A guided experience for persons seeking clarity and peace about life directions with three days and nights of solitary fasting in a mountain wilderness setting.
Participants in this program will experience two and a half days of preparation and training, three days and three nights of fasting alone on a mountain near Narrow Ridge Center, and two and a half days of processing including a sweat lodge ceremony. Past participants have reported significant increases in clarity about life directions, decisions, and purpose, in addition to finding the experience profoundly restorative in terms of feelings of health and well-being.
Why would anyone willingly put themselves into the middle of a mountain wilderness, alone with a minimum of shelter and no food for three days and nights? Wilderness Fasts have been part of the rites of passage of many different cultures: the Walkabouts of the Australian Aborigines, the quest of the Native Americans, the Himalayan cave for the yogi. Jesus, the Buddha as well as Mohammad, to seek guidance, inspiration, and a deeper connection with the sacred. The Vision Fast at Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center returns you to Earth as the original source and teacher.
Upcoming Vision Fast programs: October 5th-13th!
Claim your spot for one of the 2024 Vision Fast programs! Join our waitlist. Limited spaces available.
What to expect
During and after the Vision Fast, participants will stay at Strawbale Lodge on the grounds of Narrow Ridge, an eco-friendly facility constructed of sustainable building materials and utilizing solar power, composting toilets, and an on-demand water heater. Vegetarian and organic food is provided in a supportive group living and learning environment. Participants in this program will experience two and a half days of preparation and training, three days and three nights of fasting alone on a mountain near Narrow Ridge Center, and two and a half days of processing including a sweat lodge ceremony.
Vision Fast Leaders
Principle Vision Fast leaders will be Bill Nickle and Mitzi Wood-Von Mizener. Bill Nickle is founder of Narrow Ridge and 21-year vision fast guide. Mitzi is Director of Narrow Ridge and has served as Vision Fast guide since 2006. She trained under Bill’s mentoring and has received additional training through the School of Lost Borders (SLB). SLB pioneered non-Native American led vision fasts in the United States.
Preparation
Previous camping experience is not required.
Participants must submit a statement of personal intent explaining her/his interest in experiencing a Vision Fast. Those accepted must file a medical statement certifying they are in sufficiently good health given the physical demands of mountain hiking with a heavy pack, camping, and fasting; and be willing to sign a liability waiver accepting the inherent safety risks of a Vision Fast including spending time alone in a wilderness setting. Participants should prepare for the Vision Fast over the weeks preceding the experience by following a suggested regime of reading, journaling, short-term fasting, and walking.
To apply or for more information, contact Mitzi Wood-Von Mizener at 865-497-2753 or by email at community@narrowridge.org. Deadline for registration is September 15th for the October Vision Fast. A $50 deposit is required to reserve your place in the Vision Fast. Balance of tuition is due by the registration deadline and is fully refundable up until this date. Cancellations thereafter will result in 1/2 tuition reimbursement. If you are interested in applying after the above deadlines, please contact us to see if there are available spaces. Don’t let anything hold you back from participating! Ask about our loan and scholarship programs.
Cost
Individuals and couples are invited to apply. Cost is $750 per person or $1350 per couple. Need-based scholarship assistance is available.
