Programs
"Thank you so much for this opportunity to spend the day on the land with such a spirit filled experience."
Marlene Soiland, Santa Rosa
RITES OF PASSAGE PROGRAMS
Northern California DayQuests
The DayQuest is a ceremony when we step out of ordinary time and go alone into nature where we can seek some answers to our most compelling questions, mark a transition in our lives or simply find the rest we need from a busy life.
Being in nature allows us to pay deep attention to how our own nature and the symbols of our inward journey are reflected by the earth. Wandering along tails, or resting beneath an ancient tree, spending time writing or drawing...we slow down enough to listen to the stories the wind has to tell, to explore our sensual connection to the landscape, to notice what the animals might be teaching us. We set aside this time fasting and in solitude, to honor our own rhythm so that our hearts can lead us toward that which we long for the most.
Supported by a loving community before and after solo time on beautiful Sonoma County land, we will clarify, confirm and celebrate whatever it is we intend to call in for ourselves.
Wilderness Vision Quest
At various times in our lives, something beckons and we know it's time for a change. In the ceremony of the Vision Quest, we leave behind what has begun to die in our lives and go alone into wild nature seeking renewal and clarity.
When it is time to turn your back on the wild and prepare to return to your daily life, we help you to incorporate your Quest experience. This then becomes the challenge: How to become what you have lived so that your Quest experience benefits not only your personal life but the life of your community as well?
In preparatory meetings with the entire questing group, you will learn what you will need to know about equipment and using a backpack, safety procedures, wilderness ethics and minimal impact camping. We thoroughly prepare you to live in the wilderness. We also guide you in such areas as self-generated ceremony, deep listening and the practice of council, the Four Shields of human nature, community building, fasting, terrain, flora & fauna and psychological tools. It is not necessary to have prior experience in any of these areas to participate in a Vision Quest.
"I crossed the threshold into Nature's timeless world and found myself an honored guest...an ancient connection has been renewed and all of life is different."
Linda Thomas, Aviation Specialist
Training and Consultations in The Practice of Council
The practice of council is based in our ancient, bone-deep connection to our ancestors who sat in circle around the fire. In council we build community...all voices are considered equal, and we hold each other in compassion and respect. We sit in circle so all can see one another. We slow down and practice deep, non-judgmental listening, and fresh curiosity about our diverse perspectives. What emerges is the rich, combined wisdom of the entire group.
The practice of council is a powerful teaching in collaboration and respect. It is applied effectively in a variety of settings, both public and private: family meetings, support groups, civic meetings, agencies and corporations etc. Council is a potent guide for any group intention. The practice of council is a guiding force for EarthWays, in our programs as well as the for our business and creative meetings.
EarthWays Policies & Procedures
Deposits: EW requires a deposit in order to register for most of our programs. Please see the details related to the program you wish to attend. Deposits are non-refundable at any time unless we cancel the program or you are not accepted into the program.
Cancellations: If we receive notice of cancellation 4 weeks or more before the start date of a program, the deposit & any fees paid can be credited for a later program of the same type; in this case, the deposit remains non-refundable. For cancellations made less than 4 weeks before the start date of a program, all deposit/fees paid are forfeited.
Fees and Payments: You can make a deposit or pay the entire fee upon enrollment. If you pay the deposit only, the final payment for DayQuests & Vision Quests is due at the preparation gathering; for Workshops, final payment is due at the first meeting. See registration details for your particular program.
Scholarships: We offer a limited number of scholarships. Payment plans are available. Please contact us for further information.
To register for any of our programs, or if you would like to know more about us, feel free to contact us at: admin@EarthWays.info
Earth Ways is a trademarked name belonging to the Earth Ways foundation, Malibu, CA.