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Return to vastness
may 12th - 16th,
With Kelsey Wishik
Just Love Forest, Poetry, Georgia
Return to Vastness: A Five-Day Vision Quest
A Sacred Journey into Solitude, Fasting, and Deep Connection
Step into the wilderness. Leave behind the distractions of daily life. Awaken to the vastness within.
This five-day Vision Quest at Just Love Forest is an invitation to step beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in the raw, transformative power of nature. Through guided preparation, two days of water fasting and solitude in the forest, and intentional integration, this journey is designed for those seeking clarity, renewal, and deeper communion with themselves and the earth.
What is a Vision Quest?
A vision quest is an ancient practice of solitude, fasting, and deep listening, traditionally used as a rite of passage to seek insight, direction, or spiritual awakening. Across cultures, seekers have entered the wilderness to strip away distractions, sit with the land, and receive guidance from nature itself. In this retreat, you will step into this sacred tradition with the support of experienced guides, intentional preparation, and a structured return process to integrate your insights into daily life.
This vision quest is not a retreat - it is a rite of passage. It requires commitment, trust, and a willingness to let go of comfort to discover something deeper.
Guided by Kelsey Wishik, Author of Return to Vastness
Kelsey Wishik, based in Athens, GA, is a distinguished guide in the realm of self-discovery and natural connection. Her expertise is rooted in hundreds of solo wilderness journeys, insights from which are captured in her book, "Return to Vastness." A yoga and movement instructor, artist, and musician, Kelsey holds ERYT 200 and RYT 500 certifications, with over 13 years of experience in yoga. Her teachings are a rich blend of yoga's philosophy, studies in Chinese Medicine, neuroscience, pranayama, meditation, and mantra, reflecting a deep commitment to the holistic exploration of self and nature.
Kelsey’s vision quest retreats are an invitation to deeply connect with oneself through the wisdom of the natural world. Her approach leverages her extensive background in both solitary wilderness experiences and comprehensive academic studies. Participants in her retreats are guided on a transformative journey, designed to foster a profound understanding of self in harmony with nature. With her global experience in facilitating workshops and community circles, Kelsey offers a unique pathway for individuals seeking to explore their inner landscapes and expand their spiritual horizons.
The Journey
May 12-13 (Mon-Tue)
Orientation, preparation, and intention-setting at basecamp
May 14-15 (Wed-Thu)
Solo time in the forest & water fasting
Two days in complete solitude, fasting with water, listening to the land, and sitting with the unknown
May 16 (Fri)
Guided integration and overnight gathering
May 17 (Sat)
Departure by 10am
What to Expect
Deep preparation through guided practices, movement, and reflection
Solo time in nature to connect with the land, fast, and listen to the unseen
A safe and supported journey with experienced facilitators and a strong integration process
Luxury basecamp accommodations before and after your solo quest, featuring beautifully hosted canvas bell tents with Tempur-Pedic queen mattresses
Plant-based meals before and after your fast, or the option to continue fasting as part of your experience
Receprocity
$1,200 + tax
This is an invitation to strip away the noise, step into the vast unknown, and emerge with clarity, vision, and a renewed sense of purpose. If you feel the call, trust it.
Learn more and register at: www.justloveforest.com/vastness2025
Guided by Kelsey Wishik, Author of Return to Vastness
Kelsey Wishik, based in Athens, GA, is a distinguished guide in the realm of self-discovery and natural connection. Her expertise is rooted in hundreds of solo wilderness journeys, insights from which are captured in her book, "Return to Vastness." A yoga and movement instructor, artist, and musician, Kelsey holds ERYT 200 and RYT 500 certifications, with over 13 years of experience in yoga. Her teachings are a rich blend of yoga's philosophy, studies in Chinese Medicine, neuroscience, pranayama, meditation, and mantra, reflecting a deep commitment to the holistic exploration of self and nature.
Kelsey’s vision quest retreats are an invitation to deeply connect with oneself through the wisdom of the natural world. Her approach leverages her extensive background in both solitary wilderness experiences and comprehensive academic studies. Participants in her retreats are guided on a transformative journey, designed to foster a profound understanding of self in harmony with nature. With her global experience in facilitating workshops and community circles, Kelsey offers a unique pathway for individuals seeking to explore their inner landscapes and expand their spiritual horizons.
Every participant will receive a copy of Kelsey’s book via mail upon registration.
Your forest home awaits
We offer you a large, private, beautiful canvas bell tent with your own luxury tempurpedic mattress.
