— A Rite of Passage Anchored in Ancient Wisdom Traditions, Bridging the Generations, Building for the Future —
with Dr. Tom Pinkson, together with Kimberly Danek Pinkson and Andrew Smyth
Spring 2025 | Private land near Joshua Tree
YOU ARE INVITED to INQUIRE
This quest is unique in that it will bring together executives from around the world—leaders who hold the future of young people in their hands—together with their children, ages 14-22.
Nature’s 3.7 billion year old wisdom, principles, and designs can be a salve and inspire active hope.
Nature levels the playing ground.
Nature connection guides and inspires.
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— This will be Dr. Pinkson’s 51st year of leading quest. He is a pipe holder with the blessing of Chief Arvol Looking Horse, the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, and Spiritual Leader of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Oyate. —
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Quests are rites of passages rooted in ancient wisdom and Indigenous traditions.
Quests are anchored in deep and intimate connection with Mother Earth, with the Creator, and the web of life.
Quests open you to the infinite power of the Universe.
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.
Spring 2025
STEP INTO REAL POWER | LISTEN | CONNECT | REGENERATE | HEAL | FIND FLOW | REDISCOVER JOY | FIND YOUR PURPOSE
STEP INTO REAL POWER | LISTEN | CONNECT | REGENERATE | HEAL | FIND FLOW | REDISCOVER JOY | FIND YOUR PURPOSE
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, he 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 Danek Pinkson
Kimberly went on her first Vision Quest when she was just 13-years old, with her Dad, world-renowned rites of passage guide, Vision Quest leader, and spiritual medicine teacher, Dr. Tom “Tomás” Pinkson. She has since completed over 20 quests. The ceremonies and traditions Kimberly incorporates in her rites of passage work are based on Nature’s wisdom principles and carry on the lineage and teachings Dr. Pinkson was given by his Indigenous mentors beginning over 55 years ago.
Kimberly has led classes and retreats around the world and been a keynote speaker on sustainability, 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 and nephews and all of the children of the world.
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.
Through a combination of mindfulness, somatic based therapy (Hakomi) and nature connection 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.
FAQs
Who should go on quest?
This Quest for Vision is for those looking for something more but not sure what. 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.
Do I have to fast?
No, you do not have to fast. Participant safety, health, and well being are of the highest priority on this Quest for Vision 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.
What if I don't have any camping gear?
There are many ways to gather camping gear so you are prepared for this Quest for Vision. Upon registration, you will receive a detailed packing list. There are some items you may wish to purchase for yourself, such as warm socks and a wool or technical-material hat to keep yourself warm in low temperatures (and cool in high temperatures), but most of your big gear items can be rented from an outdoor equipment rental company such as REI Co-op. Once you decide to go on quest, you can also start asking friends and family if they have anything you can borrow, and you'll be surprised how many will want to help you prepare for, and feel good about, your supplies for the experience.
What if I am too scared to be alone in the wildnerness?
Facing your fears and stepping out of your comfort zone is an integral part of most rites of passages, including this Quest for Vision. The experience of facing fears and going into an unknown situation can change your set point (your preferred and "normal" level of functioning) and your definition of what is real and doable. That said, no one will force you to do anything on this Quest. Rather, it is about listening to your inner wisdom and guidance and challenging yourself in ways that feel right to you, to open yourself up to new ways of being, and a new vision of living.
”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.
INQUIRE
To learn more about upcoming nature connection rites of passages, regenerative retreats, and quests for vision, contact:
Kimberly Pinkson
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.