Day 8

The Vision Quest was an ultimate connection with nature. Nicole described the activity as spending time with our mother, sitting on her lap, acknowledging and paying attention.

Ultimately it is a way to learn from the natural environment, lowering the physical, heightening the spiritual. Not eating or drinking becomes a sacrifice, giving up water and food to give back for what we are asking for. Traditionally it is more of a purpose seeking activity most common among men, helping them figure out how they can best serve their community. For women, their purpose is obvious: to birth the nation.

I actually took this activity pretty seriously. I sat alone in the forest (with a chair). I had my phone but put it away for the duration of the activity. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. It was a really good time to clear the mind and take in the nature that surrounds you. Hearing the birds, observing the ants by your feet, the squirrels, etc. At greater periods of time, I really understand how one would start to see patterns and recognize the harmony that occurs all around us.

Remembering this type of fast would usually be done for days and nights without food or water made me realize the discipline involved. Initially, my biggest challenge during a time of mediation is quieting the mind. It is hard not to think of your next steps, or what happened before and just really enjoy the present moment. When you reach that point it is quite surreal, the colours around you are bright, things are clear, and natures harmony just seems to make sense.

Nicole taught us the Migizi Honour Song that went like this: “I saw the eagle, I heard the eagle, I am one with the eagle”. Although I have written it in English, we learned the song in the language of the Anishinaabe people. In short, the story of Migizi tells us that one time in history the people were not practicing and forgetting their teachings. Cleansing of the Earth was needed but the eagle called out to the creator and then searched far and wide to find someone who was still remembering their teachings. The Eagle is the one who called out to the creator wanting to help the people and he did by using his gift; the eagle flies the highest with the greatest eyes. We now sing to the eagle to give thanks.

The full lyrics for the Migizi song can be found here:
http://www.medicinewheelspiritsingers.com/music/song-lyrics/migizi-honour-song/

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