PRIVATE VISION QUEST for LEADERS & YOUTH
(13+)
Quest 2025

Bridging the Generations, Building for the Future

A Vision Quest with Dr. Tom Pinkson, upon the occasion of his 51st year of leading quests, together with his daughter Kimberly Danek Pinkson, and Andrew Smyth, M.A., LMFT

March 17-22, 2025 | On private land near Joshua Tree, CA

— — —  — — — — 

— Carrying on Ancient Wisdom Traditions —

The traditions and ceremonies of this Vision Quest are rooted in ancient wisdom and Indigenous ways with deep and intimate connection with Mother Earth, with the Creator, the web of life, and the infinite power of the Universe.

— — —  — — — — 

This quest is unique in that it is by invitation only and will bring together leaders from around the world—leaders who hold the future of young people in their hands—together with young people (13+).

Inquire Today

This Quest is based on natural intelligence and the regenerative cycles of nature which tell us we must pause, listen, and create space in order to bring the sacred into daily living and move forward with more power and purpose. It is inspired by ancient traditions and Indigenous rites of passages which invite us to use solitude time in nature to open up, give thanks, reconnect with the wisdom of Mother Nature, and remember the brilliance and beauty of our own inner nature. When enough thanks has been given, when you have stilled the body and mind enough, when you have opened your mind, heart, and ears enough to really listen and receive, you may be given the answers you seek.

This Quest is for those interested in a Vision Quest but not quite ready to commit to a six-day journey in the backcountry of the mountains, desert, or forest. It is for those looking for deeper meaning and for those who know they have not yet stepped into their full power and potential but want to. For those wondering what slow down and catch your breath, or find your balance, actually means. For those who are curious about going on a spiritual pilgrimage. For those looking for a road map to positive impact and purposeful living. For those who hear, or want to hear, and listen to, the voice and wisdom of Mother Nature calling out.

Fasting for 24 hours is an encouraged part of this experience but no, you do not have to fast. Participant safety, health, and well being are of the highest priority on this Quest and key to that is every individual listening to their own wisdom guidance. Fasting has long been used in ceremony to open oneself up to the sacred power and oneness of the world; sacrificing such that you may open to receive; cleaning out toxins so health may come in; to strengthen your courage in discomfort and fear. This Quest does not include a water fast. In fact, participants are encouraged to drink water to stay hydrated and help with the cleansing. Additional preparatory details and instructions will be shared upon registration.

Your Vision Quest experience begins as soon as you make the commitment to attend, putting that intention and plan out to God, the Great Mystery, the Universe. We will also provide preparatory materials to optimize for the best possible experience for you. Then comes...

The first phase of this Quest involves severance and separation from ordinary life, roles and relationship to time. We go out on the sacred land together, to seek the opening that will enable us to listen to life and teachers other than human. It is only when we allow ourselves to slow down, to stop, sense, feel, look, and listen, that we begin to understand that we’re part of something that is way beyond just us.  

 

The second phase of this Quest involves Crossing the Threshold into sacred communion with nature within and around you. You will spend 48 hours in solitude being threshed by hunger, cold, heat, fear, boredom, loneliness, possibly rain or even snow. Living simply and intimately with nature, you face your shadow, your eventual and inevitable death, your strength, your weakness. In the words of Dr. Tom Pinkson, “Through bio-entrainment with natural rhythms and alignment with energies older than recorded time, you open to the direct, experiential teachings of Sacred Mystery.”

 

The third phase of this Quest involves Return and Integration. For most of us, this is the real work. It includes rejoining the questing group to begin integrating what you experienced during your solo time. Focus is on understanding what took place and how to ground it in your life. It is important to remember that what you received is only as good as the action it generates.  

Support & Integration

It is powerful to have a person or group of people in your community who know that you are on Quest and what it is you are seeking. If you are a young person, this can be your parents, guardians, relatives, or special friends. Ask them to pray for you; ask them if they have any prayers you can make for them; share profuse gratitude upon your return. This will help with your integration.

We will mark each quest stage with ceremony and ritual to help open the the doorways, into the realm of our deeper minds, our bodies, our hearts, souls and the infinite power of the Universe, so that we may see, feel, remember, honor and celebrate who we really are and the interconnectedness we share with all of creation.  

