There was a moment the day after the vision quest where I had an epiphany: for the first time since I was very very young, I felt absolutely perfect. I was so proud of myself, not because “I did it,” not because I survived for three days on my own in the wilderness, but because I was me. I realized, I like myself. I am perfect just the way I am. Of course I had told myself this before, and it sounds so simple to think or say. But to actually experience pure and utter acceptance of the self is truly uplifting. The vision quest is not about surviving, or skirting death. It is about finding Life, and filling oneself up with Spirit. The facilitators of this journey were absolutely fantastic. They had intuitive insight on where and how I needed help on my quest, and were able to subtly guide me in precisely the manner necessary to get me through. I not only recommend a vision quest for someone who is seeking inner clarity, but I recommend this particular quest with these particular facilitators. -Caitlin R
It’s been almost two months since returning from the Vision Quest, and I am still in awe and ever so grateful I attended, was open to what I needed, and pushed myself through my own fears. I went to the Badlands in hopes of burying the self-critical part of myself that made living so painful–-physically and emotionally. “Burying” is not the right word for what happened on this trip; “transformed” is more accurate. I came home to/re-mothered/re-birthed myself while on my Vision Quest. My chronic joint pain is gone; and the compassion and self-love. I feel still holds me steady and strong.
As for the facilitators, Samvedam and Maya are skilled, flexible, and capable women. As a psychotherapist, I know all that goes in to preparing and facilitating a group process, especially one of this nature. Samvedam is intuitive, kind, honest, and wise. I would not have attended this Vision Quest with anyone else leading it.
The line in the Vision Quest book that decided this trip for me: “In dying I had to let go of the old ways of seeing myself and place my faith in the unknown.” The ‘unknown’ I found–-the essence of me–-is better than I could ever have imagined. Thank you to the wonderful women who attended and dared, to the people who organized all the details, and to that golden eagle that answered my question. -Judy H
WOW! What an adventure, what a gift. For me the Vision Quest was about going within, listening to the stillness and my guides. I felt perfectly safe and that the entire adventure was held in a very sacred manner by Samvedam. Samvedam and Maya worked very well together to guide and counsel me through my quest. They were both very helpful in my process. The location was magical and so beautiful. I highly recommend this Vision Quest and know that any trip guided by Samvedam would be wonderful.
Thank you so much, Samvedam and Maya. -Linda A
I have tried to write and write and write to express my experience as a result of this mind blowing, heart touching, renewing life event. In celebration of my 60th year I wanted to connect with a horse and to meet myself in a deeper way. I did both, beyond my wildest dreams. Of course, it is always best to go in with no expectations. In trying to keep this short, I must give kudo¹s to Samvedam and Maya for the insight and processes that they held for each of us collectively and individually. The rituals offered helped to support and comfort, especially considering the level of anticipation that is present preceding one¹s launch into the wilderness alone for three days and three nights (sans food). The whole ten days unfolded as was meant to be.
Buckley my horse and I, did have a connection of trust and power like I have never before experienced. My actual three days of fast and quest opened me to a sensitivity free of limiting beliefs and noise where the connection to nature was filled with metaphors for living and relating to my life going forward most of all I did I meet myself, like I never would have believed possible.
All I can say is I love you so much was never before part of my vocabulary to myself.
This quest was a gift, the other participants were a gift to my process, the leaders were a gift in their support and expertise, the horses and the ranchers were a gift to our quirks and needs, the location and vista was a gift, and the lore of the land was a gift. I can¹t say enough of how this was the best present ever, so far in my life. If anyone reading this is questioning and/or held in check by fear, I say just do it, the fears will be met and you will not regret it. Get in touch with me if you need. -Liz E
