Primitive Weekend
I have promised to go on a primitive weekend if we got 5 patrons, and now that we have 5 patrons I am starting to plan this adventure. I am tentatively planning for June 30th-July 2nd. This has actually been something I have been wanting to do for a while but for one reason or another have been unwilling to do. I hope to challenge myself physically, and spiritually on this weekend. There is a long history of people going on intense periods of isolation for the sake of spiritual growth in numerous cultures. To me this is separating from everything but spirit. No cell phone, no people, no distractions. All that is there is you and spirit.
In the Lakota traditions this is called hanblecheyapi. This “vision quest” is a sacred and traditional practice that involves going into the wilderness alone, fasting, and praying in order to receive a vision or guidance from the spirits. The vision quest is considered a rite of passage and is often undertaken by young people as a way to connect with their heritage and culture. The word "hanblecheyapi" translates to "crying for a vision" and reflects the deep emotional and spiritual experience that is associated with this practice. The vision quest is still practiced by many Lakota people today as a way to connect with their spiritual beliefs and gain a greater sense of purpose and direction in their lives.
I plan to treat this weekend much like a Hanblecheyapi as I am able to. I plan to spend 3 days and 2 nights in the forest, going out on a Friday Afternoon, and returning Sunday evening. I am still deciding where this will take place. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please message me. I’d like to be far enough into the woods to be isolated but not so far that friends and family can check on me without going too far out of their way. I will be fasting this whole time. Please don’t worry that people die of dehydration around 3-4 days. I promise people can survive this period of time exerting themselves and pushing themselves much harder than I will be. I also plan to have quick visits to make sure all is well. It is also Lakota tradition that supporters will eat and drink for me during this time. So if you think of it, drink some water or eat some food for me during this period of time and allow spirit to carry this nourishment to me in the woods.
I plan to bring a few things with me on this trip. I will be taking, a rope, a tarp, a knife, an ax, a lighter, a hammock, a chair, a mosquito net, a book, and my camera. I bring these last two items with apprehension as these last two items I would consider a luxury or technology, and are deff not primitive, but I do want to document the experience making the camera a necessary piece of technology. Everything else can be considered primitive and was around in primitive times, but are more modern versions.I am also allowing myself one book. I would like to bring a dense, deeply insightful philosophy book, and I have a few in mind that I have wanted to read and some others have suggested. I am open to other suggestions but here is the list as it currently stands:
Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoesvski
Bahgavad Gita
Walden Henry David Thoeau
Republic, Plato
Definition of Culture T.S. Elliott
I would like to turn this into a poll and let you guys decide what book I bring with me to read, so go vote!
https://strawpoll.com/polls/PbZqR03KNyN
More updates to come in the future. Wish me luck!
~Tony See
