Ecosomatic Therapy and Trauma Treatment
June 2027 Sourcing the Fire Vision Fast
VISION FAST OVERVIEW
A vision fast ceremony is a modern-day rite of passage that helps us navigate the complexity of our lives and mark, honor, and celebrate life transitions. This experience is modeled after The School for Lost Boarders' approach to vision fasts and involves time out alone in nature, with minimal or no food, leaving behind distractions and daily routines. The vision fast ceremony has three archetypal phases that have been identified by anthropologists in rites of passage around the world: Severance, Threshold, and Incorporation. Participants who move through these phases do so while reflecting on who they are and what they have to offer as they step into their true nature and sense of belonging amongst the land and our communities.
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LOCATION & SCHEDULE
This fast will take place on June 11-19, 2027 on the beautiful private land of the Friends Wilderness Center, located near Harpers Ferry, WV. Harper's Ferry is a river-side community located on the historical lands of the Manahoac, Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee) and Massawomeck Peoples.
LETTER OF INTENT PREPARATION
In advance of the vision fast, participants are asked to write a letter of intent regarding their reasons for wanting to participate in the ceremony and their intentions for their experience. Questions to consider when writing: "What is calling you to fast? Where are you in your life? Are you at the beginning or the end of something or are you in transition? What is it that you wish to mark or celebrate as true for you? How are your relationships with friends, family, and yourself? What do you dream for yourself as you look into the future?" This letter is an excellent preparation tool that can help participants find clarity.
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PROGRAM GUIDES
Bryan Bieniek, LGPC, MS, MAT is a Wilderness Rites of Passage guide and lead facilitator on this journey. He has been leading vision fasts since 2012 and believes strongly in the role of ceremony as a means to increase capacity for insight and healing. He is a mental health counselor by day and the the founder of Sourcing the Fire.
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Kris Bajgier, LCSW-C, MEd is a clinical social worker and member of the Wilderness Guides Council. She has certifications in Nature-Informed Therapy and Wilderness First Aid. She has a love of hiking, foraging, and the woods. She will provide gentle guidance and mirroring throughout the journey to support participants in exploring themselves and their relationship to nature through mindfulness, contemplative practice, and campfire council.​
HIKING TERRAIN / DIFFICULTY LEVEL
The Friends Wilderness Center is a diverse ecosystem of 1600 acres of Blue Ridge forest, criss-crossed by hiking trails and mountain streams. All trails are marked and maintained and most are easy to moderate in difficulty, but are not paved. Participants should be prepared to hike and explore the property throughout the duration of the event, but long hikes and difficult terrain are not a requirement depending on people's comfort levels. We have been able to accommodate a wide range of physical and medical abilities among our participants, so please reach out with questions to determine if you're a good fit for our program.
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PROGRAM COSTS
Program registration includes a $525 non-refundable deposit at least two weeks before the start of the program in order to secure yourself a space. Space is limited and spots are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis based on deposits received. Program deposit covers the cost of:
* Licensed healthcare providers and guide wages for 8 days
* Friends Wilderness Center campsite fee for 8 days
* Administrative Fees
* 10 Meals over 5 days
* Base camp communal supplies
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In order to make this trip as accessible as possible, the remaining cost of the program is donation-based. A donation between $100 and $800 is encouraged before or at the close of the ceremony. Participants will be trusted to pay what they feel is appropriate and an amount that corresponds with what they feel they can afford based on their financial circumstances. People interested in this program who may not be able to participate due to financial hardship are encouraged to reach out to Krista at info@terrasomahealth.com
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CAMPING EQUIPMENT
Terra Soma Health has a limited number of gear kits available to participants who do not have their own camping equipment. Gear kits include a two-person tent, tent rain cover, backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and stove with a gas canister. Participants may rent gear kits for an additional $50 at the time of registration.
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REGISTRATION
You can reserve your space on the trip and purchase gear by selecting the registration button below. Within 2-3 business days, you will be contacted by the lead guide, Bryan Bieniek, to complete the appropriate liability forms and to schedule a pre-trip screening. Please contact info@terrasomahealth.com if you have questions before registering.