— — — — — — — 

Quests can be honoring, empowering, and healing. The intention you set, what you seek, and what you are willing to give, all play a big role in what experience you may have.

You Are Invited to Inquire

STEP INTO REAL POWER | LISTEN | CONNECT | REGENERATE | HEAL | FIND FLOW | REDISCOVER JOY | FIND YOUR PURPOSE   

 

 

 

In group ceremonies and in solitude, on the land, near the sea, in the forest, under the stars, we can quiet the mind, open the heart, and remember we matter.

YOUR GUIDES

Dr. Tom “tomás” Pinkson

Following the instructions of his Huichol grandmother”, mara’akame Guadalupe de la Cruz, Tom is a pioneering bridge builder sharing Nature’s teachings and Indigenous and ancient wisdom ways as tools to address the challenges of our time.

For over 55 years, Tom has traveled the globe leading rites of passages, including Vision Quests and plant medicine ceremonies. With B.A., M.S. and Ph.D degrees, as well as studies from the Amazon to the Yukon, from Polynesia to South East Asia, throughout the United States and Europe, Tom’s work blends western psychology, contemporary and ancient wellness practices, brain science and quantum physics, to help people wake up and remember to live from the truth of who and what we are: that we are love and love is for giving.

Tom is the author of six books, has been a keynote speaker at countless conferences around the world, is a member of The Elders Council, and lives with his wife and doggies, and near his daughters and grandsons, in Santa Barbara, CA.

Kimberly Pinkson, CEO, Naturewise Co.

Kimberly Danek Pinkson

Kimberly went on her first Vision Quest when she was just 13-years old. She has since completed over 20 quests. The ceremonies and traditions Kimberly incorporates in her producing, regenerative business consulting, and rites of passage work are based on Nature’s wisdom principles and carry on the lineage and teachings her dad, Dr. Pinkson, was given by his Indigenous mentors beginning over 55 years ago. 

Kimberly has led retreats around the world and been a keynote speaker on sustainability, GMOs, children in nature, and the power of moms at conferences such as Bioneers, The World Women’s Conference in Seoul, Korea, the North Carolina Women’s Conference, and Natural Products Expos East and West; she has also been a media analyst on channels such as TODAY, 20/20, and Bloomberg, and she has worked with brands such as Stonyfield Farms, WalMart, Method, Nissan, and NBC Universal. Kimberly’s work is inspired by her son, nephews, and the web of life.

Andrew Smyth, M.A., LMFT

Andrew is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for healing through nature connection. He believes each of us has a unique inner knowing which constantly attempts to guide us towards our highest potential and as a therapist, it is his job—in the office or in the backcountry—to create an environment of safety and trust for one’s knowing to be acknowledged and understood. 

Andrew offers a combination of mindfulness, somatic based therapy (Hakomi) and nature immersion connection experiences through which we can relearn how to regulate our system and find balance in the now. Once our mind/body is able to relax and let down its “protective mode” we are open to a natural organicity of healing. In this often chaotic and fast paced world, we forgot how to slow down in order to remember our bodies innate wisdom. The co-regulation of a safe therapeutic relationship, combined with nature provides the container for deep healing and transformation. Andrew lives in Santa Barbara, CA.

”If you can create the opportunity to gift yourself or a loved one a Naturewise quest or rite of passage, please please do it. From the intention setting, to the ceremonies and blessings, to the songs and sharing around the fire, and the gentle communion with my fellow beings on Quest, it was exactly what my soul needed!"

— Ayesha M.W.

”Tom Pinkson helps us to reconnect with the teachings of our Indigenous ancestors. His is healing earth wisdom for our fractured civilization, and inspiration to honor the creative forces inherent in the land, the plants, the animals, and the people.

— Ralph Metzner, PhD, Early Leader in Microdosing, Harvard; author of Green Psychology

”"A beautiful and life-changing gift. Priceless."

— Alane W.
This field is hidden when viewing the form

Learn More

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Privacy(Required)

WITH DEEP GRATITUDE & HONORING

In all ways and always, we humbly acknowledge the Indigenous plants, animals, and peoples who came before us. We pay our respect and live with appreciation for the elders who hold the traditions and memories that guide us toward a sustainable and regenerative future. We serve our children who inspire us daily, all of the children of the world, and the sacred web of life of which we are all a part.