GROUP RETREATS
Summer Wilderness Vigil
AUGUST 1-8th 2024
Join Sarah West and Lauren Bond for a 7-day Summer Wilderness Vigil in the La Sal mountains, 30 minutes east of Moab, Utah. Immerse yourself in the glorious high country of aspen trees and ponderosa pine forests for a group wilderness experience. Our group vigil spot is located on 40 acres of pristine mountain wilderness at 8,000 feet in elevation with spectacular views of the redrock desert below.
Cost: $2,000
Registration Deposit: $1,000
Participants: Max 12 people. Open to all genders (21+) and good for those with limited mobility (less backpacking required).
We are a welcoming space for LGBTQIA and BIPOC.
Find more details below.
—WILDERNESS VIGIL DETAILS—
The Wilderness Vigil (also known as a Wilderness Quest or Wilderness Fast) is an ancient ritual. It immerses you into the wild, nurturing a profound connection with the earth and your innermost self. This solitary journey serves as a catalyst for transformation, a rite of passage marking a transition from one life stage to another.
In these times of immense distraction and stimulation, the act of solitary time in wilderness is more vital than ever before. This solitary communion with nature allows you to reconnect with your core essence, unearthing hidden gifts and powerful wisdom you hold within.
This ceremony beckons you to step away from the noise of everyday life. It's a bridge that offers clarity, healing, and discovery of your true path. It's a chance to step away from distractions and focus on what truly holds meaning in your life.
—WHAT TO EXPECT —
We'll provide extensive support, addressing your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs throughout the whole process.
First, we'll guide you through an intention-setting process and lay the groundwork for your upcoming solo time. We’ll offer poetry, dream work, embodiment practices, nature-based soul work, sacred talking circles, and deep wilderness immersion.
Then you’ll embark on your three-day solo wilderness time. This period of solitude and self-discovery will be a powerful time, allowing you to reconnect with your inner wisdom and the natural world.
Upon your return, we'll guide you in reflecting on your experience, mirroring the story of your time in nature, and offer you ways to integrate the wisdom gained from your vigil into your everyday life.
TIMELINE
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Preparation
August 1-2nd
We’ll begin with 2 days dedicated to preparation and intention-setting.
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3-Day Solo
August 3-5th
Once prepared you will go out for your 3-day solo time.
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Integration
August 5-7th
We’ll spend 2 days reconnecting with the group, and integrating.
MEET LAUREN BOND
Lauren Bond is a naturalist, transformational wilderness guide, founder and lead guide of the River’s Path, a company offering canoe journeys for nature connection and personal transformation. See her website to learn more.
PAST RETREATS
CANOE JOURNEY
SEPTEMBER 10-17th 2023
Join Sarah West and David Abram for an 8-day canoe journey on the Green River through Labyrinth Canyon. Labyrinth Canyon is one of southern Utah's most spectacular winding corridors. We will paddle through pristine waters, explore towering sandstone walls, and camp on sandy beaches under a starry sky. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the magic of sensory perception and the wonder of the natural world. For more information and to register see The River’s Path website for details.
Trip Cost: $3,500 includes all food
Deposit: $1,000
MEET DAVID ABRAM
David Abram, a leading voice in environmental philosophy, has authored two influential books: "The Spell of the Sensuous" and "Becoming Animal." An eco-philosopher and cultural ecologist, Abram's work delves into the relationship between human perception, language, and the natural world.
