Phase II: The Cocoon

In a traditional vision quest, this phase is the time when you're alone in nature without physical comfort, artificial protection or food. This phase is the work - the transformative space - between the old form and the new way of relating to Self, Nature and sacred other.

These two weeks are the time of listening inwards, calibrating with your being’s deeper wisdom and opening to receive messages from nature and/or dream time. This is the time for receptivity and prayer. During these two weeks, you will nourish your whole self with the most delicious seasonal meals, self-care, ritual and creative exploration.
It’s normal to experience a reduction of energy at the start of this phase. Many of the foods that you will eliminate have been an energy crutch. By eating well and truly nourishing yourself, you will come to know a more true level of energy.

Allow space for quietude and reflection
Open to hear and heal what may be under habituated ways of using food/caffeine/ alcohol
Choose to be less social and more mindful of who you share your energy with during this time
Above all, be kind to yourself
Stay curious
Watch for miracles
To truly reap the benefits of this phase, adherence to the elimination list is required.

Quiet sitting and breathing for ten minutes - soothe and calm the nervous system, nourish yin & ground.
Daily gratitude practice - Gratitude is perennial medicine.
Offer thanks at meal times - Bring intention and presence to the foods you are eating.
Spend time outdoors, attuning with the energy of Spring
Keep a dream journal - In Chinese Medicine each yin organ houses a spirit. The spirit of the liver is the hun. At night, when we sleep soundly the hun travels and shares information by way of our dreams. Although not exactly the same, the hun can be compared to astral travel.
Daily technology fast from 8:30pm to 8:30am - Devices wreck our energy field. Put them away. Make space for quiet creativity, doodle, draw, read, craft … or simply allow your mind to wander freely. Go to bed early.
Be in bed - horizontal - by 11pm - The time of the liver and gallbladder (wood element) on the Chinese Clock is 11pm - 1am and 1am -3am. This is the time when the energy of the liver is at its prime. It is during this window that the liver cleanses the blood. Being horizontal allows the liver to do its job optimally.