716 acres of pristine protected forest
Our gathering space
A hand-built intentional yurt
Who is a vision quest helpful for?
The Career Climber: Reconnect and Redefine
You’ve scaled the heights of success, breaking barriers and setting benchmarks. Yet, amidst the accolades, a voice within seeks something more profound, more fulfilling. This mini vision quest offers you a serene escape from the high-stakes world of business, inviting you to reconnect with your inner self in the tranquil embrace of nature. This journey is your opportunity to pause, reflect, and redefine your notions of success and happiness. Luxurious accommodations and comprehensive support ensure a comforting backdrop as you explore your true aspirations and dreams.
The Nurturer: Cultivate Your Inner Garden
Always there for everyone, you’re the cornerstone of support and love in your circle. It’s time to turn that nurturing energy inward. Our retreat is a sanctuary where you can prioritize your own well-being, desires, and spiritual growth. In the serenity of nature, surrounded by luxury and care, you will uncover the layers of your own needs and the dreams you’ve set aside. This mini vision quest is your space to rejuvenate, rediscover, and return with a renewed sense of self, ready to balance giving with receiving.
The Innovator: Ignite Your Creative Spark
Your mind is a crucible of innovation and creativity, constantly seeking out the new and the transformative. But even the brightest spark needs the right space to flame. Step away from the noise and distractions of urban life into a world where nature’s tranquility fuels your creative fire. Our Vision Quest offers you the silence and solitude to reconnect with your muse, supported by luxurious comfort that caters to your every need. Here, amidst the vast expanse of the wilderness, you will find the inspiration and clarity to dream bigger, think broader, and rekindle your passion for innovation.
Return to Vastness:
Vision Quest Schedule
May 12-16, 2025 | Just Love Forest
Monday, May 12 – Arrival & Preparation
4:00 PM – Arrive at basecamp, meet-up, and welcome circle
• Opening ceremony – Setting intentions and clarifying the journey ahead
• Sacred reading and discussion
• Introductions and settling in – Preparing personal spaces
• Five senses meditation and grounding practice
• Flute and fire – Evening ritual to connect with the land
Tuesday, May 13 – Deepening & Intention Setting
8:00 AM – Forest Qi Gong and breathwork
9:00 AM – Breakfast and free time
10:00-11:30 AM – “Seeing the Signs” hike – Nature journaling and self-inquiry
12:30 PM – Lunch and solo reflection time
2:30-4:00 PM – The Call of the Heart workshop – Exploring personal themes and inner dialogue
5:30 PM – Dinner and final preparation for solo quest
7:00 PM – Darkness training meditation and ritual – Soul songs, prayers with the unknown
Wednesday, May 14 – Entering the Vision Quest (Solo Time Begins)
8:00 AM – Morning circle, blessing for the solo journey
9:00 AM – Participants transition into solo time in the forest
• Two days of water fasting and silence
• Deep communion with nature, self-inquiry, and contemplation
• Journaling, movement, and listening to the land
Thursday, May 15 – Solo Quest Continues
• Remaining in solitude, fasting, and listening deeply
• Sitting with the unknown and opening to guidance
• Evening reflection with personal ceremony in the wild
Friday, May 16 – Return, Integration & Departure
8:00 AM – Participants return from their solo time
9:30 AM – Breaking fast and gentle reintroduction
10:30 AM – Group activity – Gathering wood, creating an offering
12:30 PM – Lunch and restorative reflection
2:00 PM – Group closing circle and final integration
• The Ordinary Extraordinary – Seeing with new eyes
• Clear Seeing is Unseeing – Releasing conditioning
• Gratitude ritual and reflections
3:00 PM – Departure
Receprocity
$1,200 plus tax
Too expensive for you? Please read about financial accessibility below.
This five-day, four-night Vision Quest experience includes:
- Full guided program from arrival through integration
- Overnight accommodations in luxury bell tents with sheet and towel service
- Your choice of a plush Tempur-Pedic queen or twin mattress
- A mailed copy of "Return to Vastness" by Kelsey Wishik
- All plant-based meals, including dinner on the first night, meals during basecamp days, and nourishing meals post-fast
- Two-day solo vision quest in the forest, including guidance on preparation and integration
- Closing fire ceremony and mountaintop reflections
No cancellations.
SPECIAL RATES APPLY FOR MEMBERS
Up to three annual members are eligible for a limited $600 flat fee. Read more here.
Financial Accessibility
We always want these gatherings to be as financially accessible as possible. If you would like to be considered to serve as part of our volunteer and support teams for a reduction in fees, please contact us.