Vision Quest: A Quest for Serenity by Jay Rau

Vision Quest

A Quest for Serenity

During the first week of August I was invited by a Shaman named Ross Bishop to join him as an apprentice on a vision quest. A vision quest is an ancient ceremonial rite of passage that has been conducted for thousands of years. Actually for as long as man has walked the earth. This is a very sacred ceremony for the Native Americans as well as other native cultures around the world such as South and Central America, Australia, Africa, The Celts, Goths and many others. I was honored to be a part of such a historical event.

The vision quest is a four day fast in a secluded wilderness area such as a desert, forest or the mountains. The early native peoples were hard core and went into the wilderness and dug a hole and sat in it with only a blanket and no food or water. However, we spoiled Americans were given the okay to drink water, have a sleeping bag and a tarp for protection from the cold rain and hot sun. The point is getting out and away from your “comfort zone” and exposed to nature, for nature is our teacher.

Searching For Answers to Questions from Within....

My vision quest was held in the mountains near Santa Fe, New Mexico. The quest didn’t start the day I got there but a month prior by digging up problems years in the making. It started with the Shaman asking what I thought were three easy questions. Those questions turned into more questions that turned into more questions until I was left with nothing but the bare truth of my real self. I dug up problems that have been ignored for many years. Once I knew what I had to let go and bring in I was well prepared for the quest.    

On the first morning of the fast I woke up at dawn, packed my gear and found the Shaman waiting at the Medicine Wheel where I was blessed into the “Spirit World.” Once cleansed with burning Sage I was to have no human contact or food for the next four days. Not being able to eat for four days was my biggest concern, but it turned out to be no big deal. In nature and away from the refrigerator and local restaurants I never thought about food or even got hungry. I had too much work to do on myself anyways.

I spent the four days hiking the beautiful mountains, watching the sun rise and set each day, enjoying the local wildlife, drumming, journeying, praying, meditating and contemplating life. I buried my old self and ways of dealing with life and filled myself with God’s love. The fast is to help empty the vessel we call a body. After emptying the body of food, toxins and our old habits it is ready to be filled with the new. One thing that I learned quickly is how much we all “want” so much, but in reality we really “need” very little. Life is precious and every breath we take is sacred. God is good and its energy force is in everything. Sitting in the canyons I could actually feel the vibration of the Earth and hear its hum. The wind whispered through the brush and trees. God and the Earth will speak if you only stop and listen. 

My Serenity Date

This was the most spiritual experience that I have ever had. I am happy to say that not only do I have a sobriety date, but I can honestly say that I now have a serenity date as well. When I start to get caught up in the whirlwinds and chaos of every day life I take a deep breath and remember the smell of the wild sage growing in the canyon, the Hawk soaring above and the peace I found inside myself on top of the mountain. Life is good and I am grateful for all the lessons I learn from it.

If you ever get the chance to go on a vision quest I highly recommend it. If you have any questions about this experience and would like to go on a vision quest yourself, feel free to contact me at any time, I would be honored to share my experience with you.

- Jay Rau, CAS

Jay Rau is a Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS) who loves working with the clients at our rehab center in Newport Beach. Jay facilitates lectures and specialize in criminal thinking errors and positive thinking techniques.