CO Fall Vision Fast
Sep 29th, 2025 - Oct 12th, 2025 | Wild Mountain, Colorado | Pedro McMillan, Bettina Straub
As the aspen leaves turn golden, we gather on the welcoming land we call Wild Mountain—beneath billions of stars and held by the rich community of beings who share this home.
Rooting into the fall season
Autumn invites us to slow down and harvest the fullness of our lives—to let go of what has grown too heavy, to release old patterns of self-reliance and striving. Together, we slow down and listen—to ourselves, to each other, and to the land. In this listening, we remember what we already know: that we belong here, and that walking with respect and care is our natural way.
You’re invited to share your grounded truth and what really matters, embody your knowing, and step into what’s next with clarity—carrying this forward into your life, your community, and the world.
Ceremony and Belonging
How do we live authentically with ourselves and others? How do we listen deeply and move beyond trauma and separation toward collective healing?
At its heart, a rite of passage is about community. Each of us may embark on this journey to grow through life’s hardship and longing, and a deep part of the work unfolds as we remember our togetherness. In times of profound political and cultural change, the call to belong and serve community resonates more strongly than ever. We are guided to listen deeply to the natural rhythms and walk forward with care. As we remember the ancient path of initiatory ceremony we discover a new way to heal, connect and belong.
Living the Practice
This time together will be an immersion in the vision fast ceremony, bridging time in council and solo experience on the land, to explore your place in the world and honor your own unfolding story. In this practice of remembering, we learn how to be deeply present for ourselves and each other. To see and be seen is in this way is a timeless art—not often experienced in today’s world.
Program Structure
Preparation – the first Days together
You’ll prepare for your rite of passage through teachings that support both inner and outer readiness. We’ll explore severance, creating a safe ceremonial container, and ethical considerations like cultural appropriation. You’ll learn about the four directions and life stages, clarify your intention, practice staying safe and warm, and be invited to create self-generated ceremonies to take onto the land.
Solo Experience – 4 Days & Nights
You’ll cross the threshold into what we call the liminal time—a period of solitude on the land. At your solo spot, you’ll set up a stone pile to quietly check in with a buddy each day. You may choose to fast or bring a small amount of food. The intention you set with the group will guide your time. Meanwhile, the guide team will hold basecamp and be available if needed.
Integration and Incorporation– Final Days, and the year ahead
When you return from the land, you’ll share your story, which will be mirrored back by the guides. You’ll also practice deep witnessing as others share their experiences. We’ll close by exploring how to carry what you’ve received into your life and community. In the months that follow, we’ll gather online to support the ongoing integration of your journey.
This program offers a meaningful journey of learning and healing, guiding you to step forward in this next phase of life. We invite you to share this nurturing time together on this beautiful land.
Program Questions Contact: Bettina Straub [email protected]
Submit Waitlist form
This program is full; however, you may add your name to the Waitlist by clicking the Waitlist button below.
Submit enrollment form
Please fill out and submit the enrollment form and then pay the program deposit below. Before you pay the deposit, please read deposit section below, all deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. After your enrollment form is complete, please submit all health and liability forms.
Pay program deposit
Deposits: This deposit signifies your commitment to the program and is deducted from the tuition balance. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. They cover the work of the specific course you signed up for, including all communication involved as well as the fee that guides pay to the school administration for the course accounting.
Additional Deposit: Some programs require a second deposit to help us affirm commitments. Last minute cancellations make it hard to fill openings and incur a loss of income to the School and the guides.
Tuition Balance: Balance of tuition can be paid before or upon arrival. Simply deduct any deposits made from the amount you’ve chosen on the sliding scale.
Additional course details & Materials
Please plan to arrive at 3:00 pm on Monday, September 29th. We will plan to end no later than 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 12th. Before making travel plans, please communicate with Pedro ([email protected]) or Bettina ([email protected]) so you don't miss any important time on the land or with the group.
We recommend carpooling if possible. More logistical information will be sent once you register for the program.
You will be responsible for bringing your own food for the first 5 days of our time together and your own equipment. You will need to bring gear and clothing suitable for a full range of weather. Extra equipment is available, so please ask if you are in need of anything. Please reach out with any questions.
ADDITIONAL FEES: Camping Fee $120. All additional fees will be collected at the time of the program.
You will be responsible for bringing your own food and equipment, though we can provide some gear if needed. We ask everyone to come prepared to live self-sufficiently. You will need to bring shelter and clothing suitable for a full range of inclement weather.
All participants must submit the required health questionnaire and liability form.
If you have questions about the enrollment process contact us at [email protected] or call 760-938-3333.
None for this program
Wild Mountain is land of the Tabeguache Ute people and other Indigenous tribes who traveled through this area of the Colorado Rockies. The Ute lived and hunted in this abundant land of elk, buffalo, deer, and bear before white settlers came and forced them onto reservations in southwest Colorado and Utah.
To learn more about our commitment to regenerative relationships please visit Cultural Relations.
