Into the Woods- A Vision Quest

I recently signed up for the 100-person vision quest taking place in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey this August. This decision will put me alone in the woods for 4 days with only water. "The Vision Quest is an ancient rite of passage used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures and mystical societies for spiritual growth and expansion. The tradition passed to us consists of 4 days and 4 nights immersed in the beauty and healing energy of nature, alone in a Quest circle, no distractions, fasting from all things familiar. You come face to face with yourself, and get to know more deeply who you are (and who you are not). With all distractions and the noise of daily life removed, and the voices of those around you silenced, you are more able to hear the whisperings of your soul reminding you why you came here in this life. 4 days and 4 nights -- just you alone with the Creator."

While reading up on the history of the vision quest and what to expect, I came across the following quote, which kind of makes me laugh at the things we humans do in the quest for spiritual growth.... "It is said that a strong urge to leave the quest area will come to the seeker and a feeling of insanity may set in. However, the seeker normally overcomes this by reminding him or herself of the overall outcome of the quest, causing the mind to stop wandering on random thoughts. The individual can generally find solace in the fact that he or she will not die in just two to four days." read more here

Its not so much the solitude or the silence, its the fast that I am apprehensive about. I fasted with the Master Cleanse for 9 days, and lived on fresh vegetable and fruit juice and raw food for 2 weeks. I also spent 10 days in silence during a Vipassana meditation. But I never lived not even 1 day of my life with just water. I just have to remember that my body will survive 4 days without food, and remind myself of all the others in the forest who will be questing as well.

To prepare, I have already cut out caffeine and sugar (which is very difficult!), I will want to abstain from alcohol at least a few days before the program begins, try to meditate more and spend time alone outside, and I will do a water fast (only drink water) one day a week for the next two weeks. I also am advised to develop a list of specific questions I want answered or clarified during my time alone with the Creator.

I meet the group August 8th, and go alone into the woods at dawn a day or two later.