WHAT IS A VISION QUEST?

Vision Quest - a once in a lifetime turning point experience: held 4 - 6 April 2008 click here to enrol.

Vision quests, also known as a pilgrimage, initiation or rite of passage have long been practiced by cultures around the world. In the Native American Indian tradition, for instance, a child would spend time alone in the wilderness, sometimes without food, to experience a ‘vision’ of their destiny or quest in life. Indeed the indigenous tribes have long understood the importance of the transition period from youth to adulthood. They believed that all children should undergo this quest at least once in their lifetime before puberty.

Today Vision Quests are taken for many other reasons and even though they may look different than the original style the essence remains very much the same. For those entering a new phase in life or seeking a renewed direction, they can be a powerful step forward. Essentially, a Vision Quest is a sacred act that honors the releasing of the old and welcoming of the new. Something all of us deserve. 

However it can be rare to take time out of our busy lives to undergo this ancient ritual and this is why Earth Institute is proud to offer three-day Vision Quests held in a retreat environment near Sydney.  Under the guidance of expert facilitators, you spend time alone getting to know yourself more deeply and begin to reconnect with your inner purpose. By stepping outside of everyday life, you will be able to move more gracefully from one stage of your life to the next.
 
“Our Vision Quest works in three stages,” explains Paul Perfrement from Earth Institute in Australia, the Australian center for transformation, education and consciousness. “During our Vision Quest, participants engage in a rite of passage experience as a personal soul threshold.” He says this involves various practices that culminate in a deep connection with oneself, their life and the earth.
 
These earth-based retreats are designed to encourage participants to align with ‘spirit’ or ‘nature’ in a way that empowers both their professional and personal journey. During the retreat, participants experience a deepening of their understanding of themselves and their life calling, including strengths, transformational opportunities and how to step through or embrace current challenges. Earth Institute facilitators support this through eco-therapy, shamanic, energetic and other forms of transpersonal work.
 
“We call the first day ‘Severance’ where we practice cleansing rituals to release unwanted patterns," says Paul. "This is followed by ‘Threshold’, a day of practicing different rituals alone as a way to get in touch with your inner guide." He explains that on the third day, ‘Reincorporation’, sees each participant returning to the group to share and integrate insights and wisdom gained.
 
“The final day is most significant,” says Paul. “In most indigenous cultures this stage was important as it indicated the end of one journey and beginning of the new. Also, this part symbolised a return to the community whereby one could integrate all that they experienced into their own life.” He says that on the final day they help each participant to fully experience and embody a strong resonance with the gift and energising meaning of their quest.

 “Participants return feeling energised in mind and body and with a renewed sense of purpose,” says Paul. “It’s a wonderful way to release the old and welcome the new. The experience can be held in a gentle or challenging way according to the needs and wishes of each participant”.  He adds that the entire experience is a profound meeting of one’s inner nature with Mother Nature, the earth and beyond. 

“This is healing, transformational and empowering,” he says.

Earth Institute offers Vision Quest for individuals while Earth Institute Consulting offers Vision Quest for the corporate sector.

The next Vision Quest is held 4 - 6 April 2008 click here to enrol
   

Paul Perfrement is Director of the Earth Institute - a college, consultancy and centre for life and work fulfilment and care of the future. Located in Sydney, we provide education and development opportunities to address the current challenges facing individuals, organisations and the global community. We offer a series of professional studies, individual consultations, life programs and corporate and coaching services in these and other exciting areas:  Shamanic and Energetic Healing;  Contemporary Astrology;  Corporate Services;  Psychodrama;  Shamanic Journey;  Eco Meditation and  lots more.