful vegetarian meals are served with some produce provided by local organic gardens. |
 |
Enrollment
| Previous camping experience is not
necessary. Participants will need to be
able to carry a full back pack two miles
over rugged terrain. Enrollment is limited
to eight people. After the registration
deposit is received, information will be
mailed regarding advance preparation,
what to bring, etc, as well as a copy of
The Vision Fast Handbook. Early
enrollment is strongly encouraged since
you will need time to prepare physically,
mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the fast. |
Registration & fees
The cost for this event is $600.00.
Couples from the same household
is discounted to $1080.00 per couple. Private rooms
are available for an additional charge of
$50.00 depending on availability.
Don’t let anything hold you back from participating! Ask about our loan program and our partial scholarships.
For more information contact
Mitzi Wood-Von Mizener
at (865) 497-2753 or
community@narrowridge.org.
|
|
Contact us
To reserve your place,
contact
Mitzi Wood-Von Mizener
1936 Liberty Hill Road
Washburn, TN 37888
(865) 497-2753
or email
Community@NarrowRidge.org. |
Testimonial
Earlier this summer, my wife, Ashley, and I found ourselves driving the windy road over Joppa and Clinch Mountain from Jefferson City to the Hogskin Valley and Narrow Ridge around lunchtime on the first Saturday of this year’s Vision Quest. There was a quiet in the car as we anticipated the next nine days of our life together. As an individual who has been around Narrow Ridge for the past 2 or 3 years, I have heard numerous stories of the Vision Quest and had the pleasure of encountering many questers who have come before me. I knew we would be fasting alone on Log Mountain for three days, I knew about the other aspects of the fast, and I had a sense of my purpose before the quest; I did not know how much of an impact the experience would have on my life, my marriage, and my other relationships.
It is beyond difficult to quantify the complete Vision Quest experience from my perspective. Many meaningful conversations were had and relationships formed over the course of those nine days. I compare it to a trip to a new country for the first time: I gain mind-blowing insights, I realize I am not alone in this world, and, upon return, it is difficult for me to reconcile what has just happened with my default selfish and materialistic lifestyle. The Quest, for me, was more than three days alone in the wilderness, time away from my fast-paced and distracting lifestyle. The Quest was a rite of passage for me into adulthood. It was me learning to stand-up and accept my responsibility to this world and every being herein. It was learning to trust my partner with my passions and vision for both my life and our life together. I am reminded of an analogy I heard recently: Before the quest, my life was like a ship at harbor, safe and peaceful, but this is not what ships were meant for. Ships were meant to sail, and so am I.
|
Then the Spirit said:
“Let the fire of nature's chorus;
It's raging storms and mighty forests,
Its pounding seas and soaring peaks,
Its blazing skies and teeming reefs,
Burn human hearts with its splendor
And forge their souls in awe and wonder.”
Vincent Busch
|
